Pop the Clutch

–>I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
A horror collection that promises in its introduction to bring you to the dark side of the 50s, in contrast to the idealized perfect time of America that it's often thought of. Well, it does just that... and also throws in goofy, zany, and just generally fun over the top everything for good measure.

Not to worry though, there is plenty of horror still, it just clearly embraces the silliness of the era. Most of the stories all have great characters, and often I found I enjoyed them on their own, even without the horror elements thrown in. Is there a greater compliment from a horror junkie? Doubt it. I believe “Outlawed Ink” is the best example here, a gay man goes along with his estranged brother to his father's funeral whom they both despise. His inner dialogue thinking about his situation, and lifestyle in were so interesting, and then as the story moves along and it's nearly at the end I thought to myself, isn't this a horror story? Then, of course, it reminded me so, quite violently.

There are more great character moments, mostly dealing with people not fitting into a world that so clearly tells you what you must be. From a girl believing she's a communist because she doesn't want the ‘American Way of Life' that is being forced on her to many stories dealing with minorities and their horrible treatment in the times. But now that the serious stuff has been paid its due... time for the craziness!

Multiple stories deal with the old black and white B monster movies quite lovingly. The drag racing and greasers are in full display in many of them. Rockabilly music, all the cool lingo, it's all here. A story features mermaids, that when people look at them they become instantly aroused. Yep.

A fish man experiment roams around trying to fit in, two competing mad scientists creations duke it out in a turf war, a cheerleading squad made up of a vampire and all kinds of other “monsters” ... It was just a lot of fun and I didn't want it to end.

Every story even has a cool picture drawn for them, and a line picked out and bolded. It gives the effect of introducing them all as little B movies of their own, and I thought that was a nice touch.

This is just a well written, and well done, well everything in fact collection. I read a lot of these things, this was excellent. It felt authentic and it was clear to see the work and attention put into it. Fun from beginning to end, and worth it for all horror fans, whether you are into the 50s theme or not, cause these are just good stories period.