DLS Reviews

The official blog for www.dlsreviews.com

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NEW REVIEW: Matthew Stokoe - Cows (1998)

Here’s one that I know will have a lot of mixed opinions…next up on DLS Reviews we have a full in-depth dissection of Matthew Stokoe’s debut novel – the controversial and gut-churningly extreme ‘Cows’ (1998).

Yeah, I can imagine a lot of people won’t get on well with the novel. It’s definitely not for everyone for many, many reasons. I personally found it compelling reading and struggled to put it down once I’d started it.

Anyway, the DLS review’s there for those interested, intrigued or just plain inquisitive…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Matthew Stokoe's novel 'Cows' (1998)

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NEW REVIEW: Chris Elphick - GNS3 (2026)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a full contribution-by-contribution dissection of Chris Elphick’s third Guy N Smith fanzine – ‘GNS3’ (2026).

The zine celebrates 40 years since the publication of ‘Night Of The Crabs’ (1976), with plenty of killer crabs stories from fans and fellow authors. There are some top-quality contributions in this final fanzine, which will put a big grin on any good fan of Guy N Smith’s pulp horror work…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Chris Elphick's Guy N Smith Fanzine 'GNS3 Zine' (2026)

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NEW REVIEW: Mark Morris - Bad Things Happen Here (2026)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a full in-depth DLS dissection Mark Morris’ forthcoming novel ‘Bad Things Happen Here’ (2026). Morris delivers a chilling supernatural horror, with a constant oppressive gloom overshadowing the character-driven storyline.

Oh yes, bad things happen here alright, in a very good way!

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Mark Morris' novel 'Bad Things Happen Here' (2026)

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NEW REVIEW: Chris Kelso & Ewan Morrison - Shadowspheres (2026)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a full DLS dissection of Chris Kelso and Ewan Morrison’s latest offering – ‘Shadowspheres’ (2026) – which serves up a blend of dystopian nonfiction, speculative fiction and philosophical reflection, examining the impact of the rise in AI and what remains human when society fractures…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Chris Kelso and Ewan Morrison's book 'Shadowspheres' (2026)

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NEW REVIEW: Matt Shaw - Easter Eggs & Bunny Boilers (2016)

Next up on DLS Reviews is a full in-depth story-by-story dissection of Matt Shaw’s Easter themed horror anthology ‘Easter Eggs & Bunny Boilers’ (2016). It’s a bulky collection of compelling and wonderfully imaginative horror shorts from some of the very best indie horror authors. Absolutely one to check out!

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth story-by-story review of Matt Shaw's anthology 'Easter Eggs & Bunny Boilers' (2016)

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NEW REVIEW: Shaun Hutson - Sledgehammer (1982)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have an early Shaun Hutson war story, the novel that introduced Sergeant Rolf Kessler to the world – ‘Sledgehammer’ (1982).

It’s a gritty and gloomy WWII story, with the Germans pursuing the Russians across the Steppes and finding the Ruskies have one last card up the sleeves.

Worth a read, although be warned, these early Hutson war stories are damn hard to come by these days…even the reprints published under the pseudonym – Wolf Kruger – can be a tad tricky to track down.

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Shaun Hutson's novel 'Sledgehammer' (1982)

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NEW REVIEW: Stephen King - Roadwork (1981)

Next up on DLS Reviews, to celebrate forty-five-years since the novel was first published, we have a full DLS dissection of Stephen King’s novel ‘Roadwork’ (1981).

It’s a gritty and down beaten tale that feels like the blueprint for the film ‘Falling Down’ (1993). Sadly, this early offering from King is often overlooked. However, trust me, it’s well worth a read…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Stephen King's novel 'Roadwork' (1981)

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NEW REVIEW: Guy N Smith - Manitou Doll (1981)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a full dissection of Guy N Smith’s pulp horror novel ‘Manitou Doll’ (1981). It’s a gloomy, downbeat tale of an age-old curse that returns to wreak havoc on a tatty old fairground. Yeah, this one’s fun for all the family!!!

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Guy N Smith's novel 'Manitou Doll' (1981)

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NEW REVIEW: Guy Portman - Avengement (2025)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a detailed dissection of British author Guy Portman’s novel ‘Avengement’ (2025) which forms the next instalment within his dark comedy serial killer ‘Necropolis’ series.

The novel slots in after the earlier instalment – ‘Genesis’ (2025) – and before the book that started the whole series off – ‘Necropolis’ (2014).

Another highly entertaining and laugh-out-loud read from Portman…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Guy Portman's novel 'Avengement' (2025)

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NEW REVIEW: Guy Portman - Genesis (2025)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have Guy Portman’s new novel ‘Genesis’ (2025) which forms a prequel to his Dyson Devereux series.

It’s another superbly written, incredibly witty instalment to the books, this one littered with the pop culture of the 1980s. Honestly, if you’ve not read any of these books, then you really should give ‘em a try. ‘American Psycho’ meets ‘Dexter’ only laced with hilariously sharp and dry wit. It’s insanely good reading!

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Guy Portman's novel 'Genesis' (2025)

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NEW REVIEW: Shaun Hutson - Hollow Point (2025)

Happy Boxing Day! Today’s detailed dissection over at DLS Reviews is of Shaun Hutson’s brand-new Sean Doyle novel – ‘Hollow Point’ (2025).

The novel is everything you hoped and expected from a Sean Doyle instalment. High-octane action with a blend of dark occultist horror. Basically, Shaun Hutson doing what he does best!

The novel was released in a limited edition ‘Black Box’ version, of which only one-hundred copies were made available. The below linked review also shows what this exclusive edition entailed…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Shaun Hutson's novel 'Hollow Point' (2025)

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NEW REVIEW: Gary Fry - Fearful Festivities (2011)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have another creepy Christmas horror, here with Gary Fry’s novel ‘Fearful Festivities’ (2011). It’s a strange, cosmic horror with a quintessentially British backdrop. Spot on for this time of year…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Gary Fry's novel 'Fearful Festivities' (2011)

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NEW REVIEW: Harrison Phillips - Father Christmas Vs The Abominable Snowman (2023)

Next up with the festive treats over at DLS Reviews we have a full blood drenched dissection of Harrison Phillips’ novel ‘Father Christmas Vs The Abominable Snowman’ (2023).

Yep, this one’s as wacky, wild and over-the-top as its sounds. Essentially, it’s ‘Troma’ meets ‘Die Hard’…with a big bastard Yeti!

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Harrison Phillips' novel 'Father Christmas Vs The Abominable Snowman' (2023)

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NEW REVIEW: Mike Duke - The Yuletide Butcher (2019)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have the first festive horror book review, here with an in-depth dissection of US author Mike Duke’s novella ‘The Yuletide Butcher’ (2019).

The story’s a gritty and gruesome serial killer thriller, with a dark Christmas twist embedded within it. Perfect reading for this time of the year!

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Mike Duke's novella 'The Yuletide Butcher' (2019)

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NEW REVIEW: Mary Shelley - Frankenstein (1818)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a full dissection of Mary Shelley’s classic ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Yeah, I know, it’s insane that I’d not read the novel until now. It’s been one of those classics I’d just never gotten around to reading.

Well, that’s fixed now. And it’s a far easier and more entertaining read than honestly I was expecting. Once you’re past the first few overly padded chapters, I found the rest of the novel to be a fast-paced and incredibly compelling read…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein' (1818)

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NEW REVIEW: Stephen King - Rage (1977)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have a full dissection of Stephen King’s early novel ‘Rage’ (1977). Published under King’s pseudonym – Richard Bachman – the novel has since (quite purposefully) gone out of print, due to the nature of the story and its unfortunate links to real-life school shooting tragedies…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Stephen King's novel 'Rage' (1977)

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NEW REVIEW: Richard Laymon - The Lawmen (1983)

Next up on DLS Reviews we have an early Laymon offering in the form of ‘The Lawmen’ (1983). Classic Wild West pulp with plenty of over-the-top grittiness thrown in. That’s the stuff…

DLS Reviews provides an in-depth review of Richard Laymon's novel 'The Lawmen' (1983)