Deliciously Dark & Disturbing

Review:

That's what mortal terror felt like, he realized. Tiny fingers tickling you from the inside.
-Chapter 13

The dividing line between genius and insanity is very thin and quite permeable--which is why so many geniuses descend into madness.
-Chapter 33

It came down to that flexibility of a person's mind. An ability to withstand horrors and snap back, like a fresh elastic band. A flinty mind shattered.
-Chapter 36

Wow. This book is creepy and I couldn't put it down. There were times when I was cringing and trying to read a little faster just to get through a part - like when the sea turtle was attacked and during the vivd descriptions of the effects of the contagion.

This is very old school horror - gritty and bloody and gross. And it doesn't let up for all 358 pages. If you are squeamish, then this book is not for you. The sickness tears people apart and Cutter describes every detail vividly. He doesn't hold back, not one bit.

However, this book isn't all about gore. There is a psychological component to  the story. The group dynamics are fascinating. Each boy has his own back story that gives the reader insight into his actions on the island. Many times, it had me thinking of Lord of the Flies. But you add in this contagion and the stakes are raised immeasurably.

I kept trying to figure out who, if anyone would survive the island. But, it wasn't easy. Cutter kept that secret well hidden until the very end.

So, if you are a fan of creepy, gory horror that doesn't let up, then you need to read this book.

I will leave you with this quote that really resonated with me:

They'd made a pact to be friends forever, but forever could be so, so brief.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1285651/deliciously-dark-disturbing

Deck Z

Another example of modern man overcoming superstition. We have entered an age in which men of science and industry can bend the world to their will.
-Mr. Ismay

"Duty comes before my safety or yours. You're givin' into fear," Smith said firmly. "Don't be afraid of the fire, Thomas. Otherwise you'll miss the chance to be forged in it."
-Captain Smith

Author: Chris Pauls & Matt Solomon

Pages: 215

Genre: Horror/Historical Fiction

Stand Alone

My Rating: 4 / 5

Dr. Weiss is sent to Manchuria to investigate the outbreak of a new plague. The plague travels to the patient's brain and eats away at it, causing a violent madness. Dr. Weiss is desperate to find a cure for the plague. The Germans want to use the plague as a weapon. After isolating the "Toxic", Dr. Weiss realizes that his goals and the goals of the German Army are not the same. Dr. Weiss is determined to keep this plague from the Germans and tries to escape on the Titanic.

This book convincingly brings together the doomed voyage of the Titanic and zombies. The conceit of scientists and governments trying to control a plague and use it for their own goals is very believable. The authors obviously put some effort into making the Titanic and its voyage as realistic as possible. They used historical facts, background details, and actual people involved. There was Captain Edward Joseph Smith, J. Bruce Ismay (managing director of the White Star Line), Thomas Andrews (architect of the Titanic), and even the band that continued to play as the Titanic sank. I've come across these details before in other books about Titanic and that made the story seem more real, or at least more believable.

As for the zombie part, the plague spreading in a contained environment, fighting zombies in tight, enclosed spaces and the desperate need to contain the plague all had me on the edge of my seat. I was cringing in the right places, creeped out in the right places and cheering in the right places.

Recommended to:
This is a fantastic book. If you like zombie stories, give it a try. If you like your historical fiction with a big twist, give it a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Mr. Mercedes

Author: Stephen King

Pages: 436

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Stand Alone

My Rating:  5 / 5

A retired detective plays a cat & mouse game with a deranged killer and with the help of an unlikely group of friends, tries to catch him before he kills again. 

I am a huge Stephen King fan. He wrote my favorite book of all time, The Stand. So, I read everything he writes and tend to enjoy all of his books. This book was no different.  It kept me up a few nights and the 436 pages just flew by. The entire time I was reading, I was on the edge of my seat. I wasn't sure who would die and who would survive. No one was guaranteed to be safe in this book. 

Here's the Story:

In the opening of the book, a line of people is forming to wait for a job fair. People are waiting all night to be among the first to apply for the jobs. Times are difficult and they know there will be more people than jobs. As dawn arrives, a Mercedes speeds out of the fog and into the line, killing 8 people and injuring 15 others. The killer escapes.

Detective William Hodges was one of the officers investigating the case. He is now retired and feels like his life has no purpose. Then, he receives a letter from the Mercedes Killer. In the letter, the killer taunts Hodges, trying to push him into committing suicide. But, the letter gives Hodges a purpose, a reason to live. He is determined to catch the Mercedes Killer.

The Mercedes Killer, Brady Hartsfield (not a spoiler btw, this is revealed early in the novel) is clever and he is able to hide in plain sight. In order to keep an eye on Hodges, he drives an ice cream truck that can go almost anywhere without arising suspicion. He is determined to cause Hodges as much pain as possible and keeps an eye on everyone Hodges associates with.

How will this cat & mouse game end? And how many people will die in the process?

Characters:

Retired Detective Bill Hodges: A troubled retired detective who feels he has nothing to live for. His life is given new meaning when the Mercedes Killer taunts him with a letter. He wants to catch the one who got away.

Pete Huntley: Hodges old partner; he is still working.

Brady Hartsfield: The Mercedes Killer. He stole a Mercedes and drove it into a line of innocent people. He is taunting Detective Hodges and trying to make him commit suicide.

Deborah Ann Hartsfield: Brady's mother, a controlling alcoholic.  They have an unusual relationship.

Olivia Trelawney: The owner of the Mercedes that Brady stole to drive into the line of people at the job fair.

Janelle (Janey) Patterson: Olivia's sister, she helps Bill Hodges with trying to track down the Mercedes Killer.

Jerome Robinson: A friend of Bill Hodges, he takes care of Bill's lawn and computer issues. He helps Bill with trying to track down the Mercedes Killer.

My Thoughts:

This book had me on the edge of my seat. There were parts that were a little gross and some that were a little creepy. But what else would you expect from a Stephen King novel. I like that no one was completely safe. I knew people were going to die, but I wasn't sure who and I wasn't even sure the main character was safe. I felt connected to the characters and I was rooting for Hodges to succeed. Brady wasn't likable, but I could see where his life circumstances didn't give him much chance to be "normal". The characters had a very realistic feel and there were a lot of twists and turns in the story. If you enjoy Stephen King or crime thrillers, I think this is a good book for you. An interesting note for Stephen King fans, Christine & It were both referenced in the book. Could this book be the beginning of a series? I hope so, I would like to see more from these characters.