Title: One Bloody Thing After Another
Author: Joey Comeau
First published March 1, 2010
165 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781550229165 (ISBN10: 1550229168)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
In Jackie’s room hangs a map of the city, each tree marked with a green pin. There’s a tree for her first kiss, a tree for when she broke her arm, and a tree for the day her mother died.
When one of those trees is cut down, Jackie’s world is turned upside down. She responds by throwing a rock through a car window, but her plan to escape is cut short when the police arrive early.
Meanwhile, Jackie’s best friend Ann has her own family troubles – her mother is chained up in the basement and needs to be fed. Ann and her sister Margaret are left to take care of her, but it’s not easy.
Things get even more complicated when a cantankerous old man, a headless ghost, and a few unsettling visits from Jackie’s own dead mother enter the picture. One Bloody Thing After Another is a horror novel that blends sadness and humor with fright.
It’s a story about the bonds of family, even when they’re dark and twisted. And yes, there is a lot of blood being drooled on the carpet.
About the Author
Meet Joey Comeau, a talented Canadian author who has made a name for himself with his captivating novels, Lockpick Pornography and Overqualified. Apart from being an accomplished writer, he is also the co-creator of the webcomic A Softer World, which he created alongside Emily Horne.
Joey currently calls Toronto, Ontario his home, and holds a degree in linguistics. His passion for language and writing shines through in his work, which has earned him a loyal following of readers.
Editoral Review
One Bloody Thing After Another by Canadian author Joey Comeau is a horror novel that was first published on March 1, 2010. With a unique blend of humor and violence, the book presents a world where the supernatural and the mundane coexist, leaving the reader questioning what is real and what isn’t.
The story is set in a small town where a group of teenagers stumble upon a sinister force that unleashes a series of violent and gruesome events. They have to fight to survive in a world where the dead are not always dead, and the living are not always what they seem.
Alexis, the protagonist, is grappling with the loss of her parents while trying to uncover the secrets of the town, and its dark history. She forms an unlikely alliance with Jake, a volatile teenager who has a reputation for causing trouble.
Together they navigate through the nightmarish world that surrounds them, encountering various obstacles and unexpected twists.
One of the strengths of the novel is its original and captivating style.
Comeau uses vivid descriptions, alternating between humor and horror, to create a world that feels both familiar and unsettling. The characters are complex and well-developed, with each one having their own story and motivations.
The pacing is excellent, with the tension gradually building up until the climactic ending.
However, the book does have some limitations.
There are moments where the violence becomes excessive, making the scenes seem gratuitous. Additionally, some of the secondary characters lack depth, making it difficult for the reader to connect with them.
Despite these shortcomings, One Bloody Thing After Another is a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book’s exploration of themes such as loss and identity make it a thought-provoking piece of fiction that transcends genre.
Fans of horror will appreciate the book’s ability to balance humor and scares while also being accessible to a broader audience.
In conclusion, One Bloody Thing After Another is an outstanding debut novel.
Joey Comeau showcases his exceptional talent as a writer and proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the genre of horror. This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good scare as well as those looking for a deeper exploration of the human condition.
I highly recommend it with a rating of 4/5.
