Publisher: Tachyon Publications

Pages: 256

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

A sinister blues recording pressed on vinyl in blood conjures lethal shadows with its unearthly wails. In order to rescue Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn traverses the shifting horrors of the aptly named Dread Island. In the weird Wild West, Reverend Jebidiah Mercer rides into a possessed town to confront the unspeakable in the crawling sky. Legendary detective C. Auguste Dupin uncovers the gruesome secrets of both the blue lightning bug and the Necronomicon.

Exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche, here is a lethally entertaining journey through Joe Lansdale’s twisted landscape, where ancient evils lurk and sanity hangs by a rapidly fraying thread.

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Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.

“In The Mad Mountains” features eight captivating tales, with the initial stories revolving around a recurring theme: the impending arrival of Cthulhu, thwarted only by a Texas private investigator, Huck Finn, or Auguste Dupin. Lansdale adeptly merges crime, sci-fi, and horror, all wrapped in a stunning cover by Mike Mignola, an expert in genre blending. However, when it comes to themes, Lansdale seems to have chosen the least romantic and highbrow option. He knows his gift of writing. Lansdale showcases his skill as a storyteller, conjuring a gritty atmosphere that feels deeply relatable. He understands his audience perfectly, blending quick wit, lively language, and a cast of morally questionable characters—like the Dallas enforcers in “The Bleeding Shadow” and the sheriff in “The Crawling Sky.” With such characters, it’s clear that this Texas PI will have more adventures ahead.

As he explores variations on his main theme, Lansdale expertly mixes various elements. In “The Tall Grass,” spectral figures haunt train travelers, while “The Case of the Stalking Shadow” and “Starlight, Eyes Bright” introduce even stranger phenomena, trapped within the shattered glass. While the end of humanity may not loom heavily over all the narratives, the sense of mortal danger is palpable.

What makes Lansdale’s work so amazing is his distinctive delivery. His writing is engaging and vivid, immersing readers in the atmosphere of the setting. His characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities and motivations that drive the narrative forward Beyond thematic considerations, he tailors his writing style to suit each scenario, infusing it with hard-boiled grit, western courtesy, and French elegance—and it all seamlessly comes together. Moreover, he includes all the essential elements of a short story, recognizing that both his characters and his readers are racing against time. Lansdale’s descriptions of the settings in each tale evoke a sense of both beauty and danger, reinforcing the themes of nature’s unpredictability and the primal instincts that emerge in dire situations.

Overall, “In The Mad Mountain” by Joe R. Lansdale consists of gripping tales that showcase Lansdale’s signature blend of horror, humor, and rich storytelling. Lansdale’s unique voice and storytelling prowess make this novel an engaging and thought-provoking read long after the final page is turned. If you appreciate stories that combine elements of horror with deep character exploration and social commentary, this book is worth your time. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Lansdale or new to his work, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain.