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Down the Drain
Bruce has lost everyone he ever cared about—even his cat.
Now he thinks he's finally alone in the house, but something is about to come clawing its way out of the plumbing to prove him wrong.
Now he thinks he's finally alone in the house, but something is about to come clawing its way out of the plumbing to prove him wrong.
15 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2010
14 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pyle
21 books95 followersDaniel Pyle is the author of Advent, Breakdown, Dismember, and many novellas and short stories. He lives in Springfield, Missouri, with his wife and three children. Visit him online at danielpyle.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 21, 2022
Ladi, Da Da…Just Another Day…
Bruce comes home from work stinking to high heaven. He decides he definitely needs a bath. So he jumps into the tub…and falls asleep.
When he wakes up, his water is cold. But that’s the least of his problems.
Bruce comes home from work stinking to high heaven. He decides he definitely needs a bath. So he jumps into the tub…and falls asleep.
When he wakes up, his water is cold. But that’s the least of his problems.
July 1, 2011
GOODREADS LITERARY DISEASES LECTURE SERIES
Today's Topic: 10 Symptoms of the condition known as Storysuck and GenitaliaOVERinfatuation.
INTRODUCTION: Ladies and gentlemen, today we are going to be looking at the visible symptoms of the condition known as Storysuck and GenitaliaOVERinfatuation or S&G. Assisting us with this discussion will be the horror short fiction piece “Down the Drain” about an evil, man-eating monster living in a shower drain. It was decided to use this story because it has such a unique combination of both Storysuck and GenitaliaOVERinfatuation that it may actually become THE benchmark case study for S&G.
Now before we continue, be advised that S&G stories, by definition, include substantial amounts of sex, private parts and/or man juice and so many of the descriptions below may be somewhat graphic. Reader discretion is therefore advised.
SYMPTOMS OF S&G
Symptom #1: A horror short story that has more references to penis, c@ck, shaft, crotch, pubic hair and erection than it does to BLOOD.
Symptom #2: Use of any derivation of the word throb more than once in a story containing Symptom #1,.
Symptom #3: A story with the mind-numbingly audacious stupidity to expect readers (most of which are likely male) to believe that it is possible to: (i) maintain an erection while screaming for your life as you are being held done and violently masturbated (to the point of causing severe bleeding) and (ii) actually reach climax against your will and despite (i).
Symptom #4: Use of ALL of the following phrases in a horror story that is less than 15 pages long: “thick wads of semen”, “strands of semen,” “pink thread of semen,” “dollop of sperm,” “goddam sperm” “spilled his seed”
Symptom #5: A Shower drain monster. Nuff said!!
Symptom #6: A 15 page story that wastes an entire page to describing its main character masturbating in the shower. An excerpt:
Symptom #7: Killing a cat in such a lame manner that cat lovers just yawn right past it without so much as an Aww.
Symptom #8:: Having climactic battle with shower monster occur with main character naked so author can use the phrase “His penis – still sore from the earlier violation- slapped his thigh and throbbed.” (NOTE: see Symptom #2 above)
Symptom #9: A horror story that has not a single scary or frightening aspect…other than the prose and Symptoms 1 through 8.
Symptom #10: A horror story that costs only $.99 still leaving the reader feeling like he has been robbed and violated.
Today's Topic: 10 Symptoms of the condition known as Storysuck and GenitaliaOVERinfatuation.
INTRODUCTION: Ladies and gentlemen, today we are going to be looking at the visible symptoms of the condition known as Storysuck and GenitaliaOVERinfatuation or S&G. Assisting us with this discussion will be the horror short fiction piece “Down the Drain” about an evil, man-eating monster living in a shower drain. It was decided to use this story because it has such a unique combination of both Storysuck and GenitaliaOVERinfatuation that it may actually become THE benchmark case study for S&G.
Now before we continue, be advised that S&G stories, by definition, include substantial amounts of sex, private parts and/or man juice and so many of the descriptions below may be somewhat graphic. Reader discretion is therefore advised.
SYMPTOMS OF S&G
Symptom #1: A horror short story that has more references to penis, c@ck, shaft, crotch, pubic hair and erection than it does to BLOOD.
Symptom #2: Use of any derivation of the word throb more than once in a story containing Symptom #1,.
Symptom #3: A story with the mind-numbingly audacious stupidity to expect readers (most of which are likely male) to believe that it is possible to: (i) maintain an erection while screaming for your life as you are being held done and violently masturbated (to the point of causing severe bleeding) and (ii) actually reach climax against your will and despite (i).
He thrashed. He continued yelping, groaning. And yet, he felt himself approaching climax. Disgusting. Incomprehensible. But true. The tub stroked for another few seconds, and Bruce spilled his seed despite himself. His hips bucked, and his mind went fuzzy, just as it had when he’d pleasured himself the night before, just as it always had when he’d come inside Eileen with her breathing in his ear and scratching his back.***This reviewer almost slammed his iPad against the wall upon reading this.***
Symptom #4: Use of ALL of the following phrases in a horror story that is less than 15 pages long: “thick wads of semen”, “strands of semen,” “pink thread of semen,” “dollop of sperm,” “goddam sperm” “spilled his seed”
Symptom #5: A Shower drain monster. Nuff said!!
Symptom #6: A 15 page story that wastes an entire page to describing its main character masturbating in the shower. An excerpt:
His erection jutted from his pubic thatch, throbbed. He wrapped his fingers around the shaft and gave it what it wanted. Gave himself what he wanted.(NOTE: see Symptom #1 and #2 above)
Symptom #7: Killing a cat in such a lame manner that cat lovers just yawn right past it without so much as an Aww.
Symptom #8:: Having climactic battle with shower monster occur with main character naked so author can use the phrase “His penis – still sore from the earlier violation- slapped his thigh and throbbed.” (NOTE: see Symptom #2 above)
Symptom #9: A horror story that has not a single scary or frightening aspect…other than the prose and Symptoms 1 through 8.
Symptom #10: A horror story that costs only $.99 still leaving the reader feeling like he has been robbed and violated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2011
Dark tale it drives well with a sense of unexpected terror. A short story, you would not want to enter a bathroom again unless equipped with a sledgehammer.
January 6, 2012
Down the Drain is a unique, intriguing, crazy, fun, and quick read. This short horror story by Daniel Pyle is worth the read. However, unlike most of the reviews for this story, I WILL be bathing again (just might check the drain first).
The opening in this story is from the main character's (Bruce's) cat, Selina. I found this pretty funny, that is, until the creature from the bathtub eats poor Selina. Bruce comes home to find his cat missing, but has no clue as to where she went.
Bruce decides he wants a nice hot bubble bath. Now, this is where things get interesting (crazy and unique). The bathtub practically rapes Bruce! No, I'm not kidding!
You just have to read this story. It's one of the strangest stories I've read in a while.
The opening in this story is from the main character's (Bruce's) cat, Selina. I found this pretty funny, that is, until the creature from the bathtub eats poor Selina. Bruce comes home to find his cat missing, but has no clue as to where she went.
Bruce decides he wants a nice hot bubble bath. Now, this is where things get interesting (crazy and unique). The bathtub practically rapes Bruce! No, I'm not kidding!
You just have to read this story. It's one of the strangest stories I've read in a while.
May 28, 2011
This was a true horror story (especially for guys, I think LOL). I almost didn't want to finish reading it, but couldn't help. Daniel Pyle's imagination is unfathomable! If like terror, this is the book for you!
September 22, 2010
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
There is something to be said for the slam-bang horror tale. You know the type – they drag you in, shake you around a bit, and then pull away, never once telling you why everything that happened, happened.
While reading “Down the Drain”, a fast-paced novelette by Daniel Pyle, I was struck at first by how strange and audacious the storytelling was. Hell, the first chapter is told through the viewpoint of a cat! From there, it moves onto the main character, Bruce, a lonely independent contractor whose bathtub seems to have a thing for cat-flesh and penises. Short story even shorter, Bruce is accosted one night while bathing, the accursed tub doing things to him that might not be printable on a family blog before giving birth to something even stranger than a living, breathing hunk of porcelain.
This is a very straight-forward, action-driven tale. And it’s also fun. The scares are there, and the creepiness, but it’s the sense of humor – and the desire to shock you – that shines. I laughed out loud and cringed at the same time while I read it – especially during a scene involving a waggling phallus and the contemplation of how far away is a safe enough distance from a man-eating bathtub.
Never once is a reason given for the bathtub’s actions, and that’s okay. Sometimes, you can be given a larger chill by not knowing than if the author were to give you an unsatisfactory explanation. I love this style of storytelling, though I’m not very good at it, myself. Therefore, I have much more respect for those who do.
“Down the Drain” is a rumpus of uncomfortable horror. It goes by quickly, and will grab you in places you’ll never expect and jiggle you around a while. It’s an extremely enjoyable ride, no matter how short it is. I personally guarantee fun will be had by all who read this…unless you’re bothered by naked men running around and defending themselves from man-eating bathroom fixtures, that is.
Plot - 9
Characters - 8
Voice - 10
Execution - 9
Personal Enjoyment – 9
Overall – 45/50 (4.5/5)
There is something to be said for the slam-bang horror tale. You know the type – they drag you in, shake you around a bit, and then pull away, never once telling you why everything that happened, happened.
While reading “Down the Drain”, a fast-paced novelette by Daniel Pyle, I was struck at first by how strange and audacious the storytelling was. Hell, the first chapter is told through the viewpoint of a cat! From there, it moves onto the main character, Bruce, a lonely independent contractor whose bathtub seems to have a thing for cat-flesh and penises. Short story even shorter, Bruce is accosted one night while bathing, the accursed tub doing things to him that might not be printable on a family blog before giving birth to something even stranger than a living, breathing hunk of porcelain.
This is a very straight-forward, action-driven tale. And it’s also fun. The scares are there, and the creepiness, but it’s the sense of humor – and the desire to shock you – that shines. I laughed out loud and cringed at the same time while I read it – especially during a scene involving a waggling phallus and the contemplation of how far away is a safe enough distance from a man-eating bathtub.
Never once is a reason given for the bathtub’s actions, and that’s okay. Sometimes, you can be given a larger chill by not knowing than if the author were to give you an unsatisfactory explanation. I love this style of storytelling, though I’m not very good at it, myself. Therefore, I have much more respect for those who do.
“Down the Drain” is a rumpus of uncomfortable horror. It goes by quickly, and will grab you in places you’ll never expect and jiggle you around a while. It’s an extremely enjoyable ride, no matter how short it is. I personally guarantee fun will be had by all who read this…unless you’re bothered by naked men running around and defending themselves from man-eating bathroom fixtures, that is.
Plot - 9
Characters - 8
Voice - 10
Execution - 9
Personal Enjoyment – 9
Overall – 45/50 (4.5/5)
April 5, 2011
From my blog Rediscovering Horror Fiction
If the author’s bio at the end of the book is to be believed, Daniel Pyle has not not bathed since writing this story. He must be a stinky man indeed by now, but this 60 odd page novelette about man vs. man-eating bath tub may well put you off personal hygiene yourself.
Bruce does not have an easy life. His wife left him years ago, his construction job leaves him exhausted at the end of each day, and his cat Selina (a joke Batman fans will likely get) is his only companion. One day Bruce forgets to leave water out for the cat, and Selina makes her way to the bathroom trying to find something to drink. Suddenly and inexplicably, Selina is savagely devoured by the newly sentient bathtub. Yes, strangeness is afoot chez Bruce. Things get even more bizarre, though, when our hero, needing a good soak for his aching muscles, heads off for the bath where he is… How shall I put this…?
He’s sexually assaulted by the bathtub. Needless to say that’s not something Bruce takes lightly.
It’s a brief tale but Pyle makes use of the pages he has. Down the Drain is fast paced, creepy, and downright bizarre. There’s some dark humor here, but he always takes the horror seriously, which I respect. The ebook is available for just $.99 at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
From my blog Rediscovering Horror Fiction
If the author’s bio at the end of the book is to be believed, Daniel Pyle has not not bathed since writing this story. He must be a stinky man indeed by now, but this 60 odd page novelette about man vs. man-eating bath tub may well put you off personal hygiene yourself.
Bruce does not have an easy life. His wife left him years ago, his construction job leaves him exhausted at the end of each day, and his cat Selina (a joke Batman fans will likely get) is his only companion. One day Bruce forgets to leave water out for the cat, and Selina makes her way to the bathroom trying to find something to drink. Suddenly and inexplicably, Selina is savagely devoured by the newly sentient bathtub. Yes, strangeness is afoot chez Bruce. Things get even more bizarre, though, when our hero, needing a good soak for his aching muscles, heads off for the bath where he is… How shall I put this…?
He’s sexually assaulted by the bathtub. Needless to say that’s not something Bruce takes lightly.
It’s a brief tale but Pyle makes use of the pages he has. Down the Drain is fast paced, creepy, and downright bizarre. There’s some dark humor here, but he always takes the horror seriously, which I respect. The ebook is available for just $.99 at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
From my blog Rediscovering Horror Fiction
April 10, 2011
I may never take a bath or shower again. In fact, maybe I should just avoid all bathrooms with tubs/showers all together. This is a great short tale about well... a bathtub in a really bad freaking mood.
Unlike another book I read by this author, this one is much less realistic; it tries too hard, but on purpose. It wants to scare and shock you, but it really wants to make you do that "ha ha, I'm not scared" laugh while you lock the bathroom door - from the outside.
It takes a lot for me to enjoy a short story/novella/whatever you want to call them. I usually find them underdeveloped (duh) but I didn't feel that way at all with Down The Drain.
You need to be not a prude and enjoy a little scare tactics (and not mind a real WTF moment). Recommended for those that can take it :)
This is a fun horror little story, well worth purchasing.
Unlike another book I read by this author, this one is much less realistic; it tries too hard, but on purpose. It wants to scare and shock you, but it really wants to make you do that "ha ha, I'm not scared" laugh while you lock the bathroom door - from the outside.
It takes a lot for me to enjoy a short story/novella/whatever you want to call them. I usually find them underdeveloped (duh) but I didn't feel that way at all with Down The Drain.
You need to be not a prude and enjoy a little scare tactics (and not mind a real WTF moment). Recommended for those that can take it :)
This is a fun horror little story, well worth purchasing.
May 24, 2011
Down the Drain is exactly what you would want out of a short story. The novella is overflowing with scares as Pyle showers us with some cringe inducing images. In fact, the story was so stark and brutal that I was taken completely off guard (in the best way possible). Any thoughts that a story about a crazed bathtub would be funny and good-natured are wiped away after the first chapter. Pyle plays it straight and, ultimately, that is what elevates Down the Drain above other silly monster fare. This isn’t to say that Pyle doesn’t have fun with his audience. He does maintain playful prose throughout which helps to tie the whole story together. It is that wonderful juxtaposition of a silly-idea-taken seriously and serious-horror-written playfully that makes Down The Drain a novella that every horror fan should check out.
February 7, 2012
This story was DISGUSTING. Ew. Seriously nasty and icky. Of course, that's all a compliment coming from me. This is an original horror story (Stephen King had a story about something nasty down a drain in "Nightmares and Dreamscapes," but that was totally different). This one features a bathtub from hell, and a lot of jerking off and nasty gore. It also has a protaganist with half a brain, though, who doesn't just ignore it when the bathtub starts doing really antisocial things, and I appreciated that. The story is icky but worthwhile, and I enjoyed it (thought I may never take a bath again...thanks, Daniel Pyle...)
July 12, 2012
Super terrifying tale of a monsterous creature living in the pipes of your bathtub. It took me weeks to gather the courage to clean my bathroom, little on actually bathe in it.
Read my full review at Bloody Good Horror:
http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/b...
Read my full review at Bloody Good Horror:
http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/b...
April 9, 2012
I really loved this book. For such a short book, it really punched home the horror of what could happen in your bathroom. Well written and great character building (even the cat). Very creepy and yet entertaining. this book did not disappoint.
Thank you
Thank you
March 23, 2012
A nasty and disturbing story straight from the Twilight Zone---but with a modern edge. I dare you to read it in the tub....I bet that before the end you will opt to complete the story in the safety of a bed or your favorite chair. Really fun short story/novella by a good new horror writer.
Want to read
October 2, 2010Looking forward to this one :)
December 29, 2010
What a great story, and such an ending. Definitely makes you look at your tub a little closer, that's for sure!
November 18, 2010
Interesting little monster read. Very short. A little graphic, so be warned. But it didn't bother me.
February 21, 2011
CREEPY!! I'm not going to want to take a bath anytime soon.
May 20, 2011
Clever, funny, creepy. I love Mr. Pyle.
September 25, 2011
Very fast, but very creepy read! Who hasn't ever been creeped out by bathtub drains? Eeeee!
December 23, 2011
Cool short story, a little far-fetched, but fun. Poor kitty, though!
April 28, 2012
Crazy, twisted, humorous, graphic, smart... and that's all just the part of the story that's told from the cat's perspective! Awesome quick read. Thanks, Mr. Pyle.
August 29, 2012
Wacky little novella by Mr. Pyle. Did you just hear a noise in the bathroom?
October 4, 2010
A fun and sick quick read maybe you should stick with getting a shower
October 29, 2017
Flat out creepy and weird. And not in a good way.
March 12, 2011
With the pile of books that I have waiting in the wings, it's rare that I "borrow" books from people, and when people recommend books, I usually make a note of it and maybe I'll get to it, maybe I won't. Daniel Pyle's Down the Drain came recommended to me by a friend, and at first I was going to pass it by, but then I saw it was a small file (yes, I read it on the Kindle), and therefore knew it would be a quick read. I never expected to become so engrossed with it that I wouldn't want to put it down. I will note, however, that after the first chapter, I almost did put it down. I'll get to that later.
When Bruce's cat disappears, he's more than just a little upset. The cat has been a part of his family for over ten years and his only real friend since his girlfriend walked out. She's nowhere in the house, and the only thing he can think of that might explain her disappearance is that she had somehow managed to sneak out and she was lying dead in a ditch somewhere. Never in his wildest dreams would he guess the truth of what happened to his feline companion. But he's about to find out. It seems there's something living under Bruce's house. Well, that's not exactly right. There's something living in the plumbing, something that surfaces through the drain in the shower. There's really not much more I can say without giving too much away, but suffice it to say, there is a showdown. Who wins? You'll just have to pick it up to see.
I was kind of puzzled initially when I started reading Down the Drain, figuring I was going to be reading the story from the thing's point of view, but it didn't take long to realize that the first chapter is written from the POV of a cat. So we, the reader, know exactly what happened to Bruce's favorite feline. And this is where I almost put the book down. You see, I'm a sucker for animals. Yes, I love me some horror fiction, and you can maim, mutilate, butcher, cannibalize, and torture as many people as you want and it doesn't bother me (yes, I'm sick, I know it), but pleasepleaseplease leave the animals alone. Kill off an animal and you run the risk of losing me as a reader. That's just the way I am. BUT I persevered with this one. Why? It was short. I finished it in about an hour, hour and a half tops. And because my friend said she had really liked it.
Once I got past the kitty killing, I admit I enjoyed Down the Drain. The central (only) character is likable enough, and the creature, as far-fetched as it was, was interestingly original. I did find it a tad predictable, but I pushed on hoping to find out more about the origins of the creature. Yes, it was what I thought it was, but I wanted to know HOW it came into being. Unfortunately, that is never explained. It was well written and well plotted, and with an ending that leaves it wide open for a sequel. Pyle is an author I will definitely be reading more of—provided he stops killing defenseless animals in stories. If you have an hour or two to kill, I would definitely recommend checking this one out. You might question the rating of three stars if I highly recommend this one. It deserves four stars, but I feel compelled to deduct a star for the kitty.
When Bruce's cat disappears, he's more than just a little upset. The cat has been a part of his family for over ten years and his only real friend since his girlfriend walked out. She's nowhere in the house, and the only thing he can think of that might explain her disappearance is that she had somehow managed to sneak out and she was lying dead in a ditch somewhere. Never in his wildest dreams would he guess the truth of what happened to his feline companion. But he's about to find out. It seems there's something living under Bruce's house. Well, that's not exactly right. There's something living in the plumbing, something that surfaces through the drain in the shower. There's really not much more I can say without giving too much away, but suffice it to say, there is a showdown. Who wins? You'll just have to pick it up to see.
I was kind of puzzled initially when I started reading Down the Drain, figuring I was going to be reading the story from the thing's point of view, but it didn't take long to realize that the first chapter is written from the POV of a cat. So we, the reader, know exactly what happened to Bruce's favorite feline. And this is where I almost put the book down. You see, I'm a sucker for animals. Yes, I love me some horror fiction, and you can maim, mutilate, butcher, cannibalize, and torture as many people as you want and it doesn't bother me (yes, I'm sick, I know it), but pleasepleaseplease leave the animals alone. Kill off an animal and you run the risk of losing me as a reader. That's just the way I am. BUT I persevered with this one. Why? It was short. I finished it in about an hour, hour and a half tops. And because my friend said she had really liked it.
Once I got past the kitty killing, I admit I enjoyed Down the Drain. The central (only) character is likable enough, and the creature, as far-fetched as it was, was interestingly original. I did find it a tad predictable, but I pushed on hoping to find out more about the origins of the creature. Yes, it was what I thought it was, but I wanted to know HOW it came into being. Unfortunately, that is never explained. It was well written and well plotted, and with an ending that leaves it wide open for a sequel. Pyle is an author I will definitely be reading more of—provided he stops killing defenseless animals in stories. If you have an hour or two to kill, I would definitely recommend checking this one out. You might question the rating of three stars if I highly recommend this one. It deserves four stars, but I feel compelled to deduct a star for the kitty.
July 27, 2016
I downloaded this one because I love horror, and it has become harder and harder to find horror. I pick up something thinking its horror, and it turns out to be thriller....or sci-fi.
This one is horror. It is horror in the way that the campy slasher movies of old are horror, complete with sex. Except in this case there is no actual sex, just mastrubation. And no boobs, just....man parts.
In fact, what stuck with me more than the story itself was the sex. It was almost as if the whole story was a metaphore of masturbation and sexual violence/rape that I just can't put my finger on.
Anyway....The premise of the story is that Bruce's bathtub is alive, and apparently hungry. It eats his cat. It tries to eat him. It somehow transforms from the tub itself being alive, to a beastie living in the tub bursting forth to attack.
Okay, I like horror. I like monsters. I like the shock value of said monster in this story. Too much "horror" I've read lacks that shock value.
BUT...there is a bit of meat lacking out of this.
A good horror story is supposed to leave you slightly afraid of whatever seemingly innocent thing the story is about. While some readers who have reviewed this said they would never look at bathtubs the same after reading this....I can still bathe and shower without the slightest shiver of fear.
This one is horror. It is horror in the way that the campy slasher movies of old are horror, complete with sex. Except in this case there is no actual sex, just mastrubation. And no boobs, just....man parts.
In fact, what stuck with me more than the story itself was the sex. It was almost as if the whole story was a metaphore of masturbation and sexual violence/rape that I just can't put my finger on.
Anyway....The premise of the story is that Bruce's bathtub is alive, and apparently hungry. It eats his cat. It tries to eat him. It somehow transforms from the tub itself being alive, to a beastie living in the tub bursting forth to attack.
Okay, I like horror. I like monsters. I like the shock value of said monster in this story. Too much "horror" I've read lacks that shock value.
BUT...there is a bit of meat lacking out of this.
A good horror story is supposed to leave you slightly afraid of whatever seemingly innocent thing the story is about. While some readers who have reviewed this said they would never look at bathtubs the same after reading this....I can still bathe and shower without the slightest shiver of fear.
May 6, 2012
A curious man vs. bathtub tale. Who can't help thinking about something unfriendly lurking beneath the bathtub drain? This starts by sucking you in feeling sorry for the man's cat. Beyond that, the protagonist, Bruce, and the monster are somewhat cardboard creations. Readers never learn enough about Bruce to really care whether he lives or dies (no spoilers, you must read to find out which happens). And the monster is equally unknown. How did it get there? Why was it there? What was its purpose, if any? How long has it been there? If it has been there a long time, why did it wait so long to attack? And is hunger its motivation? We don't have to know these answers (and some may argue the unknown route is scarier, but this reader prefers to learn a little about what makes a monster tick). Maybe a chapter from the monster's point of view (since we get one from the cat's) might have answered some of these questions?
As far as action goes, the story moves rapidly from page one to the end. At one point I wondered why Bruce doesn't throw on some clothes before he returns to the bath with a sledgehammer? Maybe it was done for comic relief, but there was one too many flopping penis references. ;) I like some humor with horror but think this might have crossed a bit into slapstick territory. 2.5 stars rounded up.
As far as action goes, the story moves rapidly from page one to the end. At one point I wondered why Bruce doesn't throw on some clothes before he returns to the bath with a sledgehammer? Maybe it was done for comic relief, but there was one too many flopping penis references. ;) I like some humor with horror but think this might have crossed a bit into slapstick territory. 2.5 stars rounded up.
September 23, 2013
I want to give this story 3.5 stars, but have rounded up to 4. It's interesting, starting good. It gets surprisingly vulgar, then weird and intriguing, before ending.
The shortness works in the story's favor, so that's not an issue. The sex - or rather, the focus on the main character's masturbation - was unexpected and a little jarring. The monster is neat in and of itself.
Still the story has a downside, and that is that I never feel the main character is in any sort of real Threat, so the only horror comes from the bizarre nature of what he's dealing with, not because it may mean (shower)curtains for him.
Worth the price of admission.
The shortness works in the story's favor, so that's not an issue. The sex - or rather, the focus on the main character's masturbation - was unexpected and a little jarring. The monster is neat in and of itself.
Still the story has a downside, and that is that I never feel the main character is in any sort of real Threat, so the only horror comes from the bizarre nature of what he's dealing with, not because it may mean (shower)curtains for him.
Worth the price of admission.
September 23, 2012
As if the 1950s bathroom in my 80-something year old, slightly haunted house wasn't scary enough then I had to go and read this late at night! Now I'm afraid for my cats and like hell will you see me take a bath... strictly FAST showers from now on. But seriously, I enjoyed this more than Dismember, which felt like it was missing some things. However, this had moments that shocked me, made me squirm or widen my eyes. It was fun... in a shocking /terrifying way. Definitely a good read and very original. Maybe you'll think twice before masturbating in the shower after reading this?
May 6, 2014
I bought this short back in 2010 and it somehow slipped down my "must-read" list for a time, since back then I had just discovered Kindle as a reading platform and was buying books way faster than I could read them.
That's unfortunate, because as a work of short fiction, "Down the Drain" is a fun read. While not as sharp as his later works, Pyle's sense for supernatural horror is sufficiently unsettling that it might create sleepless nights for some. A solid introduction to his work.
That's unfortunate, because as a work of short fiction, "Down the Drain" is a fun read. While not as sharp as his later works, Pyle's sense for supernatural horror is sufficiently unsettling that it might create sleepless nights for some. A solid introduction to his work.
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