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The Dismembered
In the spring of 1912, American writer Arthur Pearce is reeling from the wounds inflicted by a disastrous marriage and the public humiliation that ensued. But his plans to travel abroad, write a new novel, and forget his ex-wife are interrupted by a lovely young woman he encounters on a London-bound train. Her name is Sarah Coyle, and the tale she tells him chills his blood.
According to Sarah, her younger sister Violet has been entranced by a local count, a man whose attractiveness and charisma are rivaled only by his shady reputation. Whispers of bizarre religious rites and experimental medicine surround Count Richard Dunning, though no wrongdoing has ever been proven. Sarah’s family views the Count as a philanthropist and a perfect match for young Violet, but Sarah believes her sister is soon to become a subject in Count Dunning’s hideous ceremonies.
Smitten by Sarah and moved to gallantry by her plight, Arthur agrees to travel to Altarbrook, Sarah’s rural ancestral home, in order to prevent Violet from falling into ruin. He soon learns, however, that his meeting with Sarah on the train was no accident. And his arrival at Altarbrook represents a crucial but ghastly step in the Count’s monstrous plot.
According to Sarah, her younger sister Violet has been entranced by a local count, a man whose attractiveness and charisma are rivaled only by his shady reputation. Whispers of bizarre religious rites and experimental medicine surround Count Richard Dunning, though no wrongdoing has ever been proven. Sarah’s family views the Count as a philanthropist and a perfect match for young Violet, but Sarah believes her sister is soon to become a subject in Count Dunning’s hideous ceremonies.
Smitten by Sarah and moved to gallantry by her plight, Arthur agrees to travel to Altarbrook, Sarah’s rural ancestral home, in order to prevent Violet from falling into ruin. He soon learns, however, that his meeting with Sarah on the train was no accident. And his arrival at Altarbrook represents a crucial but ghastly step in the Count’s monstrous plot.
178 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2022
131 people are currently reading
3181 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Janz
60 books2,082 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public schoolteacher. His sci-fi horror novel VEIL is now available, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
January 5, 2023
Jonathan Janz wrote a novel in the gothic style? Sign me up!
THE DISMEMBERED was a fast paced story featuring all the things I love about gothic novels, with none of the things I hate, like long-winded, purple prose. I immediately cared for the cuckolded Arthur and wanted him to succeed. My feelings changed througout in regards to the remaining list of characters and I loved that too.
Jonthan takes the "mysterious old castle" trope to an entire new level of horror, (far beyond the classic Hammer films you may be picturing), and then he cranks up the suspense and the gore factor. What more could a seasoned horror reader ask for?
I loved everything about this novella! Highly recommended!
*I bought this book with my hard earned cash and Jonathan was kind enough to sign it for me.*
**Jonathan has joined us at the Horror Aficonados group as we read this book together. The read goes on all month and all are invited to join!**
THE DISMEMBERED was a fast paced story featuring all the things I love about gothic novels, with none of the things I hate, like long-winded, purple prose. I immediately cared for the cuckolded Arthur and wanted him to succeed. My feelings changed througout in regards to the remaining list of characters and I loved that too.
Jonthan takes the "mysterious old castle" trope to an entire new level of horror, (far beyond the classic Hammer films you may be picturing), and then he cranks up the suspense and the gore factor. What more could a seasoned horror reader ask for?
I loved everything about this novella! Highly recommended!
*I bought this book with my hard earned cash and Jonathan was kind enough to sign it for me.*
**Jonathan has joined us at the Horror Aficonados group as we read this book together. The read goes on all month and all are invited to join!**
January 4, 2023
This was fantastic!
The Dismembered has the right amount of action, gore and suspense that works for me.
If you are a fan of gothic tales like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Tell-Tale Heart, etc., I think you’ll love this one.
Jonathan Janz decided to write a gothic horror novel and I could have finished this book in a few hours if it wasn't for work!
His writing is always great regardless of the horror theme that he wants to tackle.
The Dismembered is about Arthur Pearce, an American writer that comes across a young woman on a train while he’s traveling in England.
Sarah, the young woman ends up talking Arthur into helping her save her younger sister, Violet.
Violet has been enthralled by Count Richard Dunning and is now engaged to him.
Sarah thinks that Count Dunning, the owner of Castle Magnus isn’t who he appears to be and believes that her whole family is in trouble. Arthur decides to help her and when he gets to Castle Magnus, things are not as they seem!
I gave this 5 stars because the pacing, writing and characters are all great. The action and gore are top notch, and I had a fun time reading this one!
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Janz in the future!
The Dismembered has the right amount of action, gore and suspense that works for me.
If you are a fan of gothic tales like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Tell-Tale Heart, etc., I think you’ll love this one.
Jonathan Janz decided to write a gothic horror novel and I could have finished this book in a few hours if it wasn't for work!
His writing is always great regardless of the horror theme that he wants to tackle.
The Dismembered is about Arthur Pearce, an American writer that comes across a young woman on a train while he’s traveling in England.
Sarah, the young woman ends up talking Arthur into helping her save her younger sister, Violet.
Violet has been enthralled by Count Richard Dunning and is now engaged to him.
Sarah thinks that Count Dunning, the owner of Castle Magnus isn’t who he appears to be and believes that her whole family is in trouble. Arthur decides to help her and when he gets to Castle Magnus, things are not as they seem!
I gave this 5 stars because the pacing, writing and characters are all great. The action and gore are top notch, and I had a fun time reading this one!
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Janz in the future!
January 18, 2023
The Dismembered is Gothic on crack. It starts out somewhat leisurely, with imposing castles to get lost in and hints at Shelley-inspired reincarnating of the dead. Even the prose is Gothic. The first few chapters read just like an unearthed novel by Poe.
But things ramp up real fast. A supervillain emerges along with a barrage of battle sequences. Then our hero must navigate a lengthy list of faceless characters who double-cross and double-double-cross in dizzying succession. It is nearly impossible to remember which sister is which without a cheat sheet. And there's no point even trying to keep track of the extended family. In the end, they don't matter anyway.
Of all the Gothic comparisons, this book is probably closest in style to the first--The Castle of Otranto (1764)--which flies by at a similar breakneck pace and includes dramatic absurdity on every page. Though not nearly as gory and there was no genital electrocution, Horace Walpole's novel also enjoyed a high body count.
I think The Dismembered would be better had it gone for a less-is-more approach, but its goal of providing Gothic entertainment for an anime generation is met. And the result is certainly entertaining. If you like everything about Gothic except the slow parts, this is for you.
But things ramp up real fast. A supervillain emerges along with a barrage of battle sequences. Then our hero must navigate a lengthy list of faceless characters who double-cross and double-double-cross in dizzying succession. It is nearly impossible to remember which sister is which without a cheat sheet. And there's no point even trying to keep track of the extended family. In the end, they don't matter anyway.
Of all the Gothic comparisons, this book is probably closest in style to the first--The Castle of Otranto (1764)--which flies by at a similar breakneck pace and includes dramatic absurdity on every page. Though not nearly as gory and there was no genital electrocution, Horace Walpole's novel also enjoyed a high body count.
I think The Dismembered would be better had it gone for a less-is-more approach, but its goal of providing Gothic entertainment for an anime generation is met. And the result is certainly entertaining. If you like everything about Gothic except the slow parts, this is for you.
September 26, 2023
"When someone is trying to kill you," Dunning said, "it's inadvisable to invite them in for tea."
If you've ever wished someone would capture the gorgeous, haunting vibes of an Edgar Allan Poe story and merge it with splatterpunk levels of violence and intensity, you've gotta pick this beauty up.
If you've ever read anything by Jonathan Janz, you're already familiar with his general MO: a lot of violence, a lot of tension, and a lot of heart. The Dismembered follows that pattern in its own way, keeping you on the edge of your seat not only for how intense shit gets but also for how much you genuinely want the characters to make it out unscathed.
Blood dripped from her fingers. Sweat streamed from her brow. Her clothing was ripped and stained. Never had I so yearned to kiss her.
Jonathan also excels at throwing a nice little romantic subplot into his horror tales and he always manages to suck me into those, so I was fully invested in the gothic romance playing out in The Dismembered. My heart was in my throat from start to finish worrying over how things would turn out, but I won't spoil the ending for you!
I've loved everything I've read from this author, but this is one of my favorite works of his yet. If you're new to Jonathan Janz's backlog and are wondering where to start, this is an excellent option: it's quick and engaging, beautifully written, and displays exactly what Janz's fanbase loves so much about his writing. 5 stars!
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January 20, 2023
Twisted Suspense!
Small Backstory:
Arthur Pearce is trying to get over his ex-wife and piece his life back together so he decides to travel and get away from it all. Arthur is an author and wants to find some place where he can write. On his travels he meets a young woman (Sarah Coyle) who ends up telling him about a count (Richard Dunning) who has enthralled her sister, Violet and they are to be married, but she fears that Richard is not the gentleman that he leads everyone to believe.
Arthur really doesn't want to get involved but Sarah persuades him to help her find out if Richard is on the up and up or if he is something totally different and Arthur finally relents that he will help Sarah. Though what they both find out is beyond imagination and when the both of them are in the thick of it they wonder if they will be able to extract themselves from the situation that they find themselves in and hope that they can escape with their lives!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if that has piqued your interest then go grab this book!
Thoughts:
This was a gothic horror story like no other I have read as author, Jonathan Janz writes a gothic tale and then adds some twists to it turning the story into almost an extreme horror novel!
Believe it or not, I had to grab my gore suit for this one as what lies within the pages will have you turning pages faster than lightning as when the "twists start coming" you will need to be ready! Another great book by this author and my "Janz" book library grows in leaps and bounds! Giving this book five "Gothic Ghastly" stars!
Small Backstory:
Arthur Pearce is trying to get over his ex-wife and piece his life back together so he decides to travel and get away from it all. Arthur is an author and wants to find some place where he can write. On his travels he meets a young woman (Sarah Coyle) who ends up telling him about a count (Richard Dunning) who has enthralled her sister, Violet and they are to be married, but she fears that Richard is not the gentleman that he leads everyone to believe.
Arthur really doesn't want to get involved but Sarah persuades him to help her find out if Richard is on the up and up or if he is something totally different and Arthur finally relents that he will help Sarah. Though what they both find out is beyond imagination and when the both of them are in the thick of it they wonder if they will be able to extract themselves from the situation that they find themselves in and hope that they can escape with their lives!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if that has piqued your interest then go grab this book!
Thoughts:
This was a gothic horror story like no other I have read as author, Jonathan Janz writes a gothic tale and then adds some twists to it turning the story into almost an extreme horror novel!
Believe it or not, I had to grab my gore suit for this one as what lies within the pages will have you turning pages faster than lightning as when the "twists start coming" you will need to be ready! Another great book by this author and my "Janz" book library grows in leaps and bounds! Giving this book five "Gothic Ghastly" stars!
January 12, 2023
The Dismembered is a love letter to gothic horror tales of old, whilst doing something that feels new with the sub-genre. I appreciated the references to Edgar Allen Poe and to Frankenstein.
This was fast paced for a gothic novel and very well-written. *That* certain cat scene I had to skim-read however, but it was a taste for what was to come.
Suspenseful and gore filled, I couldn’t ask for more! Easily a 5 star read for me. I didn’t want to put it down.
”Would God I could awaken, For a dream I know not how, And my soul is sorely shaken, Lest an evil step be taken, —- Lest the dead who is forsaken, May not be happy now.” - Edgar Allen Poe, “Bridal Ballad”. 🥀💀🖤
This was fast paced for a gothic novel and very well-written. *That* certain cat scene I had to skim-read however, but it was a taste for what was to come.
Suspenseful and gore filled, I couldn’t ask for more! Easily a 5 star read for me. I didn’t want to put it down.
”Would God I could awaken, For a dream I know not how, And my soul is sorely shaken, Lest an evil step be taken, —- Lest the dead who is forsaken, May not be happy now.” - Edgar Allen Poe, “Bridal Ballad”. 🥀💀🖤
January 6, 2023
Two things I enjoy very much - reading books written by Mr. Janz (I've read six books by this author now) and reading Gothic Horror. So, it was a no-brainer that I would grab a copy of this book and join for a big buddy read in the Horror Aficionado's group on Goodreads. And am I glad I did so! This was a very fun, quick read filled with excitement, action and just the right amount of gore from start to finish. I can certainly recommend this for fans of horror.
January 3, 2023
THE DISMEMBERED, by Jonathan Janz, couldn't be more aptly named. When I first began this book, I felt it was so unlike anything else I had read by the author.
Upon further thought, I realized that almost ALL of his books are unique, each possessing a distinctive quality. Janz simply is capable of writing--and making his own any style he chooses.
This particular novel, set in the past, put me in mind of so many classic works (that the author references), but somehow still manages to come out altogether different from any one of them. I enjoyed the literary knowledge of a couple of the characters--namely Lizzie and Arthur--and the humorous breaks showed by the snide remarks of the siblings to each other. That being stated, I felt that the characters themselves--although involved in every aspect of the story--weren't quite as memorable as the action and its backstory.
Janz is an author who never fails to disappoint, and I look forward to each of his novels.
Recommended.
Upon further thought, I realized that almost ALL of his books are unique, each possessing a distinctive quality. Janz simply is capable of writing--and making his own any style he chooses.
This particular novel, set in the past, put me in mind of so many classic works (that the author references), but somehow still manages to come out altogether different from any one of them. I enjoyed the literary knowledge of a couple of the characters--namely Lizzie and Arthur--and the humorous breaks showed by the snide remarks of the siblings to each other. That being stated, I felt that the characters themselves--although involved in every aspect of the story--weren't quite as memorable as the action and its backstory.
Janz is an author who never fails to disappoint, and I look forward to each of his novels.
Recommended.
September 21, 2022
Jonathan Janz returns to his Gothic roots in The Dismembered, a cunning, blood-soaked novella that fuses the author's modern sensibilities on horror, graphic violence, and his love for this genre's earliest traditions.
Arthur Pearce, an American writer, is aboard a train traveling through the British countryside when he hears a woman being accosted by a brutish passenger. After saving Sarah Coyle from a no doubt unpleasant future, she invites him to her family's ancestral estate and asks for his further assistance in stopping her younger sister's marriage to the dubious Count Dunning. Smitten by Sarah and chilled by her story of a man who does not age and for whom "the devil himself could not rival his depravity," Pearce agrees to help.
To say much more would be to spoil The Dismembered's wonderful shocks and surprises. It's not long, however, before we surmise why this book is named as it is, following a story of a woman's chopped off hand left in a bloody puddle or a scene involving the graphic torture and slaughter of a cat by bloodthirsty hounds. Of course, it's not until the novella's extended, tense, blood pressure-raising climax where Janz's true meaning begins to take form.
Like other Gothics, The Dismembered is focused on romance and architecture, particularly Dunning's home at the ancient Castle Magnus, as well as a growing sense of dread as the past begins to impact the present. Pearce himself is recently divorced and seeking inspiration for his next novel, while also searching for answers about his missing father, a genealogist. Dunning's obsessions lie firmly rooted in the past, and his interests in the occult have given rise to a certain lore surrounding him and painting him - rightfully, it turns out - as a boogeyman. It's love that puts Pearce and Dunning, as well as the entire Coyle family, on a collision course that ultimately reveals the true nature of Dunning's goals and his ghoulish depravity.
Dunning himself a richly intriguing villain, one that could almost be sympathetic if not for all the carnage he has wrought and the ways that love and obsession have twisted his soul. He certainly possesses a cinematic flair, reminding one of Gary Oldman's debonair, top-hatted Count Dracula, or Christopher Lee's Hammer horror classics take. And jeez, what I wouldn't give to twist up the fabric of space-time to get an adaptation of this story with a young Lee in the Count Dunning role! Although Janz's flair for some truly wicked blood-spill in the story's latter half would likely give the film censors a heart attack...
While many of Janz's prior novels have incorporated elements of Gothic horror in his modern narratives, The Dismembered is Janz at his most unfettered, firmly recalling the narrative traditions of the 18th and 19th Century - albeit one with distinctly modern, splatter-filled flairs. Janz may be paying homage to and conversing with the works of authors like Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Horace Walpole, and others, but the story and its sensibilities are entirely his own. I was regularly kept perched at the edge of my seat as I tried to sort out these character's various duplicities and hair-raising encounters as the book, quite literally, raced to a finish. I was completely enthralled by The Dismembered, and also reminded of just how good Janz can be in novella form (check out his Exorcist Road for further proof) with a lean story that's cut right down to the bone, no pun intended (OK, OK, maybe partially intended).
Arthur Pearce, an American writer, is aboard a train traveling through the British countryside when he hears a woman being accosted by a brutish passenger. After saving Sarah Coyle from a no doubt unpleasant future, she invites him to her family's ancestral estate and asks for his further assistance in stopping her younger sister's marriage to the dubious Count Dunning. Smitten by Sarah and chilled by her story of a man who does not age and for whom "the devil himself could not rival his depravity," Pearce agrees to help.
To say much more would be to spoil The Dismembered's wonderful shocks and surprises. It's not long, however, before we surmise why this book is named as it is, following a story of a woman's chopped off hand left in a bloody puddle or a scene involving the graphic torture and slaughter of a cat by bloodthirsty hounds. Of course, it's not until the novella's extended, tense, blood pressure-raising climax where Janz's true meaning begins to take form.
Like other Gothics, The Dismembered is focused on romance and architecture, particularly Dunning's home at the ancient Castle Magnus, as well as a growing sense of dread as the past begins to impact the present. Pearce himself is recently divorced and seeking inspiration for his next novel, while also searching for answers about his missing father, a genealogist. Dunning's obsessions lie firmly rooted in the past, and his interests in the occult have given rise to a certain lore surrounding him and painting him - rightfully, it turns out - as a boogeyman. It's love that puts Pearce and Dunning, as well as the entire Coyle family, on a collision course that ultimately reveals the true nature of Dunning's goals and his ghoulish depravity.
Dunning himself a richly intriguing villain, one that could almost be sympathetic if not for all the carnage he has wrought and the ways that love and obsession have twisted his soul. He certainly possesses a cinematic flair, reminding one of Gary Oldman's debonair, top-hatted Count Dracula, or Christopher Lee's Hammer horror classics take. And jeez, what I wouldn't give to twist up the fabric of space-time to get an adaptation of this story with a young Lee in the Count Dunning role! Although Janz's flair for some truly wicked blood-spill in the story's latter half would likely give the film censors a heart attack...
While many of Janz's prior novels have incorporated elements of Gothic horror in his modern narratives, The Dismembered is Janz at his most unfettered, firmly recalling the narrative traditions of the 18th and 19th Century - albeit one with distinctly modern, splatter-filled flairs. Janz may be paying homage to and conversing with the works of authors like Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Horace Walpole, and others, but the story and its sensibilities are entirely his own. I was regularly kept perched at the edge of my seat as I tried to sort out these character's various duplicities and hair-raising encounters as the book, quite literally, raced to a finish. I was completely enthralled by The Dismembered, and also reminded of just how good Janz can be in novella form (check out his Exorcist Road for further proof) with a lean story that's cut right down to the bone, no pun intended (OK, OK, maybe partially intended).
October 14, 2022
This was essentially a love letter to the films from Hammer Studios, While reading this
I could definitely picture Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in the lead roles with direction by Terence Fisher and cinematography by Freddie Francis and a say by screenplay by Jimmy Sangster. It was that vivid
Set shortly after the turn of the century in Victorian era England. We start out with a young woman being accosted on a train by some thug Who is stopped by a fellow passenger, as they get to know each other the young lady (Sarah) begins to weave a tale of sordid family history and eventually recruits the young man (Arthur) to accompany her to her ancestral home to back her up with her family as her younger sister has been betrothed to a rich older man as her families fortunes have taken a downturn. All is not what it seems and there is something more sinister going on.
As you can tell I loved this, gave it five stars I would give it more if I could. If your fan of the Gothic horror films or just gothic horror in general, do yourself a favor read this book you wont be disappointed.
I could definitely picture Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in the lead roles with direction by Terence Fisher and cinematography by Freddie Francis and a say by screenplay by Jimmy Sangster. It was that vivid
Set shortly after the turn of the century in Victorian era England. We start out with a young woman being accosted on a train by some thug Who is stopped by a fellow passenger, as they get to know each other the young lady (Sarah) begins to weave a tale of sordid family history and eventually recruits the young man (Arthur) to accompany her to her ancestral home to back her up with her family as her younger sister has been betrothed to a rich older man as her families fortunes have taken a downturn. All is not what it seems and there is something more sinister going on.
As you can tell I loved this, gave it five stars I would give it more if I could. If your fan of the Gothic horror films or just gothic horror in general, do yourself a favor read this book you wont be disappointed.
June 5, 2023
This one is magnificent!! Impossible to put down, I ran through it in one sitting. The creeping unease builds to some serious horror and gore!
April 4, 2023
As gothic horror goes, I found this to be quite enjoyable.
I'm not the biggest gothic horror at the best of times, I find it ponderous in terms of the language used and the drawn-out conversations. This is the main reason why I have only given this three stars.
That said I thought this was a reasonably well-written and action filled for stories within this genre.
The author did a good job of creating a dark and atmospheric setting, with some creepy and suspenseful scenes. The characters were interesting and had some depth, especially the protagonist. The plot was engaging and had some twists and turns that kept me guessing. I also liked the historical references and the way the author blended fiction and reality. Overall, this was a decent read for fans of gothic horror, but not something that I would pick up again.
I'm not the biggest gothic horror at the best of times, I find it ponderous in terms of the language used and the drawn-out conversations. This is the main reason why I have only given this three stars.
That said I thought this was a reasonably well-written and action filled for stories within this genre.
The author did a good job of creating a dark and atmospheric setting, with some creepy and suspenseful scenes. The characters were interesting and had some depth, especially the protagonist. The plot was engaging and had some twists and turns that kept me guessing. I also liked the historical references and the way the author blended fiction and reality. Overall, this was a decent read for fans of gothic horror, but not something that I would pick up again.
October 18, 2022
Janz is fantastic in novella-sized outings. DISMEMBERED does not disappoint!
A likable good guy, a despicable and twisted antagonist, and a dose of good beating up evil in an action movie-type ending. This one was so fun!
A likable good guy, a despicable and twisted antagonist, and a dose of good beating up evil in an action movie-type ending. This one was so fun!
December 3, 2022
Has a little something for every horror enthusiast; gothic horror, Frankenstein themes, a little of Saw (the title kinda gives that away doesn't it), I also couldn't help but be reminded of The Keep by Paul F Wilson with the castle setting and cells in the dungeon-like lower levels. Very enjoyable read.
January 17, 2023
Arthur Pearce is attempting to pick up the pieces of his broken life. In 1912, the American author travels to England for a fresh start. On a train to London, a drunken passenger threatens a young woman, accusing her of stealing his watch. Instead of turning the other way, Arthur jumps in and protects the young woman from harm. He learns her name is Sarah Coyle, and on the long journey, she shares a tragic and disturbing story about her sister’s evil fiancé, Count Richard Dunning. Over the course of the trip, Arthur falls for Sarah and feels compelled to help her family see Richard for who he really is. But does Arthur know who Richard really is, and what he’s capable of?
The Dismembered is Janz’s homage to the Gothic classics, like Dracula, M.R. James, Hammer Horror, and the show Downtown Abbey. And the first half of The Dismembered uses those influences well. Jonathan has such an elegant hand with the prose. I found myself transcended back to watching Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing with a big bowl of popcorn between my skinny legs and the lights off to heighten the effect. That was the first half. But if you know Janz, you know he can’t exit without slinging the red stuff. And sling he does! The second half twists and turns with a Frankenstein craziness that left me wanting more. The Dismembered is a quick read. I challenge you not to devour it in one sitting. And I guess that’s how those 70s Gothic paperbacks were. Quick. If I had one complaint, I didn’t quite buy into Arthur’s infatuation with Sarah. That led to his quick change of plans after hearing her story. But, I guess that’s also the way of those same 70s paperbacks. Again, it’s a mild protest of what really is an excellent story. I hope Janz doesn’t make this style a one-and-done. I would also hope more horror authors join and resurrect this style from the fog-shrouded castle graveyards!
4 1/2 Severed Heads out of 5
The Dismembered is Janz’s homage to the Gothic classics, like Dracula, M.R. James, Hammer Horror, and the show Downtown Abbey. And the first half of The Dismembered uses those influences well. Jonathan has such an elegant hand with the prose. I found myself transcended back to watching Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing with a big bowl of popcorn between my skinny legs and the lights off to heighten the effect. That was the first half. But if you know Janz, you know he can’t exit without slinging the red stuff. And sling he does! The second half twists and turns with a Frankenstein craziness that left me wanting more. The Dismembered is a quick read. I challenge you not to devour it in one sitting. And I guess that’s how those 70s Gothic paperbacks were. Quick. If I had one complaint, I didn’t quite buy into Arthur’s infatuation with Sarah. That led to his quick change of plans after hearing her story. But, I guess that’s also the way of those same 70s paperbacks. Again, it’s a mild protest of what really is an excellent story. I hope Janz doesn’t make this style a one-and-done. I would also hope more horror authors join and resurrect this style from the fog-shrouded castle graveyards!
4 1/2 Severed Heads out of 5
October 18, 2022
Star review in the October 2022 issue of Library Journal and on the blog: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2022/10...
I loved how this book took the well worn tropes of the Gothic and smashed them to bits, turning everything on its head. It was an homage but a thoroughly modern one. It plays with the trope in every way. Gere is an example-- the protagonist is the opposite of a strong man to save the day-- he is weak and not very observant and the women-- all of them-- outsmart him and save him. But there is more. That is but an example. Also this is VERY violent but in a good way. And fun.
Three Words That Describe This book: Gothic w/ a twist, gruesome, delightful
Draft Review:
Janz, a master of compelling, character driven Horror who never shies away from the gory details presenta a novella that gruesomely and delightfully turns the staid Gothic on its head. It is 1912 and the narrator, American Arthur Pearce, an author in the style of Poe, has fled Boston in disgrace after his ex-wife’s very public affair. On a train across the ocean in England, Arthur comes to the aid of a young woman, Sarah Coyle, convinces him to come to her family’s estate, Altarbrook, to help rescue her younger sister from the clutches of the dashing, older, possibly immortal, Count Dunning. But once Arthur and the reader arrive at Altarbrook, all can tell this is not your ordinary Gothic. While the characters all represent a cross section of what one should expect, and the setting and narrative voice are pitch perfect, there are hints at every turn that readers are in for a different ride. And once the twist comes, everything shifts and readers are treated to a visceral and terrifying tale of death, dismemberment, long held grudges, and dark family secrets, with a satisfying dash of new love. Beware, this is a story that will send readers flocking to your shelves by more from Janz.
Verdict: Fans of the Gothic will love how Janz uses well-worn tropes in more modern ways, while at the same time, readers of 21st Century Horror will gain a new appreciation for the genre’s roots. Suggest far and wide to anyone looking for a fast paced, fun, and scary read, but especially to those who enjoyed The Hacienda by Cañas or the Stoker’s Wilde series by Hopstaken and Prusi.
I loved how this book took the well worn tropes of the Gothic and smashed them to bits, turning everything on its head. It was an homage but a thoroughly modern one. It plays with the trope in every way. Gere is an example-- the protagonist is the opposite of a strong man to save the day-- he is weak and not very observant and the women-- all of them-- outsmart him and save him. But there is more. That is but an example. Also this is VERY violent but in a good way. And fun.
Three Words That Describe This book: Gothic w/ a twist, gruesome, delightful
Draft Review:
Janz, a master of compelling, character driven Horror who never shies away from the gory details presenta a novella that gruesomely and delightfully turns the staid Gothic on its head. It is 1912 and the narrator, American Arthur Pearce, an author in the style of Poe, has fled Boston in disgrace after his ex-wife’s very public affair. On a train across the ocean in England, Arthur comes to the aid of a young woman, Sarah Coyle, convinces him to come to her family’s estate, Altarbrook, to help rescue her younger sister from the clutches of the dashing, older, possibly immortal, Count Dunning. But once Arthur and the reader arrive at Altarbrook, all can tell this is not your ordinary Gothic. While the characters all represent a cross section of what one should expect, and the setting and narrative voice are pitch perfect, there are hints at every turn that readers are in for a different ride. And once the twist comes, everything shifts and readers are treated to a visceral and terrifying tale of death, dismemberment, long held grudges, and dark family secrets, with a satisfying dash of new love. Beware, this is a story that will send readers flocking to your shelves by more from Janz.
Verdict: Fans of the Gothic will love how Janz uses well-worn tropes in more modern ways, while at the same time, readers of 21st Century Horror will gain a new appreciation for the genre’s roots. Suggest far and wide to anyone looking for a fast paced, fun, and scary read, but especially to those who enjoyed The Hacienda by Cañas or the Stoker’s Wilde series by Hopstaken and Prusi.
January 24, 2023
Like Dracula minus fangs, add in : creepy servants; a whole lot more deception; some ppl crazy desperate for love (well sure, darling, I don’t need my body parts! You take that leg. Love you sweetums!); insane competitiveness— and I’ll stop there.
That was a wacky, creepy, gory, bat$h!tcrazy time. No doubt!
The sibling sniping was hilarious, especially during the time period where etiquette and manners are Oh so the ultimate of importance.
This book was a good time. I laughed, I winced, I groaned, and I really did like it. 4-4.5 from me.
The author also joined us on this feature from HA and he was great about explaining things and telling us the why — I really appreciated it. Very nice, creative guy.
That was a wacky, creepy, gory, bat$h!tcrazy time. No doubt!
The sibling sniping was hilarious, especially during the time period where etiquette and manners are Oh so the ultimate of importance.
This book was a good time. I laughed, I winced, I groaned, and I really did like it. 4-4.5 from me.
The author also joined us on this feature from HA and he was great about explaining things and telling us the why — I really appreciated it. Very nice, creative guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
Jonathan Janz is no stranger to gothic horror; from his early novels
The Sorrows
,
House of Skin
, and
The Siren and The Spectre
, Janz creates settings in dark castles and manors with darker secrets. Ancient gods, cruel ghosts and immortal sirens lurk within to destroy anyone who stumbles across them. In his latest book, The Dismembered, Janz reminds us that the worst monsters of all are men with no limits to what they might do.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
January 9, 2023
What begins as a gothic tale reminiscent of classic horror stories turns into a nightmare of unimaginable terror in this stunning novella where the bold combination of gothic suspense and explicit horror works unexpectedly harmoniously.
On his journey to London American writer Arthur Pearce comes to the aid of a young lady in distress, and upon her plea agrees to accompany her home to rescue her younger sister from an arranged marriage with the sinister Count Dunning. Too late Pearce realizes that he was deliberately lured into a deathly trap.
I was surprised by how naturally these two opposing genres worked together, creating an unusual atmosphere of constant subliminal dread interspersed with outright carnage. Highest recommendation!
On his journey to London American writer Arthur Pearce comes to the aid of a young lady in distress, and upon her plea agrees to accompany her home to rescue her younger sister from an arranged marriage with the sinister Count Dunning. Too late Pearce realizes that he was deliberately lured into a deathly trap.
I was surprised by how naturally these two opposing genres worked together, creating an unusual atmosphere of constant subliminal dread interspersed with outright carnage. Highest recommendation!
January 21, 2023
This was a lot of fun! What starts out as a gothic take soon takes a turn into something I did not see coming! With some dark comedy to lighten the story, this read was bloody fun!
October 20, 2024
The gothic genre is given some AA batteries (and a lot of blood) in THE DISMEMBERED, with echoes of Shelley and Stoker Janz pays homage to the genre whilst also inflicting his own signature style of compelling characters, dark humour, unexpected twists and all out gruesome gore, this was an entertaining, scary, fast paced and incredibly fun read, but I expected nothing less
January 12, 2023
Jonathan Janz takes the gothic template and puts his personal stamp on it. THE DISMEMBERED ventures beyond the gothic pond into previously uncharted waters. Just like adding butter to popcorn adds more flavoring to a snack food, the Janz seasoning applied to THE DISMEMBERED is a welcome re-boot to a traditional horror genre.
The atmospheric cover art evokes an earlier time, indicating the gothic contents. Yet the book title, while appropriate considering the contents, does not feel very gothic. It's an early indicator that this will be a gothic tale like no other.
The novel is divided into three parts, and wisely so. Each section adds more scenes that distinguish this from just another standard gothic. The tropes are still there, but the distinctive ability to horrify and thrill with gory scenes is ramped up in each section with Part Three the most extreme example.
In Part One, the writing style, choice of words and sentence construction all evoke the gothic atmosphere. There is one particular scene that indicates where Jantz is going to put his personal stamp on things.
There are tips of the hat throughout the novel to various writers and characters of classic horror literature, including Poe, Shelley, Stoker, LeFanu and others I am probably less familiar with. My exposure to gothic fiction is somewhat limited, but I know it when I read it.
However, you won't find the typical "damsels in distress" in THE DISMEMBERED. All the female characters display toughness and fortitude at one point or another in the story. Also, while the family manners in gothic fiction are normally very proper, much of the entertainment value here comes from the dysfunctional Coyle family with dueling sisters and brother and constant insults and snide comments.
A thoroughly entertaining spin on the gothic genre. If only gothic fiction were more like this, I would be inclined to read much more. THE DISMEMBERED is standard gothic with special seasoning, indeed.
The atmospheric cover art evokes an earlier time, indicating the gothic contents. Yet the book title, while appropriate considering the contents, does not feel very gothic. It's an early indicator that this will be a gothic tale like no other.
The novel is divided into three parts, and wisely so. Each section adds more scenes that distinguish this from just another standard gothic. The tropes are still there, but the distinctive ability to horrify and thrill with gory scenes is ramped up in each section with Part Three the most extreme example.
In Part One, the writing style, choice of words and sentence construction all evoke the gothic atmosphere. There is one particular scene that indicates where Jantz is going to put his personal stamp on things.
There are tips of the hat throughout the novel to various writers and characters of classic horror literature, including Poe, Shelley, Stoker, LeFanu and others I am probably less familiar with. My exposure to gothic fiction is somewhat limited, but I know it when I read it.
However, you won't find the typical "damsels in distress" in THE DISMEMBERED. All the female characters display toughness and fortitude at one point or another in the story. Also, while the family manners in gothic fiction are normally very proper, much of the entertainment value here comes from the dysfunctional Coyle family with dueling sisters and brother and constant insults and snide comments.
A thoroughly entertaining spin on the gothic genre. If only gothic fiction were more like this, I would be inclined to read much more. THE DISMEMBERED is standard gothic with special seasoning, indeed.
October 27, 2022
The Dismembered by Jonathan Janz is a horror story about the debilitating effects the past can have on people if they allow it to consume them and the bravery it takes to heal and move on.
Phew! The storyline of this is so intense! I will tread extremely lightly here as you just need to experience this one for yourself!
The story that Sarah initially told Arthur had me totally captivated. I was so ready for him to go in, find proof that backed up all her claims, and save the day! I should have known better than to hope for a straight forward tale! This one had many curveballs that had me reeling to try to guess at what was to come.
Once I learned more about what was really going on, many things from the very start of the tale fell into place. Mr Janz had some wonderful covert foreshadowing here.
I had an absolute blast reading this! From the dreary and tension filled atmosphere, to the characters that all jumped off the page, all the way to the bloody ending, this story had me hooked.
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
Phew! The storyline of this is so intense! I will tread extremely lightly here as you just need to experience this one for yourself!
The story that Sarah initially told Arthur had me totally captivated. I was so ready for him to go in, find proof that backed up all her claims, and save the day! I should have known better than to hope for a straight forward tale! This one had many curveballs that had me reeling to try to guess at what was to come.
Once I learned more about what was really going on, many things from the very start of the tale fell into place. Mr Janz had some wonderful covert foreshadowing here.
I had an absolute blast reading this! From the dreary and tension filled atmosphere, to the characters that all jumped off the page, all the way to the bloody ending, this story had me hooked.
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
March 29, 2023
I thought I'd enjoy a modern version of the classic Gothic horror stories, but honestly... Just read the actual classics. This book brings literally nothing new to the table. It's flat, cliché, cheesy and cartoonish - I understand it's meant to be a love letter to old Gothic horror stories, but it's so unimaginative there's no reason to read this over them. I had no connection to any of the characters, except Lizzy was kind of cool I guess, but . Also, the writer seems like they went thesaurus-crazy while trying to sound posh and old fashioned and it just seemed clunky.
I get the intention of this book, and I appreciate that, but rather than bringing something worthwhile to the genre it just feels like a forgettable rehashing. Maybe it would work better as a cheesy, so-bad-it's-good film but it didn't work here.
I get the intention of this book, and I appreciate that, but rather than bringing something worthwhile to the genre it just feels like a forgettable rehashing. Maybe it would work better as a cheesy, so-bad-it's-good film but it didn't work here.
September 11, 2022
I was not aware how well Jonathan Janz's style was suited to a gothic story until I picked up The Dismembered. Arthur Pierce is an unashamedly Janzian creation, but fits into this world of evil Counts and creepy mansions with perfection. What unfolds is part mystery, part family drama replete with frights and some unexpectedly gory moments. The stakes are high and Janz is not afraid to cruelly laugh as he tears the rug from underneath the reader. The Dismembered is a short, fast, and mean read. Paired with Exorcist Road, it makes one want to see Jonathan Janz revisit the novella form a little more often.
February 12, 2023
2 stars. Gothic horror is hit or miss for me. I will either really dig it or I'm underwhelmed. I was underwhelmed and disappointed with this one. Some of the language and imagery was creepy, but the plot wasn't really doing anything in particular for me. I really wanted to love this one because the cover is an homage to the girl in the dress running from a creepy house of Gothic literature, but the inside felt like a Lovecraftian tale masquerading around with lots of Edgar Allan Poe references. Not a bad thing, but I wasn't overly invested in the story and stopped reading it for several weeks before picking it back up.
January 5, 2023
There's nothing inherently wrong with this story--I enjoyed it quite a bit. It checked all of the right boxes, but I feel like it was just too short for me. This is the sort of tale that I want to thoroughly enjoy, at leisure, and I wanted more of every aspect of it.
Especially Dunning. He was an adversary worthy of getting more on-page time.
Rooting for the villain over here 9 times out of 10, no shame in it.
Especially Dunning. He was an adversary worthy of getting more on-page time.
Rooting for the villain over here 9 times out of 10, no shame in it.
January 16, 2023
“Have you no heart?” Hubert implored. “Of course I do,” Dunning answered. “I harvested it from a Parisian whore last winter.”
A pick from the Horror Aficionados group, which I don't think I would have found otherwise. And a quirk of my brain caused me to mis-read the title as "The Disremembered", which gave me entirely other ideas about the contents of the story. Imagine my surprise when, early in the story, a woman is abducted off the streets into a carriage, which swiftly races off. What's left behind? A spill of blood on the cobblestones and a chopped off hand!
I like it when titles live up to expectations. And cover art, as well, which is gorgeous in its ability to capture the old-school feel of gothic literature of the Ann Radcliffe era, or even the 1970s revival of gothics by Victoria Holt. Author Janz does a great job recreating the old fashioned narrative style of these stories, while at the same time employing more modern structures in the dialogue.
By the time the story moves to the castle of the mysterious and probably wicked fiancé, the pacing and the diction become almost more modern in its tone, until finally the
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more amazing stories by the author. Kudos!
A pick from the Horror Aficionados group, which I don't think I would have found otherwise. And a quirk of my brain caused me to mis-read the title as "The Disremembered", which gave me entirely other ideas about the contents of the story. Imagine my surprise when, early in the story, a woman is abducted off the streets into a carriage, which swiftly races off. What's left behind? A spill of blood on the cobblestones and a chopped off hand!
I like it when titles live up to expectations. And cover art, as well, which is gorgeous in its ability to capture the old-school feel of gothic literature of the Ann Radcliffe era, or even the 1970s revival of gothics by Victoria Holt. Author Janz does a great job recreating the old fashioned narrative style of these stories, while at the same time employing more modern structures in the dialogue.
By the time the story moves to the castle of the mysterious and probably wicked fiancé, the pacing and the diction become almost more modern in its tone, until finally the
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more amazing stories by the author. Kudos!
December 9, 2022
This was a lean and mean one from Jonathan Janz. Pretty much gets right to it. My only peeve really is that I wish it was a wee longer.
January 12, 2023
A straight to the point gothic horror with plenty of gore. Weak constitutions need not apply. I skipped chapter 4 entirely due to animal abuse. AA aside, this was fun. The ending was a bit cheesy but this was a satisfying romp with terror.
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