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Strings
Allison M. Dickson presents a chilling tale of entrapment and greed.
Do you have freedom?
Do you have control?
After four years of turning tricks in a mob-run New York brothel to pay off a debt, Nina is ready to go back to a quiet life in Iowa. Just one more client and the whole nightmare will be behind her, but this last trick turns into a battle for her soul. Meanwhile, the brothel’s sadistic Madam has been hiding away money in order to move up in her family’s organization, and she only wants the half million dollars the reclusive millionaire pays for the girls. But her driver Ramón has other ideas, making off with the money left behind when Nina’s last trick goes unexpectedly awry. The theft comes at a great cost to the Madam, setting off a horrific chain of events that changes them all. The hooker. The driver. The Madam. All of them on a collision course to a place where only madness holds sway.
Who is pulling your Strings?
Do you have freedom?
Do you have control?
After four years of turning tricks in a mob-run New York brothel to pay off a debt, Nina is ready to go back to a quiet life in Iowa. Just one more client and the whole nightmare will be behind her, but this last trick turns into a battle for her soul. Meanwhile, the brothel’s sadistic Madam has been hiding away money in order to move up in her family’s organization, and she only wants the half million dollars the reclusive millionaire pays for the girls. But her driver Ramón has other ideas, making off with the money left behind when Nina’s last trick goes unexpectedly awry. The theft comes at a great cost to the Madam, setting off a horrific chain of events that changes them all. The hooker. The driver. The Madam. All of them on a collision course to a place where only madness holds sway.
Who is pulling your Strings?
358 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2013
68 people are currently reading
2018 people want to read
About the author
Allison M. Dickson
49 books302 followersAllison M. Dickson is the author of several well-reviewed independently published novels and short stories covering everything from horror and sci-fi to suspense.
Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.
Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 16, 2014
**3 Stars**
"The gif below totally summed up my reading experience..
Don't get me wrong this book was awesome sauce..it's just the ending didn't quite do it for me...
***Review to Come...Hopefully***
"The gif below totally summed up my reading experience..
Don't get me wrong this book was awesome sauce..it's just the ending didn't quite do it for me...
***Review to Come...Hopefully***
October 16, 2014
** 3.0 -3.5 " Cut my strings" STARS**
I'm going to keep this review short &sweet...
This was Carla and I ...
... until this happened..
... Any questions?
... The skillful writing had me spellbound throughout the majority of the story, but in MY humble opinion the ending lacked its final WTF hurrah . . . and yes, I did grasp the symbolism. I don't particularly read horror novels to make me a better person but maybe other readers do. I'm not judging.
Please don't let my finicky opinion deter you from reading Strings. Allison Dickson is extremely talented and I look forward to reading more of her work.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
I'm going to keep this review short &sweet...
This was Carla and I ...
... until this happened..
... Any questions?
... The skillful writing had me spellbound throughout the majority of the story, but in MY humble opinion the ending lacked its final WTF hurrah . . . and yes, I did grasp the symbolism. I don't particularly read horror novels to make me a better person but maybe other readers do. I'm not judging.
Please don't let my finicky opinion deter you from reading Strings. Allison Dickson is extremely talented and I look forward to reading more of her work.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 10, 2016
**** 4.5 Daddy Likes Meat Stars ****
Well....this book really is something. Not sure I can put into words how fucked up this book really is. Crazy thing...I LOVED EVERY DAMN WORD OF IT!!!
This was me at the start of this book....
The books starts off with Mr Hank Ballis. He is one strange duck. Hell, a strange duck has nothing on Hank. He barricades himself in his office. Says the world is out to infect him with all of its germs. His wife has gotten used to his behavior as the episodes happen a couple of times a year. Now things are starting to happen with more frequency and Lady Ballis (Hank's wife) is pregnant and due very soon. She needs her husband to get out of his funk. Knocking on his office door to get her husband to eat and finally come out, she walks into one hell of a fawked up office.
Opening this door is the author preparing you for opening Pandora's Box!!
Believe me when I say, there was a whole lot of "holy shits" and "WTF" coming out of my mouth throughout this entire story.
Honestly, I can't say much more about this story because you will NOT believe me because nothing will make sense that I type.
Miss Allison M Dickson....GIRL....Holy Crazy Train Ride Into Spiderman Hell. I think I love you!! Quite honestly, this scares me a little because this book was NOT MENTALLY RIGHT! But you had me sucked in to this madhouse of a book.
This book just left me excited for what was to come and as my fave Clark Griswold would say "If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now."
If you are not afraid of crazy and I do mean Crazy....CRAZY..... CRAZY .....then jump right into this book and be ready for one hell of a ride!!
My only issue was the ending of this book. I expected a little more crazy and for this explode into a million shards of crazy venom. Miss Dickson.....I will definitely be adding you to my MUST READ list.
Well....this book really is something. Not sure I can put into words how fucked up this book really is. Crazy thing...I LOVED EVERY DAMN WORD OF IT!!!
This was me at the start of this book....
The books starts off with Mr Hank Ballis. He is one strange duck. Hell, a strange duck has nothing on Hank. He barricades himself in his office. Says the world is out to infect him with all of its germs. His wife has gotten used to his behavior as the episodes happen a couple of times a year. Now things are starting to happen with more frequency and Lady Ballis (Hank's wife) is pregnant and due very soon. She needs her husband to get out of his funk. Knocking on his office door to get her husband to eat and finally come out, she walks into one hell of a fawked up office.
Opening this door is the author preparing you for opening Pandora's Box!!
Believe me when I say, there was a whole lot of "holy shits" and "WTF" coming out of my mouth throughout this entire story.
Honestly, I can't say much more about this story because you will NOT believe me because nothing will make sense that I type.
Miss Allison M Dickson....GIRL....Holy Crazy Train Ride Into Spiderman Hell. I think I love you!! Quite honestly, this scares me a little because this book was NOT MENTALLY RIGHT! But you had me sucked in to this madhouse of a book.
This book just left me excited for what was to come and as my fave Clark Griswold would say "If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now."
If you are not afraid of crazy and I do mean Crazy....CRAZY..... CRAZY .....then jump right into this book and be ready for one hell of a ride!!
My only issue was the ending of this book. I expected a little more crazy and for this explode into a million shards of crazy venom. Miss Dickson.....I will definitely be adding you to my MUST READ list.
July 12, 2015
I read this book in May. It's currently July 11th and I just had to order a nightlight. This book HAUNTS ME. Scenes pop into my mind every single time I wake up in the middle of the night and walk to the bathroom in the dark. Because of this book, I AM FREAKED OUT EVERY SINGLE NIGHT OF MY LIFE. Clearly, Alison Dickson is doing something right. On the plus side, the nightlight is a unicorn. So, ya know, I have that going for me. /shame
October 26, 2013
It's like a delicious King, Palahniuk, Coen Bros Burrito.
A terrifying roller-coaster of a story. The author does not hold back when it comes to pulling the curtain back on some of our worst fears, but despite the depravity, she also doesn't linger gratuitously. While I was reading I couldn't help but think of Palahniuk's novel Invisible Monsters, or Aronofsky's film Requiem for a Dream - this novel has moments that I'd rather not experience again, but they are moments within a masterfully-told, gut-wrenching, wicked, wicked ride.
The three main characters have very few redeeming qualities and yet you still begin to care for them. You follow their separate but entangled journeys as they spiral further into the madness that is their lives, the roller-coaster never stops, and yet there is a smoothness to the violence - like a Coen brothers masterpiece.
I just can't say enough about how well this book was written. I had to read it in only two sittings because I couldn't stand to live in that nightmare any longer - and yet, as soon as I was done - granted I took a few breaths and paced the floor for a while - I wanted to go back in.
It's sick and it's twisted - and it's one of the best pieces of horror fiction I've ever read. Congratulations, Ms. Dickson - I believe you have a winner.
A terrifying roller-coaster of a story. The author does not hold back when it comes to pulling the curtain back on some of our worst fears, but despite the depravity, she also doesn't linger gratuitously. While I was reading I couldn't help but think of Palahniuk's novel Invisible Monsters, or Aronofsky's film Requiem for a Dream - this novel has moments that I'd rather not experience again, but they are moments within a masterfully-told, gut-wrenching, wicked, wicked ride.
The three main characters have very few redeeming qualities and yet you still begin to care for them. You follow their separate but entangled journeys as they spiral further into the madness that is their lives, the roller-coaster never stops, and yet there is a smoothness to the violence - like a Coen brothers masterpiece.
I just can't say enough about how well this book was written. I had to read it in only two sittings because I couldn't stand to live in that nightmare any longer - and yet, as soon as I was done - granted I took a few breaths and paced the floor for a while - I wanted to go back in.
It's sick and it's twisted - and it's one of the best pieces of horror fiction I've ever read. Congratulations, Ms. Dickson - I believe you have a winner.
November 26, 2014
Strings Gruesomely Magnificent
I'am so far behind on my reviewing, but this book has really stuck in my mind it is just brilliant
Strings is one of those books that grabs you by the throat and pulls you into the story not letting go until the magnificent end that wraps up all the lines nicely but leaves you wanting more from this brilliant author.
Strings is a proper horror full of visceral terrors, great characters and interlocking stories that weave together to make a satisfying whole. It is a story of Nina, who made some mistakes and ending up paying for them by turning tricks for a Madam to the mob. Offered the chance to repay her debt early and leave with a sizable sum she takes one last job.
The first string is greed and Nina, the chauffeur who drives her and the madam all get caught in its web.
Without giving away too much of the story this book is not for the weak of heart. The horror is extreme and described in all its gruesome detail. I loved every word and found myself reading faster and faster to keep up with the story but it is not for everyone. Allison M. Dickson weaves her words with a skill that will have you feeling what the characters feel and in this book be warned it is gruesome. I can honestly say this is one of my top ten books for this year. I loved every minute of it and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes their horror with a nice splash of blood and guts.
Allison M Dickson is now one of my favorite authors.
I'am so far behind on my reviewing, but this book has really stuck in my mind it is just brilliant
Strings is one of those books that grabs you by the throat and pulls you into the story not letting go until the magnificent end that wraps up all the lines nicely but leaves you wanting more from this brilliant author.
Strings is a proper horror full of visceral terrors, great characters and interlocking stories that weave together to make a satisfying whole. It is a story of Nina, who made some mistakes and ending up paying for them by turning tricks for a Madam to the mob. Offered the chance to repay her debt early and leave with a sizable sum she takes one last job.
The first string is greed and Nina, the chauffeur who drives her and the madam all get caught in its web.
Without giving away too much of the story this book is not for the weak of heart. The horror is extreme and described in all its gruesome detail. I loved every word and found myself reading faster and faster to keep up with the story but it is not for everyone. Allison M. Dickson weaves her words with a skill that will have you feeling what the characters feel and in this book be warned it is gruesome. I can honestly say this is one of my top ten books for this year. I loved every minute of it and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes their horror with a nice splash of blood and guts.
Allison M Dickson is now one of my favorite authors.
September 1, 2016
I never review books and the only reason I am writing this is to counter-balance all the five-star reviews.
This is the worst book I have read all year: the only thing the author has to offer was the ability to gross out the reader. Every chapter did try to out-gross the previous one, but once you read about reeking urine and feces and about bloody bodies, or popping eyeballs, how much can the next mention affect you? I am usually very good as suspending belief and enjoying a good story but was unable to do so here.
All the characters were one-dimensional, completely repulsive and the story did not really flow.
This is the worst book I have read all year: the only thing the author has to offer was the ability to gross out the reader. Every chapter did try to out-gross the previous one, but once you read about reeking urine and feces and about bloody bodies, or popping eyeballs, how much can the next mention affect you? I am usually very good as suspending belief and enjoying a good story but was unable to do so here.
All the characters were one-dimensional, completely repulsive and the story did not really flow.
April 7, 2016
I received this ARC to give an honest review.
You ever read a book and go OMG this book so freaking awesome, and freaky at the same time? Yeah well this is one of those books. I think Allison is my new fav. horror author. I was hooked into this book from the beginning I mean you have this Hank man who is just weird. I mean he stays in his his den for days or weeks with his spells. And his poor pregnant wife has to deal with it. But all that changes within a split second. Not only are you dealing with a freaky man but now we are dealing with prostitutes and the mob.
In comes Nina who is a prostitute paying off a debt once she crossed the wrong mob man. When she gets a way out well it is more than she bargained for. Money plays a big part within this book and lets just say the money ain't worth it girl!
What she meets in the Ballas house is not your normal house of horrors this was so much more that I was sucked into this story and I was not putting my kindle down! There is torture within the walls of the Ballas house unlike no other.
You also meet the driver Ramon who works for the mob as well and he starts feeling a bit guilty when he takes Nina to the house of horrors. But he has his own problems to deal with within the mob.
Now Madam who is pretty much the pimp to Nina she has her own dirty secrets that you will come to read about later on the story and go OMG what the hell is wrong with this family. But yet she starts to understand the torture her girls have been put through.
There is a lot of gruesome shit within this story that I was LOVING it. I mean I could picture the story line hell I could even see it as a movie or a show. By gruesome I mean eye popping, blood, shit, pee. I mean the whole nine yards of freaky!
I am going to highly recommend this story to all my horror fans as this is a book I know they are going to want to read.
The author did a great job building the characters up to their potential, the mystery and suspense within the story was just WOW! The ending was different and I liked it.
You ever read a book and go OMG this book so freaking awesome, and freaky at the same time? Yeah well this is one of those books. I think Allison is my new fav. horror author. I was hooked into this book from the beginning I mean you have this Hank man who is just weird. I mean he stays in his his den for days or weeks with his spells. And his poor pregnant wife has to deal with it. But all that changes within a split second. Not only are you dealing with a freaky man but now we are dealing with prostitutes and the mob.
In comes Nina who is a prostitute paying off a debt once she crossed the wrong mob man. When she gets a way out well it is more than she bargained for. Money plays a big part within this book and lets just say the money ain't worth it girl!
What she meets in the Ballas house is not your normal house of horrors this was so much more that I was sucked into this story and I was not putting my kindle down! There is torture within the walls of the Ballas house unlike no other.
You also meet the driver Ramon who works for the mob as well and he starts feeling a bit guilty when he takes Nina to the house of horrors. But he has his own problems to deal with within the mob.
Now Madam who is pretty much the pimp to Nina she has her own dirty secrets that you will come to read about later on the story and go OMG what the hell is wrong with this family. But yet she starts to understand the torture her girls have been put through.
There is a lot of gruesome shit within this story that I was LOVING it. I mean I could picture the story line hell I could even see it as a movie or a show. By gruesome I mean eye popping, blood, shit, pee. I mean the whole nine yards of freaky!
I am going to highly recommend this story to all my horror fans as this is a book I know they are going to want to read.
The author did a great job building the characters up to their potential, the mystery and suspense within the story was just WOW! The ending was different and I liked it.
October 31, 2013
Strings by Allison M. Dickson is a Hobbes End Publication, released in October 2013. I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
Nina was a druggie that made the mistake of crossing the wrong people. Now she is working off her debt by being a prostitute for "Madam". Once her debt is paid, she wants out. But, that doesn't please Madam. But, a deal is a deal. So, Madam arranges for Nina to service one more client. An eccentric billionaire. The payoff would be enough for Nina to start her life over again. So, she jumps at the chance. Needless to say she will come to regret that decision.
I haven't read a true blue horror novel is ages. By that I mean this is not a paranormal haunting or vampires etc. This is an actual horror novel. This book would probably translate well onto the big or small screen.
We are all aware that something terrible is going to happen to Nina if she takes Madam offer, but my goodness, we have no idea how terrible. The characters were all driven by money to get involved in the situation in the first place. While the conscience may sting a bit for some, it doesn't prevent them from following through with their own plans. Some though, may not be able to stick with their greed all the way through.
This book is not for the faint of heart. There is graphic violence, sexual situations and language. For those that like horror novels I suggest you pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
The author does a great job of developing the characters, and building suspense. In fact, at times I put the book down for a bit because it got so intense. Now, that's just me. I don't typically go for horror novels, so if you are accustomed to reading this type of book, you probably won't have such an extreme reaction. However, I do think you will find yourself on the edge of your seat.
Overall this is an A.
Nina was a druggie that made the mistake of crossing the wrong people. Now she is working off her debt by being a prostitute for "Madam". Once her debt is paid, she wants out. But, that doesn't please Madam. But, a deal is a deal. So, Madam arranges for Nina to service one more client. An eccentric billionaire. The payoff would be enough for Nina to start her life over again. So, she jumps at the chance. Needless to say she will come to regret that decision.
I haven't read a true blue horror novel is ages. By that I mean this is not a paranormal haunting or vampires etc. This is an actual horror novel. This book would probably translate well onto the big or small screen.
We are all aware that something terrible is going to happen to Nina if she takes Madam offer, but my goodness, we have no idea how terrible. The characters were all driven by money to get involved in the situation in the first place. While the conscience may sting a bit for some, it doesn't prevent them from following through with their own plans. Some though, may not be able to stick with their greed all the way through.
This book is not for the faint of heart. There is graphic violence, sexual situations and language. For those that like horror novels I suggest you pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
The author does a great job of developing the characters, and building suspense. In fact, at times I put the book down for a bit because it got so intense. Now, that's just me. I don't typically go for horror novels, so if you are accustomed to reading this type of book, you probably won't have such an extreme reaction. However, I do think you will find yourself on the edge of your seat.
Overall this is an A.
November 26, 2013
You know that feeling of overwhelming gratitude after realizing your nightmare wasn't real and you wake up safely in your own bed? That's how I felt when I finished this book. Mix up the talents of Quentin Tarantino, Stephen King, Mario Puzo, Thomas Harris and Alfred Hitchcock. Then, add lighter fluid and run for your life. Or just read Allison Dickson.
This was the type of horror that flings the reader around like a rag doll and just doesn't stop with the macabre twists and turns. I recall a hooker, a house in hell, a thing that scuttles about with sharp teeth and a cast of rough- around- the- edges characters down on their luck. I need smelling salts and alka seltzer to recall the rest.
This wins for sickest, most twisted book ever. When's the sequel??
This was the type of horror that flings the reader around like a rag doll and just doesn't stop with the macabre twists and turns. I recall a hooker, a house in hell, a thing that scuttles about with sharp teeth and a cast of rough- around- the- edges characters down on their luck. I need smelling salts and alka seltzer to recall the rest.
This wins for sickest, most twisted book ever. When's the sequel??
October 26, 2013
One of the best horror novels I've read in a decade!
December 4, 2013
I honestly don’t read a lot of horror novels because I had my fill of King, Koontz, etc when I was much younger. But after reading the summary for Strings I was intrigued. Strings is intense, gritty, and utterly horrific. Allison Dickson pulls you into nightmares you could not possibly fathom.
There is plenty of back ground story for the main characters, the hooker, the driver, and the madame. Strings intertwines the mob, prostitution, greed, eccentricity, and “other” abominations into a complex story that is so intense I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to find out if anyone survives their cruel and insane situations. I pretty much felt beat up after reading Strings. It was that intense.
The situations are intense, gory at times, beyond cruel, and did I say intense? If you enjoy reading books involving the above mentioned items then Strings will not disappoint you.
There is plenty of back ground story for the main characters, the hooker, the driver, and the madame. Strings intertwines the mob, prostitution, greed, eccentricity, and “other” abominations into a complex story that is so intense I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to find out if anyone survives their cruel and insane situations. I pretty much felt beat up after reading Strings. It was that intense.
The situations are intense, gory at times, beyond cruel, and did I say intense? If you enjoy reading books involving the above mentioned items then Strings will not disappoint you.
October 15, 2014
This was not what I had expected at all. I do not shy away from gore or torture scenes, but this one had some pretty gruesome parts. I almost got to the point of not finishing the e-book. Which is something I rarely do, but something kept pulling me back in. The book was very hard to put down. I have to admit I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The characters really played a big part in it, the Madam with a hard heart and her mobbed up family. Ms. Dickson has one heck of an imagination that's for sure. When I finished I found myself wanting to read more about the survivors.
October 7, 2013
Oh how I loved this story. I was fortunate enough to be an early beta and I have to say these characters have stayed with me. This book goes there, checks out the scenery and then keeps on going. I like that in a horror novel!
February 27, 2014
I normally don't gravitate towards dark novels like this, but I couldn't put this book down. Allison Dickson is an amazing writer. The characters are memorable and very well described. Terrific story!
March 1, 2021
In the Acknowledgments to Strings, author Allison M. Dickson calls her book “sick sick,” but by repeating the word only twice she surely has shortchanged herself. The depravity of her characters and their sick sick deeds are deserving of a number far greater than two. Frankly, if I read aloud the language she used to describe them, I should not be allowed to kiss my grandchildren with that mouth.
Strings was initially a short story which the author expanded into this 306 page thriller. The story is about Nina, a former drug addict who was caught stealing money from a ruthless Jersey mobster named Victor Cassini. As punishment for her theft and to repay the money she stole from him, Victor sentenced Nina to work as a whore in a brothel run by a vicious relation known as The Madam. The driver for the brothel is named Ramon, who is also working to repay a debt to the Cassini crime family.
Ramon betrayed Nina by driving her to service a violent and demented client in upstate New York without fully disclosing all he knew about the client, by abandoning her there after the client sadistically raped and tortured her, and by stealing the money the client had paid for Nina’s services which Ramon was supposed to deliver to The Madam. To complicate matters, Victor discovered that The Madam had been stealing from him as revenge for past conduct so sick sick it belongs in this book.
You might easily guess what eventually happens to this cast of misfits in this unusual novel because the conventional ending is so disappointing, but up to that point the book contains shocking scenes and language and many excellent metaphors. The title refers to those that control us, figuratively and literally. In Strings you will encounter some creative and unforgettable examples of both.
Strings was initially a short story which the author expanded into this 306 page thriller. The story is about Nina, a former drug addict who was caught stealing money from a ruthless Jersey mobster named Victor Cassini. As punishment for her theft and to repay the money she stole from him, Victor sentenced Nina to work as a whore in a brothel run by a vicious relation known as The Madam. The driver for the brothel is named Ramon, who is also working to repay a debt to the Cassini crime family.
Ramon betrayed Nina by driving her to service a violent and demented client in upstate New York without fully disclosing all he knew about the client, by abandoning her there after the client sadistically raped and tortured her, and by stealing the money the client had paid for Nina’s services which Ramon was supposed to deliver to The Madam. To complicate matters, Victor discovered that The Madam had been stealing from him as revenge for past conduct so sick sick it belongs in this book.
You might easily guess what eventually happens to this cast of misfits in this unusual novel because the conventional ending is so disappointing, but up to that point the book contains shocking scenes and language and many excellent metaphors. The title refers to those that control us, figuratively and literally. In Strings you will encounter some creative and unforgettable examples of both.
August 5, 2016
"Mouth partway open, C-Zone busting, Bioshock"
It's like an extremely disturbing game of Bioshock… against Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk… in the gloom of Leatherface Hewitt's living room. Norman Bates' tittering cackle ventrilo-dripping from ceiling shadows while he serves ladyfingers—JESUS! Allison Dickson gets into your head and there's no turning back no matter how much you squirm. Totally busted my comfort zone.
Let's get the basics out of the way first and then we'll start this train. The last thing I noticed was the flawless editing. I could've missed something because I sort of got lost in the story at jump, but STRINGS had zero copy edit issues. Which says tons about both the publisher and the writer, outstanding craftsmanship for grammar and prose. Ms. Dickson's voice is well matched to her characters, bringing them to life and shifting with each to create a dark world of organized crime, hedonistic desire, and horrific monsters. The chapter titles are well chosen, adding just as much to the plot and pacing, and becoming part of the story. Kind of like a teaser for "next week's episode," but without the excruciating wait. And the theme of "strings" is strong in different layers from physical to political, but also accompanied by this cool-weird and very human thing she snuck in there, the "winning power of sacrifice."
Ahh. Pacing. Come on. Let's go. And hang on because it don’t stop till END.
The intro is haunting. A solid tension build that spirals from PSYCHO to FUNHOUSE and cuts right at the edge of the seat. The violence and insane body horror that goes into this book rank easily with the cast of producers for SIN CITY, possibly pushing the envelope a bit beyond even Rodriguez' and Tarantino's own comfort zones. I'm not kidding. You’re going to wiggle in your seat in at least a half a dozen places, if not more.
Each of the character's back stories plug into the main flow, adding purpose and emotion that creep up and latch on to your heartstrings. And Ms. Dickson does mention Stockholm Syndrome at one point; yeah, she wields that stuff like sorcery. You can’t tell whom to hate because by the finale you care for them all, even the monsters. Even the ones that "kept it all in the family." *shivers* Well, maybe not that guy.
Speaking of monsters. Full of them. I personally get tired of the whole "real human monsters" cornerstone theme that plagues modern horror because it always ends the same, with that singsong, "the evil of man is far worse…" STRINGS doesn't bother with idyllic comparisons. Ms. Dickson holds nothing back, giving us a seriously disturbing showcase of greed, lust, brutality, incest, fury, mutilation. Mutation. Meat. Strings. Sticky fecund kisses. Teeth. Strings. But don’t get scared just yet. Strings.
It gets worse.
There's real romance. Very real. Real people falling for each other at the least expected times. The most alluring type of conflict: two opposing adults fighting passion and exploding libidos against the insistence of intuition. Real sex. And she does it over and over again, keeping you on your toes, as much over the flaring romance arcs as she does the gut wrenching scenes. And I'm leaving that one right there. Enjoy.
Finally, plot. There's a point where I saw where this thing was going, and then it turned on its head all Palahniuk-gundam style and the pages wouldn't move fast enough. And at the three-quarters mark it flipped AGAIN, leaving no doubt where this meat train was headed. Ms. Dickson takes on subjects most male writers seem to be afraid to approach, the really squishy, scraping, penetrating ones that rip parts of a person's humanity out with a yank when they're done with you.
Not only do I recommend this book, but by the time I finished writing the review, a young Army Private—shoulder surfing and breathing heavy—asked me what's up and so I told him what's up and so now he's all curled in a corner with his very own copy of STRINGS. Mouth partway open.
I think I just need some time… maybe a friend. And a nightlight. Bet your Bioshock, Five stars.
It's like an extremely disturbing game of Bioshock… against Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk… in the gloom of Leatherface Hewitt's living room. Norman Bates' tittering cackle ventrilo-dripping from ceiling shadows while he serves ladyfingers—JESUS! Allison Dickson gets into your head and there's no turning back no matter how much you squirm. Totally busted my comfort zone.
Let's get the basics out of the way first and then we'll start this train. The last thing I noticed was the flawless editing. I could've missed something because I sort of got lost in the story at jump, but STRINGS had zero copy edit issues. Which says tons about both the publisher and the writer, outstanding craftsmanship for grammar and prose. Ms. Dickson's voice is well matched to her characters, bringing them to life and shifting with each to create a dark world of organized crime, hedonistic desire, and horrific monsters. The chapter titles are well chosen, adding just as much to the plot and pacing, and becoming part of the story. Kind of like a teaser for "next week's episode," but without the excruciating wait. And the theme of "strings" is strong in different layers from physical to political, but also accompanied by this cool-weird and very human thing she snuck in there, the "winning power of sacrifice."
Ahh. Pacing. Come on. Let's go. And hang on because it don’t stop till END.
The intro is haunting. A solid tension build that spirals from PSYCHO to FUNHOUSE and cuts right at the edge of the seat. The violence and insane body horror that goes into this book rank easily with the cast of producers for SIN CITY, possibly pushing the envelope a bit beyond even Rodriguez' and Tarantino's own comfort zones. I'm not kidding. You’re going to wiggle in your seat in at least a half a dozen places, if not more.
Each of the character's back stories plug into the main flow, adding purpose and emotion that creep up and latch on to your heartstrings. And Ms. Dickson does mention Stockholm Syndrome at one point; yeah, she wields that stuff like sorcery. You can’t tell whom to hate because by the finale you care for them all, even the monsters. Even the ones that "kept it all in the family." *shivers* Well, maybe not that guy.
Speaking of monsters. Full of them. I personally get tired of the whole "real human monsters" cornerstone theme that plagues modern horror because it always ends the same, with that singsong, "the evil of man is far worse…" STRINGS doesn't bother with idyllic comparisons. Ms. Dickson holds nothing back, giving us a seriously disturbing showcase of greed, lust, brutality, incest, fury, mutilation. Mutation. Meat. Strings. Sticky fecund kisses. Teeth. Strings. But don’t get scared just yet. Strings.
It gets worse.
There's real romance. Very real. Real people falling for each other at the least expected times. The most alluring type of conflict: two opposing adults fighting passion and exploding libidos against the insistence of intuition. Real sex. And she does it over and over again, keeping you on your toes, as much over the flaring romance arcs as she does the gut wrenching scenes. And I'm leaving that one right there. Enjoy.
Finally, plot. There's a point where I saw where this thing was going, and then it turned on its head all Palahniuk-gundam style and the pages wouldn't move fast enough. And at the three-quarters mark it flipped AGAIN, leaving no doubt where this meat train was headed. Ms. Dickson takes on subjects most male writers seem to be afraid to approach, the really squishy, scraping, penetrating ones that rip parts of a person's humanity out with a yank when they're done with you.
Not only do I recommend this book, but by the time I finished writing the review, a young Army Private—shoulder surfing and breathing heavy—asked me what's up and so I told him what's up and so now he's all curled in a corner with his very own copy of STRINGS. Mouth partway open.
I think I just need some time… maybe a friend. And a nightlight. Bet your Bioshock, Five stars.
April 15, 2014
This novel got it's start as a short story which I enjoyed very much. The amount of horror that Allison M. Dickson was able to put into the story made me love it and then to find out that she extended that story into a novel excited me very much. She did more than give the characters more life and depth but she gave the horror a life of it's on as well.
There are 4 main characters in this novel and each has their own story within the pages. The fear, hate, pain and horror that leak from the pages and into your mind as you read this book will stay with you for a long time. There were times while reading this book that I was shocked by the things that I had just read and my emotions got the best of me and I had to set it aside for a few minutes to compose myself to be able to read on. By no means is this a bad thing. I love when a book gets to me in such a way and the flow and time line of this one was wonderful.
The life of a prostitute is not the life Nina had in mind when she left home but when her life took a spin for the worse she ended up at the Weeping Willow. The brothel it's self was a place of many horrors and broken dreams but when Nina is offered a way to pay her debt off and get out of the place of shame for good the opportunity is too good to say no too. She had witnessed with her own eyes what can happen to the girls who venture down the same road she is about to take but there is not only her freedom at stake but a cash load so big that she can't say no. When she finds out why the girls who were sent on this job before her ended up just shadows of themselves it is too late for her to turn back.
At times this novel can be very graphic and the psychological horror is intense at times and that is what made this a great horror read for me.
There are 4 main characters in this novel and each has their own story within the pages. The fear, hate, pain and horror that leak from the pages and into your mind as you read this book will stay with you for a long time. There were times while reading this book that I was shocked by the things that I had just read and my emotions got the best of me and I had to set it aside for a few minutes to compose myself to be able to read on. By no means is this a bad thing. I love when a book gets to me in such a way and the flow and time line of this one was wonderful.
The life of a prostitute is not the life Nina had in mind when she left home but when her life took a spin for the worse she ended up at the Weeping Willow. The brothel it's self was a place of many horrors and broken dreams but when Nina is offered a way to pay her debt off and get out of the place of shame for good the opportunity is too good to say no too. She had witnessed with her own eyes what can happen to the girls who venture down the same road she is about to take but there is not only her freedom at stake but a cash load so big that she can't say no. When she finds out why the girls who were sent on this job before her ended up just shadows of themselves it is too late for her to turn back.
At times this novel can be very graphic and the psychological horror is intense at times and that is what made this a great horror read for me.
October 31, 2013
This novel was a bit gory but well written. The pacing was excellent, with enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout most of the read. The use of language was lovely, nearly flawless, the dialog was smooth and natural, and the characters were well developed. Not for the faint of heart, but a good, twisted read for those who don't mind a little blood and guts with their thrillers.
October 13, 2014
Excellent thriller, so unexpected and twisted!!!! Non stop read!
From the beginning, I couldn't put it down. the twists and turns, the highs and lows were marvelous!!! not what I was expecting and loved it every minute! Thank you!
From the beginning, I couldn't put it down. the twists and turns, the highs and lows were marvelous!!! not what I was expecting and loved it every minute! Thank you!
November 15, 2013
I pre-ordered STRINGS and have been waiting for the perfect time to creep myself out. Like Nina, I had an inkling of what I was in for as Ms. Dickson has done a wonderful job of promotion on this book. Also like Nina, on a much smaller scale, I feel psychologically battered after finishing this brutal tale.
As for the mechanics of the craft, I found the pace and plot spot on. The suspense and horror saturated the entire novel. The characters were prickly, flawed, terrible, and largely unlovable. Which makes Ms. Dickson's storytelling even more masterful. It is hard to root for anyone in this book, yet even as flawed and evil as most of them are, the feel of poetic justice still is in evidence.
As this is the beginning of a trilogy, I will wish Nina well in advance. The poor girl is going to need it!
As for the mechanics of the craft, I found the pace and plot spot on. The suspense and horror saturated the entire novel. The characters were prickly, flawed, terrible, and largely unlovable. Which makes Ms. Dickson's storytelling even more masterful. It is hard to root for anyone in this book, yet even as flawed and evil as most of them are, the feel of poetic justice still is in evidence.
As this is the beginning of a trilogy, I will wish Nina well in advance. The poor girl is going to need it!
March 6, 2015
this is one of those books, where even if you don't want to go there, you get dragged along anywhere by fantastic, well chiseled writing. By not wanting to "go there" I mean there are some very very disturbing images and situations in this book, which is what kind of story is being spun. But you just can't look away, like a horrific auto accident.
But don't get me wrong, that's misleading. This is one great story, with characters that have believable and interesting back stories, that have motivations that have gravity and sense, and make actions that even they don't fully understand. In short, this is a masterpiece.
But don't get me wrong, that's misleading. This is one great story, with characters that have believable and interesting back stories, that have motivations that have gravity and sense, and make actions that even they don't fully understand. In short, this is a masterpiece.
November 15, 2013
A young woman makes a big mistake and ends up owing to the mob. The only way she can pay off the debt is hooking...When she's just about paid up, The Madam makes her an offer she can't refuse...
Strings will have your brain all tied up while you're reading and it'll leave you haunted afterward. Dickson is going to be a strong voice in horror -- and if you are a fan of creepy psychological fiction, you need to give this book a read.
Strings will have your brain all tied up while you're reading and it'll leave you haunted afterward. Dickson is going to be a strong voice in horror -- and if you are a fan of creepy psychological fiction, you need to give this book a read.
April 8, 2014
This book was amazing. If you are a fan of horror then you will not be disappointed. There was actually a point where I couldn't eat while I was reading. The reactions the author provokes are so visceral. The kind of writing gives me hope for the future of the horror genre.
October 3, 2014
One of my favorite lines: "He looked around at her then, and another chunk of her eroding cliff of sanity fell away."
Be prepared to be grossed out.
More like 4.5 stars
Be prepared to be grossed out.
More like 4.5 stars
July 7, 2015
...Wow. That's pretty much what I said as I sat there in stunned silence as I turned the last page of the book. In fact most of the book had me uttering this, especially the beginning! Strings isn't one of these books that take a lot to get into, it pretty much slaps you in the face in the first 5 pages. It may seem harsh, but considering the content of the remainder of the book its vital and is if anything to the reader a favor by giving out early warning signs.
I still cant decide how I feel about this book. In one sense I hated it, some of the scenes left me feeling sick, tormented and sad, 'Am I sick because I'm reading this? Does that make me just as weird?' I read reviews about this book and as soon as I picked it up i told myself I could take it, I've read my fair share of horror. But i wasn't prepared for this. Or maybe I'm just growing soft in my old age of 29? Despite all of this, I also found I loved it. I read this book in under a week which alone says a lot for me. Anyone who reads this despite what they may say cannot deny its a page-turner. It's almost like a train wreck. You don't want to watch but you cant look away either! Don't get me wrong its not entirely gore. Behind the sadistic trauma there is also an amazing story line. Which is rare I've found in a book such as this. But the characters are believable and you can't help but feel for them, hate them, admire them, cry for them. There is a main plot-line, and the story branches off into mini plots on the side, but they all link back up to the main story. IT's amazingly well written, top point for imagination alone but the writing style and flow is exceptional. I really should be giving it more stars as the writing itself does deserve it. However I can stick only with 3 as the content in some of the scenes left me a little disturbed. Certainly a book I won't forget.
I still cant decide how I feel about this book. In one sense I hated it, some of the scenes left me feeling sick, tormented and sad, 'Am I sick because I'm reading this? Does that make me just as weird?' I read reviews about this book and as soon as I picked it up i told myself I could take it, I've read my fair share of horror. But i wasn't prepared for this. Or maybe I'm just growing soft in my old age of 29? Despite all of this, I also found I loved it. I read this book in under a week which alone says a lot for me. Anyone who reads this despite what they may say cannot deny its a page-turner. It's almost like a train wreck. You don't want to watch but you cant look away either! Don't get me wrong its not entirely gore. Behind the sadistic trauma there is also an amazing story line. Which is rare I've found in a book such as this. But the characters are believable and you can't help but feel for them, hate them, admire them, cry for them. There is a main plot-line, and the story branches off into mini plots on the side, but they all link back up to the main story. IT's amazingly well written, top point for imagination alone but the writing style and flow is exceptional. I really should be giving it more stars as the writing itself does deserve it. However I can stick only with 3 as the content in some of the scenes left me a little disturbed. Certainly a book I won't forget.
August 30, 2014
This is my forty-first book that I have received and read from Goodreads. Strings by Allison M. Dickson, is my first horror that I have read. When I received this book I didn't know if I would enjoy reading it, but I found myself sitting on the edge of my chair throughout the story. You talk about an author that does a really great job of developing the characters and plot. As you are reading this book you have know problem visualizing the characters
As you are reading this story, Nina a prostitute, has taken a job that will pay off the family. It is a special assignment for one of the oldest clients. He is a reclusive billionaire who lives in his upstate home. You picture Nina arriving at the house with a rusted iron gate, the house hunched deep in the shadows, the vegetation along driveway all dead, really spooky home. She go's up on the porch and the door opens. She go's into the house and follows the butler to back bedroom. You know this is not going to be good but I never thought the owner of the house was a spider. I think spiders give most people chills and what happens really is bazaar. I will not go into details, not to ruin the story. If you scare easily this book might or might not be for you. I can see this story becoming a movie. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to any adult who enjoys the darker side.
As you are reading this story, Nina a prostitute, has taken a job that will pay off the family. It is a special assignment for one of the oldest clients. He is a reclusive billionaire who lives in his upstate home. You picture Nina arriving at the house with a rusted iron gate, the house hunched deep in the shadows, the vegetation along driveway all dead, really spooky home. She go's up on the porch and the door opens. She go's into the house and follows the butler to back bedroom. You know this is not going to be good but I never thought the owner of the house was a spider. I think spiders give most people chills and what happens really is bazaar. I will not go into details, not to ruin the story. If you scare easily this book might or might not be for you. I can see this story becoming a movie. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to any adult who enjoys the darker side.
January 25, 2014
You know when you see a movie or a television show that isn't like anything that came before? This book is exciting like that. If I HAD to compare it, I'd say it's a mix of of The Godfather (but grittier and less laden) and the meaningful abasement the Coen brothers or Chuck Palahniuk do so well (but less slick, less stylized).
The story is told from the perspective of three main characters: Nina, the whore, sent to her last, worst trick by her Madam, a cruel women with very understandable revenge axes to grind against her mob family; and Ramon the seeming cog in the wheel, and maybe the one who has the most autonomy. Maybe.
Events are set in motion when The Madam sends Nina to Hank Ballas, a john she knows isn't right, for the huge payout he offers. What happens to Nina there is different than the girls who came before her. What happens with the payment pits The Madam and Ramon against one another. Will only some emerge with their morality and their mortality intact or restored?
The pacing is pitch perfect, the editing excellent. And the story--as with other Allison M. Dickson tales, long and short, is taut, incredibly well written, and compelling.
The story is told from the perspective of three main characters: Nina, the whore, sent to her last, worst trick by her Madam, a cruel women with very understandable revenge axes to grind against her mob family; and Ramon the seeming cog in the wheel, and maybe the one who has the most autonomy. Maybe.
Events are set in motion when The Madam sends Nina to Hank Ballas, a john she knows isn't right, for the huge payout he offers. What happens to Nina there is different than the girls who came before her. What happens with the payment pits The Madam and Ramon against one another. Will only some emerge with their morality and their mortality intact or restored?
The pacing is pitch perfect, the editing excellent. And the story--as with other Allison M. Dickson tales, long and short, is taut, incredibly well written, and compelling.
September 3, 2014
Webs, Puppets and Monsters, Yikes!
I have to be honest, I decided to read this book because I recently discovered that the author and I are distantly related (her great grandmother and my grandmother were sisters). I have never been a connoisseur of thriller/horror fiction, but I was curious, and therefore game. I was blown away by how well written this book was and how much I enjoyed it (I was terrified, but I enjoyed it). I read it, or rather consumed it over a single day. Unlike some books where you sort of know a few things about the characters, in this book, the characters actually come alive and you feel like you know them. I was surprised to learn that this was Ms. Dickson's first novel. She is definitely the real deal. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dark contemporary fiction. I promise it will leave a lasting impression on you.
I have to be honest, I decided to read this book because I recently discovered that the author and I are distantly related (her great grandmother and my grandmother were sisters). I have never been a connoisseur of thriller/horror fiction, but I was curious, and therefore game. I was blown away by how well written this book was and how much I enjoyed it (I was terrified, but I enjoyed it). I read it, or rather consumed it over a single day. Unlike some books where you sort of know a few things about the characters, in this book, the characters actually come alive and you feel like you know them. I was surprised to learn that this was Ms. Dickson's first novel. She is definitely the real deal. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dark contemporary fiction. I promise it will leave a lasting impression on you.
February 17, 2014
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program for an honest review. This book started with a BANG! It was one of those that pull you in and keep you there until you finish it. I don't want to get into the book too much because I don't want to accidentally spoil anything, but it's about a young woman working in a brothel to pay off a debt, and has an opportunity to pay it off a little early by going to a "unique" client. It was a horror story start to finish without letting me go. Allison is a wonderful horror-suspense author and I can't wait until she is more well known and has more books out.
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