Kingshire Falls

By: Steve McElhenny

Narrated by: John Lee Payton

Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

It came from beyond the sky.

At first distant glance, the spherical object appeared nothing more innocuous than a shooting star. Yet, upon further observation, there was something unsettling about its descent. This was no natural free-fall.

The year is 1953, and the citizens of the American rural town of Kingshire Falls are busy preparing for its centenary.

What was intended to be a day of celebrations soon turns into a desperate fight for survival as friends and family begin to turn into mutated creatures, intent on taking over the town.

Low on weapons, ideas, and hope, a motley crew of survivors must band together if they are to survive.

Kingshire Falls is an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek, homage to the wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) sci-fi and horror B-Movies of the 1950s-1980s. It’s a quiet place to live, but you wouldn’t want to die there.

©2023 Steve McElhenny (P)2023 Sicaso Publishing

Humans vs. Mutants

Kingship Falls is definitely a tongue and cheek story that will put you in mind of some of the finest B comedy/horror films. The story is definitely entertaining, fast-paced, humorous, and creepy all at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the off beat humor and sarcastic wit that the characters bantered back and forth. I usually don't go for books like this, but there was something about the blurb that made me want to hear it, and I am glad I did.
I was hooked from the very first chapter till the last with this thrill ride that will take you to parts unknown and bring you back again. There is something uncanny about townspeople being taken over by a mutant black sludge that will make you think. I won't give away any spoilers, but once you listen, you will understand what I mean. if you like horror with a side of action and comedy, you will like this book. The narrator did a good job at bringing the story to life. The only thing I didn't like was the lag between chapters and the few mispronounced words, but other than that, it was amazing.
I received this book for free upon my request. This is my honest, unbiased review that I am freely giving.

A fun diverting way to spend an afternoon

This listen was full of charming quips and asides to delight any fan of puns and Dad jokes. The delivery of the Narration made me feel like as a listener I was in on the joke. Very well preformed!

Good Unusual Horror(?) Story

Though thos had horror content it was more of a amusing story with horror elements. I enjoyed it and think the writer likes, puns, and tounge in Cheek humor. Narrator does a very good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.

Kingshire Falls

This was a really good book.It was like reading a B movie flick. A black sludge from space inhabits a cow. Yes,it is always the cows. Terror,for the town,ensues. Narration by John Lee Payton was well done. I was given this book free for an honest review.

Absolutely wonderful sci-fi adventure

Kingshire Falls by Steve McElhenny reminds me of the 1950s and 60’s sci fi movies we watched growing up. The story was solid, campy and funny but kept your heart racing. The story was nostalgic and familiar in a generic way, while having a fresh twist. I laughed at how the town got its name and then I loved the rest! The narration by John Lee Payton was great. His performance brought the story and characters to
life. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

A great story

This is not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it much more than I expected. It was a great story with loveable characters, great puns, and a happy ending. The narration was great, too. The only issue was long pauses between the scenes, but it was not disturbing me much.

A Galactic Romp: Embracing Nostalgia

"Kingshire Falls" by Steve McElhenny, narrated by the talented John Lee Payton, is a standout gem that seamlessly weaves together the thrill of horror, the charm of comedy, and a generous dose of nostalgia. Set against the backdrop of a 1953 American rural town preparing for its centenary, this audiobook takes listeners on a wild ride filled with mutated creatures, unconventional heroes, and a black sludge from beyond the sky.

From the very first chapter to the climactic conclusion, "Kingshire Falls" keeps you on the edge of your seat with its fast-paced and entertaining narrative. McElhenny's storytelling prowess shines as he skillfully pays homage to the beloved B comedy/horror films of the 1950s-1980s. The premise is both captivating and amusing, capturing the essence of those classic sci-fi movies that many of us grew up watching.

What sets this audiobook apart is its clever blend of humor and horror. The offbeat humor and sarcastic wit exchanged between characters add a delightful layer to the story. While I usually don't gravitate toward this genre, there was an irresistible allure in the blurb that drew me in, and I'm grateful I took the plunge. McElhenny's ability to balance the creepy with the humorous creates a unique and engaging experience that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.

The characters in "Kingshire Falls" are a quirky bunch that you can't help but root for. Their banter and camaraderie add depth to the narrative, making the story not only entertaining but also relatable. The nostalgic nod to 1950s and 60s sci-fi movies is evident in the story's campy and familiar feel, yet McElhenny injects a fresh twist that keeps it from feeling derivative.

John Lee Payton's narration deserves special mention, as he brings the author's vision to life with skill and precision. His delivery captures the essence of each character, enhancing the audiobook experience. The narration is reminiscent of reading a B-movie flick, and Payton's performance elevates the story, making it an immersive journey through the quirky world of Kingshire Falls.

One of the highlights of "Kingshire Falls" is its ability to seamlessly blend horror, action, and comedy. The invasion of the town by a mutant black sludge from space is not only a nod to classic horror tropes but also a thought-provoking element that lingers in your mind. The creative and imaginative storytelling keeps you engaged, and the plot twists are both unexpected and delightful. While "Kingshire Falls" is a stellar audiobook that successfully captures the essence of its genre, there are a few minor issues that deserve mention. Some listeners may find the occasional lag between chapters and a few mispronounced words distracting. Additionally, the overall metallic resonating sound quality may slightly detract from fully immersing oneself in the performance.

The audiobook not only pays homage to the sci-fi and horror classics but also introduces a modern touch that resonates with contemporary audiences. The story's pacing is spot-on, ensuring that there's never a dull moment. The chapter titles, tongue-in-cheek and creative, add an extra layer of enjoyment, showcasing McElhenny's attention to detail and commitment to delivering a memorable experience.

Before I go, I want to say something about cows. As nods to classic horror tropes, the story echoes a sentiment familiar to fans of the genre: never trust a cow. OK, I made that trope up, but it's a valid one. Can you really expect no harm to come from an animal with four stomaches? This intriguing twist harks back to the roots of sci-fi horror, where even seemingly harmless creatures can harbor sinister secrets. Much like the iconic Mrs. O’Leary’s cow in history, which kicked over a lantern and caused mass destruction, the involvement of a cow in the extraterrestrial chaos of "Kingshire Falls" adds a layer of humor and unpredictability to the narrative.

The cautionary tale of the parasitic entity finding its way into Goliath, the unsuspecting bovine protagonist, playfully aligns with the longstanding tradition in science fiction of casting cows as unwitting participants in otherworldly events. This theme is not unfamiliar to comic book enthusiasts, as evidenced by the Byrne Fantastic Four issue where Reed Richards hypnotizes Skrulls into believing they are cows, leading to unforeseen consequences for those who consume the milk. Marvel's penchant for injecting humor into its stories, especially involving cows, seems to resonate with "Kingshire Falls." The interconnectedness of these narratives across different mediums adds an extra layer of enjoyment, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring trope: never trust a cow. After all, in the cosmic landscape of speculative fiction, cows might just have a penchant for attracting intergalactic probes. Marvel's Hell Cow emerges as a prime example of why one should never underestimate the unpredictable nature of these seemingly docile creatures. Originating from the pages of the offbeat Marvel universe, Hell Cow was a regular cow that met a particularly unfortunate fate at the hands of a starving Dracula. Drained of its bovine life essence, Hell Cow defied conventional expectations by rising from the grave three days later, donning a cape, and embracing its newfound vampiric tendencies. This gory and humorous twist in the Marvel lore serves as a testament to the notion that cows, in the realm of speculative fiction, are often far from ordinary.

Marvel's Hell Cow not only reinforces the cautionary theme of never trusting a cow but also introduces a layer of dark comedy that mirrors the whimsical spirit found in "Kingshire Falls." The audacious image of a cow supping on its owner's blood while elegantly draped in a cape exemplifies the unpredictable and sometimes macabre potential hidden within these seemingly innocent creatures. Marvel's penchant for weaving absurd narratives, where cows stampede for the sheer fun of it or transform into supernatural entities, resonates with the themes explored in "Kingshire Falls." Through Hell Cow and other peculiar tales, the fantastical world of speculative fiction ensures that the next time you encounter a herd of cows, you may find yourself contemplating the potential for otherworldly antics beneath their seemingly placid exterior.

"Kingshire Falls" by Steve McElhenny, narrated by John Lee Payton, is a delightful audiobook that transports listeners to a world of nostalgic thrills and chills. With its engaging characters, clever humor, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of sci-fi, horror, and those who appreciate a good dose of comedic brilliance. Despite minor sound quality issues, the overall experience is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess and the narrator's ability to bring the narrative to life. So, buckle up for a cosmic adventure and let "Kingshire Falls" take you on a journey through time and space, where laughter and spine-tingling moments coexist in perfect harmony.

Remember, never trust a cow.

Brilliant, Brilliant BRILLIANT!

It fell from the sky and landed in “Kingshire Falls”. Once that parasitic entity found Goliath, IT WAS ON! Not since Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over that lantern has a bovine played a bigger role in mass destruction! Campy in all the best ways, unbelievably imaginative, and reminiscent of the delightful horror offerings of days gone past, “Kingshire Falls” is comedic horror brilliance personified! I loved absolutely everything about it! So much so that as soon as I finished this delight, I promptly listened straight through AGAIN! I loved every single quirky, campy, delightfully defined and developed character! I want to meet them, I want to know them, and I’d love to hang out with them, of course before the uh… nope, not going any further, that would be playing spoiler, but listen to this slice of perfection and you will know exactly what I mean! The story is eye opening, jaw dropping, imaginative as it gets, smooth flowing, makes perfect sense perfection! When I say I could not stop listening, I couldn’t! I didn’t want to! I was having too much fun. I was laughing out loud, giggling at the unbelievably creative tongue in cheek chapter titles that fit so perfectly into the story, and just enjoying every aspect of this truly delightful gem! The narration that brought the author’s vision to life was perfect for this story! Everything fit perfectly! I can’t express how much I enjoyed this one! Will there a third listen? Absolutely! And I’m sure many more after that! This is one of my all time favorites! Five funtastic perfect stars!

Reminded me of Asteroid City

The tongue in cheek story of a small town reminded me of Asteroid City as they face a comedy of horror.