LOST AND LONELY by Brian James Freeman

LOST AND LONELY by Brian James Freeman, Cemetery Dance, $35, 9781587675683.

Everything you need to know about Brian James Freeman can be found in this book. He has a way with words. His writing has that impact you feel when you are truly bothered by terrors unexpected. He has that subtle smooth touch that you feel just before you feel the razor sharp fingernails. And, he is a great writer.

In this five storied tome, there are differing ways to frighten and horrify you. The theme in each story has to do with the value of family. The wife and son of a bestselling author go missing, but he hears footsteps in the hall. Patty has made some mistakes, but she is sure Roger will take her back after he sees how far she will go to make things right. A father moves his Colonial family into the wilderness to escape a monster that is stalking the new colony. Teenage Melissa has just told her boyfriend that she is pregnant. A 911 dispatcher receives a troubling call from a new mother.

Each story features an illustration by Glenn Chadbourne that fits perfectly with the story. Each tale is a subtle touch that will claw its' way into your memory. That's what you need to know about Brian James Freeman. Remember that all these stories are about family and one can only hope that it's not your family.