This read so much like a vintage horror, so much I was actually impressed. I will definitely be seeking out more of his works and I'm really tempted to get this for my shelves. It does have quite a few triggers including on-page SA, so I would do your research!

"It's Christine, but wood!"

But like, no, for real Billy - it's Christine but wood. Tyson is a "washed up" formerly hugely successful horror author who receives a desk upgrade from his partner in the hopes of reviving his writing and reinvigorating his career to bring forth another, new, best-selling horror masterpiece. Unfortunately for all involved parties, the thousands of dollars worth of desk she purchases is a very old, very powerful piece of less than friendly magic.

Without giving a full rundown of the story, Gothic focuses on Tyson's descent as the desk helps him to fly through a new masterpiece while turning him further and further from the man his partner (and other loved ones) have always known him to be. All the while the story weaves in the perspective of a woman who has spent the better part of her adult life searching for this desk and is hot on the trail.

All in all, Gothic was a fun read (albeit, perhaps a tiny bit predictable) that did its due diligence to keep me engaged and curious to see how things would descend further in the next chapter. As a whole I would say it's a fairly quick going read for anyone who enjoys horror, or is just really enjoys magically infused murder-objects.

Gothic is a fast-paced, wild ride hurtling along a writer’s descent into madness. Fracassi ensures readers are treated to all that journey has to offer - every cursed gain, and steep cost, Tyson Parks experiences.

While reminiscent of King’s Jack Torrance in The Shining and Paul Sheldon in Misery, Tyson Parks and company are fully realized unique characters through Philip Fracassi’s skilled writing. The story is a welcome contribution to horror with fresh takes on the themes and circumstances fans love to revisit.

For famous but struggling writer, Tyson Parks, the gift of an antique desk sparks new creativity - and unleashes old evils. Does he have one more best-selling novel in him, or has the 59-year-old’s well run dry? As it turns out, there’s just enough ‘juice’ left in Tyson to squeeze out a book unlike any the world has ever seen.

The story will remind readers of a visceral mash-up of The Little Shop of Horrors and The Shining. In fact, I seem to recall a TV episode, or short story, in which a plant uses a typewriter to bash out stories. Try as we might, Google and I could not find the source material for that particular memory…

Still, Philip Fracassi’s tale departs from that somewhat comic take on the ‘puppetmaster’ trope and flies like a rocket from the opening line to the high-tension conclusion. You will be left wondering if the book in your hands is just a myth - or a true cosmic horror unleashed.

Coming February 3, 2023 from Cemetery Dance Publications, Gothic by Philip Fracassi features countless nods to uncanny speculative fiction authors. References throughout make the entire piece feel like a collective love letter to works which inspired and guided the author’s career.

There is a nod to Richard Matheson’s “Bid Time Return” as main character Tyson Parks listens to The Complete Rachmaninoff while writing. Annie Wilkes and others make referenced guest appearances. Multiple references to authors, famous works, and some of the best lines from horror literature pop up and delight the reader.

Author of the award-winning story collection, Beneath a Pale Sky, Philip Fracassi has multiple novels and a plethora of short stories for fans to enjoy. The New York Times has called his work “terrifically scary.” He’s even had feature films distributed by Disney Entertainment and Lifetime Television. Believe it or not, Fracassi is also the author of a children’s book, The Boy with the Blue Rose Heart.

Get the latest updates about his work at his website https://pfracassi.com and find him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@philipfracassi).