Killer Loves A Dog

KUTTER by Jeff Strand has me wondering what kind of person I am, as I cared more about the dog than the women Charlie killed. Don't get me wrong, I think being a serial killer is horrible, but the guy takes such great care of Kutter, I began freaking out over the turn of events at the end of the story.

I'm not sure why so many readers consider this novella comical or dark humor. I don't think there's anything remotely funny about a guy finding his humanity through his experiences with a Boston Terrier. I can't believe I'm writing this, but Strand has mixed crime drama with psychological suspense to create a feel-good story about a murderer. W. T. F.

Please excuse me while I go hug my dog...

As always,
AstraDaemon

P.S. If you enjoy odd stories like this one, I also recommend SPECIMEN 313 by Strand.

The Trail of Spiders

FAINT OF HEART by Jeff Strand reminds me of the movie The Vanishing (1993). In the story, it's a married woman who has to relive her husband's camping trip in hell, in order to find out what happened to him. This is the darkest Strand story I've read yet. Even though the author avoids overly graphic scenes of violence, there are a couple of scenes which are absolutely horrific.

In other words, this is a terrifying thriller I recommend to all horror readers. Fans of Strand should prepare themselves...there's no dark humor in this one.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Apocalyptic Friends With Benefits

AN APOCALYPSE OF OUR OWN by Jeff Strand is the story of two friends stuck in a bomb shelter together for months. Eventually they become friends with benefits, but that is a minor detail. Missy and Kevin are awesome characters, and I think this story would work as a horror-comedy movie.

I'm not certain the author meant to be funny, but I laughed out loud more than once. Despite the dark humor, this novella still has its terrifying moments. The setting is absolutely claustrophobic, and the tiny bunker alone is a frightening concept.

The apocalypse isn't explained until the very end, but the reason is very satisfying and a tad bit ironic. This is definitely one of my favorite Strand stories!

As always,
AstraDaemon