The ramblings of a bibliophile.
You could kind of see how this story was going to end in the first few sentences. For starters, the title is Typecast, it implies the fitting of certain roles to an idea. Specifically when you are introduced to a casting director in LA. And one that is hunting for the perfect serial killer…
The tales of Van Helsing and Dracula are told and retold so often that just the mention of their name can be exciting or send me off into snores. Luckily for me, this short story was a completely new take on traditional stories. And one that just wasn’t even slightly what I expected. Which was cute, funny and left me with a big smile on my face.
This is an incredibly short story. And when I started reading it, I was wondering what part of painting an apple would make it part of a blood thirsty collection. When I figured it out, I was honestly a little grossed out and freaked. Which is why I gave it a slightly higher rating than I probably would have normally… it surprised me and made me feel weird.
I’m a little hinky about Christianity. Just bad experiences with some not nice people who hid behind their religion. But, it always makes me entertained to read any story that features a Christian spin or tale. The fact that this one focused on a demon’s point of view and his attempts at corrupting the church goers kind of made it all the more entertaining.
I’m not a huge fan of reality TV. It always feels contrived and fake. Which, after reading this, I think that Chris Abbey might actually agree with me. This is a supernatural take on Dancing with the Stars. But one with a very sarcastic and ultimately funny twist. After all, most of the contestants are already dead, and those who are left… well, you’ll just have to read it to see.
I’ve seen dementia and short term memory loss used as a humorous anecdote, as a sad trial, as a hurdle that someone has to challenge or overcome. I have never read about it being used in a horror story. I’ve also never been so freaked out by the idea of someone with short term memory loss. But, Pyle has definitely managed to change that for me.
I like it when stories flip our point of view right on its head. It’s kind of a different way to look at the world, and really think about your actions. The fact that this one is about pets, and while I was reading it, I had one dog behind me, and one in front…
I read this short story before going to bed. Mistake! I hate dolls, mannequins and anything generally humanoid that doesn’t quite make it. Mannequins are kind of at the top of this list. So a horror story about mannequins coming to life… yeah, it was not a good idea to read before turning off the lights.
I’ve never been part of an intervention. And I feel like that’s a good thing. Especially when you’re reading a short story that is effectively about the intervention of a loved one. Who is also a zombie. It was funny. But also seriously creepy.
Read more The Man Who Couldn’t Be Bothered to Die by Norman Prentiss
I read a lot of fantasy and supernatural stories. There is always something enjoyable about seeing the reflection of the known in the unknown. But, one thing I’ve never really thought of is how these supernatural ghouls and creatures manage to keep themselves looking good on their nightly prowls.
