Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

Summer has come and gone, and fall is looming close in the rearview mirror (Objects are closer than they seem!). For us horror types, it means we're counting the days until our favorite holiday, and driving friends and relatives crazy with our talk of what we'll be doing this Halloween. Writer types, already thinking ahead, are preparing to send out stories with Christmas themes.

And Leisure is prepping us with two books designed to provide chills amidst the late summer heat.

Flesh by Richard Laymon

Flesh is the latest of the Laymon books to be reprinted by Leisure. As always with Laymon, you know what to expect. Gore, sex, violence, and scares. And ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

Ah, August. What a wonderful month. Too hot. In NY, too rainy. Too close to the end of summer. In fact, when you think about it, there's nothing really redeeming about it. So why is it so wonderful?

Because it's the one month in the summer that actually helps a writer write, by forcing him (or her) to stay inside. It's also great for reading, whether out on the deck or in the cool of the basement. And this month was particularly fun, because we get two books from two writers who are at the top of their game: Brian Keene and Gary Braunbeck.


Urban Gothic by Brian Keene

Brian Keene is a remarkable writer. He continues to put out good (sometimes great) book ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts


The first thing I noticed when I received my package of July books from Leisure was that they both take place in the winter. Now, I have to wonder, was this a conscious idea on their part, to perhaps give us an extra chill during the heat of the summer? Or was it pure serendipity? Come December, will we get two books that take place in the middle of a July heat wave? Personally, I've always enjoyed reading a book that takes place in the same season I'm currently living through, but that's just me. In any event, it will be interesting to see if Leisure follows through with any other seasonally-themed (or other themed) book pairings.

The Bone Factory ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

I love late spring/early summer. The weather is getting warmer, I can sit out on my deck and read while the ballgame plays in the background. I can start hiking again with the dogs. And it seems like there's a party every weekend. But I hate it, too, because I end up going through three sets of clothes every day, thanks to it being cold in the morning, hot during the day, and cool in the evening. What does this have to do with horror? Well, much like the weather, this month we have two very different books, both of which can be cruel and cold, and also surprisingly full of angry heat. And, just like the time of year, I found things to both love and ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

Here in New York spring is in full bloom, and much like this season, which gives us both new blooms and the re-emergence of perennials, we have a book by the relatively new John Everson, and a novel by one of horror's icons, Graham Masterton. I was able to take advantage of the warm weather and read these two very different books out on the deck while getting started on my summer tan. In a way, you could say these two are the start of the summer beach read books.

Death Mask by Graham Masterton

One nice thing about Masterton's writing is you never have to worry if you're picking up a stinker or not. He always comes through, even on the occasions when he ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

This month's two-fer from Leisure is not for the weak of stomach or faint of heart: we've got new books by Edward Lee and Ray Garton. So if you're looking for quiet, suspenseful tales of horror, you may want to check back next month. But if you like your monsters served up with a good dash of gore and enough sex to make any B-movie proud, then keep reading!


The Golem by Edward Lee

Surprisingly tame by Lee's standards. Is he mellowing with age or is this just a fluke? In any case, there's more story than in the previous books of his that I've read, and less dependence on the gross-out. I give it a B.

The Golem is actually the first book by Edward Lee ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts


Luckily, this month I've got some books that will keep you warm - as in, lying in a steaming pile of bloody guts warm. Both of this month's books are examples of what Leisure does best. Here in the Northeast winter is still upon us. This time of year many people are feeling depressed, whether it's from the economy, the bad weather, or the lack of sunshine. New Year's resolutions are falling by the wayside. So what better way to escape the doldrums for a while than to sit down with a good book?


Crimson, by Gord Rollo


A good, if not exceptional, book that will keep you reading to the end. If you enjoyed Stephen King's IT you'll enjoy this as well. Call ... (more…)

THE LEISURE CHAIR

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

Well, it's 2009 and there are certain things guaranteed: the economy is still faltering, the Yankees are already making headlines, and Brian Keene has a new book out. At least that's the one bright spot so far this year. On top of that, we've got another excellent novel guaranteed to keep the winter chill in your bones!

Castaways, by Brian Keene

This book is a kick-ass read that will have you laughing and afraid to turn off the lights. You'll definitely never look at reality TV the same again. The book version of what a great B-horror movie should be, this rates a solid A in my grade book.

Castaways is a surprise in more ways than ... (more…)

THE LEISURE CHAIR

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts

The holidays - and 2008! - are over. Thank whatever supernatural being you worship for a better year in 2009. The new year always brings to mind a fresh start - new beginnings, new goals, new achievements. With that in mind, the two Leisure releases I read over my vacation had me thinking out with the old and in with the new. But did they make the cut? Or are they doomed to fall to the wayside, like so many new year's resolutions? See for yourself.


Jake's Wake, by John Skipp and Cody Goodfellow

A smack in the face with the nasty stick, this book has no literary merit whatsoever, other than it's one of the best pieces of pure ... (more…)

Leisure Book Reviews and Random Thoughts


It's the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with a great big pile of steaming guts and blood, or a creepy kid prowling around beneath the tree? This month Leisure gives us two great books that sit on opposite ends of the horror spectrum.


Succulent Prey, by Wrath James White


Hard hitting, graphically violent, and filled with the kind of sexual content the Marquis de Sade would appreciate. This book isn't for everyone, but if you can look past the body parts and fluids, you'll find a surprisingly intellectual look into a disturbed human mind. Fans of Wrath will love it; the rest of the horror reading public with be split between ... (more…)