One of my favorite small presses, Sam’s Dot, presents a truly original and thoroughly enjoyable short story collection by Connie (Corcoran) Wilson. In this, her third collection, Ms. Wilson takes the reader on a wicked tour of "Dante’s Inferno" by way of short stories written specifically to annotate the plunge through the nine circles of hell.
We are ushered through the gates with "Hotter than Hell," a grim tale of a remorseless killer on death row. The first circle of hell, Limbo, is inhabited by "Rachel and David," an affecting ghost story. On our way down, we encounter zombie hookers turning tricks in ancient Pompeii, suburban sinners, serial killers, one of the creepiest clowns (shudder) ever, strange cult members, a man whose greatest wish is to have his limbs amputated, a girl whose obsession with birds is truly disturbing, a screamer of a tale about a murderer’s problems with corpse disposal, a family curse, and more.
I enjoyed every story in this collection, but I absolutely adored "Amazing Andy, the Wonder Chicken," a bizarre and hilarious spin on a true account of a living headless chicken that brought fame and fortune to the family who originally planned to have it for dinner -- but didn’t.
I laughed like, well, hell.
The author’s writing style is perfectly suited to her subject matter; her clear and declarative prose drives home the weirdness and horror of these tales, some of which are based on actual events and folklore.
Celebrated author William F. Nolan (LOGAN’S RUN, NIGHTWORLDS) provides an astute and amusing introduction. For more about the author, visit her online resting place at http://www.conniecwilson.com, and to purchase this grand collection of horror stories, go to www.HellfireandDamnationtheBook.com, where you’ll find a killer video and a Pay Pal purchase link. [If you buy this collection via PayPal, the author will personally sign your copy, which has received recommendations for this year’s Bram Stoker for Best Short Story collection.]
(SOURCES: J.L. Comeau on "The Tombkeeper", www.countgore.com/gore/tomb.htm; www.HellfireandDamnationtheBook.com)
<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5837906/hellfire_damnation_short_story_collection.html?cat=10">"Hellfire & Damnation" Short Story Collection Reviewed by the Tombkeeper</a>
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