Allen Dusk

To be clear, it was Allen Dusk's shorter fare (notably his brilliant sci-fi/erotic/horror "Terminal Affair") that brought me to listening to the audiobook version of "Shady Palms" -- and what a treat this experience was! Although I was disappointed by the lack of Dusk's style of erotica, that feeling quickly subsided as I realized I was caught up in a clever little horror story!

As a huge fan of minimalist settings, I really enjoyed the cast of characters that made their way through the grimy and gritty Shady Palms motel. It's not written in quite the same tradition as King's "Trucks" ("Maximum Overdrive") or "The Mist," but there's something comfortingly familiar between Dusk's and King's (earlier) work here that I can't quite put my finger on. If "Shady Palms" were made into a movie, I'd have an easier time imagining it as something to watch on a scratchy VHS tape back in the 80s -- if that analogy helps would-be readers at all.

Dusk's skill as a writer can be most easily noticed in his crafting of the character, "Sanjay" -- the uber-flawed and complex proprietor of the "Shady Palms" motel, who you will learn to loathe and love in equal parts. And Dusk -- in his signature style -- is unflinching when it comes time to release the horror. And when innocents start to die, you'll find yourself at a precipice within the plot, not fully trusting yourself to turn the pages as fast as you might have been earlier in the book.

While I cannot comment on reading the book in e-book or paper form, I can say that part of my enjoyment of this audiobook stems from the expert narration of Rose Caraway. As a fan of her "Kiss Me Quick's" podcast, I really enjoyed listening to her jump from one character to another, giving each one their distinct personality and proclivities. Whether their accent was Arabic, Hindi, Mexican, male, female, or child, Rose's narration was top-notch for the duration of the experience. I have no idea how she does it.

If you need something to keep you company during those dark summer nights, you should seriously consider grabbing this one now. I wouldn't recommend reading it in bed, though. Actually, that's probably the last place you'd want to read or listen to this one. You'll probably look at your bed with much different eyes after meeting Dusk's villains in the Shady Palms motel.

"Sleep tight, don't let the _________________"

I have to start off by saying that I was already a huge fan of this author's short stories. I love the macabre way he tells a tale, and the oft chilling voice he gives to his characters. Shady Palms, his first full length novel, does not disappoint! It keeps you on the edge of your seat for the whole ride. I am not going to post any spoilers here - you will have to read the book for yourselves to find out what happens! But, I will say that I was sad to see some characters die off, while cheering for other to kick the bucket. And I have to add most emphatically that I will never, ever look at a hotel room without checking for bedbugs first, especially if the hotel manager's name happens to be Sanjay. ((shudder!))

Okay, this may be a spoiler after all - I have to give Mary a huge "high five" for finally dealing with her problem ex-husband in the end. Way to go, girl!

I highly recommend this novel for fans of gritty, urban horror stories. Two thumbs way up!

Author Allen Dusk calls this a "diabolical collection of short stories," and dares readers to give them a try. Truly, this is diverse collection of spine-tingling tales that take the reader into the dark shadows of evil pixies, circus clowns, wicked witches and even into the far realms of outer space. The author expertly weaves erotica and horror genres together in a blend that is both titillating and grisly at once. There really is something to appeal to every reader in this set of shorts. While it would be impossible for me to pick just one favorite story in this volume, I dare you to read through and find a favorite tale. (Truth be told, I have always been partial to the Pixies.)