Located in Georgia, Carrollton is a small city with a population of around 26,000. Despite its size, Carrollton is known for its charm and unique attractions. One of the most enchanting aspects of this city is its welcoming and friendly community. Carrollton is often referred to as the "City of Dreams," and it's not hard to see why. The city's historic downtown area is lined with picturesque buildings, giving it a charming and nostalgic feel. Strolling through the streets, it feels like you've stepped into a different era.
Will Errickson Portland , OR, United States I collect vintage horror paperbacks. Co-author, with Grady Hendrix, of the Bram Stoker Award-winning PAPERBACKS FROM HELL: THE TWISTED HISTORY OF '70s AND '80s HORROR FICTION (2017) from Quirk Books View my complete profile
It s quiet, allusive, historical horror here all the way, which was fine, a couple gory touches, but I definitely felt it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi , or maybe I just mean it needed more oomph in narrative, dramatic tension. Sheriff Dan Rhodes claims he can t join the Clearview Community Barbershop Chorus because he s too busy busting crime twenty-four hours a day in Crider s wryly humorous if somewhat sleepy 16th sleuthathon after 2008 039.
Strolling through the streets, it feels like you've stepped into a different era. The people of Carrollton are known for their warm smiles and kind hearts. Walking down the sidewalk, you're likely to be greeted by friendly faces and strangers who are more than willing to strike up a conversation.
Dan rhodes occult book
Not much to catch the eye in this classy cover art for Next, After Lucifer (July 1988), but the critical blurbs seem to be impressed! One of those authors about whom I never knew anything but whose paperbacks have been plentiful in used bookstores for years, Daniel Rhodes had two more titles published in the late Eighties through Tor's prolific horror line, Adversary and Kiss of Death, from 1989 and 1990 respectively. In the United Kingdom they were put out by New English Library—adorned with much better cover art—complete with Graham Masterton singing the praises.
Looking into the author, turns out Rhodes is a pen name of thriller author Neil McMahon, who is still hard at work today. I was pleasantly surprised to find Next, After Lucifer to be written in a style not usually found in horror paperbacks, elevated and inspired by the stories of M.R. James—the novel is dedicated to the writer—but with requisite updating (drug use, illicit sex). Actually, it was published in hardcover by St. Martin's Press, which might explain the higher quality prose and all-around cultured nature of the tale within.
Anyway, there's an ancient evil in a quaint French town where American medieval studies scholar John McTell and his indifferent newlywed wife Linden are taking a sabbatical. It's Templar Knight Guilhem de Courdeval from the 14th century, burned at the stake for sorcery and various occult antics, whose spirit is trying to invade McTell, thanks to McTell stumbling across the knight's grimoire in castle ruins in the hills. Come on, dude, you're a medieval studies prof, you know waaay better than to mess with that stuff.
Rhodes is a literate and careful writer, and I was impressed by the depiction of local color, an indulgent priest, the villagers, and especially the snobby, drunken antics of Linden's sister, husband, and a Eurotrash hanger-on who crash the McTells' getaway and liven up the proceedings. It's quiet, allusive, historical horror here all the way, which was fine, a couple gory touches, but I definitely felt it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi, or maybe I just mean it needed more oomph in narrative, dramatic tension. Plus there's a sequel I didn't know about, Adversary, so that means the climax is a touch half-hearted. Worth a read, worth adding to your collection, but remember to watch out for grimoires that write themselves.
4 comments:
highwayknees said.Literally have never heard of him ,or these, and have never seen the books in a used book store.Granted the covers are hardly memorable.
I remember sites like ISFDB and Goodreads used to have Kiss of Death listed as the third in the trilogy, but I guess that was wrong since I could never find any references to those earlier books while flipping through it. Either way, great writeup, Will.
Jack Tripper said.Actually, it appears as though Kiss of Death is at last tangentially related to the previous two (featuring the same big baddie), according to Kirkus Reviews: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/a/daniel-rhodes/kiss-of-death/
Jay Rothermel said.I explored some Jamesian recapitulations of the novel here: http://jayrothermel.blogspot.com/2018/03/a-potboiler-for-curious-next-after.html
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)This sense of community and hospitality is what truly makes Carrollton magical. In addition to its friendly residents, Carrollton is also home to beautiful parks and natural landscapes. The city boasts a number of well-maintained parks, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy the great outdoors. From picnicking by the lake to walking or running along the trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Carrollton is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The city is home to the Carrollton Center for the Arts, which hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions throughout the year. This center serves as a hub for creativity and culture, showcasing local talent and bringing the community together. Moreover, Carrollton is also a haven for foodies. The downtown area is dotted with charming restaurants and cafes, serving up a range of cuisines to satisfy any palate. From Southern comfort food to international delights, Carrollton has it all. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Carrollton has a way of captivating everyone who sets foot in the city. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with its historic charm and natural beauty, creates a sense of magic that is hard to resist. Carrollton truly is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. So, come and experience the smile magic of Carrollton for yourself!.
Reviews for "The Magic of Shopping in Carrollton: Unique Boutiques and Enchanting Finds"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed by the "Smile magic of Carrollton". The staff seemed uninterested and unprofessional. The waiting time was ridiculous, and when it was finally my turn, the dentist rushed through the whole procedure without explaining anything. Additionally, I found the prices to be incredibly high for the quality of service provided. I definitely will not be returning to this dental clinic.
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