In the introduction to the author’s first collection since FEARFUL SYMMETRIES, Jack Ketchum notes that Thomas Monteleone always uses the voice which is best suited to the story. If the reader has ever had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Monteleone read a story, he or she would know how the writer becomes each character, each story’s “voice.” It is an invaluable lesson for writers and a kick-up-your-heels-and-enjoy-the-ride experience for readers. It’s a rare skill but one which is on full display here in the quintet of novellas that will leave the person with the sensation he or she just heard the tales spoken across a table in a quiet bar while downing a smooth bourbon.
These five stories span 42 years in the authors’ life and while none are new, it’s unlikely the reader has seen any before. Even though there is an obvious growth in the writing over this time frame, the voice is consistently strong and grabs the reader tight until the last word is spoken. The “Dark Arts” within these pages speak to all, especially anyone who is in touch with his or her passion, muse, or dreams.
“The Dancer in the Darkness” opens the collection with a finesse that sets the rhythm for the stories ahead. A guitarist in Spain who meets a woman hellbent on becoming an amazing flamenco dancer. As his relationship develops with her, he discovers the dark journey which she has chosen.
Mozart as a focal point in a fantastical tale? Brilliant premise as he meets his muse with dark results. The detail in the plot and setting are hypnotic and smoothly lead to another mind of genius as the true nature of a very mysterious woman is slowly revealed.
The search for the source of inspiration—or is it writer’s block—is the impetus behind “Looking for Mr. Flip,” where a writer travels back to his childhood neighborhood. Reminiscent of the best Bradbury, Monteleone brings the reader into places both familiar and strange.
For another trip into nostalgia, in a format partially in stage play form, a man seeking redemption, and something more, finds something amazing in an old theatre. “Rehearsals” could easily be one of the author’s best, but for reasons one wouldn’t expect.
Final stories in collections don’t usually hold up well. Yet with “The Prime Time of Spenser Golding,” Monteleone takes the reader down a road where a Faustian deal might save him. Then again, it might be something else altogether as a reporter finds the inward journey is as transformative as his physical one.
As only 100 copies exist at the moment, please move fast. Recommended highly for any student of fiction or lover of falling head-over-heels into pure story.
- THE BEST OF ROD SERLING’S TWILIGHT ZONE - April 11, 2015
- BLIND RAGE - April 11, 2015
- Black Static #44-45 - April 11, 2015
- The Halloween Children - February 12, 2015
- Darkness Ad Infinitum - November 24, 2014
- Fear City - October 5, 2014
- The Boneyard - July 24, 2014
- Double Feature: A Novel - July 24, 2014
- Never Alone - July 24, 2014
- Blind Vengence - July 24, 2014
