April 18th, 2010 | Author: Colin

Hellfire and Damnation

by Connie Corcoran Wilson

Published by Sam’s Dot Publishing, 2010.

I have to be upfront and say I was a little suspicious of this book. It appeared to have some great reviews on the back from the likes of William F. Nolan, Scott Eddleman and Gary Braunbeck (and if anyone knows good horror its Gary Braunbeck). These seemed slightly at odds with the homespun production values and I have to say the slightly garish cover. Was this a case of excessive hyperbole?

In Hellfire and Damnation Connie Corcoran Wilson takes us on a trip through the nine circles of hell by creating a series of stories (or in some cases a single story) to illustrate each. Many of the stories are also based on true life tales of crime and horror adding a little extra spice to the mix.

Standouts for me were -

Hotter Than Hell – where we hear the tragic tale of Big Jim Bingham as he awaits his fate on death row. A series of tragic letters to his son reveal some deep and powerful truths behind both his and his sons actions. It’s typical of the book, having a King like sense of down home characterisation where real life just touches the boundaries of something darker.

Amazing Andy, The Wonder Chicken – This surreal, if not in fact completely bonkers, tale concerns a chicken who loses his head but goes on to become a star bringing all the pressures of fame down on his owners. At times humorous and at others stomach wrenching but always inventive  and well written.

The Ghost Girl of Howard “Pappy” Litch Park – features strange goings on in the eponymous park when a father threatens a fellow visitor and things get out of hand. It bears all the tragic hallmarks of a real world tale but is told in an interesting and thoughtful voice.

We also get to meet ghost children (Rachel and David), the zombie prostitutes of Pompeii (Love Never Dies), serial killers (Going Through Hell) and fantastically creepy clown Pogo (Living In Hell).

A couple of weaker stories exist among the fifteen ( Queen Bee, Effie We Hardly Knew Ye!) but otherwise we are taken on a roller coaster trip with laughs (Hell to Pay features an amish mobile phone owner) and tears (On Eagle’s Wing’s a tragic tale of child abuse). Even the weaker stories are well enough written though and given the variety of styles at play here your personal favourites are likely to differ.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable, well written anthology. Gary A. Braunbeck’s blurb on the back claims that, “never have the 9 circles of hell been so much fun”. As I said Mr Braunbeck knows his stuff, this is a journey into hell that will intrigue, disgust and excite you, often at the same time, excellent stuff. Just shows, don’t judge a book by its cover!

You can find out more here.

Rating 4 out of 5

Connie will also be signing copies of Hellfire and Damnation at the BEA (Book Expo America), the largest book event in North America, which will take place in New York City from May 25th – May 28th. Connie’s assigned signing time at Booth #2951 is 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 27th. She follows Jonathan Maberry (Patient Zero, Ghost Road Blues), who signs from 1 to 2 p.m. There will also be other notables at this large event, including Jon Stewart introducing the morning breakfast speaker, Condoleeza Rice.

On May 8th, Connie will be present at the first annual Quad City Book Fair inside the River Music Experience at 2nd and Main Street in downtown Davenport. She will present an AV presentation of her three most recent books at 11:30 .m.

In June, Chicago’s Printers Row Book Fair beckons (June 11 , 12) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All of Connie’s books will be available at the River Music Experience on May 8th from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Quad City Book Fair, where she will present an AV look at same onstage at 11:30 am. (followed by Max Allan Collins at 1:30 p.m., after lunch.

Come and join the fun!