One Sick Ride: Review of The Carnival by Lisa McCourt Hollar

One Sick Ride: Review of The Carnival by Lisa McCourt Hollar

As a kid I always looked forward to visiting a carnival for its sweet cotton candy fragrances, the children’s laughter, and the high pitched screams of the excited teenagers.  The colors tended to magnify everything, making me feel smaller than I actually was.  I recall the joy I felt as someone won a big prize. 

It wasn’t until I got to my teen years that I got on scarier rides.  I recall the Funhouse being weird since mirrors distorted my appearance.  Or did they really provide me with a glimpse of how we humans really look.  Hmm, I guess that’s for another post.  Anyway, I enjoyed the creativity that went into trying to scare people in the House of Horrors.  A dummy hanging by its neck, a mummy moving mechanical hands towards my head, and a maniac with a sharp looking scythe on one hand and someone’s head on the other, usually got screams from the other kids.  I did my best to eliminate fear by naming them after relatives. 

After reading Lisa McCourt Hollar’s short tale, The Carnival, I flashed back to the old days because just like those rides, this eBook is definitely not for the squeamish.  It starts rather innocently, with Lucy, a pregnant teen following a carnie to a more secluded area on orders from her fiancé Tom.  Along the way Lucy describes in vivid detail all she sees, bringing the experience to life for the reader. 

I recalled being mesmerized by Lisa McCourt Hollar’s prose as her imagery and dialogue slowly peeled away the illusion that the main character was living under.  Yes, things aren’t always what they seem to be and this author maintained a high level of tension throughout. 

Now, I must warn you, this story is extremely graphic near the end, so gore lovers, this is one read you’ll want to sink your teeth, er, um eyes into.  For those that appreciate a good horror tale, Lisa delivers the goods.  Although, if you have a weak stomach, you may want to read this one after you’ve digested your meal.

Here's a link to the book, The Carnival, on Amazon.  Be sure to read her other books, including children's tales.  Yes, she's a wonderfully versatile author. 

© Copyright Lisa McCourt Hollar 2011. All rights reserved. 

Lisa McCourt Hollar has granted Knight Chills non-exclusive rights to display the book cover for The Carnival.

© Copyright Nomar Knight 2011. All rights reserved. 

A Knight Chills Book Review.