You still have time to catch up on the best films of 2021, and you should start with these.
(Keep in mind, as of this writing I haven’t yet seen Nightmare Alley, The Matrix Resurrections, The Spine of Night, and a number of horror flicks that have been on my list).
I actually only read thirteen or so 2021 releases, so this isn’t the most selective best-of. But all these books were great and you should totally read them.
Some observations: westerns had a moment this year, as did slashers. Body horror is awesome as always, and we saw lots of postmodern and surreal fiction. All good things, as far as I’m concerned.
Check out my list below:
I’m doing a Top 13 instead of a Top 10 this year because I’m edgy and there were too many good albums to choose from. Without further ado:
What makes a good Halloween story?
It goes without saying it’s got to be horror. But there are certain stories that evoke that whimsical October chill better than others.
Well, October certainly came on fast.
I spent a big chunk of the summer working in northwestern Ontario. It’s a beautiful part of the country, with vast forests and countless lakes and inlets dotted with campgrounds and lodges. (I was reminded of a certain type of eighties movie we all love). I saw lots of wildlife, including a moose on the highway, a bald eagle perched on top of our office, and a black bear fifteen feet from me on the downtown sidewalk.
Oh, and did I mention that our office was haunted? So yeah, I had a blast.
Stephen Graham Jones’ novel My Heart is a Chainsaw is a bloody feast
for horror fans.
Stephen Graham Jones’ novel My Heart is a Chainsaw is a bloody feast
for horror fans.
Stephen Graham Jones’ novel My Heart is a Chainsaw is a bloody feast
for horror fans.
I could see the headline already as the bus lurched, front wheel careening into a ditch: Mass murder survivors killed on route to therapy retreat. But the driver corrected, got himself back on the road, no harm no foul. One more near miss.
Publisher: Filthy Loot
Release Date: September 15, 2021
Genre: Horror-comedy
Magician Isaac Plank owned a collection of oddities from around the world. Only he could control their sinister powers.
But Isaac is dead now, and his father – respectable accountant Lawrence Plank – has put his estate up for auction. After a local hoarder buys his spellbook, she brings Isaac back from beyond the grave and inadvertently unleashes an army of cursed knickknacks.
Now, Lawrence and Isaac must do battle against reanimated taxidermy, flesh-eating shrunken heads, an angry mob, and a vengeful mummy who yearns to rule again.
For Friday the 13th, a tale of harbingers and doom averted:
This’ll be a bit of a long one (aren’t they all?), so I’ll dispense with a lengthy intro. Read on for the details on my latest story, some poetry news, and a lengthy selection of movie, music, and book recommendations. (And vacation photos!)
Dear Rouge played their first live show since the pandemic at the Calgary Stampede on Saturday.
Magician Isaac Plank owned a book of obscene spells and a collection of oddities from around the world. But Isaac is dead now, and his father – respectable accountant Lawrence Plank – has put his estate up for auction.
After a local hoarder buys his spell book, she brings Isaac back from beyond the grave and inadvertently unleashes an army of cursed knickknacks. Now, Lawrence and Isaac must do battle against reanimated taxidermy, flesh-eating shrunken heads, an angry mob, and a vengeful mummy who yearns to rule again.
The Doom That Came to Mellonville is a macabre horror comedy in the vein of Beetlejuice, The ‘Burbs, and Reanimator.
Coming soon from Filthy Loot.
Madison McSweeney 