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The Bloodstained Doll

Published by Flame Tree Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

The latest homage to the Italian Giallo film genre by award winning John Everson, with nods to the sensational movies of Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Sergio Martino, Luciano Ercoli, Mario Bava and more.

When Allyson's mom dies unexpectedly, she thinks her world has hit rock bottom. But that's before she goes to live with her estranged Uncle Otto in Germany. When a child's empty casket is unearthed in the backyard during a violent storm, suddenly people close to her uncle start turning up dead. Is there a connection? As the noose tightens and murders draw closer to Berger Mansion, Allyson and her new boyfriend Andrew discover a dark truth hidden in the attic. Soon their lives are at stake if they don't discover why each broken body is decorated with a Bloodstained Doll.

A modern Giallo, building on Everson's previous homage to the stylish Italian mystery thrillers, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds.

FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

About The Author

John Everson is an unabashed fan of 1970s European horror cinema. He's also the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The House By The Cemetery and fourteen other novels, including Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds and Siren.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Flame Tree Press (October 8, 2024)
  • Length: 320 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781787588899

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Raves and Reviews

"Don’t miss the ride, you’ll be in masterful hands."

– Gerard Houarner, author of The Beast That Was Max series & Painfreak: Ultimate Edition

"The Bloodstained Doll is a twisted tale of murder and paranoia that really amps up the tension! John Everson perfectly captures the twists and shocking violence of the giallo era of potboilers! Lots of dangerous fun!"

– Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of the Joe Ledger thrillers

"Rife with twists, red herrings, and devilish doings in the dark, The Bloodstained Doll is a gothic giallo worthy of the masters. We can only hope Everson's exploration of the genre will continue. Highly recommended for fans of both print and film gialli!"

– W.D. Gagliani, author of the Nick Lupo Series and The Judas Hit

"John Everson’s The Bloodstained Doll is a pitch-perfect evocation of everything devotees of Italian giallo films from the 1970s loved about them. All the beloved tropes are present, but Everson invests them with new, vibrant life in a tale that is both modern and classic in all the best ways. These pages crackle with palpable, page-turning suspense. Highly recommended."

– Bryan Smith, author of Depraved and 68 Kill

Praise for Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds:

"I read this story with ever-increasing interest. The dynamics and tension felt reminiscent of my thriller films from the 70s and 80s, which have been appreciated by many American directors such as Quentin Tarantino. It would make a great film for lovers of the genre. Ottimo intrigo! Enjoy the read everyone!"

– Sergio Martino

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More books from this author: John Everson