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Digger
In Digger by Arjay Lewis, readers meet Joshua Bennet, a young reporter grappling with his father’s mysterious and sudden death. Raised on his father’s stories of nocturnal horrors and having witnessed inexplicable events himself, Joshua doubts the official explanation of his father’s demise. Determined to uncover the truth, he sets out to find his father’s old ally, known only as Digger. Armed with nothing but an alias, Joshua’s journalistic skills are put to the test in a quest that proves more daunting than expected.
Throughout the novel, Joshua relies on childhood notes about his father’s escapades as a demon hunter, using his journalism career not only as a means to investigate but also as a disguise to deflect suspicion in the small, tight-knit communities he explores. These settings are vividly portrayed, with residents’ wariness adding a layer of authenticity to each encounter. Joshua’s pretense of researching articles lends him just enough credibility to continue his inquiries, gradually peeling back layers of mystery with each reluctant source he persuades.
Fans of supernatural dramas like “Supernatural” or “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will find Digger a novel take on the demon hunter narrative. Lewis refreshes a familiar genre by shifting the perspective to an outsider, adding a layer of intrigue and novelty. Without revealing too much, the narrative excels in drawing readers into Joshua’s relentless pursuit of the enigmatic Digger. The pacing of the book is deliberate, with early chapters setting a measured tempo that crescendos into a gripping, sleep-defying conclusion.
For those drawn to supernatural thrillers and horror, Digger promises a compelling blend of suspense and the unexplained.
Pages: 412 | ASIN : B0C5TKXXJS
Crime and the Supernatural
A Beast Within follows a normal-looking family with a dark secret who encounters three criminals on the run after a bank robbery. What inspired the setup of your story?
I always wanted to write a story combining both crime and a supernatural element to it. I wondered for a while on how to do this. So when A Beast Within came to me, I felt it was the perfect balance of both crime and the supernatural.
Your characters are well-rounded and offer readers some surprises as they get into the story. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Gosh, thank you so much for the compliment! I’m blushing here. I always try to make every character I write seem as real as possible. I use a method whereby I have different categories in an Excel sheet i.e. name, age, sex, hobbies, likes, dislikes, triggers, etc. By spending time working on the sheet and filling in these categories for each person, this approach helps me to make them into real people.
But to answer your question, I liked writing Natalie, not just because she’s a fellow Irish person, but because I tried to make her as evil as possible while still giving her a sympathetic backstory as to why she is this way. Jeremy was a challenge to write because, not only was he the protagonist and a criminal, but I had to make him a guy who wasn’t afraid to commit a crime if need be, but also show that he had a good side to him. It was also imperative to show readers that he really wanted to change and no longer revert back to crime so this, in itself, was a tough balancing act, coming up with ways that pushed him further back into his old life.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Ever since I was a kid, the unknown always fascinated me. Also, while growing up, I’ve had a few paranormal encounters so it let me know that it exists. Writing in the horror genre can be tough because you have to thrill people in ways that you can’t do in the fantasy genre. You have to take readers to a dark place and if you’re to fully immerse them into the story, you have to make them scared or feel uncomfortable. Dean Koontz and Stephen King are masters at this, two men I totally respect and admire for their craftsmanship as authors.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are a couple of books I am working on at the moment. In August of this year, I’m releasing, Deadly Pursuits – the sequel to The Lost Son (Second Edition). I’m also editing, Lurking Beasts – the final book in my YA horror series, The Hopps Town Series, which will be released in April 2025. Hopefully, two audiobooks based on my novels will be released this year as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Fresh out of prison, Jeremy vows to steer clear of a life of crime and clean up his act. But he quickly realizes that to the world, he will always be an ex-con and plunges back into his old ways. The perfect opportunity presents itself in the form of his best friend, Stephen, and his spunky girlfriend, Natalie.
After a failed bank robbery, Jeremy and his accomplices’ identities are made. So, they find refuge in the home of a typical Christian family. Their getaway should have been smooth sailing…after all it was three armed criminals against the wholesome Boyd family.
But the Boyds are hiding dark secrets of their own…
Get the latest pulse-pounding, thrilling novella by Aidan Lucid today!
“A Beast Within” ranked in 16th place in Malevolent Dark Horror Fiction’s December 2023 Top 25 Horror Fiction List.
A Beast Within
A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid intertwines the ordinary and the extraordinary, blending the lives of a quintessentially American family with a group of bank robbers, culminating in a suspenseful encounter with the supernatural. The narrative unfolds from two distinct perspectives, creating a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience. The book opens with a family – Malcolm, Helena, and David – who find themselves in a nightmarish scenario, encountering a werewolf on a desolate road. This traumatic experience serves as the reader’s introduction to the paranormal elements that permeate the story. The narrative then shifts to Jeremy, a character freshly released from prison. Despite his aspirations to leave his criminal past behind, he finds himself drawn back into that world by his friend Stephen and Stephen’s girlfriend, Natalie. This decision leads them to face unexpected and otherworldly consequences.
Lucid excels in pacing, crafting a narrative that is both brisk and captivating, making it an ideal read for those looking to immerse themselves in a story in one sitting. Jeremy, as a character, is particularly well-rendered, embodying a blend of vulnerability and resilience that makes him a compelling protagonist. His moral complexity adds depth to the narrative, presenting him as flawed yet fundamentally decent. The portrayal of trauma and its diverse impacts on individuals is a standout aspect of Lucid’s writing. The characters’ varied responses to their traumatic experiences are depicted with a sense of authenticity. For instance, while Jeremy grapples with lost self-confidence, Natalie turns to adrenaline-fueled activities for solace. These personal struggles inadvertently summon the supernatural forces that thrive on their fears and anxieties. While the novel effectively delves into these psychological themes, it leaves certain areas underexplored. The backstory involving Iraq, for instance, feels like a missed opportunity for deeper character development, particularly for Natalie, whose character at times feels limited in dimensionality. A more thorough exploration of this aspect could have enriched the narrative and offered a more nuanced understanding of her character.
A Beast Within is an engaging read for those who relish a blend of suspense, the supernatural, and psychological depth. Lucid’s storytelling is marked by a compelling plot twist that adds to the book’s overall entertainment value. Recommended for fans of thrillers and supernatural fiction, this novel is a testament to the exciting possibilities of genre blending.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0CJP9ND4N
People Are Complicated
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam follows a girl who wakes up on a deserted shoreline with no memories and surrounded by supernatural beings. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a deep appreciation for gothic fiction. One day the desire struck me to start on a story that would be somewhat of a love letter to the genre. To me, few things capture gothic storytelling better than horror. So, when I started writing Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, I wanted to draw inspiration from the classic themes and elements we all love in gothic literature and horror. Things like existentialism and abandoned places, for example. A misty, supernatural island seemed like a great place to start.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
That’s a great question. I think people are complicated, and though most are aware of that, there’s still this tendency to try and generalize others. Sometimes we’re quick to label them. Sometimes we oversimplify the complex problems they’re facing. We force black and white bottom lines onto gray areas. But no matter how much we do it, those complexities and gray areas are still there glaring back at us. Ignoring them doesn’t make them any less relevant.
Exploring parts of the human condition that are overlooked and shrugged off makes for interesting stories. At times it can be awkward. Sometimes ugly. But we can learn a lot from taking a moment to consider what others are going through. Maybe even learn more about ourselves—all while indulging in the escapism that stories deliver. Just look at the impact of a book like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
I felt that Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
It was, absolutely. I tend to be drawn toward dark stories that make me feel something or walk away with a different perspective, even if it’s not one I’m comfortable with. When I chose to write a tale set within the gothic horror genre, I felt a darker tone would be crucial to delivering the kind of story I wanted to tell.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently in the early stages of my next book, which will likely be more of a literary drama rather than horror. It’s hard to say when I’ll be finished with it, though I hope it won’t take me too long. In the meantime, I’d like to encourage readers of Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam to follow me on social media for updates. I’d love to hear from everyone.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Upon a deserted shoreline, Rue wakes alone with no knowledge of her past. Decades of wreckage lay sprawled across the beach. The days are impossibly short, and the weather foreboding. Worse are the supernatural beings that stalk the landscape, littering it with corpses. Using only her instincts, Rue embarks on a journey to reclaim her truth and find a way home—all while unraveling the isle’s dark secret.
A spooky weekend read brimming with gothic themes and atmospheric horror.
Some content may not be suitable for all audiences. For more information, please visit http://www.markgulino.com/novella.
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, by Mark Gulino, is a gothic horror novella that introduces readers to Rue, a protagonist shrouded in mystery. Rue awakens on a beach littered with remnants of the sea spanning decades and realizes she has no memory of her past. The only path available leads into a dense forest and further into the heart of the island. This setting, characterized by its persistently gloomy weather and unusually short days, forms the backdrop of Rue’s unsettling journey. As Rue navigates the island, she encounters other individuals who share her amnesiac condition. They are guided by an apparition known as Riel, who instructs them to rediscover their former lives. However, Rue and her newfound companions soon realize they are not alone on this island, hinting at deeper, darker mysteries to be uncovered.
Gulino’s narrative effectively creates an atmosphere of tension and intrigue from the outset. The reader is drawn into the story by questions surrounding Rue’s identity, the enigmatic Riel, and the island’s peculiar inhabitants. The island itself, with its haunting landscape and hidden dangers, adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates the novella. The characters offer a spectrum of personalities, providing points of connection for a diverse range of readers. Each character, despite their memory loss, retains distinct personality traits that contribute to the overall mystique of the setting. The writing style of the novella is intentionally crafted to be vague and mysterious, imbuing the story with a sense of intrigue and encouraging deeper engagement with the text. This stylistic choice invites readers to explore the narrative more thoroughly, often revisiting previous sections to uncover hidden layers of meaning. The amnesia experienced by the characters further enriches the narrative, adding complexity and depth to their personalities and traits, which unfolds gradually, keeping the reader’s interest piqued throughout the story.
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam offers a compelling foray into gothic horror, weaving together elements of mystery, amnesia, and survival in a setting that is both haunting and intriguing. While the writing style may occasionally obfuscate details, it contributes to the novel’s enigmatic and atmospheric quality, making it a notable addition to the genre.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0CJNL1P2T
A Surrender to Friendship
Someone Died in My House follows a man with a home inhabited by paranormal entities who has his balanced life torn apart while on a search for truth and justice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There is so much speculation about our mortal energy, as well as the power of real, genuine love sustaining itself, and whether or not both transcend this ‘earthly’ world. There have been countless, true stories of hauntings (my old ship-builder’s summer home in Nova Scotia was haunted by a friendly, residual spirit that I coaxed into walking towards the light, and it did.) The ‘bones’ of a house – its childhood, youth, adult life, and old age contain so many secrets that I couldn’t resist diving into a whole lot of research that in the end chilled me, made me laugh, and ultimately cry. I still cry when I think of the characters.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I wanted my characters in their desperation and failings to find kindness, compassion, and acceptance. All characters suffer and heal, but the way they heal is through a surrender to friendship, love, and self-belief. I treasure children more than anything; so, while in many stories children do suffer needlessly, I needed Annie not to be pushed into a life-threatening, dark place. There was enough suffering in my characters without dragging Annie into it. But I do want my readers to feel what the characters feel, and if possible, what I felt when writing it.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
This is a great question. I tend to lean more toward mystery/thriller in soft S/F, but I would have to say I was more submerged in the initial murder (covered up) that reached out to Ben’s loss and creativity and sense of justice in order to discover the tragedy. I felt there might not have been a haunting if someone else had lived there. Rigo, the artist, knew Ben would be the one to listen and reunite him with Lexi. First and foremost to me was that this was a ‘love story’ wrapped up in everything else.
What is the next book you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I have final-drafted two works hopefully for release in 2024: When Bones Call Out (a mystery/thriller set in 2008 in Montreal) and KOVU (a chiller/soft SF set in 2023 near Toronto).
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Graphic novelist, Ben Needham wakes up every day braced against something in his house, something that won’t leave. He works hard to create a near-perfect life for the three of them – himself, his daughter, Annie, and their dog, da Vinci. But when these disturbances blow out of control, Ben finds a team of forensic paranormalists who perform an autopsy on Ben’s house. Together they wade into its soulless history of murder and a cataclysmic haunting that redefines where life ends, and death begins. Ben surrenders what’s left of his fragile will to free his home from its terrifying anarchist and courageously opens a door he never knew existed, always asking himself what price he’d pay for truth, justice and unforgettable love.
Deadfall Mall
Deadfall Mall, by Michael Nohe, presents an intriguing take on the horror genre, set in the eerie, almost forgotten corridors of an abandoned mall in Deadfall, America. This novel, with its backdrop of desolate storefronts and deserted shopping avenues, cleverly subverts the typical bustling mall scene, transforming it into a site for leisurely strolls for those seeking refuge from unpredictable weather. The narrative escalates on Halloween, as ten individuals seeking solace from the clamor of the streets find themselves in a harrowing predicament within the mall’s confines, a journey from which most will not return.
Nohe skillfully blends elements of horror and thriller yet maintains a somewhat casual tone throughout. This approach infuses a unique flavor into the narrative, as the characters navigate their surreal situation with a surprising degree of nonchalance. The mall itself almost takes on a character of its own, with its mysterious and borderline supernatural occurrences. As a reader, one is invited to suspend disbelief and embrace the spooky, atmospheric setting of the story. A noteworthy aspect of Deadfall Mall is its accessibility to readers new to the horror genre. The scenes, while engaging, are not overly intense, making it an excellent introductory choice for those not yet ready to delve into more intense horror literature.
The worldbuilding is solid, firmly rooting the story in a setting that, despite its fantastical elements, feels real and tangible. The dialogue is unique–sometimes echoing the style of older horror films. For those who find charm in this approach, the novel offers a quick, entertaining read. It’s particularly suitable for those not typically inclined towards heavy reading and those who may be looking to explore more literary avenues.
Michael Nohe’s Deadfall Mall is a compelling and accessible foray into horror, blending the everyday with the uncanny, and offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Its blend of mystery, casual tone, and relatable setting makes it a noteworthy addition for readers looking to explore horror in a less intimidating format.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CJ3GG6X6
A Horrifying Experience
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer follows an ex-con hearse driver who encounters a mythical dog, the Molossus, one night, taking him on a thrilling journey into the darkness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer is a story I started developing about 20 years ago. I wanted to make a story that could use a common event and turn it into a horrifying experience. That’s when I started to wonder, how can I make walking a dog that horrific event? That’s when I came upon the idea of a dog that looks old but is much older than what is possible. It first started as 200 year old dog, then while I was at it, I changed it to a dog that’s over 2,000 years old. As a bonus, I added magical powers, that the dog would grant the owner a life of luxury but in trade for the promise of a violent death. That setup a kind of Sword of Damocles situation that I found interesting. Then I discovered a list of instinct dog breeds where I found that one great dog breed was called the Molossus that went extinct in 1815 after first being discovered by none other than Alexander the Great. The last little touch was how to frame the story. So, I picked a profession that I first heard on a radio blog about a body transport and the sights, sounds, and smells of such a challenging and high-turnover job. This put the Molossus in the path of a hearse on a country road. That is when all the elements came together, and after that, the writing of the story came together pretty quickly with all the pieces in place.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Old Man Moyer was the most fun. Most of his appearance is practically all dialogue as he pontificates about his life and history. I had a fun time with the Old Man. I didn’t really have a challenge with any of the characters as they came to me pretty fluid, and they all found their voice pretty easy.
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
Absolutely, the story was always meant to be dark, as dark as I could get it. Beyond just what is spoken and the actions of the characters, I did load it up with dark elements: a hearse called the Deathmobile, psychics, dead bodies, paranormal, ghosts. And all of this fell into place in all formats, including the audiobook, in time for a Halloween release, which was perfect.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on the sequel to The Molossus of Old Man Moyer, which is really a prequel and will be one of two sequel/prequels anticipated within the next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 