It’s challenging to take a classic fairy tale and put your own spin on it. To accomplish this task, you need a creative, unique mind. Author David Tocher has overcome this type of challenge with his new book, Moonlight Desires: A Cinderella Retelling, and has created not only a fascinating story, but one so beautifully told that you can visualize it.

When Aurelia, a 19-year-old maiden, dreams of a happier, peaceful life, of falling in love, her dreams all but vanish. With her mother deceased, a weak father who gives in to every whim of an overbearing stepmother and stepsisters, Aurelia’s life is anything but ideal.

With the announcement of the Palace Ball, Aurelia truly feels she is doomed to a life as a servant. Feeling overcome and distraught, unable to cope, she goes to her mother’s grave, where she encounters the cursed Princess Kipira. However, the Princess is in the form of a spider! Is it this spider that will change Aurelia’s life and maybe, just maybe, help Aurelia’s dreams become reality?

 In a typical fairy tale tradition, Moonlight Desires has everything one would want in a retelling of the beloved classic…Cinderella.

David Tocher has brought this story to life, making you feel as though you are right there with Aurelia. David’s retelling takes you to places of pure fantasy, romance, sprinkled with a bit of horror and suspense. However, the story doesn’t stop with Aurelia. David has taken us one step further with a look into several folkloric tales from other countries and how they envision the story of Cinderella. This is a very nice inclusion and conclusion to this great read!

Moonlight Desires: A Cinderella Retelling is part of David Tocher’s Spider Seed universe series. I enjoyed this romantic fantasy and highly recommend it.

I had the privilege of speaking with David Tocher recently discussing his new book and here is that exclusive interview!

Anthony Northrup – Thank you David for speaking with us today. For those unfamiliar with your work, tell us a little about yourself.

David Tocher – I’m David Tocher (pronounced “talker”), an author primarily focused on horror fiction and dark fantasy living in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. My background is actually in the performing arts; I’m a trained actor and remain active in the film industry here in BC whenever my agent books me for a project. That experience in performance deeply influences my writing style, especially when I’m crafting the vivid descriptions and high-stakes action scenes that readers of dark romance and thrillers have come to expect.

AN – When did you first pursue your writing career and who were your inspirations?

DT – It really started with Stephen King. He was the doorway—and yes, I intended that reference. I began reading his work obsessively around 1989 or 1990 when I was just in elementary school. By high school, I was already hammering out pages of short stories and dark fiction on my electric typewriter. King’s work didn’t just inspire me to write; it made me want to study the “bones” of a story, which led me to dive deep into World Literature, Shakespeare, and the classics. While I’m more connected to those classical roots today, I’d still love to thank King for showing me that a career in horror and fantasy was a viable path.

AN – Let’s talk about your new book, Moonlight Desires: A Cinderella Retelling. What inspired you to enter the fairy tale genre and what made you want to “retell” this particular classic children’s story?

DT – I believe the stories we digest as children are the blueprints for how we perceive narrative structure as adults. This Cinderella retelling provided a perfect opportunity to explore the Hero’s Journey. If you look at iconic films like Rocky or Back to the Future, they share that same foundational DNA found in fairy tales. I’ve always been charmed by “wonder tales,” and Moonlight Desires is my attempt to contribute to that fantasy tradition while adding a unique, imaginative perspective that aligns with the darker themes modern readers of New Adult fiction are looking for.

AN – What makes your version different from the original text and would you say this version is for young adults or just adults?

DT – Folklorists will tell you there is no single “original” version of this story. Whether you look at the Chinese Ye Xian or the Brothers Grimm, these stories were often gruesome. In my adult fairy tale, the Benefactor (or Fairy Godmother) is a princess trapped in the body of a spider due to a hideous curse. This shift allows me to stay true to the “Persecuted Heroine” tradition while leaning into the horror and dark fantasy elements. To be clear, my books are written for adults; I always recommend that parents review the content before letting younger readers dive in.

AN – You have also written books dubbed the “Spider Seeds Universe,” if you will, and this retelling of Cinderella taps into that. Can you share with us a little about that?

DT – The “Spider Seeds Universe” began with She Who Hunts: The Tale of T’lejhánka, a story about an ancient community facing a monster that could only be contained in plant form. That evolved into Spider Seeds, a modern-day horror story where a romance novelist named Maddy Perth accidentally buys that same entity. I’m incredibly grateful that Spider Seeds received the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in 2025. In Moonlight Desires, I’ve expanded this shared universe by introducing Princess Kipira—the mother of the T’lejhánka—as the “godmother” figure. It’s a rewarding way to weave mythology and horror across different timelines.

AN – What did you enjoy most about writing this story and what type of research did you do for some of the folklore in this tale?

DT – Writing the magical elements was a highlight for me. I particularly loved crafting the scenes where the protagonist, Aurelia, receives her gown and stagecoach, both woven entirely from webs. I think those passages contain some of my strongest atmospheric writing. For research, I looked into the deep history of folk tales and cross-cultural variants of the Cinderella narrative to ensure my version felt both classic and refreshingly dark.

AN – Who did the art for the cover of the book and share with us the process and model used for the cover?

DT – The cover art was brought to life by Jeffrey Kosh. I provided the core concept, and he utilized his expertise in 3D graphics to create an image that perfectly captures the dark fantasy aesthetic of the book.

AN – Will we see a prequel or sequel to this story in the near future?

DT – Yes, I am currently finishing Spider Sister, which is the direct sequel to Spider Seeds and is slated for a 2026 release. It dives further into Princess Kipira’s life following her role in Moonlight Desires. This will be the final installment in my spider horror series, effectively bringing the universe to its conclusion.

AN – What are your final thoughts about Moonlight Desires: A Cinderella Retelling?

DT – I’m genuinely pleased with the result. I feel it represents some of my best work, and the feedback from readers of fantasy retellings has been wonderful. If you enjoy a darker take on classic stories, I invite you to pick up a copy.

AN – Lastly, what’s next for David Tocher?

DT – Once Spider Sister is out, I’ll be taking a short break before starting a brand-new novel. On the film side, Spider Seeds has been optioned for a movie, which is very exciting. Liane Curtis—known for Sixteen Candles and Critters 2—is attached to produce and star as Maddy. The project is being written and directed by Stephen David Brooks, who has a great history with the genre, including his work on the Stephen King adaptation The Mangler.

AN – Thank you David for your time. We certainly appreciate it and look forward to more wonderful books and future projects.

There has been no other decade in the history of modern times that has been referenced to, admired, inspiring, and seems to be loved more than the 1980′s. If you look at television shows, music, or fashion today, many of them have been patterned after the 80′s. This includes films as well.

As a child who grew up in the decade of greed (often referred to as), it actually was a glorious time! The 1980′s was a decade that was truly diverse. Films were at a new level, not only fun and exciting, but many were considered over the top. You had your sci fi, horror, comedies, romance, teen sex comedies, action, and fantasy. However, there was a dark side to films from the 80′s. Vigilante, prostitution, revenge, and women in prison films were rampant. These types of films had a raw edge to them, such as those that were considered grindhouse films from the 1970′s. However, no matter what your taste you will find it all in Brad Sykes new book, NEON NIGHTMARES: L.A. Thrillers Of The 1980′s. The title alone caught my interest…and I knew I had to read it.

The book begins with an interesting, yet erotic cover of a woman in a provocative pose behind blinds…the shadow of a male voyeur looking on. The cover itself could be the poster for almost any 80′s film. In this case, it reminded me of the 1980′s film, BODY DOUBLE (which Brad discusses in the book). If the cover doesn’t grab your attention, then open the book and begin turning through the pages. Inside you will find that Brad breaks down each chapter into sub-genres and categories such as, Neo-Noirs, Rogue Cops, Comedies, Prostitution, Vigilantes, Serial Killers, Buddy Cops, Sci Fi, Horror, and more! Each of these chapters is packed full of films you might remember, or may be some your favorites. The book also features some films you may have forgetten seeing back in the 80′s. Brad brings every film he discusses into the spotlight, from blockbusters, to grindhouse cheese. Brad places no bias on any particular film, but rather, pays attention to the notable qualities of each film. He also spotlights those actors who were in many of these films, which includes Linnea Quigley, Sybil Danning, Linda Blair, and Wings Hauser, just to name a few.

As I read through the book I found the vigilante and prostitution chapters to be not only interesting, but almost realistically disturbing at times. No, they just don’t make films like these anymore! To look back now to a time when some films were pretty much a free-for-all, is actually refreshing. Many of us loved those types of films. Brad shows the utmost respect for these films, the actors, and directors, and therefore for the moviegoer that generates to these sort of films. I respect that.

As you read this book you feel comfortable, as though you were sitting with Brad, relaxing and listening to an old friend telling you his stories. Not only is the book detailed, it’s filled with fantastic photos from these films, photos of movie posters, as well as photos of rare VHS video box covers. The reader not only gets an entertaining read, but walks away with a great deal of knowledge about this genre. Brad Sykes certainly knows plenty about these films, as well what was popular in the 1980′s.

NEON NIGHTMARES is definitely a must have read for those of us who want an in-depth look into the seedier side of Hollywood’s 1980′s grindhouse type films. I highly recommend…NEON NIGHTMARES: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980′s.

I had the honor of interviewing Brad Sykes, author of his newly released book… NEON NIGHTMARES: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980′s. I hope you enjoy it.

Anthony Northrup – Thanks for giving us a bit more insight on your new book, Brad. So, tell us a little about your background?
Brad Sykes – Thanks for having me! I’m an award-winning author and filmmaker, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. After graduating from Boston University’s film program in the late 90′s, I made the move to Los Angeles, which is where I’ve been living and working ever since. Some of the movies I’ve written and directed that you may have seen or heard of are Camp Blood, Death Factory, Goth, and Plaguers. I also write for various film magazines and in 2018, my first book, Terror in the Desert: Dark Cinema of the American Southwest, was published by McFarland. Neon Nightmares: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980′s is my second book.

AN – When did you discover your interest in filmmaking? Which films, and which directors were some of your early inspirations?
BS – The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was Clash of the Titans. It made a huge impression on me and made me a fantasy/horror fan for life! I always enjoyed writing short stories and drawing comic books as a kid and when I was 14, I got my first Hi-8 video camera. During high school, I started shooting shorts which gradually progressed to features. My big inspirations at the time were George Romero, Sam Raimi, Peter Jackson and John Woo.

AN – Let’s talk about your new book, NEON NIGHTMARES: L.A. Thrillers of the 1980′s. Tell us how this project came about, and what inspired you to revisit what most people believe to be, the most “totally awesome” decade ever?
BS – When I was finishing up Terror in the Desert in 2017, I started watching a lot of urban thrillers as sort of a ‘break’ from all the desert movies I’d been writing about. Most of these thrillers were made in the 80s. Movies like the Angel trilogy, Vice Squad, Walking the Edge, Out of Bounds, etc. The more I watched, it began to occur to me that 1) there were A LOT of these types of movies made in L.A. during the 80s, 2) L.A. Thrillers are 2) indeed AWESOME, and many of them are still pretty obscure and 3) no one has ever written a book about them as a genre! So, my second book was more or less planned while finishing the first one. I grew up during the 80s, so all my formative film experiences, in the theater or on video/cable, happened during that decade. It’s a special time for me, and it was a lot of fun to revisit a lot of classics, like The Terminator or Die Hard, with fresh eyes, while also watching a lot of films that were new to me, and then finding all the connective tissue between these hundreds of L.A. Thrillers.

AN – How long was the process from start to finish, and describe the research process?
BS – I started doing research in 2017 and 2018 but didn’t start writing until Spring 2020. I had been planning to start Neon Nightmares that year but the pandemic hastened the process a bit. I finished the final draft over 2 years later, in Fall 2022, and got the deal with BearManor soon afterward. So, the whole process from start to finish was 4-5 years. The research process was exhaustive but fun. You could say I’ve been researching Neon Nightmares for 30 years! A lot of these movies are my all-time favorite films, so I had already spent a fair amount of time reading about them and the filmmakers, reading the source material if it was a book first, watching DVD featurettes, interviews, etc. I also worked with some of the filmmakers and actors that are in these movies, who told me great behind the scenes stories, and I’ve visited a lot of the exact places where the movies were shot. This was all before I ever thought of writing a book about L.A. Thrillers. In 2017, I made a list to see if there really was a book there, and it grew from around 100 to over 200 by the time I was done. I broke it down by subgenre, then started tracking down a lot of rare VHS tapes, stills, press kits, you name it. It was fun to keep finding new titles later in the game, even though I sometimes wondered if the book would ever get finished!

AN – You cover every possible genre, sub-genre, and category from horror to sci fi, to vigilantes, to cop films. Is there a particular category you enjoyed most talking about in the book, and which was the most challenging, and why?
BS – That’s a good question. One of the reasons there are so many subcategories in the book as that many L.A. Thrillers sort of bleed from one genre into another…a neo noir can contain prostitution or comedic elements, a cop movie can have sci-fi overtones, etc. All of this cross pollination actually makes the writing process a lot more fun. The most challenging chapter to write was Neo-Noir. These are the most ‘important’ L.A. Thrillers of the decade and the ones that really set the tone for the entire book –movies like Against All Odds, To Live and Die in L.A., 52 Pick-Up, and Body Double. Great films, and very rich and complex movies. I had to “pace” myself when writing that chapter. One of the most unexpectedly fun chapters to write was the Comedy chapter. At first, I thought it would be shorter and limited to bigger studio movies like Fletch and Beverly Hills Cop. But it really grew to include some major cult movies, like Eating Raoul and Repo Man (which are two of the most “L.A.” movies you’ll ever see) and lots of interesting, lesser-known films, like The Man with Bogart’s Face or The Black Marble. This chapter had a lot more tonal variety than I expected and also the movies tended to have more L.A. commentary than many of the more serious films in the book. On top of that, I’m not a ‘comedy’ guy, but it turned out to be one of my favorite chapters to write. So that was a nice surprise. I hope readers have as much fun with it as I did.

AN – One of the things I personally enjoyed most in the book is all the film titles I missed growing up in the 80′s. Did you watch every single film mentioned in this book, and where did you find some of these forgotten gems?
BS – Yes, I watched every film that’s reviewed in the book, including the ones in the 1940s-70s section which sets the stage for the 1980′s chapters. Many of the major films I watched more than once. With rich, complex films like Body Double or To Live and Die in L.A., you have to, and it’s a pleasure, really, because there are always new details or layers to discover. I tried to watch every film like it was my first time watching it, with no preconceptions, and convey that immediacy in my review. A lot of the movies I wrote about in Neon Nightmares were already in my collection for years, in some format, whether VHS, DVD or Blu-ray. But there were a lot of films I had never seen before, which were often hard to find in ANY format. I found most of these movies through friends, or just tracked them down on eBay, or watched them on Youtube or other streaming services. I love a challenge!

AN – What are some of your thoughts on the 1980′s decade, and why do you feel it was such a perfect time to film so many movies in Los Angeles during that time?
BS – As far as the ‘80s go, it’s one of my favorite decades in film, right next to the ‘70s, which I also love for different reasons. The 80s is known for its outsize, over the top approach to everything, and the L.A. Thrillers made during that time are no exception. They’re colorful, loud, weird, shocking and unapologetically entertaining. Thanks to the video boom and rise of major independents like Cannon and New World, a lot of movies were made in the ‘80s that would NEVER be made before, or after that. We’re never going to get another Savage Streets, or Cobra, or Star 80. But in the 80s, all that and more was possible. During that decade, Los Angeles was the face of America in the movies, and everyone wanted to shoot there – and they did, whether they had permits or not. So, you have this great mixture of big budget studio films, midrange budgeted movies, and really low budget indie stuff all being shot a few blocks from one another – or all on the same block! These films offer not just entertainment, but a portrait of the city during the 80s.

AN – Share with us a little about the cover of your book. I felt it was a very “Body Double” inspired cover. Who designed it, and who was the woman on the cover behind those blinds?
BS – The Neon Nightmares book cover was designed by my friend Rod Lanham, who I’ve worked with on a few projects over the years. He and I have the same reference points so I knew he would deliver the perfect cover, down to the ‘neon’ title font. I have no idea who that woman is – she’s not in the movie – but that’s one of the reasons I chose that image from the Body Double movie poster, because it conveys the style and tone of so many L.A. Thrillers in the book without being attached to a specific actor.

AN – While reading the book, I found the Vigilante and Prostitution chapters to be very…grindhouse, gritty, dark, and even disturbing at times. There are also some hardcore subject matters in these chapters. Was that hard to tackle or uncomfortable to discuss? Were any of the films in those chapters too disturbing to watch even for you? If so, which ones, and why?
BS – I agree with you, those chapters have some of the more shocking and disturbing subject matter in the book. But I never shied away from covering any of them, in fact, I think many of these films, like Vice Squad, Angel and Savage Streets, are some of the most powerful films in the book. They were a joy to write about, if not always pleasant to watch. But then, as a filmmaker and a writer, I’m usually attracted to darker subject matter. The L.A. Thriller as a whole is a pretty dark genre. But you bring up an interesting point here. When reviewing a movie like Don’t Answer the Phone, which has a lot of rape and torture, you have to step back and realize that everyone has their personal feelings about what is “exploitative” or offensive versus simply presenting the subject matter honestly. I consider that in my reviews, so viewers know what to expect from certain films and can draw their own conclusions about watching it or not. But personally, I prefer movies that don’t pull their punches. I also try and point out what makes these films different from one another, even if they share a common theme. For example, Extremities and Death Blow are both rape and revenge films, but the first is really thoughtful whereas the second is just cartoonish. It’s easy to just write off certain films as just “B-movies” or “exploitation” when in fact many of them have a lot more to offer than you might think.

AN – Some of the repeated actresses mentioned many times in these films are Linnea Quigley, Linda Blair, and Sybil Danning. These three actresses would be considered the queens of those hardcore genres. What are your thoughts on these three actresses, and why do you feel Hollywood treats these hard working actresses differently than say an A-list actress, considering they both have the same job?
BS – I’m a fan of all three, obviously – and yes, they were all big in the ‘80s. I have firsthand experience with Linnea, and Linda Blair. Linnea starred in my first professional movie Scream Queen and was a doll to work with. We’re still friends today. I met with Linda Blair at her home years ago about a proposed Hell Night making-of interview which never got off the ground; long story there but I don’t hold it against her. I’ve never met Sybil Danning but she’s made some really entertaining films. They’re Playing with Fire is one of my favorite L.A. Thrillers of hers. Scream queens or B-movie stars are treated the same as B-movie directors in Hollywood. Once you’ve made a few exploitation films, you get pigeonholed by the business and they decide that’s all you can do – more of the same, and maybe cheaper this time? I’m speaking from experience here. Of course, in the ‘80s, horror was ghettoized (even if it made tons of money) versus today, when companies like Blumhouse and A24 have made the genre respectable (though not as much fun…). We have more horror movies than ever of all types, but we don’t have stars like Linda, Linnea or Sybil. This is a result of the lack of theatrical releases and video stores, but it’s also because the type of horror movies that get big releases nowadays shy away from overt violence and nudity and use respectable ‘name’ actors like Ethan Hawke and Kevin Bacon. They aim for the mainstream or arthouse audience, not the grindhouse.

AN – One of the thoughts that repeated in my mind as I read the book was, ‘where can I watch these films’? So, where would you suggest readers watch these films who missed seeing them in the 80′s but would like to watch them now?
BS – The great thing is, since I wrote the book, and even since it was published last September, some of the rarer films I critiqued have come out on Blu-ray and streaming. For example, The Black Room, a really cool modern vampire thriller that was stuck for years on VHS and public domain DVD, just came out on an extras-packed Blu from Vinegar Syndrome! Little by little, these obscure, forgotten and disreputable L.A. Thrillers keep coming out with new transfers and extras. So, there is still an audience for these films who remember them fondly, or who are eager to discover them now. That’s very encouraging. If you see a title that looks cool, check a streaming service like Tubi or Amazon Prime. They might have it. And if you dig it, support physical media and buy the Blu ray! I guarantee it’ll look better than it ever did on VHS.

AN – Would you ever consider doing a DVD documentary version of NEON NIGHTMARES?
BS – I’d love to see that happen, it could make a great series, actually. But I wouldn’t want to produce it myself. I know from experience how difficult it would be to corral all those clips and interviews. Just writing the book was enough for me.

AN – Lastly, speaking of Linnea Quigley, you have a new Blu-Ray out now called, SCREAM QUEEN, a film about Linnea Quigley. What can you tell us about this film, and what’s next for Brad Sykes that readers can look forward to?
BS – Scream Queen is a horror/comedy that revolves around a character who’s sort of based on Linnea, a veteran scream queen who dies in a mysterious film set accident and then returns to get revenge on the cast and crew. It was my first movie, made in 1998, and is finally out on Blu ray from Visual Vengeance. Loved working with Linnea and I’m glad it’s finally out there for fans to enjoy! My new anthology movie Hi-Fear also came out last year – it’s the third and final part of the ‘HI’ Trilogy that also includes Hi-8: Horror Independent Eight and Hi-Death. You can stream all three, and DVDs are available also on Amazon, etc. I have some other projects coming up in 2024, some film-related and possibly another book project. I don’t like to talk too much about things that are in development, but you can find out about all my various creative endeavors, old and new at my company FB page ( https://www.facebook.com/Nightfallpix/ ), on IG (https://www.instagram.com/nightfallpix/ ) and our official site (https://nightfallpictures.wixsite.com/mysite ).

AN – Thank you Brad for taking the time to join us today.
BS – You’re welcome, and I hope everyone will have a chance to check out Neon Nightmares!

THE LONG WAY HOME is an anthology of 20 short stories, full of thrills, horror, mystery, scares, and a few of the stories even tug on your heartstrings. All of them have a bit of a twist.

They’re all unique and good reading, however there are a few I really enjoyed a little more. For example, THE WITCH is a great story anytime of year, but I felt was something I would enjoy that much more during Halloween. DIRTY COPPERS was another that I would love to see adapted for the big screen. THE LONG WAY HOME (the saddest story in this book), was one of those that really was what I consider heartfelt. WINDOW’S POINT (a creepy, compelling thriller), was another favorite, but my absolute favorite was THE ASSOCIATION, it left me wanting more. I also enjoyed the story notes in the back of the book, as they gave a nice in-depth look at each individual story.

This book was an exciting read from beginning to end. When a married couple are abruptly awakened in the middle of the night, by the ringing of their doorbell, they carefully approach the door only to find nobody there.

The following day they check the security camera footage. A frightened woman, with shackled wrists, was indeed there, and a mysterious vague image of something is in the background. Not long after, she becomes a newspaper headline, and everyone wants to know who she is, and where she is. When strange things begin to happen for the couple (dead animals in the yard, footprints), the rollercoaster ride begins. This story is an eerie tale and a true, “WHO DONE IT.” By the end of this book, your left with one question, “do you REALLY know who your neighbors are?”

GWENDY’S MAGIC FEATHER is the sequel to the 2017 book Gwendy’s Button Box, co-written by Richard Chizmar and fellow author, Stephen King. This story is about a preteen in 1974, Gwendy Peterson, who meets a mysterious man in a black suit, who gives her a magical box with colorful buttons, and levers on it.

Gwendy uses the box to solve a mystery in Castle Rock, Maine. This second book is written solely by Richard. The story takes place several years after the first. Gwendy has gone forward in her life, and is quite successful. When she gets a call from the Sherriff of Castle Rock, he ask for her help in solving the case of 2 missing girls. Gwendy returns home to Castle Rock, and so does the magic box. Gwendy’s Magic Feather, is exciting, intriguing and entertaining.

When it comes to writing, they say, “one should write what they know.” Well, Mick Garris knows PLENTY, about living in the San Fernando Valley, and equally as much about the film industry. In his last novel, Salome, he covered both of those subjects, and now in his latest, he draws us back in again to the world of, bright lights and movie stars, or should I say…just another day in the Valley!

Anyone who knows California, will recognize the many references to landmarks, and street names, and anyone in the film industry, will relate to certain parts of this story as well. If you are neither familiar, or know of these references, well then, Mick describes in great, as well as funny, the details that make you feel as though you are right there, sitting next to the main character telling this tale.

Ugly is the story about Terry, a plastic surgeon, who has worked for years on the Beverly Hills “rich and famous.” He makes stars look more beautiful than they already are. However, if they are “past their prime”, Terry will try to perform nothing short of a miracle, to restore the beauty that has long passed. Terry is sarcastic, full of himself, judgemental, and often times, downright rude. Anyone who falls short of Terry’s standards, is beneath him, and considered, a waste of space. Terry stops by a certain restaurant, and it’s in this particular restaurant, that he finally meets his match.

Brittany is far from perfect, and Terry has no qualms about saying so. When things get out of hand, Terry decides to help Brittany, with her lack of physical beauty, to prove anyone can change, and that anyone can be less “ugly”, with the right help… HIS HELP! This story takes a few twists and turns, and is as frightening, as it is funny. To find out how Terry helps Brittany, and what follows, I recommend you buy the book, and discover why it’s so appropriately named…Ugly.

Mick has brought us some of the most entertaining and enjoyable films, and television programming over the years, and now his writing talents are NO disappointment. On the heels of Salome, Mick’s latest novella is just as entertaining and fun, with that sick twist! At times I felt as though the character Brittany, was a nod to Stephen King‘s character, Annie Wilkes, from the book Misery, and I loved that! It’s a revenge story, yet you can understand the logic behind Terry’s actions as well. This was a fun read, and I would recommend it to everyone. Mick’s talents shine on screen, and on paper as well.

James Turrentine, our lead character, is a famous writer who knows everything there is to know about the film industry, and I mean… EVERYTHING… from the glitz and glamour, right down to the ugly, backstabbing side of the corporate film studios.

James is married to Chase, an actress who is well loved by her fan-base throughout the years, despite her bumpy rise to stardom at a very young age. As with many marriages, the magic often fades, even for those made in Hollywood. When Chase is found murdered in Salome, Arizona, James has mixed emotions.

James had realized their marriage was far from perfect, and that there may have been something going on behind his back, but inspite of all that, there was still the long term commitment to Chase, and more importantly, their own brand of love.

Because of that he is determined to find out… just who… murdered Chase. As with most murders involving a spouse, James was naturally the first suspect, and he hoped to clear any speculation surrounding his name. With detectives breathing down his neck, help coming from unlikely sources, James travels throughout the San Fernando Valley, all over Southern California, to Salome, Arizona and back again, determined to find the clues that will lead to the death of his beloved Chase. However, nothing is always as it seems, and not everyone can be trusted. To find out who killed Chase Turrentine, and enjoy what I feel is a modern day story noir, I highly recommend Salome.

Salome was a fun read. It was interesting, intriguing, a hang on every word, nod to the noir books of the past. Mick takes us on an adventure through the San Fernando Valley, and it was fun to spot references to some of Mick’s other works sprinkled throughout this book (his fans will recognize many of them). I found the two lead characters, James and Chase Turrentine’s lives actually mirrored certain Hollywood couples we often see in the media, and they were as equally captivating. The story was a bit sad as well. Mick captured that “here today, gone tomorrow” aspect of Hollywood.

He also nails the struggling actor aspect, and a “behind-the-scenes” look if you will, of the film industry that most of us are not privy to. All of this mixed in with murder, mayhem, and life after loss, really made for a wonderful read. Mick didn’t lack in creativity, nor imagination. I wonder if there may be a film adaptation of this fine story, but I guess we will just have to wait and see. I am really looking forward to his next book as well. UGLY, will also be released through Cemetery Dance Publications, where you can purchase your copy of Salome, and other Mick Garris books now.

Secrets is a roller coaster ride from start to finish. Taking place during Nazi Germany, a secret agent’s parents are assassinated and makes it his life’s goal to find out who and why this happened? During his quest, he is assisted by a Black Ops agent, Christina, who is beatiful as well as smart to help him track down the clues and suspects.

In a world now full of lies, espionage, war and family secrets – Joe and Christina are on the run against time as they must find out not just his personal “secret” about his parents, but the ultimate “secret”; Who is behind all of this great plan to take over the world? Secrets takes place across years and time, from Germany to the Arctic to outer space. This is a must read for anyone who loves suspense and adventure!

I found Secrets to be an enjoyable read, exciting at times, and suspenseful. It is a cross between Forces of Navarone meets James Bond meets The Expendables. It kept my interest and left me wanting more. I look forward to a “possible” sequel because it does leave you hanging. I have a particular genre taste when it comes to books, but I am certainly glad I took the time out for this wartime adventure story.

There are certain times in the year we get excited, certain “events”. The holidays, 1st Day of Summer, latest big blockbuster at your local movie theater. However, for King fans, none of these come close to the release of a new Stephen King book.

The news of him working on a new book, the announcement of the title, release date, and finally, the countdown to the day you can either walk into your local bookstore and pick it up or have your copy mailed to you from some shopping website. Kindle, Nook, download, or good old fashioned paper & ink – however you get it it’s yours! That long waiting has finally paid off. The excitement builds so high you feel you are about to burst. You block the world out, nothing exists, nothing matters only the story that’s now in your hands. You feel that positive energy flow through you till that last page has been turned. Maybe that little extra treat of Mr. King’s letter to us, the “Constant Reader” that we feel so special when reading it might be waiting for us at the end. Or maybe a few page sneak peek of his next book, a little “taste” of what’s to come.

Either way, we treasure that new release like and place it on our shelves eagerly awaiting for the next with the same excitement everytime. These are feelings only a Stephen King fan can relate to. A group of people in today’s society that aren’t “just fans”, but hold a bond, an understanding of respect for not a “horror” writer (as critics love to point out and closed minded enough to not truly read all of King’s works), but for a “storyteller”. A man who throws out the line, sticks the hooks in your mouth, pulls you in without a fight, and when the story is over … releases us back to the sea until the next one comes along.

King has had his ups and downs, writing like a machine in the 80′s, a rough patch in the 90′s, his accident that almost ended it all, but slowly but surely he has picked up the pace a bit. Going from one book every other year or so to 2-3 a year. Lately, he’s caught up with television shows and movies adaptations, becoming even more popular than ever before. With each generation, the fan base grows larger and larger. King’s latest novel is a different direction for him. He’s known famously for his “horror” stories and the critics only see him as that, whereas the fans know of his more serious stories as well such as; The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, 11-22-63, and The Body. The last few years King has added another genre to the mix: Suspense. In 2005, he wrote a small novella called, The Colorado Kid. A “who done it” story in the tradition of the old detective stories of the 1940′s and 50′s. In 2013, he gave us a summertime-themed mystery called, Joyland. Now, his latest mystery/suspense brings us deeper into that genre. Mr. Mercedes.

Brady Hartfield, a crazed young man who lives with his alcoholic mother and is “quite close” to her, steals a Mercedes and in the early hours of a foggy morning, Brady runs the Mercedes into a line of people at a job fair killing 8 and wounding 15. Brady is most pleased with his sickening accomplishment, but he’s not done yet. Something bigger awaits on the horizon. Enter, Detective Bill Hodges, a retired officer of the law who never caught the “Mercedes Killer” and he feels that unaccomplishment every day of his retirement.

Toying with the idea of suicide and disappointment, Hodges get’s a letter one day from this crazed killer. Baiting him, toying with him, watching him. A game of cat and mouse begins between the two of them giving Hodges one more chance to catch this killer and have closure and it also gives Brady one more chance to prove just how sick he really is with plans of an unspeakable act. Hodges has help from friends and colorful characters along the way to solve this mystery and hopes to bring Brady to final justice.

I am one of those Stephen King fans that doesn’t stick to just one style of his works. I read all of it! I enjoy the different genre’s he tackles and I’m in for the story, where it will take me and if it makes an impression on me or not. I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I first heard he was going to write a detective story, but once those first pages were read, I was hooked! It starts with an eerie and horrific opening and doesn’t let go. I found the supporting characters very interesting and realistic. The “Mercedes Killer” himself, Brady Hartfield, I felt was a cross between Norman Bates meets King’s character from The Stand, Harold Lauder. There are some graphic parts in this film both from a horror side and sexual that makes you cringe as you read it.

The last 100 pages are very gripping and you won’t want to stop reading until the book is done once the final chase is on. Stephen King has already announced this to be Part One of a 3-part trilogy and the film rights have also been bought. We will have to wait until June 2015 to read, Finders Keepers, the second of this trilogy and part three to follow soon thereafter. Even tho it does slow down a bit at parts, but not enough for me to not like it. In fact, I enjoyed Mr. Mercedes more than I thought. His next novel, Revival, will be released in November 2014. We can only wait with great expectations to see where King will take us next. But we are always eager and waiting.

When we think of Stephen King we immediately think of “horror”. Dubbed the “Master of Horror”, King has scared us by taking the most innocent things like dogs, cars, clowns, kids, and many other things and turning them into nightmares. However, there is another side to King. He can write and tell the most amazing stories that have nothing really to do with horror such as; The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me (The Body), and The Green Mile. All three known as some of his best work. Well, you can now add another wonderful tale to that list: Joyland.

The story takes place in North Carolina in 1973. A 21 yr. college student, Devin “Dev” Jones comes down from his New England home to find work for the summer. It is here that he get’s a job at an amusement park called, Joyland. Known as “We sell fun” motto, Dev has never done this type of work before. He learns the ropes of cleaning, fixing, and maintenance work of the rides, the special carny language that is spoken, the “tricks” to the games, and acting as one of the colorful characters that walks around Joyland entertaining guests. It’s not an easy job by far, but Devin really seems to enjoy it. Renting a room by the beach for the summer and working hard for the money is Devin’s new life…for now.

However, there is something more to Joyland than screams from kids on the rides or the smell of fried food, there was a murder. A murder of a little girl four years before Devin arrived. It took place in Joyland’s Horror House and some say her ghost still comes there. This unreal tale captures Devin’s interest and decides to investigate to see if the rumors are true? While his stay in North Carolina, he becomes friends with a 10 yr. boy named Mike Ross, and his mother, Annie. Mike is terminally ill and all he wants is to go to Joyland. But Mike has “the sight” and helps Devin with his mystery of the little girl while Devin begins to have feelings for Annie who is a little over protective of her ill son. With Mike’s help, some detective work, and help from his other friends, the mystery murder at Joyland may or may not be solved..to find out I recommend Joyland.

I lived in North Carolina for 10 yrs. when I was young. I know exactly what it was like and Stephen King has not disappointed us because he captures not just the look and feel of that area, but the feel, look, and smell of those southern amusement parks. As you read this you can almost smell the fried foods, here the screams and laughter of the kids having fun, the sand between your toes, and the heat of that beach summer we love so much. This isn’t just a murder story, it is a coming of age story. That time in our lives where we’re too old for childs play and too young for the major decisions of adult life. A time of self discovery and new first time love. King doesn’t do too much in the romantic department. Couples like Roland and Susan in The Dark Tower and George and Sadie in 11-22-63 stand out, but you can add Devin and Annie to that list as well. He captures their summer romance that leaves you hoping. This is also a good “who done it mystery” that leaves you guessing till the very end. This is Stephen King‘s second novel for the Hard Case Crime book series, his last was 2005′s The Colorado Kid. I found this to be a much enjoyable book. It is currently in the works to be made into a feature film.