If It Bleeds

by Darryl Dawson

Moses Mayborne has a steady job in TV news, despite a horrible accident years prior that took the life of a co-worker. Just as his wife, a reporter named Sheila, has given birth to their first child, his boss gives him an opportunity to become a photojournalist. Moses accepts, for his baby son's future, and to help erase the brutal memory of his past misjudgment. As Moses scours the city for news, he notices a change in the city's residents; they've become colder, and more prone to violence. He witnesses cannibalism, suicide, and lack of empathy for a dying woman. He sees wild dogs roaming the streets with fangs bared and evil in their eyes. When he pays a visit to a friend who is debilitated by self-mutilation, he begins to understand the connection between the growing mania and the TV station where he works. He fears for himself, his family, and the world. Guided by the ghosts of his past, Moses dodges the deadly rampages of a savage city in a desperate search for his loved ones. When he finds them, he comes face to face with the evil, and the We are what we see.

106 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2013

Reviews

[Benjamin Ethridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF IT BLEEDS is one captivating little nail-biter, written with some of the best pacing and suspense I've had the privilege of reading in a long while. And with only one short novel Darryl Dawson Brown proves himself a seriously good writer. For more reasons than one, books like this make you turn off the TV, for good.

[thebonebreaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a short (90-pages) novella.

I was completely sucked into this story. Dawson is really good with his use of metaphors and has written a unique fast-paced story. If you have seen the movie Christine (the true story of a TV reporter in the 70's) then you know that movie talks about our obsession with violence. Dawson continues that same theme with this story.

[Wesley Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book, blending modern day issues with an end-of-the-world scenario.

We have the protagonist Moses, who is a father and husband, working at a news station. His life is great. That is until strange things start to happen. From violent outbursts to cryptic messages and an overall feeling of fear.

You are bound to the pages of this short story as the author creates a compelling and addictive story. A unique concept dealing with death, despair and love. We follow the main character's desperate attempt to uncover the mystery that is unfolding.

The graphic nature of the book for the horror fans is fantastic. Maggots, flesh being torn off, and people being eaten alive. Then on top of that, we have genuine chills as people seem to be changing. Seemingly innocent individuals are becoming dangerous. Everywhere Moses looks there is some bizarre occurrence. And when a blind colleague tells Moses he is glad he cut out his own eyes as that was their way to infect you, he begins to get scared and unsettled fast!

Overall, a great book. Unnerving, gross, captivating and well written. A shock at every turn!