JOEL VS. PUMPKIN SEEDS

Does Joel have a new Halloween tradition with Tyler Downs’ Pumpkin Seeds?

Title: Pumpkin Seeds

Author: Tyler Downs

Genre: Horror

Pages: 228

Price: Ebook-$4.99 – Paperback – $14.99 – Hardcover – $21

Welcome back fellow readers! This week we are taking a look at a newer voice in the indie horror scene, Tyler Downs and his newest release/first novel Pumpkin Seeds—an incredibly unique about Salem, an undead detective, a spirit that helps him, and a kid named Sam. Pumpkin Seeds is a book that is as much fun to read as it is gripping and heartfelt.

Focusing primarily on Ed, a detective who comes back to life once a year to solve whatever case his partner Wren (an ethereal spirit) discovered for them. With the help of Ed’s former partner’s son, Sam, the trio make their way through Salem dealing with the worst evils that humanity would rather not face.

Tyler creates such a rich and elaborate history of not only the town but also the characters. He gives us just enough tastes that we want to veer off the path that he set forth and explore all of the memories and lives that Ed and Wren have experienced, but being the consummate host that Tyler is, he graciously walks us by the past and keeps pushing us forward until we are faced with one of the grandest questions of all. What makes humans, human? Am I good?

Ed embodies the struggle that we face trying to figure out our place in the grand scheme of things. Am I a good person? Does doing bad for the sake of good balance the scales? Does allying with evil to stop a greater evil corrupt the soul or is it just part of the deal we made when we came into existence.

The universe Tyler created is wholly his own. Sure, there are things like vampires or zombies, but the rules of his sandbox world are entirely his own. It gave me the same rush of inspiration that I got when I was a kid reading King for the first time. In awe that someone could not only create such a detailed reality, but that they took so much care and attention to every detail. From the seeds on the ground to how perfect the vibes of Spirit Halloween were, Tyler carried us through his version of Salem, and there was clearly no one better suited for the job.

Few horror books make me laugh out loud, but Pumpkin Seeds is a rare gem that is not only heartbreaking and terrifying as my favorite kinds of horror are, but it is genuinely funny. The banter between characters is top notch, with three very distinct voices they all played off of each other well and their wit created a perfect juxtaposition to the pain that accompanies so many tales of good versus evil.

I didn’t realize I needed another Halloween tradition … but a read through of this book will be planted firmly alongside our annual viewing of Hocus Pocus, buying candy for trick or treaters multiple times (I have no self-control), and listening to the Monster Mash as many times as my wife can stand.

Grab this on the ‘zon, or a little birdie told me that he will have some signed copies before long so slide into Tyler’s DM’s!

Keep your nose in a book and I’ll catch ya next time!

Joel Austin is a lifelong horror fan living in Lawrence, Kansas. Growing up reading King and Palahniuk far earlier than was probably appropriate, shaped his love of the genre from a young age. After the birth of his daughter he rediscovered his love for writing, finding it to be a therapeutic way to cope with countless new anxieties and fears that accompany parenthood. When he isn’t reading or writing, he loves to cook and go on hikes with his family and their black lab, Loki.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.