Curse of the Reaper

For Fans of Grady Hendrix and Stephen Graham Jones

In his razor-sharp debut novel, film and television writer Brian McAuley melds dark suspense with wicked humor in this tightly plotted horror tale.

Decades after playing the titular villain in the Night of the Reaper horror film franchise, Howard Browning is now just another washed up actor signing autographs for his dwindling fanbase at genre conventions. When the studio announces a series reboot, the aging Howard is crushed to learn he's being replaced in the iconic role by heartthrob Trevor Mane, a former sitcom child-star who's fresh out of rehab. Trevor is determined to stay sober and revamp his image while Howard refuses to let go of the character he created, setting the stage for a cross-generational clash over the soul of a monster. But as Howard fights to reclaim his legacy, the sinister alter ego consumes his unraveling mind, pushing him to the brink of violence as the devilish Reaper takes on a life of its own.

Curse of the Reaper is a nerve-wracking thriller that walks the tightrope between the psychological and the supernatural. Themes of identity and addiction are brought to bear in this delightfully twisted page-turner, exploring the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the harrowing price of fame.