HOMEPLACE by Beth Massie Reviewed
A long, long time ago I read a short story that stuck with me (no pun intended) titled SMOOTHPICKS. That story was published in Deathrealm Magazine, and the author was a lady named Elizabeth Massie. I didn’t know Beth at the time, but I’d heard of her. I’d seen her work in The Horror Show, and seen her name on the upcoming anthology contributor’s lists. Finally, when I got off my duff and drove with my buddy John B. Rosenman to NECON for the first time, I met the lady herself.
Deception is the name of the game, folks. Beth is one of the sweetest, most cheerful and supporting friends I’ve ever had. She can be brutally honest, don’t get me wrong, and she’s not afraid (or even hesitatant) to speak her mind, but work with me here. I meet Beth at NECON. At the time she taught seventh grade, I believe…molding young minds. Soon after that I read more of her stories. “Hooked on Buzzer,” for example, and “Abed,” which will soon be a short film directed by none other than Tom Savini. The image of the woman I’d met, and the powerful, no-holds-barred prose I as reading did not align properly in my mind.
Since then, I’ve come to realize that there is a wicked grin just below the surface, that people - being books of blood, and all that - can’t be judged by their cover, no matter how attractive and harmless they appear at first glance. When Beth’s first novel, SINEATER, came out, I picked up my copy — again — at NECON. Her agent had gotten UK copies flown in, or something like that. In any case, I got a very early copy, and I read it very quickly. It was creepy, introduced elements that I loved - the old south, warped religion - and scared the crap out of me.
I have just had the pleasure of reading Beth’s recent novel HOMEPLACE, and it reminded me of all those years, and stories. The voice is distinct and southern. The location is an isolated little town called Adams, and an even more isolated farm called Homeplace. Our protagonist, Charlene, has come back to claim the old place as a sort of artist’s retreat in an attempt to jump start her painting career and revitalize her life.
If you don’t care what I think, and just want to buy the book, click the cover image above to be directed to amazon.com - their price is VERY attractive on this book, though I couldn’t tell you why.
-DNW
03/12/08, 10:49 PM |
It was a very engaging book. The setting in particular made me feel right at home. And I loved the little touches like Pepsis, the PT Cruiser, and other very Beth-ish things.
03/13/08, 6:06 AM |
It’s also sort funny that the protagonist is an artist, and her significant other is a writer…sorta Beth Backwards….
03/13/08, 6:07 AM |
oh, wow…a southern gothic thriller? That sounds right up my alley. I’ll have to pick up a copy. Thanks for posting the review.:D
03/13/08, 6:30 AM |
Oh…wow…yeah (lol) (Sorry, just sounded funny James). It’s as southern as it gets.
From what I’ve seen my next review, THE FOLKS by Ray Garton, is also pretty southern.
D
03/13/08, 6:57 AM |
lol, yeah it did sound a bit funny now that I reread it.
Did you finally get completely over the crud?