The whispers of the undead were not confined to gothic novels or campfire stories; they were woven into the hidden history of the city, particularly within the shadowy tapestry of the Valois lineage. For generations, the family had been privy to this ancient truth, a truth that set them apart, a truth that granted them a terrible longevity and a terrifying power. This wasn’t a history learned from books, but a legacy inherited, a curse passed down, a dark bargain that had been struck in the shadows of centuries past, ensuring their continued dominance. #Vampire #Vampires #Horror #Readers #KU #Amazon
The gritty concrete pressed against my cheek, cold and unforgiving. A dull, throbbing ache pulsed behind my eyes, radiating outwards to claim every muscle, every fiber of my being. My body felt heavy, leaden, as if anchored to the ground by unseen chains. The air hung thick and cloying, a miasma of decay and something else… something feral, something primal. I coughed, the taste of blood metallic on my tongue, a coppery tang that clung to the back of my throat. #Horror #Thriller #Romance #Readers #Kobo #WGSweet
The nightmare would begin insidiously, with the faintest whisper of a sound, a familiar vibration that would build, slowly at first, then with terrifying speed. It was the hum of the engine, the low thrum of the car carrying them towards an unseen precipice. He would feel the familiar press of the seat beneath him, the faint scent of Ann’s perfume, a scent that would soon be overwhelmed by the acrid stench of burnt rubber and fear. Then, the unmistakable sound, the prelude to chaos: the high-pitched shriek of tires desperately seeking purchase on asphalt, a sound that ripped through the fabric of the night and into the very marrow of his bones… #Horror #Thriller #Romance #Readers #Kobo #WGSweet
Great question! While the brand name Chevrolet itself has French roots—it’s the surname of Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-born race car driver with French linguistic heritage—the actual vehicle names from Chevrolet aren’t typically derived from French words.
Here’s a breakdown:
🏁 The Name “Chevrolet”
Origin: Named after Louis Chevrolet, co-founder of the company in 1911.
Linguistic roots: The surname “Chevrolet” sounds French and includes the diminutive suffix “-et,” common in French names like ballet or omelet2.
Meaning: Despite the French sound, it’s a surname—not a word with a specific meaning in French.
🚗 Vehicle Names with French Influence?
Most Chevrolet vehicle names are not French. They tend to be:
English descriptors (e.g., Cruze, Trailblazer, Silverado)
Spanish or Latin-inspired (e.g., Camaro—possibly from a French slang term meaning “friend,” though this is debated)
Invented or stylized names (e.g., Equinox, Tahoe, Blazer)
🤔 What About “Camaro”?
This one’s interesting:
Chevrolet claimed Camaro meant “friend” in French slang when it launched in the 1960s.
However, no such word exists in standard French. It’s likely a marketing invention with a French flavor to evoke camaraderie and style.
So while the brand carries a French-sounding name, the vehicles themselves are mostly named with American flair or global appeal, not directly from French vocabulary.
🏁 Formation of Chevrolet Motor Company
Founded: November 1911
Founders: Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-born race car driver, and William C. Durant, a visionary businessman who had previously founded GM in 1908.
Purpose: After Durant was ousted from GM in 1910 due to overexpansion and financial troubles, he launched Chevrolet to compete with Ford’s Model T and regain influence in the auto industry.
Early Success: Chevrolet quickly gained traction, turning a profit and building a reputation for stylish, reliable cars.
🔄 Acquisition by General Motors
Date of Acquisition: May 2, 1918
How It Happened: Durant used Chevrolet’s success to buy up GM stock. In a strategic move, he offered GM shareholders five shares of Chevrolet for every one share of GM. The offer was irresistible, and it allowed Durant to reclaim control of GM.
Irony: Durant had been forced out of GM in 1910, only to return by merging it with the company he built after his exile.
Aftermath: Durant became GM’s president again—but only briefly. In 1920, financial troubles returned, and Pierre S. DuPont took control, permanently removing Durant from GM.
🚘 Legacy
Chevrolet became a cornerstone of GM’s brand portfolio, known for iconic models like the Corvette, Camaro, and Silverado.
The merger helped GM dominate the American auto industry for decades, with Chevrolet playing a key role in its rise.
It’s a classic tale of comeback and corporate chess. Want to explore how Chevrolet’s early models stacked up against Ford’s at the time?
Ford Model T (1908–1927)
Price: Dropped to under $300 by the mid-1920s thanks to Ford’s revolutionary assembly line.
Engine: 2.9L inline-4, ~20 horsepower.
Strengths:
Mass production = affordability.
Durable and simple to maintain.
Became the symbol of American mobility.
Weaknesses:
Spartan features.
Manual crank start (early models).
Limited styling and comfort.
🚘 Chevrolet Series 490 (1915–1922)
Price: Introduced at $490, hence the name.
Engine: 171 cu in inline-4, ~24 horsepower.
Strengths:
More advanced tech: overhead valve engine, electric starter, better instrumentation.
Smoother ride and more refined interior.
Positioned as “more car for the same money.”
Weaknesses:
Slightly higher price.
Less brand recognition early on.
⚔️ Head-to-Head Highlights
Feature Ford Model T Chevy Series 490
Price ~$300 (1920s) $490 (intro price)
Horsepower ~20 HP ~24 HP
Starter Manual (early) Electric (later models)
Transmission 2-speed planetary 3-speed manual
Market Position Mass-market leader Challenger with upgrades
🏁 Outcome
Ford dominated early on, selling millions of Model Ts.
Chevrolet slowly gained ground with better features and comfort.
By 1927, Ford shut down Model T production to retool for the Model A, and Chevrolet surpassed Ford in sales for the first time.
🚗 Ford Model A (1928–1931)
Engine: 3.3L inline-4, producing 40 horsepower
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Price: Around $495 for a Tudor Sedan
Strengths:
Stylish design by Edsel Ford
Reliable and easy to maintain
Came in multiple colors (unlike the Model T’s “any color as long as it’s black”)
Weaknesses:
Still a 4-cylinder, while competitors were moving to six
Basic interior and limited features
🛠️ Chevrolet Stovebolt Six (1929)
Engine: 3.2L inline-6, producing 46 horsepower initially, later boosted to 50+ HP
Marketing tagline: “A Six for the Price of a Four”
Strengths:
Smoother performance and more power than Ford’s 4-cylinder
Advanced engineering with OHV design
Only about $100 more than the Model A
Impact:
Helped Chevrolet regain the sales lead from Ford in 1931
Became the foundation of Chevy’s engineering reputation for decades
⚔️ Head-to-Head Snapshot
Feature
Ford Model A
Chevy Stovebolt Six
Engine
4-cylinder, 40 HP
6-cylinder, 46–50 HP
Price
~$495
~$595
Design
Flathead
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Ride Quality
Basic
Smoother, more refined
Market Impact
Stylish upgrade from Model T
Game-changer in power and value
This was a turning point: Ford had style, but Chevrolet brought power and innovation. The Stovebolt Six wasn’t just a better engine—it was a strategic move that helped Chevrolet dominate the market for years.
🔧 Ford’s Flathead V8 (1932)
Introduced: 1932, in the Ford Model 18
Innovation: First mass-produced, affordable V8 engine
Specs: 3.6L V8, ~65 horsepower
Impact:
Made high performance accessible to everyday drivers
Revolutionized the auto industry by offering power at a low price
Became a favorite among hot rodders—and criminals
Ford’s move was a direct response to Chevrolet’s six-cylinder success in 1929. Henry Ford, who disliked inline-sixes, pushed for a bold leap: a single-piece cast V8 block, which was unheard of at the time.
🕵️ Clyde Barrow’s Letter to Henry Ford (1934)
Date: April 10, 1934
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Content: Clyde praised the Ford V8 as the ultimate getaway car. He wrote:
Context:
Clyde and Bonnie Parker were infamous for their string of robberies and murders across the Midwest.
They routinely stole Ford V8s for their speed and reliability.
The letter was unsolicited and handwritten—an odd kind of product endorsement from a fugitive.
Legacy:
The letter is preserved at The Henry Ford Museum.
Though some handwriting experts question its authenticity, it’s widely accepted as genuine or at least consistent with Barrow’s style.
It added to the mythos of the Ford V8 as both a symbol of American ingenuity and outlaw infamy.
So yes—Ford’s engineering brilliance inadvertently became a tool for one of the most notorious crime sprees in U.S. history.
the Bonnie and Clyde “Death Car”, why it mattered, and how it became a macabre legend.
🚘 The Car: 1934 Ford Model 730 Deluxe Sedan
Color: Tan
Engine: Ford’s powerful Flathead V8
Why They Chose It:
It was faster than most police cars at the time.
The V8 engine gave them the edge in high-speed getaways.
It was stolen from a Kansas couple just weeks before their deaths.
🔫 The Ambush: May 23, 1934
Location: Bienville Parish, Louisiana
Event: A posse of six lawmen ambushed the car on a rural road.
Firepower: They unleashed 167 bullets, riddling the car with over 120 bullet holes3.
Outcome:
Clyde was killed instantly by a headshot.
Bonnie was hit multiple times—reportedly 26 wounds.
The car veered into a ditch and nearly overturned.
🧠 Why It’s Significant
Symbol of Rebellion: The car became a symbol of speed, defiance, and the outlaw mystique.
Cultural Impact:
Crowds swarmed the scene to see the bullet-riddled car.
Some people even tried to take shards of glass as souvenirs.
Touring Sideshow:
The car was returned to its original owner, Ruth Warren, who leased it out to tour the country.
It appeared at state fairs, amusement parks, and even racetracks where people paid to sit inside.
Current Location: Today, it’s on display at Whiskey Pete’s Casino in Primm, Nevada.
🕵️ The Legacy
This Ford V8 wasn’t just a getaway car—it became a gruesome celebrity. It represents the collision of innovation, crime, and media spectacle. And it’s a reminder of how even a stolen car can become a permanent part of American folklore.
This model is designed and rendered in Direct X. The ZIP file also includes the maps and graphics as shown in the images below. #3DModel k #dellsweet #directx #Donk
#3DModels #3DCarModels #dellsweet
This is a lifted Dodge 4X4 van. I actually had this project set-up to be built in real life when I was in an accident that stopped me from ever doing real life work like that again. So I sold the two vehicles and let that part of my life go. But the other day I was working on a model and remembered it and so I build it in 3D instead. It is built in Direct X. It includes all of the maps and graphics as shown. It also comes in 3DS, FBX, OBJ as well as Direct X.
This model is designed and rendered in Direct X. #3DCarModel #directx #dellsweet
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.
Bonnie and Clyde: The Infamous Outlaws of the Great Depression
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the notorious duo known for their crime spree during the Great Depression, have become legendary figures in American folklore. Their exploits captivated the nation, and their names became synonymous with rebellion and lawlessness. Born in Texas in the early 1900s, Bonnie and Clyde grew up in poverty, which would later influence their actions and decisions.
Bonnie Parker was born on October 1, 1910, in Rowena, Texas. Her family moved to Dallas when she was four years old after her father’s death. Bonnie’s mother remarried, but the family struggled financially. Bonnie dropped out of school in her teenage years and worked various jobs, including as a waitress. She married Roy Thornton in 1927, but the couple soon separated due to his incarceration.
Clyde Barrow was born on March 24, 1909, in Telico, Texas. He grew up in a poor farming family and was the fifth of seven children. Clyde’s family moved frequently during his childhood, and he dropped out of school in his teenage years. He committed his first crime at the age of 16 and was arrested several times for various offenses, including robbery and murder.
Bonnie and Clyde met in January 1930, at a mutual friend’s house in Dallas. At the time, Clyde was on parole from prison, and Bonnie was struggling with her marriage. The two quickly formed a bond, and their partnership would become one of the most infamous in American crime history.
Their crime spree began in 1932, when Clyde and his brother Buck robbed a gas station in Oklahoma. Bonnie was not directly involved in this robbery, but she soon became an active participant in their crimes. The duo, along with other members of their gang, robbed banks, gas stations, and stores across the southern United States. They were known for their brazen crimes and narrow escapes.
One of the most famous incidents involving Bonnie and Clyde was the Joplin shootout in April 1933. The duo, along with other gang members, was staying in a rented room in Joplin, Missouri. When police officers arrived at the scene, a shootout ensued, and Bonnie and Clyde managed to escape. However, they left behind a wealth of evidence, including photographs, poems, and Clyde’s pistol.
Bonnie’s poetry and writings provided a glimpse into her life and experiences. Her poem “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde” became famous, and it showcased her perspective on their crimes. The poem portrayed Bonnie and Clyde as folk heroes, fighting against the injustices of the Great Depression.
The gang’s crime spree continued, with multiple robberies and shootouts across the country. However, their notoriety also increased, and law enforcement agencies began to close in on them. In April 1934, the Barrow gang ambushed and killed two police officers in Grapevine, Texas. This incident sparked a massive manhunt for the duo.
On May 23, 1934, Bonnie and Clyde’s luck ran out. A posse of law enforcement officers, led by Frank Hamer, ambushed the duo on a rural road in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. Bonnie and Clyde were shot and killed instantly, with estimates suggesting over 50 bullets were fired. The ambush was set up based on a tip from a local farmer, who had recognized the duo.
The aftermath of their death was chaotic. Thousands of people flocked to see the bodies, and the funeral procession in Dallas drew massive crowds. Bonnie’s mother allowed the public to view her daughter’s body for a short period, but Clyde’s family refused.
The legend of Bonnie and Clyde has endured long after their death. Their story has been immortalized in films, books, and music. The 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde,” directed by Arthur Penn, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, further cemented their place in American folklore.
Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree was marked by violence and tragedy. However, their story also highlights the desperation and frustration felt by many people during the Great Depression. Their exploits captivated the nation, and their legend continues to fascinate people to this day.
The impact of Bonnie and Clyde’s crimes on the American public was significant. Many people saw them as folk heroes, rebelling against the injustices of the Great Depression. However, their crimes also sparked widespread fear and outrage. The manhunt for the duo was one of the largest in American history, and their eventual death was seen as a victory for law enforcement.
In the years following their death, Bonnie and Clyde’s legend has continued to grow. They have been the subject of numerous books, films, and songs. Their story has been interpreted in many ways, with some seeing them as heroes and others as villains.
Despite the controversy surrounding their crimes, Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy is undeniable. They have become a part of American folklore, and their story continues to captivate audiences to this day. Their exploits during the Great Depression may have been marked by violence and tragedy, but their legend has endured, and they remain two of the most infamous outlaws in American history.
The fascination with Bonnie and Clyde can be attributed to the combination of their crimes and the era in which they lived. The Great Depression was a time of great social and economic upheaval, and many people felt desperate and frustrated. Bonnie and Clyde’s exploits tapped into this sentiment, and their rebellion against the system resonated with many.
Bonnie and Clyde’s story is a complex and fascinating one. Their crime spree during the Great Depression captivated the nation, and their legend has endured long after their death. While their crimes were marked by violence and tragedy, their story also highlights the desperation and frustration felt by many people during that era. As a result, Bonnie and Clyde remain two of the most infamous outlaws in American history, and their legend continues to fascinate people to this day.
Their impact on American culture is undeniable, and their story has been immortalized in various forms of media. The legend of Bonnie and Clyde will continue to be told and retold, and their place in American folklore is secure. As a symbol of rebellion and lawlessness, Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy will endure, and their story will remain a fascinating and complex chapter in American history.
The story of Bonnie and Clyde serves as a reminder of the power of myth and legend in American culture. Their exploits have been exaggerated and distorted over time, but the core of their story remains the same. They were two young people from poor backgrounds who turned to crime as a way to survive and thrive. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of the American dream, and the ways in which people will go to achieve it.
In the end, Bonnie and Clyde’s story is a tragic one. They lived fast and died young, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Their legend is a reminder of the complexities of human nature, and the ways in which people respond to adversity. As a part of American folklore, Bonnie and Clyde’s story will continue to be told and retold, and their place in history is secure.
The legend of Bonnie and Clyde has also sparked numerous debates and discussions. Some see them as heroes, rebelling against the injustices of the Great Depression. Others see them as villains, responsible for numerous crimes and tragedies. However, one thing is certain: Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy is undeniable, and their story will continue to fascinate people for generations to come.
As a cultural phenomenon, Bonnie and Clyde’s story has endured long after their death. They have become a part of American folklore, and their legend continues to captivate audiences to this day. Their story is a complex and fascinating one, marked by violence and tragedy, but also by desperation and frustration. In the end, Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy is a testament to the power of myth and legend in American culture, and their story will continue to be told and retold for generations to come.
Bonnie and Clyde’s impact on American culture extends beyond their legend. They have also influenced the way we think about crime and punishment. Their story has raised questions about the nature of justice and the impact of poverty and desperation on human behavior. As a result, Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy continues to be felt, and their story remains a relevant and thought-provoking commentary on American society.
In conclusion, Bonnie and Clyde’s story is a complex and fascinating one. Their crime spree during the Great Depression captivated the nation, and their legend has endured long after their death. While their crimes were marked by violence and tragedy, their story also highlights the desperation and frustration felt by many people during that era. As a result, Bonnie and Clyde remain two of the most infamous outlaws in American history, and their legend continues to fascinate people to this day. Their impact on American culture is undeniable, and their story will continue to be told and retold for generations to come.
The story of Bonnie and Clyde is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. Despite the adversity they faced, they refused to give up, and their legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day. As a part of American folklore, Bonnie and Clyde’s story will continue to be told and retold, and their place in history is secure. Their legend is a reminder of the complexities of human nature, and the ways in which people respond to adversity. In the end, Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy is a complex and fascinating one, marked by violence and tragedy, but also by desperation and frustration.
Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy continues to captivate audiences to this day. Their story has been immortalized in films, books, and music, and their legend remains a part of American folklore. As a cultural phenomenon, Bonnie and Clyde’s story has endured long after their death, and their impact on American culture is undeniable. Their story will continue to be told and retold, and their place in history is secure. In the end, Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy is a testament to the power of myth and legend in American culture, and their story will remain a fascinating and complex chapter in American history.
Fourteen million dollars in a burned suitcase. Severed body parts of a dead man in a duffel bag. Two hired killers. A drug dealer. Two organized crime kingpins; all chasing two white trash kids from New York down to the deep south as they head for what they think will be safety in Mexico. Put the story together and you have one hell of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Adult content. Sex and violence. FIVE-STAR READERS FAVORITE CHOICE AWARD REVIEW –
Reviewed By:
Lex Allen
Review Rating:
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!
Reviewed By Lex Allen for Readers’ Favorite
A two-car crash next to your house at the end of a street which goes nowhere, and before the cops show up, you found and hid a charred suitcase and a heavy duffle bag among the dead bodies. After the cops left, a strange girl showed up at your door. Throwing caution to the wind, you both open the suitcase and the duffle bag to discover fourteen million dollars, a ton of drugs, and assorted body parts. What would you do? You’d dispose of the body parts, take the money and drugs, and run, that’s what you’d do. So begins White Trash by A.L. Norton and Dell Sweet, a fascinating crime and cross-country chase story involving crime bosses, assassins, cops, and the stars of the show, David and April.
I’ve tried writing a novel with a co-author, but the differences in writing styles were a bridge too far, and we gave it up. In the case of A.L. Norton and Dell Sweet, it’s impossible to determine who wrote what. The storyline is seamless from characterization to dialog to the fast-paced scenes and character changes. I especially enjoyed the dialog that was true to character and scene. White Trash is not a novel you read half-asleep. It demands your full attention to keep up with the twists and turns of the chase, but it’s also well worth that effort. Character name changes within the story are generally a “no-no.” Still, Norton and Sweet made this a central piece of the storyline, and it worked to perfection! Verisimilitude, a sense of reality, is important to me as a reader. The author duo proved adept at maintaining that trait through scene descriptions, language, and the violence that plays a large role within the story’s context. A hot story that leaves the reader breathless. White Trash is a winner!
Excerpt:
The smell of hot metal filled the air. David peered into the car on the cement pad first: the trunk, popped open. All objects scattered throughout the inside of the car. Antifreeze dripped from under the hood and onto the concrete. It smashed the front roof line flat to the top of the driver’s seats. The backseat area appeared to be untouched. He slipped around the end of the trailer and looked at the other car. A newer Ford, he could see the badge on the rear deck. The front end of the car wrapped around the oak in the backyard, just as he thought. Steam was rising into the air. The Ford first, he decided. The car across the road would have to wait. The Ford had hit the tree and climbed it a few feet before it completely stopped. David had to stand on tiptoe to peer into it. The driver had no head left, which explained the massive stain on the windshield. He was past dead; he was dead wrong
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The story of the Neanderthals, or Homo neanderthalensis, is a captivating chapter in the human saga, a tale of a resilient and intelligent hominin species that thrived in the challenging landscapes of Ice Age Eurasia for hundreds of thousands of years. Far from the brutish, simple-minded caricatures of early portrayals, modern archaeology and genetics have revealed them to be a sophisticated and adaptable people, with a history of development and cultural innovation that parallels our own. Their “rise” is not one of global conquest, but rather the story of a lineage that successfully carved out a niche in a harsh, fluctuating environment, becoming the dominant hominin population in their territory long before the arrival of modern humans.
The lineage of the Neanderthals likely diverged from our own shared ancestor, Homo heidelbergensis, approximately 400,000 to 500,000 years ago. While our own ancestors remained in Africa, the ancestors of Neanderthals migrated into Europe and parts of Asia. It was in these northern latitudes, marked by recurring glacial periods and extreme cold, that the Neanderthal form took shape. This prolonged period of isolation and evolutionary pressure led to a distinct set of physical adaptations that set them apart from their African contemporaries. Their robust, stocky bodies, with their broad shoulders and large ribcages, were built for strength and stamina, well-suited for grappling with large prey and enduring the strenuous demands of their lifestyle. Perhaps their most striking feature, the prominent brow ridge and a large, wide nasal cavity, are believed to be specific adaptations for surviving the frigid air, helping to warm and humidify the air they breathed.
For a vast period of prehistory, the Neanderthals were the masters of their domain. From the windswept plains of Iberia to the dense forests of Siberia, they developed a complex tool-making industry known as the Mousterian. Unlike the simpler tools of their predecessors, Mousterian technology involved the systematic preparation of stone cores to create precise, sharp flakes that could be fashioned into a variety of tools—scrapers for hides, spear points for hunting, and knives for butchery. This sophisticated approach demonstrates a level of forethought and planning that challenges old notions of their cognitive abilities. Their mastery of the landscape extended to hunting, where they were highly effective predators. Evidence suggests they hunted a wide range of animals, from small game to formidable megafauna like woolly mammoths, bison, and rhinos, often using close-quarters ambush tactics that required immense strength and courage.
Beyond their material culture, mounting evidence suggests that Neanderthal society was far from primitive. Archaeological finds have revealed the use of fire for warmth, cooking, and light, and the construction of complex shelters, hinting at a settled lifestyle during certain periods. They cared for their sick and elderly, as evidenced by skeletons of individuals who survived severe injuries or disabilities long after they should have been able to fend for themselves. This compassionate behavior speaks to a strong social fabric and communal support system. There is even a growing body of evidence for symbolic thought and ritualistic behavior. A number of sites show that Neanderthals practiced burial of their dead, and although the exact meaning is debated, it implies a level of abstract thinking about life and death. The discovery of eagle talons fashioned into jewelry, ochre pigments used for body paint or decoration, and even the deliberate arrangement of stalagmites in a cave in France all point to a world of symbolic expression that was once thought to be exclusive to modern humans.
The story of the Neanderthals takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of modern humans, Homo sapiens, into Europe and Asia, beginning approximately 45,000 years ago. For thousands of years, the two hominin groups coexisted, sharing the same landscapes, competing for the same resources, and, as genetic studies have shown, interbreeding. The discovery that most modern non-African humans carry between 1 and 4 percent Neanderthal DNA revolutionized our understanding of our shared past. It confirmed that the two populations not only lived side-by-side but also had intimate encounters that left a lasting genetic legacy.
The eventual disappearance of the Neanderthals from the fossil record around 40,000 years ago remains one of the greatest mysteries in paleoanthropology. A number of theories have been proposed, and it is likely that a combination of factors led to their decline. Climate instability, a succession of rapid warming and cooling events, may have stressed their specialized adaptations. Competition with the newly arrived Homo sapiens for resources, particularly large game, may have also played a role. While the two groups coexisted, modern humans had a number of advantages, including more flexible and complex social networks, more advanced projectile hunting technology, and possibly a more varied diet. Instead of a violent confrontation, the most widely accepted hypothesis suggests a gradual process of assimilation and demographic pressure, where the smaller Neanderthal populations were slowly absorbed and out-competed by the more numerous and technologically diverse Homo sapiens.
In conclusion, the Neanderthals were not a biological dead-end, but a highly successful and sophisticated branch of the human family tree. Their rise was a testament to their incredible ability to adapt and thrive in a hostile world. While their physical form may have faded from existence, their legacy lives on, both in the enduring questions surrounding their final years and, most tangibly, in the fragments of their genome that persist in our own DNA. Their story is a powerful reminder that our past is more interconnected and complex than we once believed, and that our own journey is only a part of a much larger, shared human history.
Read more: Try these Historical Fiction novels…
A Promise across Ancient Terrains
In the ancient past, a cro magnon girl child was born and promised in marriage to a distant related tribe. She has come of age, sixteen and will now be escorted across several hundred miles of wilderness to her soon to be mate in the distant tribe.. Hunters and a medicine woman will accompany her. Once there she will begin her new life and face whatever lies ahead for them… #Prehistoric #CavePeoples #CroMagnon #Readers #HistoricalFiction
Jaquan: Child of the Neanderthals
A young Neanderthal girl is orphaned in a brutal attack and left to survive on her own. This is her story of how she survived, set on the European continent 45,000 years ago… #Readers #BookLovers #BookWorms #HistoricalFiction #DellSweet #Neanderthal
The Bone Clan: Kindle Edition
A loss for the clan starts three members on a search to find a new home for their people…
The Clan hurriedly escaped through the treacherous night. Overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion they felt defeated in the face of catastrophe #Prehistoric #HistoricalFiction #WGSweet #Paleolithic #Neanderthal #Denisovans
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
