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Case Files From The Nightfall Detective Agency: Trail of the Zombies
Trail of the Zombies is a supernatural detective story set against the haunting backdrop of 1920s America. The novel follows a trio from the Nightfall Detective Agency as they unravel a sinister conspiracy tied to eugenics, Indian boarding schools, and a nefarious project called the Utopia Institute. Zombies, mind control, and historical evils merge into a narrative that is both pulpy and painfully relevant. At its core, the book is a thriller with a conscience, blending paranormal intrigue with real-world atrocities.
The writing in Trail of the Zombies is striking in its directness and conviction. Gordon confronts the grim realities of the era head-on, refusing to soften or obscure their brutality. Chapter five, in particular, stands out as we are introduced to the eugenicist architects behind the Utopia Institute. Their dialogue, steeped in cold-blooded ideology and unapologetic prejudice, is profoundly disturbing and all the more powerful because of it. Gordon draws unsettling parallels between fictional characters and historical figures such as Harry Laughlin and Madison Grant, blurring the line between fiction and fact. The result is a narrative that reads like speculative history, yet feels alarmingly authentic.
The novel’s use of zombies is particularly compelling in its departure from conventional tropes. Initially, I approached this element with some hesitation, given how frequently the genre relies on familiar, often superficial portrayals. However, Gordon subverts expectations by grounding his depiction of zombies in Haitian Vodou tradition, reframing them not as mindless predators but as victims, individuals chemically manipulated and robbed of their will. This interpretation transforms the horror into something far more poignant. The attack on Professor Wallace in chapter one, for instance, is not simply a moment of terror; it is a sobering reflection of exploitation and control. The fear evoked is not of the undead themselves, but of the systems and individuals who create and command them.
What I also loved was the supernatural detective team at the heart of the story. Tori is a vampire with attitude and compassion. Frank is a golem with a heart. Mueller brings a touch of old-world wisdom. Their banter adds humor, but more importantly, their compassion balances the grim subject matter. When Tori rescues Malia from the Institute’s goons at the synagogue, it’s a fist-pumping moment of justice. The way Gordon blends mythology with gritty noir detective work just works.
Trail of the Zombies is an unexpected yet impactful work, gritty genre fiction used as a vehicle for urgent historical and moral inquiry. Beneath its pulp-inspired exterior lies a pointed critique of systemic injustice, particularly in relation to eugenics, racism, and the abuse inflicted on marginalized communities. Readers with an interest in social history, speculative fiction, or political horror will find its themes both provocative and emotionally resonant. Some passages, particularly those involving the mistreatment of children, are difficult to endure, but they serve a necessary purpose. This is a forceful and unflinching novel one that challenges as much as it entertains.
Pages: 158 | ASIN :B0DFM8W9FJ
Dream-Logic Terror
The Dream Killer follows a man who is horrified to discover the body of a missing child prodigy in his basement. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Dream Killer came straight out of a recurring nightmare I’ve had for years—decades, actually. The first time I had it was in the early ‘90s when the JonBenét Ramsey case was all over the news. I was about ten, so I didn’t really understand what had happened, just that a little girl had been found dead in a basement and that nobody knew who did it. I guess my brain took that fragment of information and processed it into a nightmare.
In my dream, I found JonBenét’s body, and somehow, I knew I was the one who killed her… but I had no memory of doing it. My parents knew too, and they helped me cover it up—hiding the body, making sure no one found out. But the police were onto me, questioning me, circling closer. The overwhelming feeling was this deep, gnawing dread. I was free… but not really. It was just a matter of time before the other shoe dropped before I was exposed and my whole life was over.
And this nightmare kept coming back. It wasn’t always JonBenét (I’m not a total psychopath), but the core of it was the same: I’d find a body, I’d know I was responsible, and the dream was all about covering it up, not getting caught, and feeling the crushing guilt of having done something unspeakable. I’d wake up from these dreams still carrying that feeling—sometimes it would take me ten, twenty minutes to shake it off and realize, Oh. Right. I didn’t actually kill anyone.
Then, a couple of years ago, I had the nightmare again… but this time, it didn’t stop. It evolved. It played out past the usual cycle of guilt and cover-up, into an Act 2 and an Act 3. And in this “sequel nightmare,” I finally got answers: Who am I? Who is the girl? Why was she killed? What does it all mean? I woke up from that version of the dream so excited because I love movies and books that feel like nightmares stuff like War of the Worlds (Spielberg’s version), Eraserhead, The Trial, The Metamorphosis. I’d always wanted to write something that captured that kind of dream-logic terror, but whenever I tried to force it, it never entirely worked. It always felt like… trying too hard.
But with The Dream Killer, I didn’t have to force anything. I’d say 80% of it is the nightmare. I just translated it into a novel. It’s pure id, ego, and superego—raw and unfiltered. And I finally managed to create something that feels like nightmare fuel… because it is nightmare fuel. It comes straight from that part of me.
Which of your characters is most similar to you or to people you know?
Ethan is kind of a cipher for the everyman—he’s technically me, in the sense that he’s the dreamer who finds the body. He spends the story constantly bewildered by the shifting, surreal world around him, which is exactly how I felt in those nightmares.
Sophia Labelle, on the other hand, is this rebellious, film-school-dropout-turned-director—a sort of splatterpunk filmmaker. She came from this idea I had back when I was in film school. I used to always say, “Where’s the female Tarantino? I bet if there was one, people would lose their minds over her movies.” And this was before Julia Ducournau and Coralie Fargeat came onto the scene, so Sophia is kind of my imagined version of that—a cocky, fearless filmmaker who makes these ultra-violent, no-holds-barred films. She doesn’t compromise, and she doesn’t care who she offends.
Was there a risk you felt you took in this book? With your characters or with the plot?
The biggest risk I took with this book was trusting that readers would connect with its subconscious, dreamlike logic. It operates on nightmare rules—things don’t always make immediate sense, but instead of holding the reader’s hand, the story asks them to just feel what Ethan is going through.
I really believe that if you go along with that experience, everything clicks into place by the end. There are plenty of clues dropped throughout, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll start to piece together what’s really happening. What I’m most proud of is that early readers have embraced that challenge. Instead of needing everything spelled out, they’ve leaned into the mystery, becoming detectives in their own right. And hopefully, by the time they reach the twist, it feels like this mind-blowing, cathartic moment that makes it all worth it.
Can we look forward to more books from you soon? What do you currently have in the works?
Right now, I’m working on a book called The End, which follows a man trying to make sense of his girlfriend’s suicide. It explores themes of the afterlife, and I’ve got it fully outlined—but there are still some missing pieces that I need to make it as strong as it can be.
Right now, I’m letting the idea marinate. I know it’s close, but I’m waiting for that spark of inspiration to bring everything together—especially in a way that truly cements it as a horror novel. That’s the missing piece. So for now, I’m just living with the idea, letting it evolve in the back of my mind until writing it feels inevitable.
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His quest leads him to James LaRoche, a scientist who believed people could kill within their dreams. As Ethan unravels a global conspiracy, every clue ensnares him deeper, unveiling horrors beyond imagination. Welcome to… The Dream Killer.
The Dream Killer
Adam Cosco’s The Dream Killer is a psychological thriller that hooks you from the very first sentence and doesn’t let go. The story follows Ethan Webman, a man whose ordinary life is shattered when he becomes entangled in the mysterious disappearance of a child prodigy, Mary Kay Redding. What begins as an eerie news report soon spirals into a waking nightmare as Ethan discovers her lifeless body hidden inside his own basement carpet. The novel expertly blurs the line between reality and paranoia, leaving the reader questioning what is real and what is part of some greater, sinister design.
Cosco’s writing is vivid and unsettling in the best way. His descriptions plunge you into the thick of Ethan’s growing dread, like the moment he first unrolls the carpet and sees a strand of blonde hair, a slow, horrifying revelation that made my stomach drop. The scene where his mother walks in, unknowingly asking for the same carpet, adds an unbearable tension, forcing Ethan and us to confront the unthinkable. There’s something cinematic about Cosco’s pacing, the way each revelation lands like a gut punch, pulling you deeper into the mystery.
The novel’s greatest strength is its psychological complexity. Ethan is a man drowning in uncertainty, not just about the crime but about himself. The way his past, his father’s illness, and his own isolation intertwine with the investigation creates layers of unease. When Detective Harris enters the picture, the novel takes on a suffocating quality, each interaction a game of cat and mouse where Ethan is the rat trapped in a maze he doesn’t understand. And the symbol, the triangle with three dots lurks at the center of it all, a haunting, ever-present mark of something ancient and unknown.
Cosco’s style leans into slow-burn suspense rather than explosive action, making every discovery feel earned rather than handed to the reader. Some might find the narrative’s dreamlike quality disorienting, especially as Ethan’s grip on reality loosens. But this is what makes The Dream Killer so effective, it lingers, crawls under your skin, and refuses to leave, much like the chilling final scene where Ethan begins to question whether he ever had control over his own actions at all.
The Dream Killer is perfect for fans of dark, cerebral thrillers like Gone Girl or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. If you enjoy stories where paranoia, conspiracy, and fractured identities collide, this book will keep you up at night. It’s the kind of thriller that makes you glance over your shoulder long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly recommended.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0DTMPDJXR
Noir Mysteries
Case Files From the Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy’s Vengeance follows a vampire and werewolf detective who discover a gruesome murder, leading them on a race against time to solve the case before a curse causes a global catastrophe. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, I was partially brought up by my Dad on Universal and Hammer Horror movies along with good noir mysteries like 1932’s and 1959’s Mummy, The Wolfman, Murder on the Orient Express, American Werewolf in London, and Laura. I wanted to create a story in that tradition. I was also influenced by modern television shows like Forever Knight and Supernatural.
Your book introduces readers to some unique and interesting characters. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I think Tori is the one I had the most enjoyable time writing because she originally came from the time travel stories of the Jigsaw Universe and she has a strong dynamic persona coupled with the arc of coming to grips with her vampirism. Frank the Golem was probably the most challenging in this tale but you will see him develop more in the next installment of the series.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
That you can apply the human condition through the parables of these tales. That makes them educational as well as entertaining.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two: Trail of the Zombies came out last October and has generated some praise. The link is below. It takes our characters to the Tucson-Marana area a year after the events of the first book and it deals with our detectives having to solve a murder mystery before an evil organization can create an army of Zombie Slaves from the Native American students they are persecuting. This book, especially the first chapters, is very dark.
The third book of the series, Fury of the Vampire will be out this October.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Blue Sky | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
But the discovery of a gruesome murder plunges them into a race against time. At the heart of the chaos is the Eye of Aten, an ancient relic of unimaginable power capable of unleashing a deadly curse. With the help of an unusual team—including a golem with a surprising soul—Tori and Mueller must stop a fanatical cult from triggering a global catastrophe.
As alliances crumble and supernatural forces clash, Tori and Mueller face their most dangerous enemy yet. Can they contain the curse, or will the world fall to the Mummy’s Vengeance?
Twists and Turns
Wolf’s Hyde follows a sheriff investigating several murders that don’t appear to have been committed by a human. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a “different” story that gave nods to all my favorite tales in the genre. The movie The Usual Suspects is one of my favorite movies, and I wanted to create something that had that level of twists and turns. It was also very important for me to write a fast-paced book. I wanted to draw non-readers in. So, from the first page, it launches the reader into the fire and keeps them there until the end. If I can give them nightmares while still wanting to keep reading, then I have done my job… Hopefully.
How much and what kind of research went into the elements of folklore in your book?
Weeks that turned into Months. Burning my eyes out from internet searches and making sure I wasn’t going too far to be disrespectful of the Navajo culture. From the historical points to the folklore, I dug deep and wide, looking for anything I could pull ideas and inspiration from but was still broad enough that I could make it my own. I have Native American heritage that goes back through my family tree, so it is something that I have been drawn to since I was a kid.
What is it that draws you to write horror stories?
Being born in the late 70s, all we had in the 80s and early 90s growing up were paperback books. We didn’t have thousands of movies out as we do now that you can watch from the comfort of your bed to your toilet. If you were a horror fan, you read. That’s what we did. Horror has always been something that not only I was drawn to but my family as well. Saturday afternoon Thriller Features, Twilight Zone, and Tales from The Darkside were constantly on our TV while growing up. There is just something about being scared that draws me in for more. It’s like a roller coaster rush to me.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am wrapping up a novella titled “Sexbomb.” It is a story that takes place in the late 1970s Las Vegas. Where we find the famous singers Tom Jones and Billie Preston are vampire hunters. It’s a mixture of Fear and Loathing meets Fright Night. Lots of dark humor. I am shooting for the spring of 2025 for the release.
But have no fear. I have already started two follow-up books to “Wolf’s Hyde.” There is much, much more to come from Tanaka and Norman. As well as other characters from the book. I didn’t intend to make a series out of this story but as it came to the end I was like… yes… this needs to be a series. Even I wanted more.
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From the author who brought you the horror story collection, Free Candy, comes the novel Wolf’s Hyde. From the trenches of Nazi Germany to the streets of Detroit. Follow one man’s crusade fueled by guilt and driven by wrath.
Wolf’s Hyde
Skinwalker. Lycanthrope. Yee Naaldlooshii. Werewolf. By any name, Tanaka Chee had dedicated his life to hunting it down and destroying it. After a violent killing spree in Flagstaff, Arizona claimed his daughter as one of its victims, the creature became his singular target. As Tanaka connected fragments of his Native American heritage with tales of murder spanning the country, one truth became clear: the werewolf operating under the name Norman was cunning. Tracking where Norman had been proved far easier than predicting where he would strike next. Whether the creature’s elaborate game of cat and mouse was a blessing or a curse, Tanaka didn’t know. What he did know was this: he would stop him or die trying.
Wolf’s Hyde, by Dylan Collins Dunbar, is a supernatural thriller that wastes no time plunging readers into its dark and relentless narrative. From the chilling introduction of the werewolf to the heartbreaking presence of Barbara Chee and, later, her father Tanaka, the story maintains a constant undercurrent of dread. Native American folklore enriches the narrative, blending seamlessly with the timeless European legends of werewolves and monsters that have haunted humanity for centuries. Norman, the ever-elusive antagonist, moves through the story under various identities, but Dunbar reveals only what is necessary, precisely when it needs to be known. This masterful restraint adds layers to the book’s intrigue, keeping readers both captivated and unnerved.
At its core, Wolf’s Hyde is about a father’s grief and his relentless pursuit of closure. Tanaka’s love for his daughter drives the story, grounding the horror elements with emotional weight. The tension between hunter and hunted intensifies with every page as Norman and Tanaka close in on each other. Despite revenge being a familiar theme in literature, Dunbar makes it feel original and organic here, breathing fresh life into the narrative. The balance between emotional depth and raw suspense is handled with precision, ensuring neither element overshadows the other. Dunbar’s take on werewolf mythology is equally impressive. He honors classic lore while threading it with unique twists that keep the story vibrant and unexpected. Readers familiar with traditional supernatural tales will appreciate the nods to established mythology, while the incorporation of Native American legends adds a distinct and refreshing perspective. This fusion sets Wolf’s Hyde apart from other entries in the genre, elevating it beyond a mere creature feature.
The pacing is relentless. From the opening scenes to the book’s climax, Dunbar maintains an unyielding grip on the reader’s attention. The twists are clever and well-timed, often steering the plot in directions that surprise and delight. Just when the story seems predictable, it veers sharply, ensuring readers remain on edge. These unexpected turns are what transform a good thriller into an exceptional one. The conclusion, while inevitable and satisfying, left me conflicted, a testament to how deeply invested I became in the story. Whether it delivered the ending I wanted mattered little in the end; what mattered was the journey, and Dunbar delivered it brilliantly. I found myself torn between admiration for the book’s full-circle resolution and a lingering sense of wanting more—a feeling only the best stories evoke.
In Wolf’s Hyde, Dylan Collins Dunbar crafts a gripping tale of horror, vengeance, and human resilience. The seamless blend of folklore, emotional depth, and thrilling suspense ensures it lingers long after the final page. For fans of supernatural thrillers, this novel delivers everything one could hope for: tension, surprises, and a story that refuses to be put down. It is a worthy addition to werewolf lore, written with skill, heart, and just enough darkness to haunt its readers.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B0DHYD4JXS
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.
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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.
