Summer 2008

DEATH MASKS

Kim Richards

Eternal Press

A serial killer is stalking victims in Tonton Metro Park. Preying on the beautiful people as they jog by. Usually with their headphones on, unaware it's the very last time their body will ever respond to their brain again. They are tackled from behind and injected with a paralyzing agent that quickly leaves the victim immobile but awake and aware. Then it's all torture until merciful death arrives.

When Bill Cristo stumbles upon the killer at work, his whole life changes. A desk job by day and fast-food, TV and video game habit by night, Bill isn't in the best shape to be running into serial killers. But that doesn't stop him from living to tell about it even though nobody believes him. He becomes too curious and determined to let it go. Thus begins his own investigation parallel to the killer's growing addiction. Will their paths cross again?  Californian author Kim Richards has quite the vivid imagination. Her skill at thoroughly detailed descriptions paint an easy picture for her readers. Aside from it being an e-book, Death Masks was entertaining, pleasurable and impressive. Having it on the computer prevented it from being a one-night read, but at barely over 100 pages I was surprised how interesting the story was despite it's short length. I must also mention it was sick, twisted and gruesome, too. All the makings of a great horror story.

I can't help but admire Kim Richards writing skills. She brings you inside the twisted mind and memories of the killer as well as through every pain in the victim's reality. She relays minute details, that sometimes send your brain into 'possibilities overload' then keeps you turning the page to see what's next even after she gives away the whodunit. Then you want to go back to the beginning and restart the book because the story changes. I resisted and finished the book first but definitely see myself reading it again. It was a very good book but I would have liked it longer and in paperback.

Watch the trailer for the book here, featuring music by metal band Children of a Lesser God. Purchase the e-book here.

          B           -Alesha Brunell