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White Trash Gothic 2
THE BIGHEAD IS BACK!
In WHITE TRASH GOTHIC, splatterpunk legend, Edward Lee, brought together all of his most extreme characters into one epic, gut-wrenching masterpiece of terror. Now, the saga continues in book two with all the depravity, gross-outs, and humor that Lee's fans have come to love.
The Writer is continuing his investigations into the secrets and horrors of Luntville, looking for explanations to the mysteries of his past and the hidden history of the town. The search will take him down a dark path of occultism, necromancy, and degenerate redneck sex.
But he's not the only one on the hunt...
After twenty years in a morgue, the creature known as the Bighead is once again on the prowl-violating anyone unlucky enough to cross the monster. Its only motivation is lust-filled cruelty. And nothing can stop it...
ARE YOU READY TO RETURN TO LUNTVILLE?
BECAUSE THIS TIME, IT GETS NASTY!
In WHITE TRASH GOTHIC, splatterpunk legend, Edward Lee, brought together all of his most extreme characters into one epic, gut-wrenching masterpiece of terror. Now, the saga continues in book two with all the depravity, gross-outs, and humor that Lee's fans have come to love.
The Writer is continuing his investigations into the secrets and horrors of Luntville, looking for explanations to the mysteries of his past and the hidden history of the town. The search will take him down a dark path of occultism, necromancy, and degenerate redneck sex.
But he's not the only one on the hunt...
After twenty years in a morgue, the creature known as the Bighead is once again on the prowl-violating anyone unlucky enough to cross the monster. Its only motivation is lust-filled cruelty. And nothing can stop it...
ARE YOU READY TO RETURN TO LUNTVILLE?
BECAUSE THIS TIME, IT GETS NASTY!
- GenresHorror
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
32 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lee
267 books1,450 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 12, 2022
The master of extreme is back with the sequel to White Trash Gothic [WTG]. Lee himself apologizes for how long it took him to get it done. Old and tired? A fan never wants to hear that! While Lee remains one of my all time favorite authors, I have to say I was a bit let down with this just because a guy grows used to something and when you don’t get that, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Still giving it a 4/5 because I just couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t.
WTG2 picks up behind TWG and The Bighead, so certainly read those first if you haven’t, plus The Bighead is one of Lee’s finest, errr... sickest? depending on how you look at things. A lot smaller than I was hoping for but once I got going I was glad it wasn’t any longer. That said, I can’t wait for WTG3. You just can’t get enough of this guy.
The story continues where it left off with the main character, ‘The Writer’ (which does not take a rocket surgeon to figure out it’s loosely based on Lee himself ) still in Luntville (a backwoods town often featured in Lee’s writings) when the Bighead was brought back to life in the climax of WTG. It’s a fucked up perverse comedy featuring two smoking hot $luts from the sticks (would you expect anything less?) Dawn and Snowie who are constantly fighting, f-g, and throwing themselves at the Writer who is desperately trying to keep them in line, and figure out what in the hell is going on with this mystery of the old Crafter house and what is the deal with his doppleganger. We see the Larkins brothers who discovered some shocking family secrets, and the tail is left with us waiting with our peckers in our hands for the next installment.
Sloppy as hell, but still ready for part 3.
WTG2 picks up behind TWG and The Bighead, so certainly read those first if you haven’t, plus The Bighead is one of Lee’s finest, errr... sickest? depending on how you look at things. A lot smaller than I was hoping for but once I got going I was glad it wasn’t any longer. That said, I can’t wait for WTG3. You just can’t get enough of this guy.
The story continues where it left off with the main character, ‘The Writer’ (which does not take a rocket surgeon to figure out it’s loosely based on Lee himself ) still in Luntville (a backwoods town often featured in Lee’s writings) when the Bighead was brought back to life in the climax of WTG. It’s a fucked up perverse comedy featuring two smoking hot $luts from the sticks (would you expect anything less?) Dawn and Snowie who are constantly fighting, f-g, and throwing themselves at the Writer who is desperately trying to keep them in line, and figure out what in the hell is going on with this mystery of the old Crafter house and what is the deal with his doppleganger. We see the Larkins brothers who discovered some shocking family secrets, and the tail is left with us waiting with our peckers in our hands for the next installment.
Sloppy as hell, but still ready for part 3.
October 27, 2019
To those not familiar with Edward Lee, he's the undisputed Master of Hardcore Horror Fiction. Sure, there's plenty who've come along since but he was the first and in my estimation, the best.
And I'm not really a huge hardcore horror fan. I read everything in the genre. But I've been reading Lee since I first picked up the original mass market pb of SUCCUBI. I just enjoy his style and brand of extreme horror.
WTG2 follows the continuing story of the protagonist known simply as The Writer (who really is more or less a shade removed from the author himself) and his extended stay in the fictional backwoods burg of Luntville, which has appeared in many of Lee's previous works. As was revealed in WHITE TRASH GOTHIC, at the book's climax, a familiar and monstrous figure is brought back to hideously gruesome life...the Bighead, which originally appeared in an earlier novel THE BIGHEAD. And no one in the town or surrounding woods are safe from its lust for flesh and blood.
Full of the usual horrific perversity you'd expect in an Ed Lee novel, this one only sets up what's surely to be an unforgettable Part Three!
Highly recommended....for fans of extreme horror!
And I'm not really a huge hardcore horror fan. I read everything in the genre. But I've been reading Lee since I first picked up the original mass market pb of SUCCUBI. I just enjoy his style and brand of extreme horror.
WTG2 follows the continuing story of the protagonist known simply as The Writer (who really is more or less a shade removed from the author himself) and his extended stay in the fictional backwoods burg of Luntville, which has appeared in many of Lee's previous works. As was revealed in WHITE TRASH GOTHIC, at the book's climax, a familiar and monstrous figure is brought back to hideously gruesome life...the Bighead, which originally appeared in an earlier novel THE BIGHEAD. And no one in the town or surrounding woods are safe from its lust for flesh and blood.
Full of the usual horrific perversity you'd expect in an Ed Lee novel, this one only sets up what's surely to be an unforgettable Part Three!
Highly recommended....for fans of extreme horror!
November 30, 2019
My Thoughts - Continuing the saga of White Trash Gothic, part 2 advances the awakening of The Big Head as The Writer closes in on his “calling” assisted by two sexy assistants. Edward Lee brings his twisted talent of writing to an all new entertaining high. Prepare to be obscenely offended in the most affectionate way ❤️
September 9, 2020
Great
As usual another addition to Mr Lee's amazing collection. You can always guarantee an in depth horrifying novel that has you squirming inside but fully engrossed in every word. This is no exception and follows on from the previous book that you are more in tune with the characters. Another great read as.usual. Definitely recommend.
As usual another addition to Mr Lee's amazing collection. You can always guarantee an in depth horrifying novel that has you squirming inside but fully engrossed in every word. This is no exception and follows on from the previous book that you are more in tune with the characters. Another great read as.usual. Definitely recommend.
April 25, 2021
White Trash Gothic Part 2
Edward Lee begins this tale from the get go with a brief overview of the first book. He starts right where he left off with the original “White Trash Gothic”, including the “writer” still trying to solve the mystery of the “Big Head.” You will read about his adventures along with a few new characters and some twists and turns. Remember that this is Edward Lee, he’s going to shock and titillate the reader with this novella that makes you both happy and cringe at the same time.
Edward Lee begins this tale from the get go with a brief overview of the first book. He starts right where he left off with the original “White Trash Gothic”, including the “writer” still trying to solve the mystery of the “Big Head.” You will read about his adventures along with a few new characters and some twists and turns. Remember that this is Edward Lee, he’s going to shock and titillate the reader with this novella that makes you both happy and cringe at the same time.
August 24, 2020
"He reached for his sunglasses but realized then that he’d never owned a pair in his life." Thus opens another oddly entertaining entry of gross-out horrors and pre-pubescent slapstick that somehow satisfies an insanely perverse itch that only Ed Lee can scratch.
The original "White Trash Gothic" was Lee's work of reverence to his fans, and thus was highly self-referential. The main "hero," known only as "the Writer," is clearly Lee's own representation of himself, and the world that the Writer discovers is filled to the brim with nods to Lee's previous stories. But Part 2 is even more meta than the original, to the point where the third-person narrative constantly is breaking the fourth wall and beyond. The whole thing becomes a not-so-subtle extension of Lee's own thoughts in the forward, where he apologizes to his readers for the amount of time it took to write this sequel, and mourns over the loss of his prolific creativity to age. As such, the character of the Writer is now more self-critical than ever. "Would you please reach behind the seat and get me a beer please?" he asks one of his two redneck companions early in the book. "I’d do it myself but, well, I’m too fat and old.”
The comedy also takes center stage for longer than in previous works. Whereas "The Bighead" was pretty much straight splatterpunk with some witty protagonists and outrageous situations that bordered on comedy in their absurdity, the prequel "The Minotauress," began to be more intentionally silly and slapstick. "White Trash Gothic" followed as a sequel to "The Minotauress" and took the silliness to a new level of fun. Part 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off, and is a non-stop onslaught of fart jokes and cute Easter Eggs. Consider the whole "WTG" concept to be one great big celebration of the genre, a treat for Lee's readers to take a break from all the horrible things that happen in his books and have a little comic relief.
Because as any of you who have made the lucky mistake of reading any of Lee's work knows, his stuff is like eating scotch bonnet peppers. It isn't always pleasant, and often it hurts, but the spice and the burn keeps you coming back for more.
The reason I rated this one less star than its predecessor is that I found the humor and the horrors to be a bit TOO juvenile, even for Lee. It was as if someone wrote this attempting to mimic the author, but just didn't quite get all the ingredients right. But as a Lee addict, I certainly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to Part 3. God help me.
If you are wanting more details about the plot itself, you will have to look elsewhere. Because as "White Trash Gothic Part 2" eloquently and ironically states:
"...these details will not be retailed to the reader; and any readers who feel short-changed by being deprived of these details ought to be ashamed of themselves!"
The original "White Trash Gothic" was Lee's work of reverence to his fans, and thus was highly self-referential. The main "hero," known only as "the Writer," is clearly Lee's own representation of himself, and the world that the Writer discovers is filled to the brim with nods to Lee's previous stories. But Part 2 is even more meta than the original, to the point where the third-person narrative constantly is breaking the fourth wall and beyond. The whole thing becomes a not-so-subtle extension of Lee's own thoughts in the forward, where he apologizes to his readers for the amount of time it took to write this sequel, and mourns over the loss of his prolific creativity to age. As such, the character of the Writer is now more self-critical than ever. "Would you please reach behind the seat and get me a beer please?" he asks one of his two redneck companions early in the book. "I’d do it myself but, well, I’m too fat and old.”
The comedy also takes center stage for longer than in previous works. Whereas "The Bighead" was pretty much straight splatterpunk with some witty protagonists and outrageous situations that bordered on comedy in their absurdity, the prequel "The Minotauress," began to be more intentionally silly and slapstick. "White Trash Gothic" followed as a sequel to "The Minotauress" and took the silliness to a new level of fun. Part 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off, and is a non-stop onslaught of fart jokes and cute Easter Eggs. Consider the whole "WTG" concept to be one great big celebration of the genre, a treat for Lee's readers to take a break from all the horrible things that happen in his books and have a little comic relief.
Because as any of you who have made the lucky mistake of reading any of Lee's work knows, his stuff is like eating scotch bonnet peppers. It isn't always pleasant, and often it hurts, but the spice and the burn keeps you coming back for more.
The reason I rated this one less star than its predecessor is that I found the humor and the horrors to be a bit TOO juvenile, even for Lee. It was as if someone wrote this attempting to mimic the author, but just didn't quite get all the ingredients right. But as a Lee addict, I certainly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to Part 3. God help me.
If you are wanting more details about the plot itself, you will have to look elsewhere. Because as "White Trash Gothic Part 2" eloquently and ironically states:
"...these details will not be retailed to the reader; and any readers who feel short-changed by being deprived of these details ought to be ashamed of themselves!"
January 10, 2022
This review is very similar to my previous review of White Trash Gothic part one. If you are a fan of Edward Lee, you will love this as he is firing on all cylinders. But if you are not used to the non-PC, ultra violent, gore-filled, disgustingly descriptive, misogynistic, but done in a tongue-cheek, humorous way, then this book is not for you. Also, it is highly advised to read the first book before diving into this, as readers will be utterly confused as to what is going on without the backstory of the first book. Looking forward to reading the third and final entry in Lee's entertaining trilogy, which is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads of the past few years.
January 23, 2025
In this book we follow the writer again but this time he’s much older and has amnesia. Not being able to remember anything from his past other than all the books he’s read and things he’s learned, he’s determined to figure out why he feels so called to go to luntsville.
This was a very good second part of the series, I loved all the characters like I usually do in a Lee book.
This was a very good second part of the series, I loved all the characters like I usually do in a Lee book.
October 16, 2024
Gotta love Lee's vocabulary and the way he mingles redneck English with high poetry. Also, as I said before, I fucking love Snowie.
February 17, 2021
Classic Lee
I have been reading Lee for ten years and it's been a long time since I've read him well... I read the minotauress then white trash gothic and white trash gothic 2. Get on this series it's awesome!
I have been reading Lee for ten years and it's been a long time since I've read him well... I read the minotauress then white trash gothic and white trash gothic 2. Get on this series it's awesome!
December 22, 2023
Edward Lee is an author whose work I admire and enjoy a great deal, he's written several different stories throughout the years with varying qualities of narrative storytelling and grotesque violence, but his work always has a touch of intelligence and a unique writing style. White Trash Gothic is very much his attempt at a serialized novel and this is his second installment in that series. I enjoyed the first book, so I've been meaning to pick up the second and give it a go.
The Bighead is back, The Writer doesn't know how or why but he does know it seems to be by the very hands of his doppelganger, but why is he here? He, Snowie, and Dawn must explore the old crafter house to solve the mystery but as clues start coming together, the narrative becomes more complex and grotesque, and by the time they are finished at the old house, they might very well find a spanner being thrown into the works.
There's a reason why I described the story in a self-aware manner and it is simply because, at this point in the series, these books are written with a comedic sense of self-awareness from the author filled with fascinating and comedic anecdotes and amusing manipulation of the narrative. It's a fast-paced novella that makes for a very enjoyable second installment in this series, It is violent, grotesque, hilarious, and most of all absolutely bonkers. The twist at the end of this throws a spanner in the works and has me both excited and curious to see what happens next.
I will say the difference between the first installment and its second is that the writing is far more self-aware, and surprisingly for Lee a little less grotesque and vile which for some people I can imagine is a blessing but for others not so much.
Overall: White Trash Gothic has been a really fun series to read so far, that's very much directed towards Lee's fans as opposed to a general audience. It's not an amazing series by any means but it's a lot of fun. 8/10
The Bighead is back, The Writer doesn't know how or why but he does know it seems to be by the very hands of his doppelganger, but why is he here? He, Snowie, and Dawn must explore the old crafter house to solve the mystery but as clues start coming together, the narrative becomes more complex and grotesque, and by the time they are finished at the old house, they might very well find a spanner being thrown into the works.
There's a reason why I described the story in a self-aware manner and it is simply because, at this point in the series, these books are written with a comedic sense of self-awareness from the author filled with fascinating and comedic anecdotes and amusing manipulation of the narrative. It's a fast-paced novella that makes for a very enjoyable second installment in this series, It is violent, grotesque, hilarious, and most of all absolutely bonkers. The twist at the end of this throws a spanner in the works and has me both excited and curious to see what happens next.
I will say the difference between the first installment and its second is that the writing is far more self-aware, and surprisingly for Lee a little less grotesque and vile which for some people I can imagine is a blessing but for others not so much.
Overall: White Trash Gothic has been a really fun series to read so far, that's very much directed towards Lee's fans as opposed to a general audience. It's not an amazing series by any means but it's a lot of fun. 8/10
September 23, 2019
Big Edward Lee fan and was looking forward to picking up where book one left off. This part two seems rushed. The books wavers between viewpoints. You get first second and third person views it breaks the 4th wall as well. When that doesn’t prove convenient the author switches to pseudo script writing to describe the action. Bizarre. Yes. Sloppy hell yes. I like Ed Lee. I like chocolate too. I would prefer a nice piece from the confectioner that I am accustomed to. This piece of chocolate is that off brand stuff your grandmother slips you at holidays. Hey it’s still chocolate...so there is still that...
September 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this one. I’m a huge Ed Lee fan and I had loved book 1 in the series. Not only is this a sequel but there are nods to other Ed Lee books and characters along the way. It’s a pretty short read and the pacing is pretty fast so it’s my type of novella. I think I may like the characters Snowy and Dawn as much as I liked Dicky and Balls. I also enjoy anything the Larking brothers appear in. Needless to say, I can not wait for book 3 in this series.
January 25, 2021
THE GREAT TALE CONTINUES IT DOES..
Hello, this story is just plain great. It is very intelligently written and extremely entertaining to read. Good stuff. Thanks.
Hello, this story is just plain great. It is very intelligently written and extremely entertaining to read. Good stuff. Thanks.
May 2, 2021
Not a lot of progress in the story more of a series of vignettes. Such as being introduced to the Larkin brothers or what happens on a trip inside a prison bus. But when they're this funny who cares
August 19, 2022
Really loved the sequel, can't wait to read the third!!
January 30, 2023
*I'm not going to give you the 'what this book is about' blurb - you can read that elsewhere.
1. The first thing I noticed in this installment of the Bighead saga is that the writing style and the feel of the book changed drastically from WTG to White Trash Gothic 2. It threw me a little at first, but after I adjusted to the difference, I didn't mind it. I've also recently finished WTG3, and I can confirm that the style of this 2nd book is what is carried into the 3rd. See? There is a good reason to write reviews quite a while after you finish the book 😜
2. I noticed some hot takes from Lee in relation to social commentary, which I highly appreciate. Fot example: the treatment of veterans, homosexuality, and the treatment of women. No, I don't think Lee is being a dick, which I've heard a few people say, I think he's being facetious with many of the things he's addressing in this book.
3. Bighead is on a journey to remember, just as our MC is...coincidence?
4. In his journey to remember, it seems almost like there's more humanity coming from Bighead. Look - this could be a spoiler - but some stuff goes down. Big has like a 20 year hiatus and on his way back he needs to...um, let's say 'rebuild' some things, but it seems like the rebuilding goes a bit further than the first build ever went. He's coming back with a few more brain cells this time. A little self-awareness and a surprising moment of tenderness, which really threw me for a loop, but is also a moment that really stuck with me.
1. The first thing I noticed in this installment of the Bighead saga is that the writing style and the feel of the book changed drastically from WTG to White Trash Gothic 2. It threw me a little at first, but after I adjusted to the difference, I didn't mind it. I've also recently finished WTG3, and I can confirm that the style of this 2nd book is what is carried into the 3rd. See? There is a good reason to write reviews quite a while after you finish the book 😜
2. I noticed some hot takes from Lee in relation to social commentary, which I highly appreciate. Fot example: the treatment of veterans, homosexuality, and the treatment of women. No, I don't think Lee is being a dick, which I've heard a few people say, I think he's being facetious with many of the things he's addressing in this book.
3. Bighead is on a journey to remember, just as our MC is...coincidence?
4. In his journey to remember, it seems almost like there's more humanity coming from Bighead. Look - this could be a spoiler - but some stuff goes down. Big has like a 20 year hiatus and on his way back he needs to...um, let's say 'rebuild' some things, but it seems like the rebuilding goes a bit further than the first build ever went. He's coming back with a few more brain cells this time. A little self-awareness and a surprising moment of tenderness, which really threw me for a loop, but is also a moment that really stuck with me.
July 24, 2022
great follow up
I couldn’t wait to read this after completing the first book. The Bighead is back! The writer is still on a mission and everything is getting crazier than ever! Love the ending also I read the last sentence and was like “what!” Great short read and cannot wait to be able to read the third book! This series keeps getting better and better!
I couldn’t wait to read this after completing the first book. The Bighead is back! The writer is still on a mission and everything is getting crazier than ever! Love the ending also I read the last sentence and was like “what!” Great short read and cannot wait to be able to read the third book! This series keeps getting better and better!
November 1, 2019
What the what!
The things up is good, and then the ending. Can't wait for the next book. The poor Writer he is having an adventure of his life. Hope he gets to remember it if he lives through it.
The things up is good, and then the ending. Can't wait for the next book. The poor Writer he is having an adventure of his life. Hope he gets to remember it if he lives through it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews