ALL HORROR OCTOBER EXTRAVAGANZA!!

It may seem silly to promote an all-horror month on a HORROR review site, but I don't read horror exclusively (by any means), so I did have to curate my reading list for the month. I fell short of my goal of 13 books (cheesy, I know), but I blame that mostly on my viewing of major league baseball's playoffs this month. While I'm at it: A special thanks to MLB's effort to somehow make an already-lengthy game even longer...even further reducing my reading time budget.

Anyway, I did alright I suppose: 9 books read in October. Good luck to the contestants:

1: DUMA KEY, by Stephen King **C** The first two acts were better than the last act.
2: COLD MOON OVER BABYLON, by Michael McDowell **B** I read THE ELEMENTALS last year. This one is ever better.
3: COLD DEAD HANDS, by Jeff Strand **C** Strand is never bad, but this wasn't as good as his other stuff.
4: PENPAL, by Dathan Auerbach **A** A shoo-in for my top ten this year.
5: EXPERIMENTAL FILM, by Gemma Files **D** NOT a shoo-in for my top ten this year.
6: THE LONG SHADOWS OF OCTOBER, by Kristopher Triana **B** Another gem from Triana, but seriously: read FULL BRUTAL if you like extreme stuff.
7: Victor LaValle's DESTROYER, by Victor LaValle (graphic novel) **C** A must read for LaValle fans, but not quite as fun as other graphic novels I've read.
8: THE FISHERMAN, by John Langan **C** Stoker winner. Beautiful writing, but the story-within-a-story-within-a-story didn't retain my attention.
9: MY SOUL TO KEEP, by Tananarive Due **B** Brilliant stuff. Will definitely seek out more from her.

Worst: EXPERIMENTAL FILM, by Gemma Files

I really liked Files' collection, KISSING CARRION, so I was surprised that I didn't like this one more. I should also mention that EXPERIMENTAL FILM was the recipient of the Shirley Jackson Award. So... I may be in the minority with this. The book's plot is interesting enough: hallucinatory folklore monster attacking from the past? I just never felt engaged with the protagonist. I wanted to, but the book just wasn't sticking in my psyche at all.

WINNER: PENPAL, by Dathan Auerbach

I know that I'm late to the party with this one. It was published 7 years ago, received lots of critical acclaim, and you guys have probably already read it. BUT, if you haven't, you definitely NEED to. This is one of those rare books where I can honestly say that every aspect of the book is a home run. The premise: A man's mysterious past (no spoilers). The format: puzzle-style time/setting changes (I normally dislike this, but Auerbach does if flawlessly). The suspense: present and accounted for. The characters: few, but very well drawn and sympathetic. The ending: still haunting me. Read it!

Reviews by Jason Cavallaro