Acorn Bookshop

DININ_store copyDININ_sig page

The Acorn Bookstore in Columbus, Ohio is a 22-year-old brick n’ mortar general secondhand/antiquarian bookshop. They have everything from inexpensive paperbacks to collectable books worth thousands of dollars. They have about 50,000 books in
their two-floor store.

Yvonne at Acorn recently sent me the above photos of DININ’. This is my most rare book to date. This signed, limited hardcover was published in December 2012 by Bad Moon Books (it was later released — and is still available — in Trade Paperback and eBook). This particular copy is #11 of 72.

So, if you’re ever in the Columbus, Ohio area and are looking for a cool little bookstore go check out Acorn. They are located at 1464 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212 or you can visit them online.

March Plug #4 — Loren Rhoads

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As Above, So Below by Loren Rhoads & Brian Thomas

Synopsis
 
When the succubus Lorelei sees the angel Azaziel from across the bar, she knows he’s been cast out of Heaven, but is not yet Fallen. She resolves to do whatever it takes to bring the angel down. When she trails him back to his lair in the warehouses outside of downtown Los Angeles, they seduce each other. Later, on the streets of L.A., they encounter Ashleigh Johnson, one of Azaziel’s mortal charges, dying of hepatitis in the street. The angel rescues Ashleigh’s soul from two harpies poised to devour it and uses it to possess Lorelei. Other angels don’t foresee any positive outcome to any of this. In their eyes, their brother has endangered a mortal soul and compromised his own standing in Heaven. When they intrude, Lorelei flees — taking Ashleigh Johnson along for the ride. In the process, Lorelei discovers that she has developed a soul of her own, a soul which is most certainly damned. Before long, her sister Floria tracks down a defrocked priest willing to exorcise Ashleigh’s mortal soul from Lorelei’s infernal flesh. The intimate little ritual swells into a virtual Who’s Who of Hell’s presence in L.A.
 
Bio
 
Loren Rhoads is the co-author, with Brian Thomas, of the new novel As Above, So Below.  The succubus Lorelei’s adventures have previously appeared in Sins of the Sirens (Dark Arts Books, 2008) and Demon Lovers (Ravenous, 2012). You can watch out for the new trouble Lorelei gets up to at www.lorenrhoads.com.
 
Available in Trade Paperback and eBook at:
 
 
 

March Plug #3 — David Owain Hughes

Walled

Walled In by David Owain Hughes

Synopsis

A weapon, designed ‘in the dark’ at an army barracks just outside of Cardiff, South Wales, has been unleashed. Intended for use against enemy troops, the chemical, comprising Bird Flu, Bovine Flu and Foot and Mouth, turns those affected into murderous lunatics for twenty-four hours before the body finally shuts down. Jeff, a mild-mannered air enthusiast, has just murdered his sick wife. He had planned for them to stay inside, to lock the place down, to wait it out. But Katherine became sick – the latest casualty of an unknown virus wiping the British population out in their thousands. TV, radio and all other means of contact to the outside world have gone. Jeff, alone, decides to make a break for the plane he has stationed at Cardiff airport. Between Jeff and freedom stands millions of infected. If only he can reach the hangar, then he’ll be safe. He’ll be able to fly to Scotland to reunite with his sister. Along the way, Jeff hooks up with Maria, who has been left stranded at the petrol station where she worked. They meet up with Ollie and Roxie – a pair of biker lovers who have survived the outbreak on the road. Together, their chances of survival are increased, as long as they can all just get along. It’s not just the infected they will have to dodge; a dark and depraved enemy is on their trail. A foe who might just hold the key to surviving in a country gone to hell.

Bio

David Owain Hughes is a writer of horror fiction who has recently started dabbling in horror journalism. He’s an editor/writer for Blood Magazine and has a few short stories in print. His first novel, Walled In, is was released earlier this year (2014), alongside his short story collection, White Walls and Straitjackets. After discovering the novel One Rainy Night by Richard Laymon many moons ago, he set out on a path to become the best writer he could. He also holds a BA and MA in Creative Writing, and hopes one day to write full-time.    

Available in Trade Paperback and eBook at:

Amazon

Waterstones

Barnes & Noble

March Plug #2 — Adrian Ludens

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Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles by Adrian Ludens
 
Synopsis
 
Nineteen tales of horror, mystery, supernatural suspense, and the weird West. 
 
A horde of insects invade one unfortunate man’s stomach and make it their home, a blind woman guards a cavern full of Civil War-era zombies, and a troubled teen digs up her father’s corpse, hoping to obtain closure. Visit a macabre secret museum where taxidermy and classic literature combine, discover the lengths one desperate mortuary assistant will go to for love, and learn why Jack McCall really killed Wild Bill Hickcok. 
 
Blurbs
 
“Adrian Ludens…will scare the hell outta you in Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles. I highly recommend anything Ludens writes!” -Ty Schwamberger (The Fields, Deep Dark Woods). 
“Understated, wistful, and somewhat sad. Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles was a creepy pleasant surprise, and I am looking forward to seeing more of his work. -K. H. Vaughan, Hellnotes
“This collection whisked me back to late nights as a child reading ‘The October Country’ or ‘Skeleton Crew’ – wonderfully imagined, truly scary concepts brought to life through character and location.” -Harper Hull, Amazon
 
Bio
 
Adrian Ludens lives and works in the historic Black Hills of South Dakota. Magazine appearances include Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Woman’s World, Big Pulp and Over My Dead Body. Anthology appearances include Blood Lite III: Aftertaste, Slices of Flesh, Blood Rites, Zombie Kong, and The Mothman Files. For more information visit adrianludens.com.
 
 
Available in trade paperback and for Kindle.
 

March Plug #1 — Dean Harrison

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These Unquiet Bones by Dean Harrison

Synopsis

Trying to get behind the truth of her mother’s death, Amy Snow unleashes the skeletons lurking in the dark of her father’s closet, and learns a terrible, twisted truth about her family tree. Meanwhile, a man named Adam is on a mission to restore Paradise to its former glory. To accomplish this, he must find “The Lost One”, a girl he calls Eve, and sacrifice her to the god she betrayed the day a talking serpent slithered into the Garden of Eden.

Bio

Dean Harrison is a longtime fan of horror fiction. Though he has spent some time out in the “real world” working as a shoe salesman, a security guard, an investigator, a loss prevention detective and a journalist, he has consistently returned to what he loves doing most–writing horror fiction. His short stories can be found in the horror anthologies FEM-FANGS, FELL BEASTS,  RELICS & REMAINS and CHRISTMAS IN HELL. His debut novel is THESE UNQUIET BONES. More is to come.

Dean lives with his family in his hometown of Mobile, AL, a city rich in ghost stories.

Learn more about Dean and his work on his website.

Available in Trade Paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

March Plug Month 2014

In March of last year I opened up by blog to anyone who wanted some free advertisement for their work. I’ve decided to do it again this year.

If interested, email a jpg of your book cover, a short synopsis, a bio, your website link, where to purchase the book, etc, to ty_schwamberger@yahoo.com. Please format this information how it appeared in the posts from last year with the subject line “March Plug Month 2014”. I’ll then reply and let you know the date (unless you specify) when your info will appear on this site. Your book does NOT have to be of the horror variety to get a spot.

Good Luck!

March Plug #11 — Joshua Lisec

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The Phoenix Reich by Joshua Lisec

About

When underachieving college student Max Meyers learns that the death of his father, a popular United States Senator, has been prematurely ruled a suicide, he sets out on a mission to learn the truth—a mission that leads him to uncover an international conspiracy dating back to the final days of Nazi Germany.
 
Author Joshua Lisec’s title, “The Phoenix Reich,” seizes readers’ imaginations through a tangible combination of contemporary action coupled with mysterious archival revelations found in Nazi history. As a source of suspense and intrigue, “The Phoenix Reich” results in an electrifying adventure. Lisec’s novel transports readers to the front seat of action through well-crafted characters who simultaneously appear both familiar and enigmatic; all of which is delivered in tightly woven narrative.
 
Bio
 
Joshua Lisec is a novelist and freelance writer from Dayton, Ohio. Inspired by his love for the classic action-adventure novel, Joshua decided at age seventeen to embark on an adventure of his own—to write the first epic tale of a young hero whose story would be nothing less than terribly wonderful. Three years later, The Phoenix Reich was born. You can learn more on his website.

You can Pre-Order the Trade Paperback here.

March Plug #10 — Kenneth W. Cain

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The Dead Civil War by Kenneth W. Cain

Synopsis

It takes only one maniac to destroy the world.

Family is often at the heart of our intent. When that which we hold dear is threatened, our hand is forced. This is the reason so many work all day at a job they would prefer to leave. Each day we do what we can to provide for those we love.

America; land of the free, home of the brave. What if this place we call home erupted in sudden turmoil? What if the very people who protect our country, began turning their guns on each other instead of our enemies? What if one man could use that disjointed state to his advantage, to destroy everything we believe in—our faith, our homes, and our families?

In the near future the United States finds itself divided between two parties that are slowly decimating America from the inside out. While our nation battles, countries from around the world notice our disarray and make their move to either stake claim to near-abandoned territories or seal themselves off from the evolving horror completely. The United States has become a nation of Republicans versus Democrats, torn between the red and the blue. And who decides how America will move forward when the dust settles? One man.

When all is accounted for, there are sides that will remain. Lines will be drawn in the sand, between men and women, the living and the dead. And these sides will form packs.

Some of these packs we can trust. But others, those of the undead, are based on different principles. These are packs driven by one sole motive, to feed. Their hunger is a driving force and the virus, having given them life, continues to prove unstable, ever mutating.

As the struggle for power resurfaces, the United States is faced with many hardships. New problems demand unique approaches, and a leader emerges from out of the ruin. This forerunner will cure our land and lead this nation under his watch, rebuild it with his hands, and rule with an iron fist.

Who will help the United States return to what it once was—a strong nation, by the people and for the people? Who will rise up against this tyranny that has taken over, led us astray? Who of you will endure these struggles with us and fight for the America that we know and love?

Sydney Forrester is this person. She is a trailblazer, fearless in the shadow of the dead. She will fight, relying on her intuition and the sharp edge of her sword. She is the woman who will gather the reigns of this fight and drive us toward a better tomorrow.

It will take strength to refocus her husband, to return him to the man he once was. Despite their years of separation, they will brave the unknown in hopes of reuniting with their young son.

Before this small group of people can mend a nation, they must first heal their pasts. Some of them have secrets they have kept hidden for fear of facing the truth. The horror that they too might be responsible is a constant threat to their weakening souls. Until they can stand on their own two feet, how could they possibly save America?

Sydney cannot fight this battle alone. She will need help. It will take the union of her fragmented family, the realization of one half of a twisted relationship between two reckless brothers, the truth of one mysterious zombie, the courageousness of a distraught jester, the steady mind of a criminal and a dragon. Together they will fight for what they have always held high, their freedom. They must confront the man who has crippled this nation. Together they will make those who have committed crimes against America pay for their heinous acts.

Even if they do succeed, will it be enough? Can America be saved? And if it is, will it ever learn from its mistakes? Only time will tell, but there will always be those who rise up against the evils in this world. Sydney and her friends are among those willing to fight. Are you ready to fight with them? Are you ready to battle the undead?

Prepare yourself. Only you can determine the future of this country.

Blurb

“Tough and honest, The Dead Civil War has got some serious teeth to it.  Think Patrick Henry goes to Zombieland, because that’s what Cain has in store for you!” – Joe McKinney, author MUTATED and INHERITANCE

Bio

Kenneth W. Cain writes dark fiction from his home in eastern Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and two children. He is the author of several novels and short fiction, including his acclaimed collection These Old Tales. His work has appeared alongside such notable authors as Hill, Barker, Ketchum, Braunbeck, Maberry and more.

He became interested in the art of storytelling at a young age, spending hours listening to his grandfather spin tales beside the light of a barrel fire in southern Illinois.  Darkness, fear, mystery, and a bit of the unknown were elements the old man wove into his stories that Kenneth relies on in his own tales.

He discovered his passion for dark fiction spending one too many graveyards shifts on-call for the local Pepperidge Farm cookie plant.  He immersed himself in a world full of books, late night television, and chronic nightmarish dreams, embracing his own fears through his writing and artwork. It intrigued him enough to study creative writing in college in order to hone his skills.

Before writing, Kenneth spent more than twenty sleepless years in the graphic design industry. Kenneth remains a loyal fan of the Cardinals (baseball and football), the 76er’s and the Flyers. He also does formatting and digital conversion work for various publications, including the Lovecraft eZine.

Kenneth’s deepest wish is to share his stories, to have them read. Perhaps his tales will bring you a chill or make you think twice about locking your front door. Either way, he is grateful for his dear readers and hopes you enjoy.

You can learn more on his website.

Available in Trade Paperback or eBook:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

March Plug #9 — John Everson

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NightWhere by John Everson

2012 Bram Stoker Award Nominee for Achievement in a Novel!

Synopsis

She yearned to go beyond… but some curtains should never be opened.

When Rae broached the idea of visiting an underground sex club, Mark didn’t blink. He should have. Because NightWhere is not your usual swingers club. Where it’s held on a given night…only those who receive the red invitations know. Soon Rae is indulging in her lust for pain. And Mark is warned by a beautiful stranger to take his wife away before it’s too late.

But it’s already too late. Because Rae hasn’t come home. Now Mark is in a race against time—to find NightWhere again and save his wife from the mysterious Watchers who run the club. To stop her from taking that last step through the degradations of The Red into the ultimate BDSM promise of The Black. More than just their marriage and her life are at stake: Rae is in danger of losing her soul…

Reviews

NightWhere isn’t for everybody…Think Hellraiser meets Basic Instinct, and you have some idea about the dark contents of this novel. That being said, I loved NightWhere.”
–Hellnotes

“I can guarantee once you start NightWhere you will not be able to put it down; it sinks its hooks into you and you just have to turn the next page to see what will happen next.”
–Famous Monsters of Filmland

“…extremely well written, providing the kind of reading experience you get from Cormac McCarthy’s The Road or Scott Smith’s The Ruins — relentless in both realism and emotional impact.”
–The Horror Review

“The dialogue is crisp, the plotting is fast-paced — it’s a very confident piece of work, regardless of the subject matter. And is it scary? Yes, at times NightWhere is very scary…because this is a novel that can go anywhere. And it does.”
–Bloody Disgusting

NightWhere is a darkly erotic, deeply disturbing and hauntingly engaging tale that took my breath away – literally…  This tale of heightened eroticism, degradation, masochism, graphic violence and often horrific imagery is the proverbial scrape across a chalk board or the fingernail stroke down one’s spine that elicits an aching twinge and shudder; and, weirdly, leaves you wanting more. NightWhere may not be ‘hauntingly beautiful’, but it’s a hell of a good read.”
–Dark Haven Book Reviews

Bio

John Everson is a staunch advocate for the culinary joys of the jalapeno and an unabashed fan of 1970s European horror cinema. He is also the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of seven novels, including the erotic horror tour de force of NightWhere and the occult / urban legend mystery of The Pumpkin Man. Other novels include Covenant, Sacrifice, The 13th and the upcoming spider-driven Violet Eyes. His tales have been translated into Polish, French, Italian, Turkish and German and optioned for potential film development. His short stories have been gathered in a handful of collections, including the Cage of Bones & Other Deadly Obsessions and Needles & Sins. A 10th anniversary edition of his Vigilantes of Love was reissued in 2013. You can learn more about John on his website.

You can watch a reading from NightWhere at Chicago’s Tuesday Funk live reading series on YouTube.

NightWhere is available in Trade Paperback or Kindle on Amazon.

March Plug #8 — Melissa Starr

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Phoenix Elite series by Melissa Starr

Phoenix (Phoenix Elite #1)

Elora Rae Gannon believes her life is over. On her sixteenth birthday she receives news that she is a mythical monster of hellish proportions and if that’s not bad enough, she receives this information in the form of a letter from her dead mother who also informs her that she must become part of an elite secret society of others like herself or die. Sucky birthday, huh? And just when she thinks she’s got it all figured out, her new-found family in the Elite forces her to break ties with her human BFF shortly before her BFF just up and vanishes. With her world in utter upheaval, Elora makes the move to a new school- Marlind Prep, with full intentions of finding out exactly what is going on behind the scenes and why her best friend has vanished- all while trying to figure out how to successfully make out with her boyfriend without sucking the very life out of him

Ruhk’s Rising (Phoenix Elite #2)

Elora’s days at Marlind Prep are anything but safe or boring. She receives news of her BFF’s death not long after she disappears and is certain the Phoenix Elite are responsible. While searching for stability, Elora is stripped of her strength and sanity by the ancient Ruhk, Isaac, who continues to infiltrate her mind. Adding icing to the cake, she finds herself at odds with her mate/advisor, Ezra, leaving her vulnerable to the new guy, who just happens to find her on the verge of a nervous breakdown. What dangers await Elora among her own in RUHK’S RISING?

Bio

Melissa Starr is the up and coming paranormal/romance author of Phoenix (Phoenix Elite #1) & Ruhk’s Rising (Phoenix Elite #2) and future release and final installment in the Phoenix Elite series, Angel I Am Not. Novels are available in both ebook and print format. Starr is also working on a hot new project (and shush…if she told you she’d have to kill you) in the young adult/paranormal/romance genre.

Starr is a small town, country gal from deep in southern Oklahoma. Born in Altus and raised in Frederick, it only seemed right to put down roots there with her own family; a husband, two sons and two daughters. She resides and writes from her home where she frequently lets her inner child come out and play (if she behaves that is) long enough to spin colorful words into novels. Claims the # 13 as her unlucky lucky number and has a serious phobia of scorpions, and ironically- she is a Scorpio.

Melissa is also a freelance photographer who enjoys camping and riding ATV’s when the weather permits and snapping a million and one pictures of her family and friends against much protest. *Smiles*

You can learn more about Starr and her books via the below links:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Phoenix~ Fire & Ice
Ruhk’s Rising~ Fire & Ice
Blog
Facebook