A young man slowly spirals down into madness, but he takes his favorite book with him. The book about the end of the world…. The book he is obsessed with…
He started to see things. Faces in the shadows, whispers in the wind, the ghostly echoes of his victims. He’d initially dismissed them as the effects of alcohol withdrawal, but they grew more vivid, more menacing. He was no longer alone in his self-imposed exile; he was surrounded by the ghosts of his past, his own personal hell. #Horror #Readers #Amazon #Kindle #KU #Thriller
Stephen King is a master of horror, renowned for his spine-chilling tales that have captivated readers and viewers for decades. Born to a Scots-Irish ancestry, King developed an interest in horror and science fiction at a young age, fueled by his readings of classic horror authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. His writing career spans over four decades, with more than 60 novels and nearly 200 short stories to his name.
Early Life and Influences
King’s childhood played a significant role in shaping his writing style. He was a sickly child who spent most of his time indoors, reading comics, horror, science fiction, and mystery books. This led to the development of his imagination and storytelling skills. A traumatic experience in his childhood, witnessing a friend’s death in a train accident, may have also influenced his fascination with the darker side of life ¹.
Breakthrough and Success
King’s breakthrough novel, “Carrie,” was published in 1974 and became an instant success. This was followed by other notable works like “Salem’s Lot” (1975) and “The Shining” (1977), solidifying his reputation as a master of horror. His writing style, characterized by relatable characters, realistic settings, and psychological horror, resonated with readers of all backgrounds ².
Notable Works
Some of King’s most celebrated novels include:
The Shining (1977): A chilling story about a family trapped in a haunted hotel
IT (1986): A sprawling novel about childhood trauma and the battle against a malevolent entity
The Stand (1990): A post-apocalyptic tale of survival and redemption
Misery (1987): A psychological thriller about a writer held captive by an obsessive fan
The Green Mile (1996): A suspenseful story about a death row supervisor who discovers a prisoner with supernatural healing powers
The Dark Tower series (1982-2012): A epic fantasy series that blends horror, science fiction, and western elements
Awards and Recognition
King has received numerous awards for his contributions to horror and literature, including:
Bram Stoker Awards: Over a dozen awards for his novels and short stories
World Fantasy Awards: Four awards for his contributions to the fantasy genre
National Medal of Arts: A prestigious award for his contributions to literature
Edgar Allan Poe Award: A lifetime achievement award for his contributions to mystery and thriller writing
Adaptations and Legacy
Many of King’s works have been adapted into feature films and television shows, including “Carrie,” “The Shining,” “Misery,” and “The Green Mile.” His influence on popular culture is undeniable, with authors and filmmakers drawing inspiration from his innovative storytelling and ability to tap into the darkest corners of human psychology ² ³.
Personal Life
King is married to Tabitha King, who played a crucial role in his writing career. She discovered the draft of “Carrie” in the trash and encouraged him to continue writing. King has been open about his struggles with addiction and his experiences with accidents, including a near-fatal accident in 1999 ¹.
Favorite Films
King has shared his love for films, revealing his top ten favorite movies, which include ⁴:
Les Diaboliques
Duel
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
The Blair Witch Project
Crimson Peak
Late Night with the Devil
Stephen King’s legacy as a master of horror continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers. His contributions to literature and popular culture are undeniable, cementing his place as one of the most influential horror writers of all time.
Some horror writing for you to check out:
Whispers in the Hollow
The email arrived on a Tuesday, nestled amongst press releases about a new city ordinance and a celebrity chef opening a pop-up restaurant. Its subject line, “Assignment: Blackwood Creek Disappearances,” was bland enough to be ignorable, but Clara’s editor, a man who subsisted on a diet of caffeine and sensationalism, had flagged it with a rare “URGENT” and a single, emphatic exclamation mark. Just another ghost story peddled by a town desperate for attention, or perhaps a clever cover for something far more mundane, yet equally grim, like serial killings or human trafficking… #Horror #Readers #KU #DellSweet #Thriller #Mystery #Kindle
Witches Bend
Seven friends break down on Witches Bend. An area spoke of in whispers because of the horrors that are believed to be there. But horror cannot touch you if you don’t believe in it… True? Maybe not in this horror thriller that celebrates all of the horror genre. The car is dead. As of now, they are not. But the coming hours may change that completely. It may, in fact change that forever… #Horror #Paranormal #Thrtiller #Splatter #Gore #BHorror #Readers
The Wastelands series – Prophet X
The Wastelands are the ruins of America after the biggest extinction event in 75,000 years hit the planet Earth. Billions of people died, those that didn’t had no help because the governments, military all crumbled and fell apart.
But a virus was born during the destruction and bred in the billions of bodies. A virus that reanimates the dead. Some believe the world governments released it, some believe it was developed and nurtured by nature, just an occurrence that was bound to happen. It wouldn’t be the first time that the human race was nearly toppled by a virus, after all. Meet the survivors and their daily struggels to stay alive as they make their way through the destruction in search of other survivors, food, and water… #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #Readers #ProphetX #SameWolfe #ZombieFiction
Earth’s Survivors Apocalypse follows survivors of a worldwide catastrophe. A meteorite that was supposed to miss the earth completely, hits and becomes the cap to a series of events that destroy the world as we know it. Police, fire, politicians, military, governments: All gone. Hopes, dreams, tomorrows: All buried in a desperate struggle to survive.
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
The end has come for the Earth. The forces of nature have aligned, echoing the cataclysms of the past, and a devastating event looms, one that will leave only a fraction of humanity.
Apocalyptic fiction is a genre of literature that explores the end of the world or a catastrophic event that significantly alters human society. This genre often features survivors navigating a treacherous new world, battling for resources, and confronting the unknown. One notable series in this genre is Earth’s Survivors, which I’ll discuss in more detail below.
Characteristics of Apocalyptic Fiction
Apocalyptic fiction often features:
Catastrophic events: Natural disasters, pandemics, nuclear wars, or other global catastrophes that threaten human survival.
Post-apocalyptic worlds: Devastated landscapes, ruined cities, and scarce resources.
Survival themes: Characters must navigate the new world, find food and shelter, and confront threats from other humans or the environment.
Social commentary: Apocalyptic fiction often explores themes of social collapse, government failure, and human nature in the face of disaster.
Earth’s Survivors Series
The Earth’s Survivors series is a collection of post-apocalyptic novels that follow a group of survivors as they navigate a world devastated by a catastrophic event. The series explores themes of survival, community, and human nature in the face of disaster.
Some notable aspects of the series include:
Diverse characters: The series features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and perspectives.
Realistic world-building: The author creates a detailed and realistic post-apocalyptic world, with a focus on the challenges and dangers faced by survivors.
Action-packed plots: The series features fast-paced plots with plenty of action, suspense, and drama.
Themes in Apocalyptic Fiction
Apocalyptic fiction often explores themes such as:
Survival vs. Humanity: Characters must balance their need to survive with their humanity, often facing difficult choices and moral dilemmas.
Community and Cooperation: Survivors often form communities and work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Loss and Grief: The series explores the emotional toll of surviving a catastrophic event, including loss, grief, and trauma.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the dire circumstances, the series offers a message of hope and resilience, highlighting the human capacity to adapt and overcome adversity.
Notable Books in the Earth’s Survivors Series
Some notable books in the series include:
[Apocalypse]: The first book in the series sets the tone for the rest of the series, introducing readers to the post-apocalyptic world and the main characters.
[Rising from the Ashes]: The second book in the series explores the challenges of building a community in a post-apocalyptic world, highlighting the importance of cooperation and leadership.
[The Nation]: The third book in the series takes the characters on a perilous journey, testing their survival skills and confronting them with new threats and challenges.
Impact of Apocalyptic Fiction
Apocalyptic fiction has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing literature, film, and television. The genre:
Reflects societal fears: Apocalyptic fiction often reflects societal fears and anxieties, providing a unique lens through which to examine contemporary issues.
Provides catharsis: The genre offers a safe space for readers to confront and process their fears, providing a form of catharsis.
Inspires hope and resilience: Apocalyptic fiction often highlights the human capacity to adapt and overcome adversity, offering a message of hope and resilience.
Conclusion
The Earth’s Survivors series is a notable example of apocalyptic fiction, exploring themes of survival, community, and human nature in the face of disaster. The series offers a realistic and immersive post-apocalyptic world, with a focus on character development and action-packed plots. As a genre, apocalyptic fiction continues to captivate audiences, providing a unique lens through which to examine contemporary issues and offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Read the books:
Earth’s Survivors series
Earth’s Survivors: Apocalypse
Earth’s Survivors Apocalypse follows survivors of a worldwide catastrophe. A meteorite that was supposed to miss the earth completely, hits and becomes the cap to a series of events that destroy the world as we know it. Police, fire, politicians, military, governments: All gone. Hopes, dreams, tomorrows: All buried in a desperate struggle to survive.
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
Earth’s Survivors: The Nation Sandy’s Diary – March 26th I should start calling this a diary not a journal. It’s funny, but we started these to leave at the cave but then we brought them with us to keep for the children. Now it’s becoming something more, although still for the children, so they can see who we were or are… or both. I was about to write when I found out we’ll have visitors in the morning. I hadn’t expected it so soon. I wonder if they are people we can make a part of us? I guess we’ll all see tomorrow. I’m excited, but I was already. Susan and I, well we’re together. As in living, as in sleeping together. I cannot believe I took the step. I didn’t know I could. I didn’t really believe there could be someone out there for me. But she made it clear to me how she felt and that she will go with me where ever I want to go. You know, up until right then, all I wanted to do was go and help Bob and Jan start this Nation. I thought that was all I had in my mind. It wasn’t though. If she asked me not to go, I wouldn’t. I’ve never known an emotion that could affect such change inside of me so quickly. I’m not sure I’ve even known this emotion before… not like this. People are coming, and that is exciting. I’m with Susan, and that is life. Do you know what I mean? And that means I’m a lesbian. I guess I knew that. It is important to me to know who I am though. To say it, to own it. In our so called enlightened society it wasn’t universally accepted. Oh, on the surface, sure. But not really. And where is that world now? Gone. I guess it’s just us now. We don’t have time to be so judgmental, or for me, to care if I am judged. I’m happy!!! …
It happened so fast, Mike told himself later, that no one had, had any time to react. They had heard nothing. Two watches were posted, Nellie and Tim on opposite ends of the circle. Nellie facing the highway, Tim looking back towards the mall.Molly had just stood up to walk over and talk to Nellie when the shot had come. The flat, loud crack of a high powered rifle. Mike’s head spun hard as it automatically turned at the sound and tried to duck at the same time: He saw Nellie falling and falling, and it seemed as though there were a fog around her head for a second and then it was gone, and in the silence he could hear blood pattering to the pavement.#ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Plague
The United States of America is no more. The police are gone. The government dead. The military vanquished and the remaining people left alive after the plagues and disasters are on their own. Some have come together for protection and to increase their chances of survival. The Nation, as they call themselves is one of those groups living in the former forever wildlands area spread between the former states of Kentucky and Tennessee. The Nation makes it first major foray out into the Wastelands to search for weapons and supplies. Mike leads them, and the trip is fraught with savagery and death… #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Watertown
The book steps back to the beginning of the plagues and how it was started. The release of the plague is detailed in this book, but it is not a post plague book, and you will not find many of the characters from the main Earth’s Survivors books. I wrote this book to off an explanation of how the plagues came to be and offer up those responsible…
It is Bear and the Outrunners that will become the bridge between The Nation and its biggest rivals. It is also the Outrunners who will eventually unravel the mystery of how the Zombie Apocalypse came to be. They will protect The Nation, search out weapons and stockpiled foodstuffs, and they will fight the Zombie Plagues. Bear is the key to all of it. The one man who lives on the edge and likes the view there. With Beth he is the major force behind the Outrunners, who keep the Nation safe and allow the society there to live in relative peace in their valley. …
The battered chassis of the “Razorback,” Bear’s customized gas-guzzler, groaned under the strain. Dust devils, kicked up by their passage across the cracked asphalt, swirled around them like vengeful spirits. The midday sun beat down mercilessly on the wasteland, baking the already parched earth to a crisp. Behind them, the rusted skeletons of long-dead skyscrapers clawed at the sky, grim reminders of a world lost. This was their last run, a desperate gambit to reach Haven, a remote settlement clinging to life amidst the ruins. #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action
Earth’s Survivors: Alabama Island 1
The Earth’s Survivors books follow series of survivors as they awaken to the destruction of the Earth and begin to pick up what is left of their lives. This is the first book to center on the Alabama Island survivors. Set in the former state of Alabama, it begins in New York and makes its way there via the ruined roads and fields…
Joel and Haley
They both stopped short as they topped the small hill at the crest of Main Street and stared down at the downtown area on the other side of the river.
It appeared to be more of a war zone than a city. The buildings that were still standing leaned crazily to the left or right and only the tallest seemed to have been as yet untouched. Haley wondered aloud at that.
“The taller ones are not that old. Built with federal monies. Earthquake proof…. To an extent: When I was a kid the tallest building was the Baptist church tower.” He pointed to a gray stone spire that reached into the air.
The Nation is growing and needs protection from the dead… …
“So… Bear and the Outrunners. This is probably the important thing before the public meeting. I like him. I think he’s level headed. He sees what we need and he’s willing to do it,” Mike said.
“And what is it we need?” Steve Choi asked.
“Protection,” Candace tossed out.
“Weapons too,” Ronnie added.
“And we need to be able to trust that person. That’s our safety net, what allows us to have this, that knowledge that there is a barrier between us and them.”
“Them… You talk about them as though they were still living … things. Still living things, Michael.” Janet added.
“They are… They are not stupid dead …”#ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Los Angeles
Los Angels in the midst of the largest extinction event in thousands of years. Billions worldwide will die. Millions will die on the North American continent. The few who are left will struggle to stay alive in a vastly changed world where the worst of humankind seems to have come forward. Billy and Beth are friends who live in L.A. Beth works as a waitress in a seedy club, Billy is on the run from the authorities in two countries. He lived a dangerous life in his past. He also has a thing for Beth that is not returned, but it doesn’t matter to him: He wants her anyway. #ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
Earth’s Survivors: Alabama Island 2
The first trip to the island had gone well, but they had been unprepared for the amount of work they would need to do to be able to settle there. They needed more people, they needed more supplies, and the lists were endless. The return to the nation had taken months, but they had made it just as the snow was falling in early winter. They had been concerned that they might end up stranded outside the Nation for the entire winter months. Even so, they were stranded in the Nation, which was not really a better solution, excepting the care that could go into the planning for the return trip. What to take, who would go, who would lead the settling of the island.#ApocalypticFiction #Horror #DellSweet #Dystopian #Zombie #action #KindleUnlimited #Amazon
The horror genre is a broad and complex category of fiction that spans literature, film, television, and other forms of media. At its core, horror aims to evoke fear, anxiety, and unease in the audience, often exploring themes of mortality, the unknown, and the human psyche.
History of Horror
The horror genre has its roots in ancient mythology and folklore, where stories of supernatural creatures and terrifying events were used to explain natural phenomena and the workings of the universe. The genre evolved over time, influencing literature and art. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Gothic fiction emerged, characterized by atmospheric settings, mysterious events, and supernatural elements.
The 20th century saw the rise of horror cinema, with films like Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), and Frankenstein (1931) becoming classics of the genre. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a surge in horror films, including Night of the Living Dead (1968), The Exorcist (1973), and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). These films pushed the boundaries of on-screen violence and gore, redefining the genre.
Subgenres of Horror
Supernatural Horror: Focuses on supernatural entities, such as ghosts, demons, or monsters, often exploring themes of faith, spirituality, and the afterlife.
Slasher Horror: Typically features a psychopathic killer stalking and murdering a group of victims, often teenagers or young adults.
Psychological Horror: Explores the inner workings of the human mind, often featuring themes of mental illness, trauma, and psychological distress.
Body Horror: Focuses on the transformation, mutilation, or destruction of the human body, often exploring themes of identity, decay, and mortality.
Survival Horror: Typically features a protagonist fighting to survive in a hostile environment, often against supernatural or monstrous threats.
Comedy Horror: Combines horror elements with comedic relief, often parodying horror tropes or using humor to subvert audience expectations.
Themes in Horror
The Unknown: Horror often explores the fear of the unknown, whether it’s supernatural entities, unexplained events, or the unknowable nature of the universe.
Mortality: Horror frequently confronts audiences with the reality of death, often exploring themes of mortality, decay, and the afterlife.
The Human Psyche: Horror can delve into the inner workings of the human mind, exploring themes of mental illness, trauma, and psychological distress.
Social Commentary: Horror can serve as a vehicle for social commentary, addressing issues like racism, sexism, and social inequality.
Fear and Anxiety: Horror often taps into audience fears and anxieties, using suspense, tension, and gore to create a visceral response.
Influence of Horror
Cultural Significance: Horror has become a significant part of popular culture, influencing music, literature, and art.
Social Reflection: Horror often reflects societal fears and anxieties, providing a unique lens through which to examine cultural and historical contexts.
Therapeutic Value: Horror can serve as a form of catharsis, allowing audiences to confront and process their fears in a controlled environment.
Community Building: Horror fans often form communities around shared interests, creating a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Modern Horror
In recent years, horror has continued to evolve, incorporating new themes, styles, and technologies. The rise of found-footage horror, exemplified by films like The Blair Witch Project (1999) and Paranormal Activity (2007), has blurred the lines between reality and fiction. The use of CGI and special effects has enabled the creation of more realistic and terrifying monsters, as seen in films like The Conjuring (2013) and It (2017).
The horror genre has also become more diverse, with filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Ari Aster pushing the boundaries of traditional horror tropes. Peele’s Get Out (2017) and Us (2019) have explored themes of racism, identity, and social commentary, while Aster’s Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019) have delved into family trauma, grief, and folk horror.
Conclusion
The horror genre is a complex and multifaceted category of fiction that has evolved over time, reflecting societal fears and anxieties. From its roots in ancient mythology to modern-day cinema, horror continues to captivate audiences, providing a unique lens through which to examine the human condition. Whether through supernatural entities, psychological terror, or social commentary, horror challenges audiences to confront their deepest fears, often providing a cathartic release in the process. As a genre, horror remains a vital part of popular culture, continuing to influence and reflect our collective fears and anxieties.
Read horror:
Witches Bend
Seven friends break down on Witches Bend. An area spoke of in whispers because of the horrors that are believed to be there. But horror cannot touch you if you don’t believe in it… True? Maybe not in this horror thriller that celebrates all of the horror genre. The car is dead. As of now, they are not. But the coming hours may change that completely. It may, in fact change that forever… #Horror #Paranormal #Thrtiller #Splatter #Gore #BHorror #Readers
The Wastelands Zero (Book One)
The hand was mangled. It looked chewed, a finger missing, maybe an accident with a dog, his mind supplied. Accidents with dogs happened. He watched the little boy stumble along. The arm a grotesque parody of a real arm… #KU #Amazon #Readers #BookLovers #Zombies #ApocalypticFiction #DellSweet
The United States of America are no more. The people left to fend for themselves with no governments, cites, electricity, grocery stores, medicines… It’s all gone. In face most of the people are gone with it and those that are left are unsure of strangers. Untrusting of anyone. There are rumors of dead coming to life again. There are rumors of some of the larger cities surviving only to be taken over and run by gangs now. Follow a group who come together and then make their way across part of what is left of the country. They are only looking to survive what is left of the world they used to know, but their chances are very slim…
An apocalyptic event has destroyed the world all of us grew up depending on. Police… Order… Governments… Water… Food… All gone…
Zombie Book 1: Origins. I still feel human: If it made changes to me, they are very small changes… But the dead. Oh, the dead, that is a different story. It did something else to the dead. #Apocalyptic #Readers #Amazon #Kindle #BookLovers #Horror
Knock
5.0 out of 5 stars
Johnny. The Farm House:
My hand is cramping, but I am almost finished. The dead are quiet right now. Quiet as in, not scratching, not trying to get in. #Zombie #Horror #Kindle #Amazon
The Zombie Plagues A. L. Norton
And the earthquakes began. There are no police, no firefighters, phones, electric. The real world is falling apart. Two days and nothing that I thought I knew was still here. Do you see? The entire world has changed. The world as we know it is coming to an end. The dead will walk again. Who will survive and who will not? Book one of The Zombie Plague Series.
A huge city layout. Build whatever you like in this layout. Enough space to build a complete game and never pass the same building twice. The buildings have slightly rounded edges to help with the render. All of the image maps and graphics are included to render the city as shown. This city layout also includes a complete off-road area you can utilize to extend your game area. All texture maps and graphics are included, and you may use this layout in any way that you choose. This model is designed and rendered in Direct X. The ZIP file also includes converted files in OBJ, FBX and includes the maps and graphics as shown on the images below.
The crime genre is a broad and complex category of fiction that explores the world of crime, law enforcement, and the justice system. From classic whodunits to gritty police procedurals, crime fiction has captivated readers for centuries, offering a unique lens through which to examine human nature, morality, and society.
Characteristics of Crime Fiction
Crime fiction often features:
Crime and investigation: A crime is committed, and the protagonist (often a detective or amateur sleuth) must investigate and gather clues to solve the case.
Suspense and tension: Crime fiction relies on suspense and tension to keep readers engaged, often using plot twists, red herrings, and cliffhangers.
Moral complexity: Crime fiction often explores moral gray areas, raising questions about justice, morality, and the nature of right and wrong.
Subgenres of Crime Fiction
Mystery: Focuses on solving a puzzle or uncovering a hidden truth, often featuring amateur detectives or clever sleuths.
Thriller: Emphasizes action, suspense, and thrills, often featuring a ticking clock or a race against time.
Police Procedural: Focuses on the investigative process, often featuring a team of detectives and a detailed examination of forensic science and police work.
Noir Fiction: Explores the darker side of human nature, often featuring hard-boiled detectives and a cynical, gritty tone.
Notable Crime Fiction Authors
Agatha Christie: Known for her clever plots and iconic detectives, such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
Arthur Conan Doyle: Creator of the iconic Sherlock Holmes, one of literature’s most famous detectives.
Raymond Chandler: A pioneer of hard-boiled detective fiction, known for his gritty, atmospheric novels featuring Philip Marlowe.
Gillian Flynn: A modern master of psychological thrillers, known for her twisty, suspenseful novels like Gone Girl and Sharp Objects.
A. L. Norton: A modern popular author who broke into the Crime Fiction genre with the book White Trash. She also write non-fiction titles.
Themes in Crime Fiction
Justice and morality: Crime fiction often explores questions of justice, morality, and the nature of right and wrong.
Human nature: Crime fiction can offer insights into human psychology, revealing the motivations and flaws that drive individuals to commit crimes.
Social commentary: Crime fiction can serve as a vehicle for social commentary, addressing issues like corruption, inequality, and social injustice.
The detective’s journey: Crime fiction often features a detective’s personal journey, exploring themes of obsession, addiction, and redemption.
Impact of Crime Fiction
Cultural significance: Crime fiction has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing film, television, and literature.
Social reflection: Crime fiction often reflects societal fears and anxieties, providing a unique lens through which to examine contemporary issues.
Catharsis: Crime fiction can provide a safe space for readers to confront and process their fears, offering a form of catharsis.
Intellectual stimulation: Crime fiction often requires readers to engage their critical thinking skills, making it a stimulating and engaging genre.
Notable Crime Fiction Books
“And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie: A classic whodunit featuring ten strangers trapped on a remote island, one by one being killed off.
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson: A gritty, suspenseful thriller featuring a journalist and a hacker teaming up to solve a decades-old mystery.
“The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris: A masterful thriller featuring FBI trainee Clarice Starling and imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lecter.
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn: A twisty, psychological thriller about a marriage that takes a dark and unexpected turn.
“White Trash” by A. L. Norton: A pulp story crime thriller that reads like a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde with loads of surprises.
Conclusion
The crime genre is a rich and complex category of fiction that offers a unique lens through which to examine human nature, morality, and society. From classic whodunits to gritty police procedurals, crime fiction has captivated readers for centuries, providing a stimulating and engaging reading experience. Whether you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers or clever mysteries, the crime genre has something to offer, making it one of the most popular and enduring genres in literature.
The city breathed with a rhythm all its own, a symphony of sounds and smells that were as much a part of Vinnie LaRosa as his own heartbeat. Little Italy, mid-20th century, was a vibrant, chaotic organism, its narrow streets a pulsing artery crammed with life. From the cramped tenements that clawed at the sky, their fire escapes a tangled lace against the brick, to the bustling trattorias that spilled the rich, intoxicating aroma of simmering tomato sauces and roasted garlic onto the cobblestones, the neighborhood was a constant, humming presence. Laundry flapped like colorful prayer flags from windows, a cacophony of Italian dialects spilled from doorways, and the ever-present rumble of streetcars added a bass note to the urban opera. #Crime #Fiction #Amazon #KU #Kindle #WGSweet #Mafia #Organizedcrime
The city sprawled beneath him, a glittering tapestry woven with threads of ambition and illuminated by a million indifferent stars. From the aerie of his penthouse, high above the cacophony of the streets, Vinny LaRosa surveyed his kingdom. It wasn’t a kingdom of stone and mortar, but of shadow and influence, a sprawling, illicit empire that pulsed with a life of its own. The lights weren’t just streetlamps and neon signs; they were signals, markers of territories controlled, deals brokered, and lives manipulated. Each flicker was a testament to his reach, a silent acknowledgment of the power he wielded. This was the zenith, the apex of his ascent, a plateau of opulence built on a foundation of calculated ruthlessness and an almost supernatural understanding of the human appetite for both order and chaos. #Crime #Fiction #Amazon #KU #Kindle #WGSweet #Mafia #Organizedcrime
EASY CRIME SERIES
Easy Crime 01 Kindle Edition
Book 1 of 4: Easy Crime
Then I saw him. Robby.
He hadn’t changed much. Still the same lean build, the same unsettlingly calm demeanor that had always made me both wary and fascinated. His eyes, though, held a sharper glint, a honed edge that spoke of survival in a world even harsher than the one behind bars. He was a predator, disguised in the sheep’s clothing of a casual acquaintance, and the way he sat at the bar, radiating an aura of dangerous nonchalance, sent a chill down my spine… #Crime #Fiction #KU #Readers #Thriller #Kindle #Audible
Easy Crime 02 Kindle Edition
Book 2 of 4: Easy Crime
The air hung thick and heavy, a humid blanket clinging to the skin even in the pre-dawn chill. The city, normally a cacophony of distant sirens and rumbling traffic, was unusually quiet, punctuated only by the rhythmic tremor that vibrated through the very foundations of the buildings… #Crime #Fiction #KU #Readers #Thriller #Kindle #Audible #Series
Easy Crime 03 Kindle Edition
Book 3 of 4: Easy Crime
Marva took a slow sip of her drink, her expression unreadable. “Midnight’s risky, Robbie. The place is usually crawling with people that late.” Her voice was flat, devoid of any emotion, a stark reflection of her hardened exterior. Years spent surviving in the unforgiving landscape of the city’s underbelly had honed her survival instincts, turning her into a creature of stark pragmatism. She had seen too much death, too much violence, to afford herself the luxury of fear or sentimentality. #Crime #Fiction #KU #Readers #Thriller #Kindle #Audible #Series
Easy Crime 04 Kindle Edition
Book 4 of 4: Easy Crime
Jenna clutched the strap of her worn messenger bag, her knuckles white. Her gaze was fixed on the two figures illuminated by the erratic neon. One was a burly man, his face obscured by the deep shadow cast by a baseball cap pulled low, his frame hunched as if carrying the weight of the world, or perhaps just the heavy duffel bag clutched between his hands. #Crime #Fiction #KU #Readers #Thriller #Kindle #Audible #Series
Gus Dyer: The Jimmy West Case
Gus Dyer is a hardcore detective in the big city. He knows what crime is, and he has seen the worst of the worst walk her streets and taken those same people down. Some to jail, some to the gates of hell where they belonged in the first place.
This time he is on the trail of a hired killer, Jimmy West. West works out of the city. It is his base and fortress, the place where he can roam free among millions of other people unseen, unchallenged and free to continue his crimes. #crime #thriller #mystery #amazon #ku
Gus Dyer: The road to redemption
Gus Dyer is a detective no more. Staring into the deep wells of corruption for too many years sent him into a spiral. He tried to use the bottle to find his way out, but that only dragged him in deeper. The road to Redemption is a look at that fall and how hard that fall was. But Gus is determined to stand on his own two feet again. It remains to be seen whether he will ever become a detective again, but he is finding out that being a detective is not about a badge. It isn’t something you take on with the position either. It is in your blood, and if you have it, you cannot help but follow those impulses that flood through your body with that blood when you know something is wrong. Dead wrong… #crime #thriller #mystery #amazon #ku
Breakout
The Trap
The air hung thick and heavy, a miasma of stale cigarette smoke, cheap weed, and something else… something indefinably rotten. It clung to the peeling wallpaper, to the stained mattress shoved against the wall, to the very fabric of the room itself. This wasn’t just a dilapidated apartment in Harlem; it was a tomb, a suffocating cage built from neglect and despair. Rose-Lee, her eyes sharp and assessing, took it all in, the grime, the shadows, the sense of impending doom that settled like a shroud. Across the room, Alice huddled beneath a threadbare blanket, her eyes wide and fearful, a stark contrast to Rose-Lee’s steely gaze… #Crime #Thriller #Psychological #Readers #Urban
The Dope Man
Come along on a crazy ride: Mob button men. Crime bosses, dirty cops. Top-level dope dealers and Dollar, a low-level loser just trying to stay alive… #Crime #OrganizedCrime #Mob #Readers #Thriller #BookLovers #BookWorms #Drama
The email arrived on a Tuesday, nestled amongst press releases about a new city ordinance and a celebrity chef opening a pop-up restaurant. Its subject line, “Assignment: Blackwood Creek Disappearances,” was bland enough to be ignorable, but Clara’s editor, a man who subsisted on a diet of caffeine and sensationalism, had flagged it with a rare “URGENT” and a single, emphatic exclamation mark. Clara, a journalist whose reputation was built on dissecting hoaxes with the precision of a surgeon, initially scrolled past it. Blackwood Creek. The name itself conjured images of damp, forgotten corners of the country, places where old wives’ tales clung to the air like the ubiquitous mist described in local folklore. Another sensationalized story for the gullible masses, she’d assumed. Just another ghost story peddled by a town desperate for attention, or perhaps a clever cover for something far more mundane, yet equally grim, like serial killings or human trafficking. But her editor’s insistence gnawed at her. He was rarely wrong about a potential scoop, and the few cryptic lines in the email hinted at something more substantial than the usual small-town drama. “Multiple disappearances over the past decade,” it read. “Local authorities baffled. Persistent rumors point to a malevolent entity, ‘The Hollow Whisperer,’ as the cause. High degree of local fear and cooperation with external investigation minimal.” Clara’s fingers, usually flying across the keyboard with practiced ease, hesitated. The mention of an “entity” and a lack of cooperation from local authorities wasn’t just intriguing; it was a siren call to her deeply ingrained skepticism. Such things, in her experience, were invariably fabrications, elaborate smokescreens for human deceit. Yet, the sheer persistence of the rumors, the “local fear,” and the minimal cooperation piqued her professional curiosity. This wasn’t just another missing person case; it was a potential unraveling of a carefully constructed narrative, and Clara lived to pull at those threads.
It’s Sunday again. It seems as though it arrived here way too fast, like I could have used a few extra days, maybe a nine day week… Will whoever is in charge of that take care of it? Thanks…
This week I thought I would treat you to a little preview of a character you may not have met, if you have not purchased and read the first books. She doesn’t come on the scene until the second book, but she is a major character from there on. Meet Donita…
This Book Two Preview is Copyright Wendell Sweet 2014 all rights are reserved. It may not be reproduced by any means except short references for review or critique.
~ In the Dark ~
The cow turned her head towards the woods, nervous. Her large eyes reflecting silver glints from the moonlight.
The smell of death and corruption was nothing new, and that was the smell that came to her now. But there was something wrong with it. Something not right with this smell. Something different. Her calf nuzzled her and began to nurse. The smell of humans came to her along with smoke and mumbled snatches of conversation and she stopped thinking about the dead smell. Turned away from the woods and stared at the firelight across the fields.
~In the Trees~
The eyes watched her and the other cows from the cover of the trees. The hunger was terrible, all consuming, and it came in crashing waves. The impulse to feed seemed to be the only coherent thought she had. It was hard to think around, hard to think past.
A few weeks ago she had been… Been? But it did no good, she could not force the memory to come. A name came, Donita… she had been Donita, she knew that, but that was all she knew. And a name was not everything she had been. She had been something else… Something more, but she could not get to whatever it was though. Something that did not wander through the woods. Something that was not driven by all consuming passions that she could not understand.
She turned her eyes up at the moon. It pulled at her. Something in it spoke directly to something inside her. Something deep. Something she believed had always been there but there had never been a need to address because it lived under the surface. Out of her line of thought. Below her emotions… Now it didn’t. Now it ruled everything. It was all she could do not to rush from the trees and find the smell that tempted her and consume it. Eat it completely. Leave nothing at all. Oh to do it… To do it…
Her eyes snapped back from the moon and a low whine escaped her throat. The calf, sated, had wandered away from her mother. Behind her the boy made a strangled noise in his throat. She turned, gnashed her teeth and growled. The thin, skeletal boy fell back, hungry but frightened. She could feel his fear. It fed her, tempted her to taste him, but he was no food for her. She knew that much. It was a sort of instinct… Drive… Something inside of her. The boy was not her food. The boy was not her sustenance. He was one of her own. Corrupted. And corrupted flesh could not feed and sustain itself on corrupted flesh. Fresh flesh was needed, live flesh. Fresh Human flesh, she corrected.
The boy trembled and grinned sickly, his one good eye rolling in his head. The other eye was a ruined mass of gray pulp sagging from the socket. A great flap of skin below that socket had curled and dried, hanging from the cheek. He felt at it now, carefully, with his shrunken fingers. She hissed at him and his hands fell away. She turned her attention back to the wandering calf that was nosing ever closer to the edge of the trees.
She desired human flesh. She needed it, but it didn’t absolutely have to be that way. Two nights ago it had been a rabbit, the night before that she and the boy had shared a rat. The night before that they had come upon the old woman. She thought about the old woman as the calf wandered ever closer to the line of trees. The old woman had been good…
~The old woman in the ditch~
They had come across the old woman at near morning. Near morning was the best she could do. Time was not a real concern to her anymore. She understood near morning because the sickness, the sickness that began to send the searing pain through her body, had started. The boy had already been whining low in his throat for an hour. In pain. It was like that whenever the night began to end. When the morning was on the way. Soon to be.
She remembered sunlight. Her old self had needed sunlight just as she now needed darkness. Absence of light. That had been Donita too, but a different Donita.
They had been crossing the rock filled ditch to get to an old house on the other side. The basement of the house was what she had in mind. Quiet, private, darkness. She had been scrambling down the steep, sandy side when the smell had slipped up her nose and froze her brain.
That is the way she thought of it. Frozen. Everything… Every thing besides that smell of flesh was frozen out. The boys whining, the coming dawn, the constant hunger in her belly, the moon silvery and bright so far up in the night sky. Nothing got by that desire, urge, drive. It consumed her, and it had then. It had started with her brain and then had spread out into her body. Her legs had stopped moving and she had nearly tumbled all the way to the bottom of the rock strewn ditch before she had caught herself, her head already twisted in the direction of the smell. Her ears pricked, her tongue lick licking at her peeled, dead lips.
She could smell the old woman. Knew that she was an old woman. It was in the smell. Somehow it was in the smell. And her flesh. And her fear… The boy had slammed into her then, still whining and nearly knocked her to the ground.
She had come up from that near fall in a crouch and the boy had slammed into her once more, so she had grabbed him to steady him. He had thought she meant to kill him and had pulled away but a second later he had caught the scent and they had both gone tearing down the ditch.
~The Old Woman~
The old woman had heard them coming. She had begun to whine herself, replacing the boys whining which had turned to a low growl. The panic built in her as she heard them coming. Her heart pounded, leapt, slammed against her ribs bringing pain with it. The pain rebounded and shot down into her broken leg. The leg that she had broken the day before trying to scramble down into this ditch to reach the house across what was left of the highway so she would have a safe place to stay. The pain slammed into her leg and she cried aloud involuntarily. A split second later the female slammed into her.
She had been on her belly. The pain was less that way. When the female hit her she drove her over onto her back. A second after that she was ripping at her flesh, biting, feeding and she could not fight her she was too strong, too….. Animal strong. And then the boy hit her hard, pouncing on her chest, driving the air from her lungs, and before she could even react, catch her breath back, he was biting at her throat.
She felt the pulse of blood as he bit into her jugular and it sprayed across his face. She felt it go. Felt her consciousness drop by half. Her eyelids flutter, flutter, flutter and then close completely. And the biting was far away and then it was gone…
~The Feasting~
The boy had her throat, but Donita had been biting her way into her chest. She had felt her heart beating and she had been gnawing against her ribs when she felt it stop. They had both calmed then, loosening the grips they had had on her, and settling down to feed.
She glanced now at the calf that was less than three feet from them. It’s huge moon eyes staring curiously at them. The calf did not know death. Had not seen it, she thought. It knew it’s mothers tit, the sweet grass of the spring field, the warmth of the sun and nothing else. It edged a little closer.
She had killed the old woman. She had had no use for her at all. They had eaten so much of her flesh that she was useless to them. Couldn’t sit up all the way, the boy had taken one arm off at the shoulder and carried it away like a prize.
Donita had eaten so much that she had vomited, but that had only forced her back to feeding until she was once again filled. She had looked around the ditch and spied the rock. The old woman had come back already and she was trying to raise herself from the ground. Trying to raise herself and walk once more. She had picked the rock up from the ditch. A big rock, but she was powerful, and she had smashed the old woman’s skull in as she had tried to bite at her.
She turned again to the calf. The calf was not what she wanted, but the calf would have to do for now. She let her hand fall upon the boys thigh and they both sprang at the calf.
The calf did not have the time to react, it didn’t even bawl. One second it was standing the next it was on it’s side, Donita’s teeth clamped tightly across it’s throat. A second after that it was sliding across the dew wet grass and into the woods, one wild eye rolling and reflecting the silver of the waning moon…
Get the book…
Earth’s Survivors: Rising From The Ashes
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
The end has come for most of the world’s population. Small groups of survivors are picking up the pieces… Learning to live again…
When the sun began to peek over the top of the ridge on the opposite shore of the Black River, everyone filed out to the two remaining trucks. It had been decided that Mike and Jan would stay behind while the others went in search of the stolen truck. They switched on and tested two sets of F.M. radios.
