[Book Review] Hooker- Ian Thompson

Reviewer’s Note: This is one of a series of short horror tales by author Ian Thompson. They are quick, gripping reads. You can purchase them individually, or in one of several omnibuses. Check out Ian Thompson’s Amazon Page for more. To see reviews of Thompson’s other work, click here.

Ian Thompson’s Hooker tells the tragic tale of the worst day of Nigel Fawson’s life. He’s lost his job, found his wife cheating on him, and discovered that his kid isn’t even his. All he wants to do is drink himself into oblivion. In a shady part of town, the drunken Nigel is propositioned by the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. As uncharacteristic as it is for him, he decided to take her up on the offer and buy a night of fun. Before long, his night of fun turns into a night of terror when the woman isn’t what she seems. 

As is par for Thompson’s Short Horror Tales series, Hooker lays the groundwork with likable and relatable characters before ruthlessly punishing them. There is just enough set-up so that the reader is invested in Nigel and his troubles. This can be a tricky line to balance in a short story. Too much exposition and the reader is bored; too little and the reader just doesn’t care. Once again, Thompson walks that tightrope with expertise. 

When the blood starts to splatter, Nigel’s day gets really rough. Thompson has devised a brilliantly brutal creature to sic on his leading man. Creative and twisted, the monster is a total terror. This seems to be one of Thompson’s strongest points; an ability to think up unique, awful monstrosities.

Short and to the point, Hooker is an absolutely insane, blood-pumping ride. With just enough characterization and set up to bring Nigel fully to life, Thompson wastes no time getting to the horror. And once the horror starts to flow, it explodes like a firehose, utterly drenching poor Nigel till the last page. With a wicked cool monster and a page-turning climax, this is one Creature Feature you won’t want to miss out on. 

You can purchase a copy on Amazon for $1.50 (Kindle) or $6.00 (paperback). Also available as part of the Book Bundle 1, coupled with two other Short Horror Tales for $2.99 (Kindle) or $7.99 (paperback).

About The Author

I was born in Liverpool, England, but I have lived most of my life in a small town in Cheshire. I pursued a career in textiles, including laboratory testing and quality control. Give me some fibres from a carpet, item of clothing or curtain, plus a microscope and some chemicals, and I’ll quickly tell you all about them!

Throughout my life, I have loved good tales – whether in the form of novels and short stories, TV shows, movies, comics or video games. I like fast-paced adventures, strong and unusual characters, gritty action and twists I wasn’t expecting. Being taken away into the realm of someone’s imagination has always appealed to me and has driven me to create realms of my own.

Check out his website here.

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