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AUTHOR INFO: Hailed by BOOKLIST as “one of the most clever and original talents in contemporary horror,” Kealan Patrick Burke was born and raised in Ireland and emigrated to the United States a few weeks before 9/11. Since then, he has written five novels, among them the popular southern gothic slasher KIN, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, including PEEKERS, SOUR CANDY and THE HOUSE ON ABIGAIL LANE, all of which have been optioned for film.

Publisher: Kealan Patrick Burke (November 13, 2015) Page count:84 Formats: ebook, paperback Cover Design: Elderlemon Design

Phil's kid is trying to kill him. Now, many parents say these exact words to their friends, but they rarely mean it literally. Phil does. Besides, he doesn't remember having a kid. Heck, he broke up with his beloved girlfriend because she wanted kids and he didn't. And yet... there is a kid at his house. And he's kind of rewritten Phil's whole life.

Sour Candi is a terror-filled novella so a more detailed summary would spoil it for you. Suffice it to say, it works on every level horror fans have come to expect. Creepy? Yes. Disturbing? Check. Eerie? Check.

I love how vividly Burke portrayed his protagonist's descent into madness and played with the evil-child trope. His vision is horrific and memorable; it sent shivers down my spine.

The story moves at a great pace and contains no unnecessary scenes. If anything, some readers might feel it's too short (84 pages). Because I love novellas, I found the length perfect.

Anyway, next time I see a kid screaming in a store, I’ll run in the opposite direction. You better do the same. And never, EVER, take candy from them. Highly recommended!