Well Worth A Read

Sunday, December 17, 2023

THE BEDMAKERS by Chad Lutzke and John Boden

After two elderly men tire of their homelessness in downtown Chicago 1979, they hop a train in search of work out west. But before their last stop, a traumatic event in an empty train car steers their once-hopeful journey into a path of chaos filled with deceit, murder, graverobbing, and dormant secrets.

Once in a while, I take a break from horror to read something different. It takes a gifted storyteller to pull my attention out of my horror novels so it doesn't happen often. When I saw this collaboration from Chad Lutzke and John Boden there was just no way I was going to be able to concentrate on any other book before reading The Bedmakers.

So who are The Bedmakers? I'm glad you asked.

Calvin and Eugene are former servicemen and homeless best friends facing hard times in 1979 Chicago. They decide to head out west for the warmer climate and possible work.

Even though they share everything, one is keeping a secret from the other, or at least he's trying to... On the way they run across some shocking trouble but that's nothing compared to what they find when they settle in at their destination. A quaint little town they think of as Mayberry has some secrets of its own and a few dangerous residents.

Eugene and Calvin have such a genuine friendship that I couldn't help but fall in love with both of them. They are the kind of gentlemen I'd be happy to sit down and share a conversation with or invite to my table for a meal, and if anyone said a word against them or their too worn out clothes I'd smack them. Although for elderly gentlemen they do quite well at defending themselves and each other when needed.

I still feel a little emotionally hungover from this story. If you are looking for a book with all the feels this is it.

5 out of 5 stars

I received an advance copy for review.

Expected publication date February 13 2024

Goodreads page

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger

Step into the dark roots of Christmas past where the Krampus punishes the bad boys and girls.

Christmas time is truly the darkest and creepiest time of the year filled with devilish creatures lurking in the shadows waiting to get us. Best known is the Krampus who has been the subject of films and songs. There was a time in the late 1800s when people sent Krampus cards, not holiday greetings. There are other violent and dangerous monsters from all over northern climes who have been hunting naughty children for centuries. From shapeshifters to mountain trolls, to elves, to heavy-handed cohorts of Saint Nicholas, the Christmas holiday has been filled with ghosts and monsters ready to dole out punishment to those who need it.
The Fright Before Christmas will delve into the folklore of Krampus and his friends with the elf-like Tomten and the goblinesque Karakoncolas. The Belsnickel is ready to hit us with his switch of sticks and Gryla may drag you back to her mountain lair. And watch out for the Yule Cat ready to pounce! These are just a few of the yuletide beasties coming for us in The Fright Before Christmas in the hope they can save us from ourselves.

The folklore roots of Christmas under its many other guises (Yule, the Winter Solstice, Saturnalia) is examined in a different, darker light. The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid. It’s the shortest day of the year. The longest night. In some parts of the world, the sun doesn’t rise at all. It’s dark, and we have to wonder if the sun will ever come back at all. Christmas has always been creepy and with The Fright Before Christmas you'll see the other side. This is a book for everyone who loves a little darkness around the holidays.

Be good or the Krampus will get you!

Just a super quick review today because I'm still on a break.

The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger is a well-researched, entertaining, and informative look at the history of Christmas, Santa, Krampus, Belsnickel, The Yule Cat, and more. It includes the traditions, beliefs, and origins of Christmas trees, wreaths and several winter time creatures that I was not familiar with. I quite enjoyed it.

This is a must read for anyone who loves folklore as well as Christmas. I never knew where the tradition of hanging garlands came from or why we kiss under the mistletoe. I learned this and so much more in this fascinating and educational book. The illustrations are spectacular too!

5 out of 5 stars

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About the author

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Twelve Days of Christmas Horror Volume 3 by Rick Wood

The third Christmas horror anthology from horror master Rick Wood...

Featuring such stories
- Santa Vs Krampus
- Charades With a Side of Rage
- Carolling With Killers
- Christmas in Hell
- Christmas Night of the Living Year Two
(and much more...)

It's time to bring a little horror to the festivities...

Having enjoyed the first two volumes of Twelve Days of Christmas Horror I looked forward to this final installment.

Unfortunately for me, this did not live up to my expectations. Some of the sarcastic wit is still present but the dark humor that I so loved in the previous volumes was not up to par.

There were only two stories that I enjoyed. The majority of this book was more flat than fearsome.

Also, I don't know if it was done purposely or if there was a mishap at the printer but my copy has no page numbers until you get to 104 and then they end at 114 even though the book continues on for several more pages. It just added to the feeling that not much effort was put into this volume.

You may enjoy it more than I did, but this one was just not for me.

2 out of 5 stars

About the author

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Best Horror of 2023

Another year of great books has gone by and I have been privileged to have a front-row seat for some fabulous reading. These are my picks for the Best Horror of 2023. The title links will take you to the book synopsis, review, author information if available on Goodreads, and Amazon page. If you're looking for something spectacular to read allow me to recommend any or all of these twelve books.