From six different writers come a collection of twelve horror stories, entitled “Double-Barrel”. Does it do justice to the rather picturesque name? It definitely does, and it’s good to know there are upcoming writers who can perfectly measure shock value. There’s just something brilliant about the indie writing scene regarding the horror genre, which is proven yet again through this collaboration.
Amanda Hard leads the onslaught with some good-old mutilation and cannibalism within the story called “The Chef and the Maiden”. It sees a professional chef entertaining his delight for human flesh, but gets a different taste for life when he picks up his latest Craig’s List victim. Her second story is called “These Things We Do For Our Children”, and as the title suggests, it shows exactly how far a loving mother will go. Personally, Amanda was my favorite because she didn’t mess around. She can say a lot with very little words but still maintain an eerie atmosphere. Her use of detail at just the right moments is second to none.
K. Trap Jones is the second author and delivers another double blow to your level of comfort. With two stories entitled “One Dirt Road” and “Last Clown Out”, the style is very different compared to the introduction. Instead of giving out small increments of shock, Jones chooses to really stretch the nerve of the reader. The former story deals with a man who returns to his childhood town, then decides to face his childhood fear. The latter story reveals a darker side of being a clown, especially when pushed too far. Great pacing was used for both stories and my compliments to the writer.
Vic Kerry contributes with two paternal related stories entitled, “Gilded Lily” and “The Little Girl”. If there ever was a different horrific approach to mother and fatherhood, then Kerry nails it. From carrying the child of a forest creature to the strange connection between a father and his unborn daughter, there’s no telling what’s going to happen. Even though all aspects were handled well in terms of style, timing and being descriptive, I appreciated the author’s originality the most.
J.C. Michael is the voice behind “Just One Pound” and “Meetings with the Devil”. In the first story, a desperate man makes a shady deal that turns into a nightmare, while the second story brings the devil into the life of a World War Two soldier. This author isn’t as gore-driven as his predecessors. Even though there are some chilling moments, his tales are more psychologically bound in a manner of speaking. He really delves into the mind of his protagonists, and dare I say provides a true sense of reality.
Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason (Sisters of Slaughter) are the authors of “Just a Few” and “Tenant’s Rights”. They pick up the pace where the first author left off and use the familiar plots associated with demons and haunted houses. These girls don’t mess around and they don’t want to give the reader a subtle entrance. With a touch of humor and very colorful characters they break down the front door and allow the demons to roam free. Their stories are straightforward and to the point, creating a sense of urgency from the start. Although the plotlines aren’t the most original, they are still very entertaining.
Matthew Weber ends off the collection with “Beware the Whammy” and “Swallowed”. The first story follows three guys who make the ultimate mistake of running over an old gypsy woman’s dog, while the second story revolves around a bullied kid trying to explain the death of a bully. As a fan of Weber’s work, I thought his contribution ended the collection off on a high note. He has a raw edge in his style and always produces some thoughtful endings.
Overall it’s a great collection of horror stories, and many gore addicts are going to love it. The focus points are very diverse, and yet they flow well as you go from one story to the next. I’m definitely giving “Double Barrel” two thumbs up.
Amanda Hard is a former journalist and magazine editor currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) at Murray State University in Kentucky. Her horror fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and print anthologies and her flash fiction has been featured in three graphic collections from The Daily Nightmare. She is a member of the Horror Writers Association and lives in the cornfields of southern Indiana with her husband, son, two dogs, and enough unattached dog hair to knit a third one.
K. Trap Jones is an author of 6 novels and 65+ short stories appearing in numerous anthologies and magazines. Specializing in narrative splatterpunk horror, he draws inspiration from Dante Alighieri and Edgar Allan Poe along with his appreciation towards narrative folklore, classic literary works and obscure segments within society. His novel, The Sinner won the 2010 Royal Palm Literary Award. As a product of the ’80s, he likes his movies bloody and his music heavy. He can be found lurking around Tampa, FL.
“Today, there’s a new generation of horror writers bursting onto the scene, and Jones is one of the leaders of the pack.” — EDWARD LEE, author of City Infernal, Header, and The Bighead
Vic Kerry is the author of THE CHILDREN OF LOT and REVELS ENDING. He also has short stories appearing in various anthologies and magazines. He lives in Alabama with his wife, five dogs, and cat, Daisy.
J. C. Michael is an English horror author.
His début novel, Discoredia, was published in September 2013, by Books of the Dead Press. Since then he has seen a number of his short stories published in various anthologies, including Reasons to Kill in the Amazon best-seller Suspended in Dusk, and has also had two stories featured in the single author Double Barrel Horror series from Pint Bottle Press.
Citing Stephen King, James Herbert, and Clive Barker, as his greatest influences, Micheal’s work sits firmly within the horror genre.
Matthew Weber writes horror stories, political novels and home-improvement books. He’s author of A DARK & WINDING ROAD (collected short horror fiction, 2014) and THE BULL (satirical political novel, 2012). His short stories have appeared in such anthologies as BEST OF DARK ECLIPSE, GHOSTS: REVENGE, CREATURE STEW and more. He is an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association and makes his living as editor-in-chief (and principal writer) of EXTREME HOW-TO home improvement magazine. Weber lives in central Alabama with his wife, two sons and canine companion. Check out his website at www.pintbottlepress.com.
Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.
