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A review by brennanlafaro
Curse of the Pigman by Asher Ellis
4.0
Fresh out of Asher Ellis’ story, “Expertise” in Grindhouse’s Worst Laid Plans anthology, I was anxious to see what a full-length novel from the author would be like. The opening chapter, functioning as a prologue, drags the reader kicking and screaming into the narrative. Seriously, it’s creepy, atmospheric, and reminiscent of an 80’s movie.
The pacing doesn’t die off from there as we’re introduced to Jason, who’s just moved to East Valley, Vermont. We might think we’re going to settle in and see how he’s adjusting to town, but instead get thrown into the action before page 5. Jason’s lot in life boils down to an injury that kept him from becoming a professional athlete. While storylines like this can be hokey, and frequently has, Ellis uses it effectively here without bludgeoning the reader over the head.
Curse of the Pigman fits neatly into a very specific sub-genre of horror lit. Outsider moves into a small town and realizes things are not quite as they seem. Ellis sprinkles in cults, conspiracies, cannibalism, and other tropes that just don’t fit the alliteration as well. The fear is tied smartly together with a fun, and unexpected, cast of characters. Tracy, another outsider and who fits into the story in an organic manner. Jimmy McDoyle, a very unlikely source of help. Also, Sophia who is the heart of the story and arguably the biggest reason Jason works as a man character.
I liked this book a lot more than I ever expected to like a book called Curse of the Pigman. In found notes of Stephen King's Desperation presents, but more importantly, combines an urban legend most people won’t be familiar with enough known entities to allow the story to resonate. Another quality Silver Shamrock release that I’d recommend to fans of small town, cult, and urban legend horror.
I received a copy from the publisher for review consideration.
The pacing doesn’t die off from there as we’re introduced to Jason, who’s just moved to East Valley, Vermont. We might think we’re going to settle in and see how he’s adjusting to town, but instead get thrown into the action before page 5. Jason’s lot in life boils down to an injury that kept him from becoming a professional athlete. While storylines like this can be hokey, and frequently has, Ellis uses it effectively here without bludgeoning the reader over the head.
Curse of the Pigman fits neatly into a very specific sub-genre of horror lit. Outsider moves into a small town and realizes things are not quite as they seem. Ellis sprinkles in cults, conspiracies, cannibalism, and other tropes that just don’t fit the alliteration as well. The fear is tied smartly together with a fun, and unexpected, cast of characters. Tracy, another outsider and who fits into the story in an organic manner. Jimmy McDoyle, a very unlikely source of help. Also, Sophia who is the heart of the story and arguably the biggest reason Jason works as a man character.
I liked this book a lot more than I ever expected to like a book called Curse of the Pigman. In found notes of Stephen King's Desperation presents, but more importantly, combines an urban legend most people won’t be familiar with enough known entities to allow the story to resonate. Another quality Silver Shamrock release that I’d recommend to fans of small town, cult, and urban legend horror.
I received a copy from the publisher for review consideration.