The Last Straw by Gord Rollo

Posting a review of the same book twice isn't something I ever plan to do, but I feel that this case kind of warrants it. Well, in a way. This isn't actually a review of Valley Of The Scarecrow. No, it's actually a review of the short story that is included in the A-Z lettered, leather bound, hardcover edition that is available at Dark Regions Press.

And don't you worry, I'll keep it short.

The Last Straw is one of the most intense, emotional, and beautifully written pieces of fiction that I have read in a very long time. The story ties directly into the history of Valley Of The Scarecrow, giving the reader a bit more information as to what happened all those years ago, when Angus and some of the other citizens decided it was time to put an end to the Reverend's reign of terror in the little community of Miller's Grove.

I cannot stress enough how incredible this story is. The set up is fantastic - bringing absolute clarity to some of the questions one might have about the story it precludes. Not only that, but the character of Angus is fleshed out in a more satisfying and 'fatherly' way. The Reverend - pre-monster - is also shown to be almost more terrifying than he is in VOTS, eliciting more emotional terror than I've previously encountered from a short story, in a while.

This story alone, is worth paying the extra cash for the Dark Regions edition of Valley Of The Scarecrow.

You can grab it here in both A-Z Lettered, leather bound hardcover (for $99) or in a signed, limited hardcover edition(for $50) - only from Dark Regions Press. A reminder: The Last Straw is only available in the A-Z Lettered edition.

PBH.

Valley Of The Scarecrow by Gord Rollo

In keeping with Rollo's ability to craft an incredible story, Valley Of The Scarecrow delivers top notch storytelling with all the flair of a late '80's/ early '90's slasher flick feel. The ride is intense, brutal, and never lets up. If this is what we can expect from Rollo - the future of Canadian horror is in great hands.

Seventy years ago the residents of Miller's Grove rose to destroy their devil-worshipping minister. They lashed him to a cross in his church and left him to die, resembling a macabre human scarecrow. But now the scarecrow has returned to life and is hungry for his revenge.

From the beginning of the novel, Rollo sets out to let the reader know that he is still in top form, introducing a cast of characters that are not only faithful to the genre's expectations, but also the dependable keys to a great story. It's through these characters that Rollo brings a new slant to the whole "slasher" camp, making the reader feel like they're part of the story - instead of feeling like you're just reading one. Personally, I felt as if I were watching something in the vein of Friday the 13th or Sleepaway Camp - as opposed to reading a novel, making this a very worthwhile experience. I can directly attribute this to Rollo's killer dialogue and the creative way he spins his characters. It's refreshing at the same time as it gives the reader a sense of nostalgia for the aforementioned 'slasher' days.

The monster featured in this novel is incredible. Joshua Miller is the stuff that nightmares are made of, namely for the fact that he just jumps off the page and straight into your head. Rollo has taken something that has been used for years - the Scarecrow - and made it scary again. The very idea that a scarecrow would come to life and chase someone is terifying enough, but add a religion-fueled, righteous indignation makes it all the more terrifying. Couple that with Rollo's innate ability to create some seriously traumatizing scenes depicting some seriously disturbing monsters, and you have what I like to think is the stuff of true terror - done properly. I don't know who/where he comes up with this stuff, but I'm hoping it keeps up.

To add one last bit of info (potential spoiler ahead), Valley Of The Scarecrow sets itself up for a sequel which, upon finishing the novel, I am now salavating for.

You can check out Gord Rollo's website here, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and visit his forum (hosted by The Keenedom, registration necessary) here.

Valley Of The Scarecrow is available at the Leisure Books website and on Amazon as an ebook. If you don't have a Kindle, read it on your iPod, like I did. It's completely worth it.

The Trade Paperback will be available from Leisure in 2011.

PBH.

The Jigsaw Man by Gord Rollo

The Jigsaw Man saw Gord Rollo break into the world of Mass Market Paperback Horror as a mid-list writer, and what an entrance it was. Written in the first person (which I usually hate but Rollo seems to make work brilliantly) the reader is forced into the mind of the vagrant main character, Michael Fox.

Now get this - the story is centered around one question: How far would you go to get your hands on $2 million. That's a damned good question. Most of us would posture and say "pretty far!", but for the life of us we don't know how far that actually is. Michael Fox is about to find out.

In the midst of a suicide attempt, Michael is interrupted by a very rich stranger who has a lucrative offer for him...and no part of it is illegal. All he has to do to get the cash is give up his right arm. "S'cuse me?" you say, "His right arm? Like, his right arm?"

Yes. His whole right arm. And that's only the beginning of the story.

With The Jigsaw Man, Rollo relies heavily on his incredibly strong descriptive ability. The reader feels every nuance of the story, from Mike's trepidation upon first being offered the money to his sheer terror later on. While Rollo can create incredibly believable characters, it's the way he weaves his words when describing actions and emotions that are the true stars of the tale. The reader can't help but just feel everything, and as the terror mounts, you can rest assured that your blood pressure will skyrocket as well. Gord Rollo will take you on a journey that will definitely change the way you look at paperback horror novels.

Brilliantly crafted and expertly written, Jigsaw Man is surely one of the best Leisure Books has to offer.

PBH