Description
Lance Aukland has lost a bird of prey and is at risk of losing his job as a small-time reporter. He's usually not so careless, but tracking the hawk to a backwater town that even the gators swim clear of turns out to be about as smart a move as buying that old candy house in the woods that Grandma always liked. Still, this town's got history, and it just so happens that Lance isn't too clear on his.
Encountering toad-licking locals and nose-picking yokels, Lance finds himself embroiled in the echoes of an old murder that happened back when the King Tide rolled in, becoming convinced that the perpetrators never rolled out.
As the mystery unravels and Lance puts his investigative skills to work, he discovers an outcast tribe of swamp-dwellers who just ain't right in the head; learns about pirates whose legacy is all too potent; and finds himself stalked by twisted creatures harbouring their own plans for lucky old Lance.
But history has a way of repeating itself, and as Lance learns the truth of his family history and the legendary God Tide comes a-rollin' in, it may be that some sins just won't wash clean.
Yes, folks, Nick Carlson takes us back to Hell's Gulf - probably hogtied in the bed of a rusty pickup - and explores further the background of its residents and resentments. But we've been here before, and forewarned is forearmed, right?
Right?
About the Author
A video editor by trade, Nick Carlson also harbors a strong passion for horror writing. Alongside a self-published novel and anthology contributions, he regularly pens short stories for the horror entertainment site Chilling Tales For Dark Nights. Nick's love of the genre coincides with his fascination with the natural world and its more unsavory denizens. He'll willingly free-handle spiders and snakes (and give you a biology lesson to boot), and whenever he finds himself on the beach he'll reel in stingrays and man-sized sharks from the sea...but it's the safe and speedy release that he cherishes the most. On top of all that, Nick is an avid hiker, classical composer, and organist.
Reviews
"...a thrilling and darkly humorous journey back to the sweltering depths of Hell's Gulf...masterfully paints a vivid picture of this godforsaken town, introducing us to a cast of characters...with their own quirks and eccentricities...a journey you won't want to miss." - Baz Black, Award-winning Actor, Writer, & Director. PRAISE FOR HELL'S GULF: Nick's writing immediately engages the reader with its delicate balance of simplicity and depth. You'll sympathise, empathise, laugh with and be disgusted by the characters he's created, all the while enjoying this gruesome whale-of-a-time story about a writer who's coming of age at a time of our lives often downplayed in such a tale. This isn't about prepubescent, hormonal disarray; instead, it's an exploration of accountability and responsibility, self-reflection and the adjusting of one's trajectory that so many young(ish) people fail to do at such a major transition point. It's also about family, loss, recovery, and learning what's valuable in this world of growing apathy and exploitation. And yes, it's also about slimy, toothy creatures and blood and guts (of course!) - TG; It is hard to not enjoy the hard work of...Nick Carlson. Hell's Gulf is a labor of love with lore resembling familiar franchises that allows readers to easily connect. Many of the sea critters, monstrosities, and anomalies all contain some type of Pirates [of the Caribbean] aura, but with Carlson's twisted words painting a more sinister vibe...Carlson's brilliant and enchanting use of dialogue...demonizes whatever it touches...a flavor of some serious scenes coupled with a little undertone of humor or smugness...reminiscent of a Joe Hill style of writing that is both enjoyable and...deadly effective. Carlson also knows his fishies...[h]is familiarity with these briny abominations helps keep them realistic and believable. If this were at my local book store, I think I'd find myself picking it up based on my similar interests. N. A. Battaglia
Book Information
ISBN 9781068662645
Author Nick Carlson
Format Paperback
Page Count 342
Imprint Temple Dark Books
Publisher Temple Dark Books
