michaellouisdixon's reviews
666 reviews

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I keep seeing people talk about how amazing Judith Sonnet’s books are! I mean, I should already have been reading her—honestly. I first met her at 2022’s Killercon where I competed with her in the Gross-out contest. She won it easily! I should have jumped on reading her work asap. Well, it’s never too late to start. Reading HELL was a blast!

If you’re a ‘70s Italian Horror fan, this book is a MUST READ! From the opening page I was hooked. Boy, does she capture the vibe and presentation of those movies. I’m normally a fairly slow reader, but I tore through this book a quick as a violent prolapse down a bloody Slip-n-Slide. I feel like I binge watched an entire season of an Italian Gore revival. And this is a great thing!

Please, don’t hesitate to pick up this book. They aren’t making movies like these anymore, but Judith has it down to a work of art. Art with trigger warnings, but beautiful nonetheless.

MLD

Jump Scare: a chilling novella by Judith Sonnet

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

There was some pretty good scary moments in this book. I thought it was a fun read.

Saint's Blood by Ryan C Bradley

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

From the opening of this book until its very last page, I found this story gripping. I highly recommend this book.

MLD

Hell Hath No Sorrow like a Woman Haunted by R.J. Joseph

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I loved this collection of wonderfully macabre and creepy stories. R.J. is a master at the craft! She pulls you into an unsettling world and disturbing monsters. Sometimes you find the monsters are more sympathetic than your own family members. Most of these stories are pretty short, but they carry a LOT of weight nonetheless. I was fortunate enough to have seen R.J. do a live reading of her work, and I strongly encourage everyone to do the same if you ever get the opportunity. Hearing her stories in her own voice is a wonderful treat. Afterward, I can hear her voice as I read these stories to myself. Love it! I can't wait for her next collection!

I highly recommend Hell Hath No Sorry like a Woman Haunted!

MLD

My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced