Review: Shocking, Horrifying: A Must Read for Horror Lovers
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 28, 2013
A Dark Autumn is a traditional real world horror novella by Kristopher Rufty.  Published January 2013 by Samhain Publishing, it's another new edition to their growing horror line. Rufty's lengthy sentences really draw out his thoughts. In comparison to those who write short, action punched sentences, his prose tells a suspense tale in the vein of Stephen King's Misery.  It's scary storytelling without any abnormal beings, legends, monsters or supernatural involved--just straight crime and revenge horror with its best modern world dilemma and issues entwined.  Everyone has psychological issues that perpetuate the crimes.Though I had no idea what to expect from this novella other than four women meeting their untimely deaths, I would say that even I was surprised where he takes this work. I would not read unless you are really ready to be horrified by human nature, sexual assault, and revenge. I am not certain where Rufty stands in his thinking about women, but these women's actions were demoralizing and degrading and violent.  I only recommend you read this if you have a REALLY strong head and stomach. That said for readers who are normal horror fans, readers who DO like horror won't want to miss this raw and amazing work that really looks right into human nature at its core.He has good character development and a suspenseful plot that pulls you in and finishes off at a fast pace, with a strong and interesting ending that I thought was well-done.If you like revenge horror that includes characters heading to the woods only to meet unfathomable outcomes, then this novella might be one you'd like to read. Though my heart was in my throat for most of the novel, I did realize I was reading faster as it went and absolutely couldn't put it down, finishing it in one quick sitting.  I just had to know the ending! It certainly messes with your head and leaves you feeling an adrenaline rush!  The psychological issues that this book addresses certainly fits our new society.The epitome of revenge writing, it's shocking and horrifying.See more on my blog, if you wish, at [...]