Mer Whinery

Mer Whinery's (I believe first?) short fiction collection is not only set predominantly in one of the more poverty stricken (though arguably not bleakest) parts of Oklahoma, but published locally as well. While we've seen plenty of Southern Gothic influences on horror in the last several decades, and perhaps more recently also seen much done with western themed horror, Mer is working in a setting both less one dimensional than either of those and more genuine in its presentation of the unique melange of cultural influences in the region. Being set in a modern era helps in avoiding the tropes, stereotypes, and caricatures of 'back woods' folk and the region more broadly. But more importantly, growing up and continuing to live in the regioion allows Mer to create complex, believable characters and settings firmly grounded in reality. The little snippets of his memories and life experiences before each piece help frame that for the reader as well.
If you have never before read his work, you're in for a real treat. Stories internally flow seamlessly from what often initially seem to be atmospheric pieces to well paced action sequences with just enough gore to satisfy without getting bogged down by becoming focused on needless murder-porn-esque narratives.
The final story in the collection, the closest thing a 'titular' story, is a particularly enjoyable treat full of the unexpected and what feel like deeply considered authentic characterizations. I'd love to see some of the characters established here make appearences in other stories later.
A quick note on formating, as I had seen some mild criticism of it in other reviews. I actually enjoyed the somewhat clunky and outdated seeming font choice. As someone else who living in Oklahoma, it often feels like as though its a state that has not so much been left behind, but rather has refused to update itself with the times, and the font and formatting choices seem to subtly reinforce that. And maybe its a little bit of nostalgia for the small and independent press zines, limited runs, and personally published stuff of yesteryear that made it appealing.… (mais)

A solid follow-up to his first collection, Mer Whinery again delivers a set of tales infused with the unique socio-cultural blend of the Little Dixie region of Oklahoma. And if we're talking horror, where better to set a story than the state that ranks #1 in despair (I'm not joking, look it up)?
Several of these stories feel like a bit of a departure from Mer Whinery's typical fare, though are no less satisfying. It feels as though the editor may have intentionally chosen them for this reason. To show more range as the author dabbles in variery of genres and styles, while keeping one foot firmly planted in the (perhaps worm-riden) soil of horror.
The opening story "The Loved Ones" (no relation to the delightfully disturbing film of the same name), would be equally at home in a collection of post-apocalyptic science fiction as it is here alongside bleak horror. Lovers of cats will surely enjoy "The 10th Life", and again, it feels as if this could have easily been included in a collection of darker fantasy stories. The author outright tells us that "Hungry Boy" is meant to be his take on "Twilight", and as true as that feels reading this, perhaps his is what that YA fiction *should* have read like. "The Projectionist" gives us a great tale set in an icon for horror fans and dying small towns alike, the independent movie theatre. Just read it, there's a lot to love there, both familiar and new. For fans of true crime, and natives of Oklahoma, the infamous girl scout murders near Locust Grove get a fabulous black magic treatment in "The Little Red Tent at the Edge of the Woods". And I will leave the keystone piece, "Momento Mori" to the reader to discover, though like many of Mer's stories it seems to have a distincly personal touch connected to his own childhood memories, making it all the more disturbing.… (mais)