Misfits by Hunter Shea

Release: September 8th 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Flame Tree Press
Source: Random Things Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

“I don’t know how Hunter Shea keeps churning out terrifying stories that feel original, but I want more.” – Cedar Hollow Reviews

During the height of the 90s grunge era, five high school friends living on the fringe are at the breaking point. When a drunk townie brutally rapes one of their friends, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Deep in the woods of Milbury, Connecticut, there lives the legend of the Melon Heads, a race of creatures that shun human interaction .They prey on those who dare to wander down Dracula Drive. However, maybe this night, one band of misfits can help the other. Or maybe some legends induce fear for a reason.

FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

About the Author:

Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary movies, reading forbidden books. He doesn’t just write about the paranormal. Also, he actively seeks out the things that scare the hell out of people and experiences them for himself.

He’s the author of over 27 books, including Creature (Flame Tree Press) The Jersey Devil (Pinnacle) and We Are Always Watching (Sinister Grin). You can find Hunter’s novels on display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. Publishers Weekly named The Montauk Monster as one of the best reads of the summer. He was a part of the launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line in 2011 alongside legendary author Ramsey Campbell. He’s an avid podcaster and one can hear him on Monster Men and Final Guys every week. Living with his crazy and supportive family and two cats, he’s happy to be close enough to New York City without having to pay New York rent. You can follow his travails at www.huntershea.com.

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Misfits Review:

Why am I hearing of this author only now? This book was creepy, disturbing, gruesome, and atmospheric and I loved it!

I grew up watching slasher movies like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Friday the 13^th”, and always love reading a good scary book once in a while. Only difference is, this book takes place in the 90s with the grunge rock scene, which is so awesome! Hence, it was no surprise that I hooked on to Misfits as soon as I started.

The characters blend well with the setting. Although the stoner kids come across as misfit and loners, I felt a connection to all of them. Mick, Vent, Chuck, Heidi, and Marnie all come from mediocre backgrounds, and you immediately root for them. Surprisingly, I also found the Melon Heads to be very complex. Even though they are scary, I liked how they stick together and protect their group.

I have not read any of Hunter Shea’s books, so initially I did not know what to expect. After reading Misfits, I am considering reading them all now. I love books that evoke an emotion out of me, and this did not disappoint. I got queasy at certain scenes, and I don’t think I experienced such fear when reading a novel. Each scene will have you at the edge of your seat. However, it is also emotional and funny at times. Moreover, the story also ends in such a way that I did not expect. But, I felt it was the logical way to end the story, and it hints for a sequel!

Overall, Misfits is great if you are in the mood for a gory, horror read about urban legends.