A horror novel set in a science fiction-horror convention, which will leave readers wondering if the accommodation, characters and con atmosphere is directly drawn from places and experiences they shared too. There are registration lines, Fan Bars, Kaafleklatches, and a real vampire on the loose. (Oh, OK, we might not all have experienced the latter).
The story centres on Marcus Holland, a leading horror author and folklore expert who is invited to be guest of honour at a Horror-Con in a Midlands located Gothic mansion. Among other guests is the hotel venue owner, Namon, who is presented as a real vampire, and seems to be taking method acting to extremes, leading Marcus to realize he may not be acting at all and deciding to fight back.
Some nice descriptive touches and well created recreations of much con-going experience. There are also some neat original riffs on vampire lore. Reflections in mirrors are analysed in more detail than in many vampire works.
Marcus can’t figure out what kind of vampire Namon might be. He has written about so many kinds himself. Will stakes, garlic and crosses affect him? Guests have been asked to surrender or conceal any crucifix jewellery in deference to the guest, but is he a more modern Anne Rice style vampire? And how is he feeding when he never seems to bite anyone?
Though Marcus sets out to try to convince others that the make belief is suddenly real, too many characters seem to figure it out for themselves and come to him and a benevolent wise merchandise trader who appears to have extremely powerful magical skills of her own never really does anything with them in relation to Namon, but this is a fun read, especially for anyone who has been on to conventions themselves.
Photo taken by me.
Arthur Chappell
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