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Gast
—UNCUT VERSION OF BLACK TRAIN—
THE RAILROAD…AND THE HOUSE
No train has run on this railroad since the end of the Civil War—a railroad built by the servitude to perfect evil—and its trusted tracks run right behind the house. Justin Collier expects his respite in Gast, Tennessee, to be relaxing if not a bit dull, but he will find out soon enough that those same train tracks once led to a place worse than Hell.
WELCOME TO THE GAST HOUSE
A historical bed and breakfast or a monument to the obscene? Collier doesn’t need to know the building’s rich women raped to death for sport, slaves beheaded and threshed into the soil, and pregnant teenagers buried alive. Who or what could mitigate such horrors over 150 years ago. And what is the atrocious connection between the old railroad and the house? Each room hides a new, revolting secret. At night, he can smell the mansion’s odors and hear it’s appalling whispers. Little girls giggle where there are no little girls, and out back, when Collier listens closely, he can hear the train’s whistle and see the things chained up in its clattering prison cars. Little does he know, the mansion and the railroad aren’t haunted b.y ghosts but an unspeakable carnality and a horror as palpable as excited human flesh.
WELCOME TO A PLACE WORSE THAN HELL…
THE RAILROAD…AND THE HOUSE
No train has run on this railroad since the end of the Civil War—a railroad built by the servitude to perfect evil—and its trusted tracks run right behind the house. Justin Collier expects his respite in Gast, Tennessee, to be relaxing if not a bit dull, but he will find out soon enough that those same train tracks once led to a place worse than Hell.
WELCOME TO THE GAST HOUSE
A historical bed and breakfast or a monument to the obscene? Collier doesn’t need to know the building’s rich women raped to death for sport, slaves beheaded and threshed into the soil, and pregnant teenagers buried alive. Who or what could mitigate such horrors over 150 years ago. And what is the atrocious connection between the old railroad and the house? Each room hides a new, revolting secret. At night, he can smell the mansion’s odors and hear it’s appalling whispers. Little girls giggle where there are no little girls, and out back, when Collier listens closely, he can hear the train’s whistle and see the things chained up in its clattering prison cars. Little does he know, the mansion and the railroad aren’t haunted b.y ghosts but an unspeakable carnality and a horror as palpable as excited human flesh.
WELCOME TO A PLACE WORSE THAN HELL…
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
27 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lee
267 books1,452 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 20 reviews
January 16, 2023
Gast by Edward Lee, is one of the vilest, depraved, horrific and very well written story I read. I don’t know how he does that, but Edward Lee can makes me laugh at violent situations any sane person would probably cringe at, and he can make me feel totally relaxed and entertained while I read about evil nefarious acts. He’s very talented. One of the best Splatterpunk authors, in my opinion.
I highly recommend Gast, if you don’t have triggers.
I highly recommend Gast, if you don’t have triggers.
December 28, 2022
I loved The Black Train. I read it about 10 years ago. When I saw Gast The Uncut Version of The Black Train was be re -released I had to have it. This is still my favorite Lee novel.
August 9, 2023
I always love reading books by Edward Lee and he never fails to gross me out. I did feel the ending was a little weak but overall a great book.
October 8, 2019
This was my first Edward Lee novel and knowing his reputation as an extreme horror writer, I knew it would be particularly gruesome. The premise of the book drew me in before I opened it and once I did it had me hooked. An Evil past figure from the Civil War era tied in with a present day story of a TV celebrity visiting said town, equalled a riveting read.
The combination of horror, gore, the Civil War flashbacks and the explicit sexual content, produce a truly unique and at times uncomfortable read.
The flashbacks to The Civil War era and Mr Gasts plan are the real strength of the book and I have to say are the most harrowing. Mr Gasts railroad and it's true purpose produced one of the most horrific and disturbing sequences I think I've ever read.
Edward Lee has weaved quite a tale here, one in which the realities of violence and the sexual mind of humans is explored in an upfront and brutal way.
The combination of horror, gore, the Civil War flashbacks and the explicit sexual content, produce a truly unique and at times uncomfortable read.
The flashbacks to The Civil War era and Mr Gasts plan are the real strength of the book and I have to say are the most harrowing. Mr Gasts railroad and it's true purpose produced one of the most horrific and disturbing sequences I think I've ever read.
Edward Lee has weaved quite a tale here, one in which the realities of violence and the sexual mind of humans is explored in an upfront and brutal way.
August 16, 2024
Great
A great read and one I've read previously. And I still thoroughly enjoyed it! But with an author like Edward Lee there is nothing not to enjoy. He is an amazing writer and has some amazing extreme reads. This isn't so much on the extreme side of blood and gore, but still has it's moments with explicit happenings. A nicely paced story of a town where the civil war holds lots of memories and more. Some amazing characters whom can all be envisioned i n your mind as you read about their are and ways. Definitely recommend and a story you can really get into.
A great read and one I've read previously. And I still thoroughly enjoyed it! But with an author like Edward Lee there is nothing not to enjoy. He is an amazing writer and has some amazing extreme reads. This isn't so much on the extreme side of blood and gore, but still has it's moments with explicit happenings. A nicely paced story of a town where the civil war holds lots of memories and more. Some amazing characters whom can all be envisioned i n your mind as you read about their are and ways. Definitely recommend and a story you can really get into.
April 20, 2015
Civil War , Sex ,Gore ,Violence
All I can say is wow. This book was a great read. I can tell Lee really did his research with the beer and civil war background. This book is about a small town that has a very sinister background behind one man named gast who was selected to build a railroad. Justin comes to town to write a book but becomes wrapped up in the house history. The story unfolds to a very violent and gruesome tale. Great book Lee !
All I can say is wow. This book was a great read. I can tell Lee really did his research with the beer and civil war background. This book is about a small town that has a very sinister background behind one man named gast who was selected to build a railroad. Justin comes to town to write a book but becomes wrapped up in the house history. The story unfolds to a very violent and gruesome tale. Great book Lee !
July 20, 2018
Consider me a fan of the build up, but not the coming together of it. I also thought the flashbacks to Civil War times were far more interesting than the main story and should have been the center of the narrative.
November 3, 2024
Gast is Edward Lee at his absolute best—a haunting, gut-wrenching novel that dives into the depths of psychological and supernatural horror with a skill that only a master of the genre could achieve. It’s a book that takes you into the dark underbelly of human nature, exploring themes of isolation, obsession, and moral decay in a way that is as fascinating as it is deeply disturbing. If you think you know Lee’s work, Gast will still surprise you; it’s a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, leaving you with that rare feeling of having encountered something truly unforgettable.
The plot follows an academic named Leonard, who travels to the isolated town of Gast, South Carolina, to investigate rumors of strange and morbid folklore surrounding its inhabitants. What he finds there, however, is far more horrifying than he could have imagined. The town of Gast and its residents are steeped in bizarre, violent traditions, and Leonard quickly realizes that he’s entered a world governed by an entirely different set of rules—a world that tests his sanity and his own moral compass.
What makes Gast stand out among Lee’s works is the atmosphere. Lee paints Gast, South Carolina, as a place that feels real yet utterly otherworldly, filled with a creeping sense of dread that seeps into every page. The oppressive atmosphere of the town and its haunting folklore create a setting that is as much a character as Leonard himself. Lee’s description of Gast is so vivid and intense that you can almost feel the suffocating heat, smell the decay, and hear the sinister whispers of the townsfolk. It’s the kind of setting that pulls you in, making you feel as though you’re right there alongside Leonard, trapped in a nightmare you can’t escape.
The horror in Gast isn’t just about graphic content (although there’s plenty of that, true to Lee’s style). Instead, it’s psychological and deeply unsettling, building slowly as Leonard uncovers more about the town’s twisted customs and dark secrets. Lee masterfully balances suspense with shock, and each revelation is more disturbing than the last, pushing Leonard—and the reader—closer to the brink. The sense of isolation and inevitability is palpable, and the horror feels as though it’s closing in, tightening its grip on Leonard and dragging him deeper into Gast’s clutches.
What makes Gast so memorable, though, is how Lee creates complex characters you can’t help but be fascinated by, even when they’re horrific or morally compromised. Leonard’s descent into obsession mirrors the reader’s own fascination with the town’s mysteries. We, like Leonard, are compelled to dig deeper, even as we’re horrified by what we uncover. It’s a book that makes you question your own curiosity and fascination with darkness, mirroring Leonard’s descent in a way that’s both immersive and unsettling.
The plot follows an academic named Leonard, who travels to the isolated town of Gast, South Carolina, to investigate rumors of strange and morbid folklore surrounding its inhabitants. What he finds there, however, is far more horrifying than he could have imagined. The town of Gast and its residents are steeped in bizarre, violent traditions, and Leonard quickly realizes that he’s entered a world governed by an entirely different set of rules—a world that tests his sanity and his own moral compass.
What makes Gast stand out among Lee’s works is the atmosphere. Lee paints Gast, South Carolina, as a place that feels real yet utterly otherworldly, filled with a creeping sense of dread that seeps into every page. The oppressive atmosphere of the town and its haunting folklore create a setting that is as much a character as Leonard himself. Lee’s description of Gast is so vivid and intense that you can almost feel the suffocating heat, smell the decay, and hear the sinister whispers of the townsfolk. It’s the kind of setting that pulls you in, making you feel as though you’re right there alongside Leonard, trapped in a nightmare you can’t escape.
The horror in Gast isn’t just about graphic content (although there’s plenty of that, true to Lee’s style). Instead, it’s psychological and deeply unsettling, building slowly as Leonard uncovers more about the town’s twisted customs and dark secrets. Lee masterfully balances suspense with shock, and each revelation is more disturbing than the last, pushing Leonard—and the reader—closer to the brink. The sense of isolation and inevitability is palpable, and the horror feels as though it’s closing in, tightening its grip on Leonard and dragging him deeper into Gast’s clutches.
What makes Gast so memorable, though, is how Lee creates complex characters you can’t help but be fascinated by, even when they’re horrific or morally compromised. Leonard’s descent into obsession mirrors the reader’s own fascination with the town’s mysteries. We, like Leonard, are compelled to dig deeper, even as we’re horrified by what we uncover. It’s a book that makes you question your own curiosity and fascination with darkness, mirroring Leonard’s descent in a way that’s both immersive and unsettling.
June 16, 2023
Edward Lee is a master of the splatterpunk genre, this much is coming very obvious to me over time. His novels are filled to the brim with violence, gore, sex, and some of the most creative and visceral imagery I've ever seen written to paper, most of the time it's glorious, some of the time appallingly bad. But 9 times out of 10 success isn't bad. Gast (or The Black Train) is a novel I've been excited to read for a long time and now I'm finally giving it a go.
Justin Collier arrives at Gast to write a book dedicated to his career discussing about alcohol and he's here to try out the local town's brewery of fine, unique beer. But his being here will mean staying at Gast House. A long time ago, it was a house of great evil with a diabolical owner and a whore of a wife and their two children. Something dark and disturbing happened there many years ago, during the civil war and it all connects to the railroad they built, that's now torn up. Justin will find himself discovering the truth, but perhaps before he does the air of lust emanating in the house itself, might consume him beyond his wildest dreams or rather nightmares...
Gast is not only a haunted house story with spirits and disturbing imagery. It's a story filled to the brim with a fictional history surrounding the civil war and a fictional town. It's a demented novel with a terrific sense of atmosphere and characterization, whilst dealing with endless amounts of gore, disturbing flashbacks, and of course sex. It's a very heated novel that at points turned my stomach as well as terrified me. Flesh Gothic to me is more akin to the typical haunted house story we all love, but Gast on the other hand is something totally unique and I commend Lee for that.
Overall: Not entirely sure if this is my favorite but it's definitely in my top 3 now, such a brilliant and engaging haunted story with some really disturbing and at times realistic horror. Don't read this, if you have a weak stomach! 10/10
Justin Collier arrives at Gast to write a book dedicated to his career discussing about alcohol and he's here to try out the local town's brewery of fine, unique beer. But his being here will mean staying at Gast House. A long time ago, it was a house of great evil with a diabolical owner and a whore of a wife and their two children. Something dark and disturbing happened there many years ago, during the civil war and it all connects to the railroad they built, that's now torn up. Justin will find himself discovering the truth, but perhaps before he does the air of lust emanating in the house itself, might consume him beyond his wildest dreams or rather nightmares...
Gast is not only a haunted house story with spirits and disturbing imagery. It's a story filled to the brim with a fictional history surrounding the civil war and a fictional town. It's a demented novel with a terrific sense of atmosphere and characterization, whilst dealing with endless amounts of gore, disturbing flashbacks, and of course sex. It's a very heated novel that at points turned my stomach as well as terrified me. Flesh Gothic to me is more akin to the typical haunted house story we all love, but Gast on the other hand is something totally unique and I commend Lee for that.
Overall: Not entirely sure if this is my favorite but it's definitely in my top 3 now, such a brilliant and engaging haunted story with some really disturbing and at times realistic horror. Don't read this, if you have a weak stomach! 10/10
June 8, 2024
It's hard to believe that a world that has published things like Danelle Steele is sharing it with the likes of Edward Lee, it must be that yin/yang thing at work.
This book was pure pleasure to read,
Wife is ready to leave me though, kept asking what I was laughing at,
I told her the truth,
finished reading it on the couch,
Totally worth it.
Warning - Not for sissies or pussy whipped men and women
Warning - recommended it to a friend and he asked me what demographic reads this kind of stuff and being a true friend, I just kept looking at him.
WOW THIS BOOK IS FECKING TWISTED!!
This book was pure pleasure to read,
Wife is ready to leave me though, kept asking what I was laughing at,
I told her the truth,
finished reading it on the couch,
Totally worth it.
Warning - Not for sissies or pussy whipped men and women
Warning - recommended it to a friend and he asked me what demographic reads this kind of stuff and being a true friend, I just kept looking at him.
WOW THIS BOOK IS FECKING TWISTED!!
February 13, 2025
This is my third Edward Lee novel, and the 3rd 5 stars I’ve given him. This book was so fucking good, and effortlessly ties multiple story lines into one. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Lee is generally one of my favourite writers. Though many people consider splatter punk and extreme horror to be trashy fiction, Lee’s incredible writing and unique story telling always adds up to incredible books. I can’t wait to jump into more of his works.
This was an easy 5/5.
This was an easy 5/5.
August 9, 2023
Civil War Horror
Some more of the same from Edward Lee. This man is an, Extreme Horror Genius!!! Again, this book is not for the squeamish. If you can’t handle explicit sex and gory horror, then this book is not for you. But this is the master of extreme horror, doing what he does best.
Some more of the same from Edward Lee. This man is an, Extreme Horror Genius!!! Again, this book is not for the squeamish. If you can’t handle explicit sex and gory horror, then this book is not for you. But this is the master of extreme horror, doing what he does best.
November 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Want to read
August 22, 2022Really enjoyed this, some parts gave me chills like when I read the Minotauress. I do think the end was a little weak but then the epilogue left it open and me wanting to read more. If you like Lee's other work based in and around southern America then you should enjoy this too. Not quite the full on rednecks from Header, Creekers or Family traditions but no the less a great gross out ghost story.
May 6, 2016
Another Edward Lee
This book was good it had sex, violence, and dare I say a love story?
You do need a strong stomach for this book, it can be gross but if you have ever read Lee you already know that. I recommend to all fans of modern horror
This book was good it had sex, violence, and dare I say a love story?
You do need a strong stomach for this book, it can be gross but if you have ever read Lee you already know that. I recommend to all fans of modern horror
January 8, 2014
It's ok. the end just didn't seem like much of a end.
August 10, 2014
It was a great book but I think the ending could have been a lot better.
April 14, 2025
This felt unfinished to me. Like perhaps the start of something bigger, but I wasn't as invested in the urine soaked gross out content enough to find out morem
December 5, 2013
sick and funny ..Edward Lee's usual
Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews