Bøger udgivet af Smart Rhino Publications

MAGIC, MYSTERY, AND ILLUSION: HOUDINI'S BATTLE WITH SPIRITUALISTSIn Lisa Mannetti's wonderfully disturbing novella, THE BOX JUMPER, we meet Leona Derwatt, Houdini's assistant on and off stage, and one of his mistresses. Houdini not only takes her into his confidence, teaching her the intricacies of his magic, but teams with her as they confront and expose fraudulent psychics and mediums of their day. The tension in the story (based on Mannetti's thorough research) involves Houdini's conflicts with fake mediums (who may have been complicit in his death) and Leona's continued run-ins with the same phony psychics later in her life.REVIEWS OF THE BOX JUMPER'Magic' is the operative word for this moody novella. The magic of Harry Houdini serves as an overriding backdrop here, but another kind of magic permeates these pages-the magic of fine writing. Don't expect the usual linear plot, because there is no direct narrative. Vivid dreams, surreal images, and hypnotic memories all serve to flesh out an unsettling tale that sweeps us into a new fictional dimension. Read The Box Jumper and share the magic." - William F. Nolan, author of Logan's Run and screenwriter of Burnt Offerings "A haunting tale of madness and mystery. Mannetti leads the reader through a thrilling maze of illusion and scandal surrounding world-famous magician and psychic debunker, Harry Houdini. As elusive as a magic trick, the story unfolds through the dubious memories of one of his former assistants who suffers from various illnesses throughout the story. Mannetti's words entice the reader to explore a lewd world of liars and lust. As the layers of intrigue unfold, the reader is compelled to keep reading and isn't disappointed." - Sèphera Girón, author of Flesh Failure and Captured Souls "In Lisa Mannetti's magical The Box Jumper, readers are treated to intriguing premises and finely wrought characterizations rooted in the hazy past of a bygone America. As usual, Mannetti's driving narrative propels this fascinating portrait of illusionist Harry Houdini and the strange goings-on in and around-even beyond-his world. Highly recommended to all who love a great story, excellent writing, and memorable characters with a haunting literary flair." - Jason V. Brock, author of Milton's Children and Disorders of Magnitude "Lisa Mannetti's The Box Jumper is a passionately told story of love, memory, and how we can be possessed by both. Mannetti is, simply put, a master of dark historical fantasy, and in The Box Jumper, she has all her talents on full display. The only really frustrating thing about her stories is how she manages to make perfection look so easy." - Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Dog Days and Plague of the Undead "Lisa Mannetti has given us a look into the life of a fascinating historical character and cultural icon. Her novella brims over with dark suspense and a brilliant re-creation of a New York long gone. As always, she writes with passion and originality. A great story." - Tom Monteleone, Bram Stoker and Locus Award-winning author of Night of Broken Souls and Eyes of the Virgin

SUSPENSE STORIES TO KEEP YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEATThere is a peculiar allure of insidious characters-and especially assassins, hitmen, contract killers, and their ilk. Perhaps we find their uncomplicated moral codes and brutal efficiency appealing. These characters care little about ethics or morals-and perhaps that alone, that freedom from guilt, is exactly why we love them. Perhaps, deep down, we wish we could be like them. And perhaps, by reading stories with such characters, we can vicariously experience that thrill.PROPULSIVE, SUSPENSEFUL CRIME FICTIONWith this fascination with evil characters in mind, Smart Rhino Publications decided to publish this anthology, Insidious Assassins, a sequel to Uncommon Assassins. The book contains 24 stories by some of the best horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy authors writing today. Here you will meet some truly insidious characters-twisted characters you may find yourself applauding when you know you shouldn't. Enjoy! "Another entertaining anthology from Weldon Burge that is certain to get your adrenaline flowing and to cost you hours of sleep. What a wonderful collection of stories. What are you waiting for?" - Fair ReviewsTHE STORIES Those Rockports Won't Get You Into Heaven-Jack KetchumDead Bill-Shaun MeeksWorse Ways-Meghan ArcuriNo One of Consequence-Christine MorganAnd the Hits Just Keep on Coming-Doug RinaldiThe Night Gordon Was Set Free-Billie Sue MosimanAlmost Everybody Wins-Lisa MannettiFriends From Way Back-Dennis LawsonThe Repo Girl-Patrick DerricksonLetter for You-Carson BuckinghamThe Rock-Joseph BadalThe Handmaiden's Touch-Doug BlakesleeThe Bitter and the Sweet-DB CoreyInfluence-Martin ZeiglerAgnus Dei-Jezzy WolfeLabyrinth-James S. DorrBlenders-J. Gregory SmithOne of Us-Austin S. CamachoThe Absinthe Assassin-JM ReinboldSlay It Forward-Adrian LudensTantse So Smert'yu (Dancing With Death)-Ernestus Jiminy ChaldWhat the Blender Saw-L.L. SoaresCode Name Trine-Martin RoseBest-Sellers Guaranteed-Joe R. LansdaleCover art by Whitney Cook, cover design by Scott Medina.

A POST-APOCALYPTIC NIGHTMARELaura Cooney and L.L. Soares have created a post-apocalyptic novella that is disturbing, graphic, and provocative. A mysterious "green tsunami" has swept the planet -- and nothing will be the same as both living and inanimate things begin to evolve into a new horrifying reality. The story is told entirely via emails between a man and his wife, separated by the catastrophe, describing the terrors they must face as they strive to survive.AN EXCERPT FROM GREEN TSUNAMI"You would think that when a big green tsunami pounds down on the earth and floods the streets, and rips buildings out of the ground, the scientists would have seen something coming. That they could have prepared for it. But this seems to have caught everyone with their pants down. "And it doesn't make sense that anyone survived. Nobody seems to remember when it actually hit. And nobody can figure out how we all didn't get wiped out. How we all didn't just drown. "I've never seen such damage. And at the same time, it all seems to be healing over in some weird way. New things growing in their place -- I can't identify most of it. But I'll try if you let me ..."REVIEWS "I've never tried drugs, but I will bet reading Green Tsunami is like dropping LSD and then taking a tour of Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory." -- Matthew Scott Baker"In Green Tsunami, not only are people changing in all kinds of ways due to whatever it is that has hit the planet, but inanimate objects as well. No one is safe, no one can be trusted, and the bizarro/SciFi imagination of the authors is on full freak-out display here." -- Nick Cato, author of Suburban Grindhouse: From Staten Island to Times Square and All the Sleaze Between and Uptown Death Squad "The setting and events are quite surreal and can bend your brain in directions it usually doesn't need to in a Koontz novel. But if you want a story that's way out of the box, but tells a fascinating, and often touching, story, check this novella out." -- Daniel G. Keohane, author of Plague of Locusts and Solomon's Grave " If you're a fan of body horror (Brian Yuzna, Stuart Gordon, David Cronenberg) this story is for you. It's grotesque, but the bodily afflictions serve a purpose. It's surreal for sure, but not abstract and pointless. This would make a great sci-fi/horror film." -- Alan SesslerThe cover illustration is by Dan Verkys, with a cover design by Ju Kim. Interior illustrations were created by Will Renfro, Justynn Tyme, and Ju Kim.

Tom and Huck have reincarnated as twin white cats, and they're now familiars for a modern-day witch-and, of course, they want to be boys again! This whimsical novel by Lisa Mannetti captures the flavor of Twain's writing, yet brings Tom and Huck to life in a contemporary framework that is utterly delightful! "Huck always said it was a powerful lot of trouble to write a book, and if he'd a known it ahead of time, he wouldn't have gone through with it. That's his version of the truth, anyhow. And it's a lot more work than anyone bargains for when they sit down to write-but you add writin along with me and Huck comin back as twin brothers and the feline familiars of a twenty-first century witch-and you got even more trouble. A whole cauldron-full more. Anyhow, this time I guess it's me that has got to tell our story." The Introduction was written by NY Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry. The cover illustration is by artist Safira de Meza of the Netherlands, with cover design by Amy York. THIS IS THE YOUNG ADULT (YA) EDITION. An Adult edition has also been written that is more suitable for a more mature audience. "With charming Twain-like wit and style, Lisa Mannetti brings to life an engaging tale that will capture readers' imaginations and take them on the magical ride of their lives. Who wouldn't love feline familiars such as Huck and Tom? I can't recommend this book enough!" -Elizabeth Massie, Bram Stoker-winning author of Sineater, Playback, and Homegrown "Lisa doesn't merely throw some witches and werewolves into some of Twain's old lore. She crafts her own story by absconding with two literary icons and dropping them quite unceremoniously in her world. And the way she does it is both mischievous and charming." -Gef Fox, reviewer for Wag the Fox "Mannetti weaves a beautiful, heartwarming, and humorous fantasy with the delectable Tom and Huck, but resurrects them with the love and care only a true fan and scholar of Twain could." -Meli Hooker, reviewer for Dreadful Tales

TOM AND HUCK HAVE REINCARNATED AS TWIN WHITE CATS ...... and they're now familiars for a modern-day witch-and, of course, they want to be boys again! This whimsical novel by Lisa Mannetti captures the flavor of Twain's writing, yet brings Tom and Huck to life in a contemporary framework that is utterly delightful! The Introduction was written by NY Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry.AN EXCERPTHuck always said it was a powerful lot of trouble to write a book, and if he'd a known it ahead of time, he wouldn't have gone through with it. That's his version of the truth, anyhow. And it's a lot more work than anyone bargains for when they sit down to write-but you add writin along with me and Huck comin back as twin brothers and the feline familiars of a twenty-first century witch-and you got even more trouble. A whole cauldron-full more. Anyhow, this time I guess it's me that has got to tell our story.REVIEWS "With charming Twain-like wit and style, Lisa Mannetti brings to life an engaging tale that will capture readers' imaginations and take them on the magical ride of their lives. Who wouldn't love feline familiars such as Huck and Tom? I can't recommend this book enough!" -- Elizabeth Massie, Bram Stoker-winning author of Sineater, Playback, and Homegrown "If you're a fan of Twain, it's a must-read. If you're in the mood for some humor and fantastical escapades, this book is a pretty safe bet, as well. Lisa's done it again." -- Gef Fox, reviewer for Wag the Fox "Mannetti weaves a beautiful, heartwarming, and humorous fantasy with the delectable Tom and Huck, but resurrects them with the love and care only a true fan and scholar of Twain could." -- Meli Hooker, reviewer for Dreadful Tales "If you love reincarnation stories that adhere to life's many lessons, then this book is for you. If you believe in witches and other followers of nature's natural order, then this book is for you. And yes, If you love cats, this book is also for you." -- Terrie L. Relf The cover illustration is by popular artist Glenn Chadbourne, with the cover design by Amy York. THIS IS THE ADULT EDITION. A Young Adult (YA) edition has also been published that is more suitable for a younger audience.

"There is poison in the fang of the serpent, in the mouth of the fly, and in the sting of a scorpion; but the wicked man is saturated with it." - ChanakyaWICKEDNESS RULES IN THESE SHORT STORIESAvaricious, cruel, depraved, envious, mean-spirited, vengeful, evil-the wicked have been with us since the beginnings of humankind. You might recognize them and you might not. But make no mistake. When the wicked cross your path, your life will never be the same. Do you know someone wicked? You will. The 21 suspense, horror, and fantasy stories in the Someone Wicked anthology were written by the members of the Written Remains Writers Guild and its friends, and was edited by JM Reinbold and Weldon Burge. Reckonings - Gail Husch The Flenser - Billie Sue Mosiman The Fire of Ibis - Mike Dunne Sven Bloodhair - Christine Morgan The Chances - Ramona DeFelice Long Abracadabra - Russell Reece The Plotnik Curse - Carson Buckingham Mirror Mirror - Chantal Noordeloos The Next King - Patrick Derrickson Home Improvements - Barbara RossMissing - JM Reinbold Despair - Shaun Meeks Sisters: A Fairy Tale - Liz DeJesus The Flowering Princess of Dreams - Doug Blakeslee The Semi-Aquatic Blue Baker of Borneo - Justynn Tyme The Tail of Fate - Ernestus Jiminy Chald Right-Hand Man - Weldon Burge Ultimate Betrayal - Joseph Badal Impresario - Maria Masington Sometimes the Good Witch Sings to Me - L.L. Soares The Devil Inside - Shannon Connor WinwardThe illustration for the cover was created by Jamie Mahon. Cover design by Amy York. "Each story really keeps your interest. There is a little something for everyone's taste." -- Leslie A. Borghini, author of Angel Heat "This is a perfect example of a top-notch collection of mostly spectacular stories from a wide array of authors." -- Art Griswold

"What we have here, is a collection of mostly independent writers tapping into the dark side, all writing on the Barkeresque theme of 'body enhancements gone bad, ' surgically, chemically, whatever. ... Zippered Flesh 2 turns out to be a jaw-droppingly fine collection of stories." -- C.M. BriggsYET MORE BODY HORROR FICTIONSo, you loved the first ZIPPERED FLESH anthology? Well, here are yet more tales of body enhancements that have gone horribly wrong! Steroids from Hell. Horrendous piercings. Bizarre brain modifications. Obscene amputations. Facial reconstruction. Self-mutilation. Implants. Chilling short stories by some of the best horror and suspense writers today, determined to keep you fearful all night (and skittish during the day).THE STORIESThe Modern Adonis -- Bryan HallTaut -- Shaun MeeksThe Hunger Artist -- Lisa MannettiSkin Deep -- Carson BuckinghamThe Sun-Snake -- Christine MorganKnowledge -- Kate MonroeProsthetics -- Daniel I. RussellAfter Darque -- M.L. RoosThe Affair of the Jade Dragon -- Rick HudsonThe Future of Flesh -- JM ReinboldWe're All Mad Here -- E.A. BlackSeeds -- L.L. SoaresPerfection --Doug BlakesleeUnderneath -- Kealan Patrick BurkeThe Perfect Size -- A.P. SesslerPiper at the Gates -- David Benton & W.D. GaglianiBabydaddy -- Jonathan TemplarThe Little Things -- Christian A. LarsenClockwork -- Shaun JeffreyLuscious -- Jezzy WolfeRapture -- Charles ColyottPrimal Tongue -- Michael Bailey REVIEWS"This collection of stories almost defies normal classification; within these tales are horrors and wonders that you must read to believe. In short, this is one hell of an anthology! ... ZIPPERED FLESH 2 is a big win for me and is a book that definitely needs to be on your horror bookshelf." -- Matthew Scott Baker, Shattered Ravings "All in all, if your taste is for raw and ripped flesh, this is certainly a volume you want to check out. Cronenberg would have cyborg kittens." -- TeleRead

THE 'HITS' KEEP COMING: SUSPENSE FICTION WITH A DIFFERENCEHired killers. Vigilantes. Executioners. Contract killers. Assassins working from a moral or political motivation. You'll find them all in this thrilling suspense anthology. But these are not ordinary killers, not your run-of-the-mill hitmen. The emphasis is on the "uncommon" here-unusual characters, usual situations, and especially unusual means of killing. Here are tales by some of the best suspense/thriller writers today, including F. Paul Wilson, Ken Bruen, J. Carson Black, Billie Sue Mosiman, Laura DiSilverio, Joseph Badal, Matt Hilton, and 16 others. The stories range from historical fiction to science fiction to political thriller-there's even an alternate history story in the mix.THE STORIESNightshade - Stephen England The Pepper Tyrant - J. Gregory Smith Everybody Wins - Lisa Mannetti Fat Larry's Night With the Alligators - Ken Goldman Thyf's Tale - Christine Morgan Misconceptions - Matt Hilton Second Amendment Solution - Billie Sue Mosiman Killer - Ken Bruen For the Love of Boys - Rob M. Miller Bloodshed Fred - Monica J. O'Rourke Slasher - F. Paul Wilson Fire & Ice - Joseph Badal Madame - Doug Blakeslee The Man Who Shot Hitler - Elliott Capon Mercy Killing - Laura DiSilverio Scrub - Michael Bailey The Wellmaster's Daughter - James S. Dorr Wish I'd Never Met You -- Jonathan Templar The Bluelight Special - J. Carson Black Welcome to the Food Chain - Weldon Burge Inside Out - Al Boudreau Katakiuchi - Charles Colyott Taking Care of Business - Lynn Mann REVIEWS"Uncommon Assassins is a wonderful collection of short stories that will get your adrenaline flowing and will reaffirm your faith in the triumph of right over wrong, good over evil. Weldon Burge has done a masterful job of putting together this collection." - Fair Reviews "Our assassins run the gamut, from a depressed, middle-aged woman to a Viking story-teller, a time-traveling hitman to a blind sushi chef. Some are geniuses, some are fools. Sometimes you root for the killer, sometimes the mark. ... For fiction lovers and writers alike, Smart Rhino is one to watch." - Shannon Connor Winward, author of The Year of the Witch and Undoing Winter "It's rare that every story in an anthology will knock my socks off and this one is no exception, but the vast majority of the stories are highly enjoyable. ... Uncommon Assassins is a nicely put-together anthology and there's something to love for crime and mystery fans alike." -- Crime Fiction Lover "While I'm not normally a big fan of anthologies, this one was a blast to read! The editor did a great job picking 'uncommon' stories. There are a couple that stick out, that really show the range of talent here. They range from Viking assassins to an "all in the family" group of assassins and more! It was a fun read, all the way through. I'd certainly be interested in seeing other anthologies edited by Weldon Burge in the future!" -- Khinasi

SPINE-CHILLING BODY HORROR FICTIONMonstrous transplants. Appalling amputations. Bizarre implants. Nightmarish forms of body enhancements. Disturbing, perverse, often gut-wrenching stories--all between the covers of this anthology. Here are 20 tales by some of today's best horror, suspense, and science fiction writers. The stories are not for those who are faint of heart or squeamish, or who are easily offended by nasty language, bloody violence, and freakish body augmentations. You've been warned!Bootstrap--The Binds of Lasolastica -- Michael BaileyIdol -- Michael LaimoUnplugged -- Adrienne JonesComfort -- Charles ColyottYou With Me -- Christopher NadeauThe Shaping -- Scott NicholsonSomething Borrowed -- J. Gregory SmithEquilibrium -- John ShirleySawbones -- L.L. SoaresWhirling Machine Man -- Aaron J. FrenchSex Object -- Graham MastertonThe Sad, Not-So-Sad, Ballad of Goat-Head Jean, Ambivalent Devil Queen -- Michael Louis CalvilloLocks of Loathe -- Jezzy WolfeBy Hook -- Elliott CaponCreeping Death -- Armand RosamiliaParaphilia -- Lisa MannettiIndependence Day -- P.I, BarringtonMarvin's Angry Angel -- Jonathan TemplarChange of Heart -- Rob M. MillerHearing Mildred -- Weldon BurgeREVIEWS"If director David Cronenberg edited an anthology, this would be that book." -- HORROR WORLD"Hardcore studies of shocking monstrosities that will enthrall and entice even the most hardened horror fan." -- FANGORIA"This anthology will not let you down!" -- TALES OF HORROR

HUMOROUS AND SATIRICAL SUSPENSE AND MYSTERY STORIES"Think Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau with Don Knotts and Tim Conway from the Apple Dumpling Gang mixing with John Travolta as Vincent Vega along with a gang of murderous otters and that's just a portion of what you'll find." asinine [as-i-nine] adjective1: extremely or utterly foolish or silly2: of, relating to, or resembling an ass Synonyms: absurd, balmy, brainless, bubbleheaded, cockeyed, crackpot, crazy, cuckoo, daffy, daft, dippy, dotty, fatuous, feather-headed, fool, foolish, half-baked, half-witted, harebrained, inept, insane, jerky, kooky, loony, lunatic, lunkheaded, mad, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, sappy, screwball, senseless, silly, simpleminded, stupid, tomfool, unwise, wacky, weak-minded, witlessCRIME FICTION WITH A DIFFERENCEEach of the 24 stories in the Asinine Assassins anthology involves a character (e.g., assassin, contract killer, hitman) with the above synonyms in mind. Asinine Assassins is an anthology of stories about inept, brainless, ridiculous hired guns, assassins, and murderers. Be ready for plenty of humor, action, suspense, and mystery. Black humor. Bizarre incidents, Surreal situations. Some stories are gritty, some grisly, but all are entertaining. The first two books in the 'Assassins' anthology series, Uncommon Assassins and Insidious Assassins were well-received and reviewed. Most readers enjoyed the diversity of genres and styles in these books, and Asinine Assassins continued that diversity with the new anthology. This time, however, the stories focused on incompetent and lunatic characters-with a dash of dark humor flavoring the suspense. This is NOT your typical crime fiction. If you love a wonderful blend of mystery, suspense, noir, humor, and general weirdness, expect to be surprised and entertained!THE STORIESRip Ho, Jaspers -- Ricky SpragueDumbass -- F.J. TalleyThere's One for You, Nineteen for Me -- Carson BuckinghamUpchuck Chuck -- Bruce HarrisDirty Pool -- Chris BauerMr. Benedict's Wild Ride -- Robin Hill-Page GlandenPayback: With Interest -- Matt HiltonShooting Fish -- James DorrJug Handles -- Albert TucherShort-Order Crook -- J. Gregory SmithBlood in the Urine -- Martin ZeiglerJust Call Wally -- Wil A. EmersonAiding and Abetting -- Adrian LudensLizards and Other Varmints -- Shari HeldKiller Fashion -- Maddi DavidsonAngling -- Ben GamblinSmall Claws, Small Guns -- Jezzy WolfeThe Butcher -- Robert PetyoThe Adventure of the Asinine Assassin -- Rick HudsonThe Last Hit -- Eldon LitchfieldKillings 4 Sale -- Blair KeetchThe Third Date Rule -- Jeff MarkowitzOne Good Thing -- Kevin P. ThorntonDeerman -- Weldon Burge