Gina Ranalli spins a deliriously fast paced monster tale in “Unearthed.” The novella wastes no time getting things started. Rebecca, the main character, discovers a large sinkhole on her property. Though this befuddles her, this opening scene is more foreshadowing than a sign of the true danger to come. Within two more chapters, however, we learn the sinkholes are cause by enormous digger bees and the world is already on the brink of destruction.
This novella brought to mind King’s “The Mist” and Hitchcock’s “The Birds.” Ranalli uses a technique similar to those classics, focusing on a few characters in peril rather than trying to go the route of showing us the widespread destruction.
In these more intimate narratives, the horror seeps in gradually as the characters realize their nightmare is manifest in the outside world.
I don’t want to spoil any surprises for you. This is a very well written descent into hell with a wicked ending. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to check out more of Ranalli’s work.
Note: Three stars for scare factor is not a slight. There are only a few scenes of true horror here but the suspense and thrills are top notch.
– George Wilhite
- 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
