Review: A nice short introduction to the author's supernatural horror
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 30, 2012
If you're not familiar with Jeff Menapace's horror/thriller writing, "The Straw Man and a Murder" is a good introduction to his work. It's not his best work to date - that would be "Sugar Daddy" in my opinion - but it demonstrates his considerable talent for evoking images of supernatural horror. In the story, young Thomas Bowen was forced to live with his drunkard father, a man who's disappointed in his son and expresses his disappointment by cruelly demeaning the boy in every way, including beating him. Finally, pushed beyond his limits, Thomas seeks revenge in the only way he can. Luckily, he has friends who can help him.By the way, the word "murder" in the title has a double meaning. You'll have to read the story, though, to understand that (no spoilers from me!).