That's the gist of my second book that I am reviewing: Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry. The author, Mr. Maberry is a Pennsylvania native. He lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the eastern part of the state, not far from Philadelphia. Appropriately enough that is where this story takes place. Jonathan Maberry has been writing for a few years now, mostly non-fiction books about the occult and real-life hauntings. Ghost Road Blues is actually his first fiction novel, and the first of a trilogy, the other two of which have not yet been published. The second book is coming this summer, and the third the summer of 08'.
There is no real literary value here. What there is, is old-fashioned, horror fun with a well-written and engaging story. This book will never win a Pulitzer prize, nor does it deserve to. But it will keep you on the edge of your seat with an exciting, fast-paced plot. I'm not usually a big horror novel fan, but on occasion I get in the mood for one. I was in the mood for a horror story that's why I picked this up.
If your looking for literary substance, pass this one up. But if your looking for an exciting and entertaining read that will give you the creeps, by all means try Ghost Road Blues.
Similar Reading:
The Town- Bentley Little
This is a really creepy novel, that follows the same "small town and ancient evil" format that Ghost Road Blues has. The main difference between them: Ghost Road Blues has more of a plot and is much better written. The Town, is similar and I did enjoy it, but its more of a gore fest, cheap scares and a lot of graphic horror elements: sex, gore, violence etc. If you want a horror novel like that read The Town. If you want a horror novel that is really interesting with an engaging plot that has more depth and suspense read Ghost Road Blues.
5 comments:
Ever read Salem's Lot or The Stand? I'm not much for horror, either, but it's like white chocolate. Sometimes, I'm just in the mood, and both of these are pretty good. If you're skeptical, read the vampire one first. (It's shorter...)
Also, I have another website for you. I've written a few reviews on there under the psedonym "Jules Alder," but I grew disenchanted with the critical atmosphere of most of my, er, compatriots for reasons I'll only go into over a very tall beer and a double Gran Marnier, neat.
And that site would be The Blogcritics. It's edited by Eric Olsen, who also writes and does a lot of work for his little machine. If you felt like publishing, they would give you a go. All they ask is that you do your best...(just beware of young, know-it-all editors!)
Was there strong character development with this book? I usually read a lot of horror/occult books and the story is usually engaging but the substance of the characters is lacking.
I see you've delved into Bentley Little. I have heard of his novel The Town but have not gotten around to reading it. Have you ever read his book The Return? That book was really intriguing and disturbing. It puts you right into this world of chaos and sheer terror that it is very hard to put down. I highly recommend it if you like stuff by Bentley Little.
I like your decision to include similar readings. If I enjoy an author, I find myself wanting to explore his/her other works. Occasionally, I learn that I should have quit with the one I liked!
Elsie
Johanna: I've read both Salem's Lot and The Stand. I really enjoyed them both, but I did not care for the way that The Stand ended. It was such an epic novel, and I was really enjoying it so much, then it just seemed to end suddenly, not doing justice to the story. Salem's Lot I have no complaints against.
DMD: I thought the character development with Ghost Road Blues was better then most horror novels, but that's my opinion. I've read a couple of things by Bentley Little, but not the Return. I'll have to check it out. I can tell you I did read: Dominion and The Resort, both by Bentley Little. Dominion was disturbing as well, but very original and interesting. The Resort was a little cliched, but good never-the-less.
Ah, The Stand and that ending.
Arggh.
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