Sour Candy
3.6
(155)
Kealan Patrick Burke
"Four months to the day he first encountered the boy at Walmart, the last of Phil Pendleton's teeth fell out." At first glance, Phil Pendleton and his son Adam are just an ordinary father and son, no different from any other. They take walks in the park together, visit county fairs, museums, and zoos, and eat together overlooking the lake. Some might say the father is a little too accommodating given the lack of discipline when the child loses his temper in public. Some might say he spoils his son by allowing him to eat candy whenever he wants and set his own bedtimes. Some might say that such leniency is starting to take its toll on the father, given how his health has declined. What no one knows is that Phil is a prisoner, and that up until a few weeks ago and a chance encounter at a grocery store, he had never seen the child before in his life. A new novella from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TURTLE BOY and KIN. Praise for Kealan Patrick Burke"one of the most clever and original talents in contemporary horror "- Booklist "A newcomer worth watching."- Publisher's Weekly "one of the best writers in horror fiction today."- Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of ROT & RUIN and PATIENT ZERO "Reminiscent of Stephen King"- The Green Man Review "a true master of his art"- Zonacrypt
AD
More Details:
Author
Pages
Publisher
Published Date
Community ReviewsSee all
"This short story (less than 75 pages) was absolutely creepy and had me hooked from the beginning. If you love creepy kid stories, I highly recommend. 3.75 Stars"
The Lazy Reader
"A good read. I finished it in two days. Though I was hoping it would be scarier than it was."
Michael Prentice
"Injustice: lack of fairness or justice. A word that describes exactly what I felt for most of the book. Outright rage that our main character was dealt such a crappy hand for what seems to be just bad luck. But it's what makes this novella stand out, for as I love to say, books that make you feel things strongly are the best ones and Sour Candy did a FANTASTIC job with it. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down.
If you love paranormal and creepy kids, the kind of horror that drives characters insane, and strong emotional connections, you need to read this horrific novella.
The prose is simple but effective, giving just enough to feel intelligent without the overcomplication that authors sometimes resort to. And the storytelling is truly so creepy that I was waiting with baited (and most assuredly not sour) breath to see what the next pages would bring.
- If everyone around you is telling you you're crazy when would you belive them?
- Is there any definitive thing you think would have a high likelihood of driving you insane or do you believe that to be all but impossible?"
Cole Johnson
"Sour Candy was SO GOOD. This book is a nightmare for someone who doesn't care for children (AKA me 😂). It was well-written, and so creepy. The story is horrifying to think about when applying it to your own life, and I loved it. I need more Kealan Patrick Burke books!!"
Emily
"A short horror novella that is so freaking creepy. I absolutely loved it. "
Jenn
"this book had me reeling by the end. the way it fit together so perfectly but was so odd and unsettling...🤌 had my like "OH ****" by the end. 10/10"
hannah
"<i>WOW</i> despite being so short, that was Really good!!! What an excellent horror story!!!"
Rook
"This short story made me fear children more than I already did. It’s as twisted as a black mirror episode. And just as unresolved. "
c d
christian davila
"Bratty kid. "
sara alves
"When Phil Pendleton goes to the store to buy chocolates for his girlfriend, he has no idea what the consequences of saying hi to a little boy screaming in the candy aisle will be. This novella really packs a wallop. The sense of dread just grows from the first page. It's amazing what Kealan Patrick Burke is able to put into just 74 pages (in my copy). Just looking at this cover, you know it's gonna be a creepy delight! Definitely recommend if creepy kids and novellas are your jam."
C H
Chris Hicks
