What’s news for horror writer Paul D. Dail?
Not too much new to report since my last post about a week ago.
However, I will say that I’m still the proud papa of a Top 50 Kindle Horror Short Story ebook. Free Five has held in the top 50 for over a year and a half since its release.
As always, it’s free, so if you haven’t already checked it out, I’d appreciate it. If you already have, thanks for your support.
But now, without further ado…
For full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from Kensington Publishers for an honest review.
But I’m not going to lie. I like Hunter Shea. And the good thing is, in addition to being a cool guy, he’s a talented writer. So an honest review is easy.
So NOW without further ado…
From Kensington Publishing:
It Kills. . .
On a hot summer night in Montauk, the bodies of two local bar patrons are discovered in the dunes, torn to shreds, their identities unrecognizable. . .
It Breeds. . .
In another part of town, a woman’s backyard is invaded by four terrifying creatures that defy any kind of description. What’s clear is that they’re hostile–and they’re ravenous. . .
It Spreads. . .
With every sunset the terror rises again, infecting residents with a virus no one can cure. The CDC can’t help them; FEMA can’t save them. But each savage attack brings Suffolk County Police Officer Gray Dalton one step closer to the shocking source of these unholy creations. Hidden on nearby Plum Island, a U.S. research facility has been running top-secret experiments. What they created was never meant to see the light of day. Now, a vacation paradise is going straight to hell.
So yeah, that about says it all. Actually, there is one more thing I would add which is New York Times best selling author Jonathan Maberry’s praise for one of Hunter Shea’s other books, Forest of Shadows, which the publisher included on the cover of The Montauk Monster.
“Shea combines ancient evil, old-school horror, and modern style.”
Okay, now everything has been said 🙂
Seriously, though, I definitely enjoyed reading The Montauk Monster. For a dyed-in-the-wool horror fan who grew up with the classics but also a warehouse of B movies, this one has it all. Sex right off the bat, followed quickly by gore. And it doesn’t let up from there.
In fact, besides spinning a good yarn, I’d say the ability to maintain tension is one of Shea’s greatest strengths. He is a master of the “old-school” cliffhanger. While a couple of the transitions from the proverbial “cliff” to a new set of characters were a little disorienting as I tried to remember what the new characters were doing the last time I saw them (I read mostly at night, sometimes after a couple drinks, so… you know…), for the most part, his moments where he left me hanging really just left me wanting to keep reading (and resist the strong urge to just flip ahead, something I’ve never done, but damn, he tempted me).
I’ve seen a couple reviews criticizing the military actions and response to the threat in the book. Tough one. On one hand, I’m not a member of the armed forces or law enforcement, so I can’t say for sure. I do know that they are trained to suppress fear and not act like the rest of us when faced with an emotion that triggers fight or flight (typically “fight” in the human animal, right?). However, I think most of the rules go out the window when being attacked by rampaging beasts shredding up people all around you by the dozens. And besides, I wasn’t reading this book to find an ordered, logical military response. I was expecting complete and total pandemonium.
Check.
If everything I’ve described here appeals to you on any level, pick up The Montauk Monster. You won’t be disappointed.
(links included at the end of the post)
As promised, I have a few words from the author, Hunter Shea. He writes to us from Maine with some brief, drive-by thoughts from a horror writer on tour.
“Thanks for nothing, Stephen King.
I’m up here in his home state, in a town where he once lived and penned some of his earlier novels. They don’t speak much of him here. It’s not because they’re not proud. Mainers keep things close to the vest. Braggarts need not apply.
But because of you, Mr. King, I constantly wonder what really goes on in the hearts and minds of your people. Long winters can make for a different life view. Sure, at this moment, it’s in the high 80s and sunny and about as perfect as a day can get. But it’s the after-effects of a winter that spans most of the year that concern me. This past winter was brutal, even for us New Yorkers. I think we all went a little nuts toward the end.
So here I am, enjoying my vacation, but also looking forward to a book signing and an event tonight at the local library. Tonight I’ll talk about how things started for me and most importantly, the 40 year journey that brought The Montauk Monster to the light. I’ll do my damnedest to be informative and witty and hopefully inspire someone to write and strive to be published.
Since I’m here in KingLand, I’ll also be wondering if there are any Annie Wilkes in the audience. You know, she of the penchant for hobbling in Misery, one of the best horror movies of all time and a niggling fear in the back of every writer’s mind. Thankfully, I won’t be driving in snow. But does King know something I don’t? Will I have to check my rearview mirror constantly on my drive, at night, back to my room? My family is here, so I have witnesses…and allies. I’m sure I’ll be just fine. No one cares about some mid-list horror/thriller writer. Right?
I should stop worrying and just get in the cock-a-doodie car already.”
What do I want from you?
Give a little love to a talented horror writer finding his way (and I’m not talking about me this time 🙂 ). Even if The Montauk Monster doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, head over to Hunter’s blog to find his complete collection. You might find something else that will pique your interest.
Here are the links to most things Hunter Shea:
The Montauk Monster is available at these links to: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kensington Publishing.
You can also find out more about Hunter at www.HunterShea.com
Finally, I know posts are sporadic as of late, but if you’ve enjoyed what you read here, please subscribe to receive posts via email or RSS feed (on the right hand column) so you won’t miss anything when I do get the opportunity to say something. NO SPAM, I promise.
Paul D. Dail 