The Unlikely Affair of the Crawling Razor

by Joe R. Lansdale

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Unlikely Affair of the Crawling Razor is a horror novella in classic style by Joe R. Lansdale. Released 30th April 2024 by Subterranean Press, it's 112 pages and is available in a limited edition hardcover format. 

This is a novella which fits into the God of the Razor horror mythos and is indelibly steeped in Lansdale's full-on high octane style. Blood and gore aplenty, deeply disturbing imagery, and one reviewer called it violence porn which is certainly apt. This pastiche draws heavily from Edgar Allan Poe's Dupin, in a careening violent adventure in the catacombs of Paris with a truly ineffable gruesome monster as a foil.

The story itself is solid and certainly engaging/mesmerizing. It's very difficult to put down or even look away from. Additionally, this edition is enhanced by cover and internal art by Tim Truman. 

Four stars. Heartily recommended for horror fans, as well as fans of the inimitable Lansdale. He's a masterful storyteller and craftsman and he just doesn't write bad stories (or they never see the light of day). 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.