I was first introduced to Gary A. Braunbeck’s novels when I was sent the book Mr. Hands, the first book in what has now become known as the Cedar Hills series or the Hoopstick series. MR. HANDS was a great novel about a mystic wood figure who came to life and did whatever the person who had control over him wanted him to do. The second book in the series, Coffin County, was a darker trip into the town of Cedar Hills where a mysterious force is running though the town and a lot of strange deaths and bizarre things are happening. Far Dark Fields, the next book in the series, takes on a story of its own, but is all linked to the town, and Hoopsticks is once again involved.
Far Dark Fields starts of with a bang. Bruce Dyson has gone on a murder spree, killing nine people before turning the gun on himself. Bruce survives his own suicide attempt, but is barely clinging to life. He tells the authorities that he only will speak to Geoff Conover, a college professor whom he never has met. Over thirty years earlier, Andy Leonard, Geoff’s uncle had gone on a killing spree of his own, killing thirty-two people, most of whom were family members, including Geoff’s parents and siblings. Geoff, who was a baby at the time, was the only survivor. It was never really known why his uncle didn’t kill the boy. Geoff would like to forget about everything that has happened, but for years, has been thinking about how everything has panned out and all the weird things that have been happening in his old town of Cedar Hills. When the authorities pull Geoff out of bed one morning and take him to see Bruce Dyson in the hospital, the only message he has for Geoff is “Hoopsticks” Geoff knows what this means and soon he will have to confront the evil that is spreading over Cedar Hills.
Braunbeck’s writing is always very detailed, and sometimes it affects the story. Mr. Hands was very easy to read but when Coffin County came around, I got a taste of all that detail, but still enjoyed the book. The same can be said for Far Dark Fields. The book has a great story, but is slow and often plodding. The story and the characters are overdeveloped. If the reader does not pay close attention, it is very easy to miss important details.
Overall, Braunbeck paints a detailed picture, one that stays with the reader though each chapter. It is a book that does not hold back. There is a lot of death in this book and Braunbeck spares no one just for the sake of it. It is a very well-written book, but it is very detailed. This is not a book for the average horror fan. Many people may stop reading at points, but the ones who finish will be rewarded. There is a sequel due out next year.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
