I want this to be a platform for EVERYONE within the horror community; authors, publishers, bloggers, reviewers, actors, directors, artists. I could go on, if you work in the genre then you are more than welcome to apply for the job.
The rules are quite simple…
You are invited to imagine yourselves as warden for an old graveyard, and choose eight books, preferably horror/dark genre, to take with you to cover your shift; here you can discuss why you chose the books.
As well as the books, wardens are allowed one song/album to listen to. Again, an explanation for this choice is required.
You must also discuss one luxury item you can bring, which must be inanimate and not allow communication.
If you’d like to take part in The Graveyard Shift then please submit an application to gavin@kendallreviews.com
A new shift is about to begin. The warden for the week’s #GraveyardShift is…
Laurel Hightower
How far would you go to bring back someone you love?
When Chris’s son dies in a tragic car crash, her world is devastated. The walls of grief close in on Chris’s life until, one day, a small cut on her finger changes everything.
A drop of blood falls from Chris’s hand onto her son’s roadside memorial and, later that night, Chris thinks she sees his ghost outside her window. Only, is it really her son’s ghost, or is it something else—something evil?
Soon Chris is playing a dangerous game with forces beyond her control in a bid to see her son, Trey, alive once again.
You can buy Crossroads from Amazon UK & Amazon US
You can read the Crossroads Kendall Review HERE
Books
Imajica by Clive Barker
What better way to start off a graveyard shift than with a return to Barker? It was a close decision between this or Books of Blood – those are my two favorite of his, but Imajica wins out because of the sheer joyful scope of the story. I remember being constantly engaged and surprised by where the story took me when I first read it, and I’m due for a reread. Besides which, perhaps best not to conjure images of a highway of the dead when I’m so close to one of the rest stops.
Reamde by Neal Stephenson
Part of this choice is due to me being a fast reader, and hedging my bets against flying through all my books before my shift is over. Stephenson excels in intricate, imaginative epics with characters that draw you in, laced with humor. I’ve loved all of his books, but this one holds my heart, again because of the characters. How can you not love Csongor, and Sokolov? In addition to which, given his 360 degree way of viewing things, I sincerely hope that if we’re ever facing Armageddon, someone puts that man in charge.
Rose Madder by Stephen King
Choosing a favorite King is damn near impossible, though I was tempted to try and cheat by claiming the Dark Tower series. Rose Madder is the one I’ve read the most, however, and it’s always felt like an interesting departure from form. There are monsters here, but mostly there are humans, and a dangerous path to escape for our main character. The resolution is one I’ve always loved, as well, and this book is why I browse paintings in thrift shops. It’s also almost a coming of age, though our protagonist is a grown woman. Her growth into herself and full potential has been stunted by her abusive husband, Norman, and it isn’t until she escapes that she’s able to finally come into herself, and ally herself with women who see her strength as well.
The Good House by Tananarive Due
It’s on my shelf and coming up fast on my tbr – I’ve heard rave reviews and if I’m hanging in the cemetery, I need a good ghost story. I suppose I might regret this choice as the night grows long, but what’s life without risk?
The Unknown Ajax by Georgette Heyer
This might seem like an odd choice, but I’ve been reading and rereading Heyer’s Regency romances since I was a little girl. Heyer excelled in character creation, and they’re immensely comfortable reads to go to sleep to. The Unknown Ajax is one of my favorites, and I have a feeling I might need some comfort before all is said and done.
Call Her By Her Name By Bianca Spriggs
I’m a literal-minded person and not a reader who automatically “got” poetry. Or subtleties, or nuance, but I digress. Spriggs’ ability to craft her poems always leaves me spellbound – I eat them up in a single sitting, and at the end, I breathe, glad that someone has found the words to explain everything I’ve ever felt. Reading her poetry has made me a better writer, a better reader, and I have a feeling I might need an escape if I’m left too long in this graveyard by myself.
Maria the Wanted by V. Castro
I’d like to think I’m a brave person. I’d like to think it, but I’m too honest for that. I’m going to need to channel some real power, some female kickassery, and there’s no better book for that than Maria the Wanted. The first time I read it, I was sitting in a Starbucks and garnered some stares when I actually fist-pumped at one point. Maria could handle any number of graveyard shifts on her own, and I’ll need to seek some inspiration. The same has held true for everything I’ve read so far from Castro – her characters are drawn with a confident and loving hand, each claiming the lives they are owed by force, when necessary.
The Fisherman by John Langan
Another one that’s been on my tbr, and I’m keen to use my time wisely in this cemetery. Sure, Langan is a master of creating deep, visceral horror from everyday things, and I often end his stories with the unsettling feeling that the world has shifted beneath my feet. But I can handle it. Probably.
Album
The Crow soundtrack
I like variety in my music, so I often seek out soundtracks. This one is nostalgic for me – I was a nineties kid, and when I got my license I used to cruise country roads at night, windows open, listening to this soundtrack. In the open air, at night, alone, I’ll want some Violent Femmes to keep me company.
Luxury
For my luxury item, I’m going to be sappy and choose a blanket. My husband had one made for me with pictures of my son, and even for the length of a graveyard shift, I’m going to want reminders. Plus, maybe it will act as a talisman? What malevolent spirit could approach with that toothless grin pointed in their direction?
Crossroads
How far would you go to bring back someone you love?
When Chris’s son dies in a tragic car crash, her world is devastated. The walls of grief close in on Chris’s life until, one day, a small cut on her finger changes everything.
A drop of blood falls from Chris’s hand onto her son’s roadside memorial and, later that night, Chris thinks she sees his ghost outside her window. Only, is it really her son’s ghost, or is it something else—something evil?
Soon Chris is playing a dangerous game with forces beyond her control in a bid to see her son, Trey, alive once again.
You can buy Crossroads from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Laurel Hightower
Laurel Hightower grew up in Kentucky, attending college in California and Tennessee before returning home to horse country, where she lives with her husband, son and two rescue animals. She works as a paralegal in a mid-size firm, wrangling litigators by day and writing at night. A bourbon and beer girl, she’s a fan of horror movies and true-life ghost stories, and is one-third of the Ink Heist podcast team. She is the author of one previous novel, Whispers in the Dark, and has several pieces of short fiction slated for publication in various upcoming anthologies. Her novella Crossroads is out now through Off Limits Press.
You can follow Laurel on Twitter @HightowerLaurel
Find out more about Laurel by visiting her official website www.laurelhightower.com
Brilliant feature!
I was writing about ‘Rose Madder’ yesterday as an underrated book imho, the ending is very satisfying in a way that isn’t always the case.