Guns, Drugs, and Monsters: A Cal McDonald Mystery (Paperback)

by Steve Niles (Author), Ashley Wood (Author) "Something was going on that last day of March, but I was too fucking out of it to realize..." (more)
Key Phrases: Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Billy Fuller (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In the tradition of the hard-boiled fiction of Hammett and Chandler, GUNS, DRUGS, AND MONSTERS takes readers on a bizarre trip through an America populated by monsters, freaks, and ghouls. Cal McDonald has a special talent for spotting what most of us will never see. In the dark corners of the everyday world, strange beings walk among us. They live as postal workers and taxi drivers, lurking in the sewers and roaming the streets ever awake and always on the hunt.

Cal McDonald has made a career helping and hunting the dark creatures that haunt the world and has made as many friends as he has enemies. To some, he is friend and protector. But to most –those who prey on innocent human lives–Cal is a sworn enemy.

When the living, decapitated head of Cal's old buddy shows up on his doorstep, it launches McDonald out of his familiar surroundings and into the nightmare world of Los Angeles. There he must face a savage pair of bestial killers and a blood-thirsty vampire as he strives to help his unfortunate friend. Little does he know that a demonic deal has been struck.

About the Author
Steve Niles is the current writer of the monthly comic book HELLSPAWN and Image Comics series FUSED! He has also contributed to several issues of SPAWN, SAM & TWITCH, and is co-writer with Todd McFarlane on the upcoming SPAWN 2 movie. His first comic for IDW Publishing, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, has become one of the hottest titles in recent memory, and will be made into a major motion picture with a screenplay by Steve himself. Steve began his career by foundling his own publishing company, Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison. He has also written for Dark Horse Comics, contributing to titles such as DARK HORSE PRESENTS and 9-11: ARTISTS RESPOND.

Originally from Washington DC, Steve now resides in Los Angeles with his wife Nikki and their two black cats.

Artist Ashley Wood was born in Australia in 1971. An award-winning artist and commercial illustrator, his art is published worldwide on a monthly basis and he has participated in both joing and solo fine art exhibitions.

A Spectrum Award winner, he has also worked on numerous television and movie projects.

His work can be seen quarterly in the pages of IDW Publishing's POPBOT, as well as in the upcoming C.S.I. Comic. IDW is also the publisher of Wood's art books UNO FANTA: THE ART OF ASHLEY WOOD and DOS FANTA: MORE ART OF ASHLEY WOOD.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: IDW Publishing (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971977526
• ISBN-13: 978-0971977525
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,334,540 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guns, Drugs & Monsters is a Winner, January 4, 2003

By	Craig Zablo - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

STEVE NILES writes a mean hard-boiled novel. He also writes a wicked horror novel. What makes NILES unique is that he does this in the same book! Guns, Drugs and Monsters is actually the second in a [hopefully long-running] series featuring Cal MacDonald. Cal is a human with the gift / curse that he knows that monsters walk among us. He knows this because he hunts them. Well, a guy has to make a living somehow, doesn't he?

NILES skillfully combines the best elements of CHANDLER and HAMMETT along with a dose of KING, plus a good bit of humor as well. I read through Guns, Drugs and Monsters in nearly one sitting [it's that much fun]. It also features spot illustrations by ASHLEY WOOD that are the icing on the cake. I've already ordered Savage Membrane [the book that started the series]. If it's just half as good as Guns then I'll still have a winner.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The day of the monsters is at hand. << Stephanie G, November 8, 2004

A Kid's Review

Steve Niles wrote a hard core novel that I just couldn't put down for anything. Guns, Drugs and Monsters is full of creativity, energy, wit and charm in every chapter. I found myself savoring every page of this book, often turning away to laugh and collect myself after being stunned by the incredible energy of the prose. This book was filled with nothing but "hardcore super stuff."

Not once I could of put the book down, it got my attention and held it in. (Guns, Drugs and monsters, A Cal McDonald mystery.) Cal McDonald has made a career helping and hunting the dark creatures that haunt the world and has made as many friends as he has enemies. to some he is friend and protector. but to most- those who prey on innocent humans lives- Cal is a sworn enemy.

I recommend you read this book because once you have a taste of Steve Niles style, you never want to get it out of your system.

5.0 out of 5 stars guns, drugs and monsters, January 11, 2009

By	A. M. Mancuso - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Guns, Drugs, and Monsters, Book 2: Cal McDonald, Monster Hunter (Cal Mcdonald Mysteries) (Paperback)

Any fan of the Cal McDonald series will enjoy this book. Steve Niles tells a great story that not only fans of the series will enjoy but fans of the horror genre as well. The mesh of grusome brutality and dark humor make for an entertaining read.