Unknown Pleasures [Kindle Edition]

Charles Colyott (Author), Kealan Patrick Burke (Illustrator)

Book Description

A brilliant scientist's discovery becomes a sadistic tool in a very bizarre love triangle...
An assassin brings his very unique skill set to the front lines of the zombie apocalypse...
A little girl held captive by a demented killer finds an unexpected, inanimate, guardian...
A father makes a deal with a band of unholy creatures to protect his daughter...
Hordes of the unquiet dead find an earthly champion in a troubled young man...

Sentient power tools, snuff film ghosts, conjoined twins, and a very, very inconvenient demonic possession...

A collection of dark fiction, including the Dark Recesses Press Deja Vu Horror contest-winning story "Severance," and fan favorite "TEETHgrinder."

Table of Contents

Severance
Commitments
Dust
The Proposal
TEETHgrinder
Carrion Moon
Still Life, with Tools
Dead Things
Soft, like Her
Mute Prayers of a Deaf Heart
Seed
Mexicali Blues
The Catastrophic Loves of Edgar J Spurlock
Sample of Changes - A Randall Lee Mystery
Sample of Black

Product Details

• File Size: 332 KB
• Print Length: 150 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007D44TR6
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #354,166 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Unsettling and Brilliant March 22, 2012

By Benjamin Lacey

Format:Kindle Edition

This isn't the first thing I have read by Mr. Colyott but was by far the darkest thing I have read by him. And it was exactly what I was looking for. It's not just a book of murders or monsters. It's filled with wonderful stories, with murders and monsters mixed in.

From "Commitments" showing just how far corporations are willing to go for your business, to "Still Life, with Power Tools" shedding light on the fact that unsung heroes are often the overlooked victims, to "Mexicali Blues" reminding us that that sometimes the worst torture of all is regret.

And if you're looking for flat out twisted fantasy, strap in for "The Catastrophic Loves of Edgar J. Spurlock". Somehow the most twisted, yet funniest entry to the collection. And I would be remiss to not mention "The Proposal" That is the one that still has me buzzing. One of the most loyal, albeit horrific, love stories I have ever read.

If you like your 'Dark Fantasy' with healthy servings of irony and comedy, I strongly recommend "Unknown Pleasures".

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Collection July 20, 2012

By BookAddict VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

After reading Changes by Charles Colyott, I was eager to dive into more of his writing. I'd been warned that this collection is dark and twisted, and indeed it is. But I like dark and twisted, so I proceeded past the caution sign. I found these stories are well written and oddly captivating (like a bad accident you can't look away from).

The Proposal explores the question of what we'd do for love, and what happens when the one we love is in love with another. But, of course, the story is deeper than that. And far more twisted. Mexicali Blues explores youth, rebellion, love and friendship. It's melancholy and painful - and beautiful.

Still Life, with Tools is a gut wrenching story with powerful meaning. Dead Things was so vivid in its imagery, so compelling in the emotion, that, after finishing, I had to take a break to let my brain recharge. Soft like Her is a stunning look at what it means to be an individual. The story Seed takes bullying and spins it into the dark abyss.

As I read on, each story took me deep into its core. They are dark, yes, but also moved me emotionally. They made me think. They took me beyond mere entertainment.

Then I came to the last story, The Catastrophic Loves of Edgar J. Spurlock. The author forewarns us that this story is "a rough one". And that is an understatement. The best description I have for this one is erotica in reverse. I read a lot of 'dark' stuff, but nothing in my vast reading experience compares to this one. If you're easily offended or squeamish, you probably won't like it. I was appalled, and riveted. I wanted to know how far into the abyss Colyott would take us. All the way, it turns out. This is by far the most bizarre, original, creepy story I've ever read. And for better or worse, this one will stick with me for a long time to come.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sick! July 18, 2012

By John Palisano

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I don't want to spoil anything, but this is one sick book. If you like your stories dark, this is your thing. And on top of that, the writing is excellent. It reminded me a lot of some of Thomas Ligotti's darker stories, yet, much longer.

More About the Author

Charles Colyott lives on a farm in the middle of nowhere (Illinois) with his wife, 2 daughters, cats, and a herd of llamas and alpacas. He is surrounded by so much cuteness it's very difficult for him to develop any street cred as a dark and gritty writer. Nevertheless, he has appeared in Read by Dawn II, Dark Recesses Press, Withersin magazine, Horror Library Volumes III & IV, Terrible Beauty, Fearful Symmetry, and Zippered Flesh, among other places. He also teaches a beginner level Tai Chi Ch'uan class in which no one has died (yet) of the death touch.
You can get in touch with him on Facebook, or email him at [e-mail].
Unlike his llamas, he does not spit.