Ill Met by Moonlight

De: Gretchen Rix

Narrado por: Bill Oberst Jr.

Walking death, they're called.

And those horrible macadamia trees.

But their real names are Whig, Mary Jane, and Quetzalcoatl, just to name three of them.

Trees don't walk. But here they do. In Ill Met by Moonlight they walk, they kill, they eat people, and then they're....

Nope.

Telling you more would spoil the fun.

Welcome to this horror collection about the walking macadamia nut trees of Hawaii. Believe it or not, you're going to laugh. A new addition to the humorous horror genre.

Enjoy.

©2016 Gretchen Rix (P)2017 Gretchen Rix

Feed me. Feed me now. Now. NOW. Right NOW.

Ill Met by Moonlight, is a delightfully unexpected pleasure: a book of nine short stories with a continuity of theme: the macadamia trees of a small estate in Hawaii which had been transplanted to the other side of the island by a research company, up to and including their relocating to a new place, an island grouping suitable named No Mans Land. Every story is refreshingly different, from the (almost) conventional private eye investigation - the title story - through to the discovery of what a man's cat really thought about his owner. The reader will be introduced to murderous attacks, the quest for an homeland, the escape and transformation of a killer from jail and even a recipe for Brown Betty, a form of apple pie (although I am unable to verify how good this is as I have not yet cooked it, but if it was good enough to create an ambassador....).

These tales could be construed as horror stories were it not for the delicious naughtiness and humour each brings, as we!l as being well written. The first story instantly draws in the reader with three quirky characters, thrust briefly into focus and as quickly dispatched again, but cleverly glimpsed at different moments of time to bring them onto a collision course. Despite their brief presence, all three make a big impact. Readers will be delighted to find literary references peeping out of some chapters, too. Bill Oberst Jr., the narrator of this audiobook, creates his own impact with his excellent performance. He has a pleasant voice and reads with good humoured clarity, allowing the stories to flow seamlessly through him, his own character disappearing behind that of the beings in the book. Each protagonist is individually and appropriately voiced and the whole is a pleasure to hear.

Each chapter of the book, after the initial dedication, is a separate story, so they are easy to find. The titles are:
1) I'll Met by Moonlight
2). Macedonians on the Move
3). The Curious Case of the Brown Betty
4) The Sitter Tree
5) All's well that Ends
6) Hunzel Monday
7). No Mans Land
8) Expiation
9) Taba Mori

The individual chapter titles also each have their own dedication, some to folks personal to the author, some more widely known, such as Steven King, Ray Bradbury, and Richard Branson. A daring move by this adventurous author: but she has successfully delivered the horror wrapped up in laughter and smiles. A pretty amazing achievement.
My thanks to the rights holder of Ill Met by Moonlight, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audio Empire. Definitely recommended to ease away the tensions of everyday, mundane, life. I had thought this book might be fun but it surpassed my expectations.

High 4s

I love horror comedy. so walking talking trees are something I dig. I honestly think this is my first read with mutated macadamia trees, so kudos to the author for their brilliant imagination!!!

day of triffids on steroids!

Vivid imagery and imagination take this collection over the edge! Fun and colorful from start to finish.

Nice and creepy!

A very good series of short horror stories, brought vividly to life by Bill Oberst Jr. I love that Ms. Rix took ordinary macadamia trees and made them creepy, sentient characters. I hope to see more stories about them! :)

I really enjoyed listening(and I would recommend listening in the dark; I didn't, but the next time I definitely will).

The stories will make you look over your shoulder, any time you're around any trees!

So if you love horror, and are looking for something different, check this out. I very much recommend it!

--DystopiaGrrl

We are not alone!

Plant life is alive and well living alongside us in our existence. They have natural defense mechanisms that are meant to protect them from being eaten by us, such as lectins, phytates, and oxalates. Enough micro nutrition, the point is, this book offers some insightful views about how plants and people may need to eventually get on board together. I enjoyed the detailed writing that incorporated lots of action, sensory imaging, and as always the narrative stylings of Bill O'Berst Jr added amazing depth and colour to the characters, as well as the Trees!!! I thought the idea of using a Macadamia tree was brilliant. Their menacing leaves and seed pods play into a tree that might give you some fits; like a Magnolia tree with its many weapons. Overall the author, Gretchen
Nix, shows the connection that we all have on each other and warns us to make sure we weigh all the consequences before we act. I enjoyed the Brown Betty recipe and always appreciate a shoutout to the great Magnum PI!!!