The Terror (2007) – Dan Simmons

So I’ve perused a couple of lists of most terrifying and scary books and on almost all the lists I’ve checked, Dan Simmons appears on them for two books, Carrion Comfort and The Terror. I wasn’t quite ready for Carrion Comfort but the idea behind the story of The Terror is fascinating, as the basis…

Indiana Jones and the Philosopher’s Stone (1995) – Max McCoy

Nicholas Flamel. The Philosopher’s Stone…. No, I’m not re-reading the Harry Potter books, at least not yet, I’m digging into the next Indiana Jones adventure. Coming two years before the first Harry Potter novel, Max McCoy’s first stab at an Indiana Jones story melds the legendary tomb of Hermes, and the enduring myth of alchemy,…

Pet Sematary (1983) – Stephen King

This week’s great Stephen King re-read brings me the horror classic, Pet Sematary, which I read in the mid-80s, shortly after I had discovered the prolific writer. I remember greatly enjoying it, and being very unnerved by King’s riff on the famed horror story The Monkey’s Paw. This time around I was entertained by it, but…

Indiana Jones and the White Witch (1994) – Martin Caidin

London 1930 The adventures of Indiana Jones continue with Martin Caidin’s second novel featuring the heroic archaeologist. Coming on the tails of the previous book, Indiana Jones and the Sky Pirates, this story shows that Caidin is more comfortable with the the set pieces that pop up in the iconic series, but it still seems…

Fate (2019) – Ian Hamilton

Ian Hamilton has crafted a series of novels about a forensic accountant, Ava Lee, who is Chinese-Canadian, and each one has been a fantastic ride, as well expanding on her character, and the world she lives in they’ve also introduced us to a variety of characters, some of whom have gone on to be fan…

Smile of the Wolf (2018) -Tim Leach

Getting its Canadian release this month from Anansi Press, Smile of the Wolf by Tim Leach is a powerful Icelandic tale set against a backdrop of ice and revenge, where honor is the only law. Kjaran is a poet, and spends winters in the homes of those who would take him and hear his songs…

Paprebacks From Hell (2017) – Grady Hendrix

Grady Hendrix wowed and delighted me with his nostalgia, and horror filled, My Best Friend’s Exorcism, and I’m always on the look out for the other books he’s written. So when I came across his non-fiction book, Paperbacks From Hell, documenting the paperback horror novels of the 70s and 80s, I had to grab it…

Carrie (1974) – Stephen King

Stephen King’s first novel is on the book shelf this week. It has literally been decades since I read this one. In fact, I remember exactly where I was when I was reading the climax of the story. It stayed with me. So I was happy to revisit it, and see how much I enjoyed…