Book Jacket

 

rank  Editors Pick
word count 35156
date submitted 06.01.2010
date updated 28.10.2011
genres: Fiction, Horror
classification: adult
incomplete

Dropcloth Angels

Gerald D. Johnston

A graveside promise spurs a self-destructive girl to chase down a serial killer.
She will cry
She may die
But payback is a bitch.

 

When Zoe crosses paths with the Internet's darkest celebrity, the notorious Dropcloth Killer, nothing short of a miracle may save her from becoming his next victim. With nowhere to run and no one to care once she gets there, her only hope for escape lies with three self-appointed knights, a thieving Goth-girl, and retired old clown.

Unwittingly led toward a showdown, Zoe uncovers the ugly truths surrounding an underworld of Internet snuff and those who prey upon the weak for their own sadistic pleasure.

In a world where vile acts are measured on a sliding scale and sorted for later consumption, sometimes it’s good to be bad.

 
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tags

commercial, drug addiction, modern day cannibals, the last taboo

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HarperCollins Wrote

Serial killers are a perennially popular trope in both fiction and film. DROPCLOTH ANGELS diverges from the typical treatment of the subject to a degree both by offering readers a window onto its killer’s mind and by taking a somewhat humorous approach to its grisly subject matter. The writing is vivid and in places quite strong, but this is not a novel for everyone.

The opening of the novel, which shows us Zane, the novel’s killer, with his latest victim (whom he has captured but not yet killed) is dramatic and immediate. I like how this scene introduces the very interesting idea of a “safe place,” a place in the mind that everyone can find and escape to under trying circumstances. It was interesting and felt original to see this idea recur throughout the novel. The shady, pornographic underworld that Zane and his employer, Gideon, inhabit will fascinate some readers and repel others; this very dark subject matter definitely seems to attract an audience. I admit that based on this partial manuscript I was somewhat unclear about exactly what the nature of the business is—that is to say, what Zane and Gideon actually produce and sell (snuff films?), but perhaps this becomes clearer as the story plays out. The character of Zoe also has a certain freshness: the “monkey” that follows and torments her (emblematic of her heroin addiction) I found quite effective, and her dramatic mood shifts seem convincing and believable in the context of her addiction. I also think it is smart to split the novel’s setting between Ontario and cities in the United States to broaden its appeal to both audiences and publishers.

Many readers are going to have a problem with Zane and the inclusion of his point of view in the novel. Obviously, Zane is not a typical protagonist. There has been a minor trend lately in crime novels of including the point of view of the killer, but not perhaps quite in the way you’ve approached it here. There seems to me to be a disconnect between the familiarity with which he expresses himself to us and the reality of his personality and actions. We seem to be encouraged to sympathize or understand Zane and his motives, almost to view him as someone we can relate to—the humour in his perspective is largely what seems to promote this. But what he believes and how he behaves is so off-putting: I could not see his desire to create a “masterwork” from the body of a young woman as anything but grotesque, and his casual references to having killed his parents, for example, made him feel less accessible and compelling rather than more so. Including a killer’s perspective seems more interesting when there is a sense of mystery and “otherness” about the figure in question; Zane tells us everything, and it made me wonder how you wish readers to view him. It’s very difficult to make the point of view of a killer convincing and interesting. Some readers are also going to feel as though the novel exploits rather than explores the worlds of pornography, drug use, prostitution, cannibalism, and violence against women, since these topics are treated quite casually. Again, it is partly your inclusion of humour that will cause this reaction—I’m not sure your approach of making light of this very dark subject matter is entirely successful. Your writing is vivid and generally smooth, though I was stopped at times by some awkwardly colourful metaphors: for example, when Zane describes his anxiety attack as being “like the last gasp of a trapped badger” or the crowd around the murder scene as parting “like the legs of a virgin prom date,” I felt like I was being taken out of the moment, that the writing was drawing attention to itself rather than flowing naturally as part of the storytelling.

With its combination of dark humour and macabre subject matter, this novel invites comparisons to Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series and perhaps the work of Charlene Harris. Your approach does take it one step further, however: where Dexter kills out of a sense of justice (albeit an admittedly demented one), I don’t think readers will find any comparable common ground with Zane. While there are definitely commercial elements to your subject matter and premise, I think the approach you’ve taken with the book limit its mainstream appeal and make it something that will resonate with a specialty audience.

William Holt wrote 470 days ago

Having read the entire manuscript (since Gerry was kind enough to send me the remaining chapters), I can now say unequivocally that the suspense and the abundant humor of this remarkable book never let up. From the ultragruesome details of Zane's murderous escapades to the absurd spectacle of an aged Chinese criminal learning to drive a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle while wearing unwieldy clown shoes, this is the sort of horror-comedy that for some readers may evoke memories of A Clockwork Orange (though without the challenging blend of languages requiring a glossary in the back) or Slaughterhouse Five (without the implied political commentary).

One might say that it's a book with something to scare and something to delight just about anyone. The scariness and the humor work together so seamlessly that there is, for me at least, no feeling of discord.

Guy de Maupassant told lots of stories about prostitutes with hearts of gold ("Boule de Suif", etc.--so many that the character type became hackneyed from overuse). Zoe Beaupre has a heart of somewhat tarnished silver, and we can believe in both her professional cynicism and her sweetness, which somehow do not contradict each other. She's a memorable creation, full of toughness and tenderness that avoid the stereotype, and the reader may well find her easy to identify with.

I shelved this long ago, and need not do so again, since it is obviously about to win the coveted gold star.

Bill

Jessica L Degarmo wrote 543 days ago

This is just brilliant. That's all. Brilliant. It's polished, commercial, well-written, and riveting. This reads like a best-seller and I'm not sure why it hasn't been published yet. Will you find a publisher already and get this in print? Seriously, this is one of the best books I've read and I'm convinced it's the best book on this site. This is truly amazing work, and I applaud you for it. What a masterpiece this is, and no, I'm not joking. I am in awe of your talent. Well done.

mongoose wrote 671 days ago

Okay, now I see why everyone has been raving about this. I'm not big on serial killer books (ironic, I know, given that I championed Jared's so thoroughly!) but this is one I would read for sure. Probably because it's way more than a thriller - it has a lightness of touch, great humour and, above all, is seriously well-written. It is a genre straddler, which will make it tough to sell but by heck I hope a publisher with vision has the guts to take it on as I could see this storming charts.
I started at the beginning, to get a taste - so to speak - and was glad I had come to Autho late today as it's not one to read over breakfast. One small thing - Froot or Fruit Loops? You have both.
I am just green with envy at some of your phrases - 'wished her last words were like spaghetti....' just fabulous.
Then skipped on to Chapter Thirteen and heck, yes, it's a very different mood. Jeanne was dead - tolls like a bell. 'evicted from life' - love that image. 'Fluent in yawn' - very funny and the perfect lightener. You don't really put a foot wrong that I can see. Only one line made me pause - 'Her mother forbade her from the lectern...' At first I thought you meant the mother was actually AT the lectern which seemed a bit awkward and inappropriate (!) - but then I realised it was forbidding her to speak from the lectern.
Ah, this really is cracking. Absolutely first-rate. Tell me you're agented or that you have them clubbing one another with thick mallets to get their paws on this? Please.
Backed, as you already know.

Adam Clark wrote 4 days ago

I read the first chapter and a bit, I might read more later.

But, I've got to say wow! The style, point, narrative, depths and straight out balls of dealing with the subject are all damn impressive. It's not really my thing, and definitely takes a stronger stomach to deal with than I have. But it is good, reminds me a little bit of Chuck Palahniuk's 'Guts'.

Bradley Wind wrote 105 days ago

DROPCLOTH ANGELS

I often comment on the marketing materials but thought I'd ignore them for the reread...however I must say I think yours are well done. The Title/SP&LP have a considered and attractive quality. wish the cover wasn't cut off but not a big deal.

My comments are based on an interest in an author's motivation and my immediate observations. I have no formal schooling in lit crit/technical aspects (last lit course I took was in HS) and am not sure I care all that much about it really. no... I do like to read/learn about it sometimes in other crits and can see its benefit. I figure beyond the obvious glaring technical items one should clear up before submitting, an editor will find the lit-major final flags for crystallization. I believe a great deal can be gained from self-examination, from learning about the sources/inspirations for various aspects so I ask questions relating to that. The most interesting crits to me are ones that give/focus on the readers subjective responses - what they experienced - so that's where I dwell. I'm also here to benefit myself and do what I often can't with authors I read...ask personal questions about who/what/why. Of course...I'm not doing a dissertation on your work. heh. Especially when I don't have the time to read the fulls in the way they deserve. Please forgive the limited views and use what I offer in that light. I try to be as honest as I can without being hurtful...sometimes I'm more successful than others.

I'm immediately wondering what started you writing this book. Too much time with porn heh. A bad breakup? heh.

Do monkey's really not kill their own kind...sorry...I know, not the point.

I'm enjoying this opening and am not one that believes there are hard-set rules...so it probably doesnt matter but part of me questions all the oration at the beginning, and the occasional excessive use of simile...even though I like almost every one you employ.
Yes, the twisted psych view of the twisted individuals he's commenting on is well done.
Wonder how the research for this...erm...affected you heh.
I had a similar question with Rena... but knowing you have at least one little girl like I do...any concern over what they'll think of you and your work later on?
Also wonder what you think about over-population studies heh.
Okay so by the end of the gospel I'm wondering if it isn't just slightly on the longish side. it's good and I'm reading online and at work so possibly take that into consideration.
Was the gospel in place when I first read? is it a new addition?

Ugh, chapter 2 is making me feel a little queasy. It's all the senses you engage. I don't want to think about the stink of an old much loved stuffed animal or connect with the misery of it's disposal = well-done.

At the end I have Peter Gabriel's Shock the Monkey in my head.There's a monkey on her back. I suppose stuffed turtle wouldn't work as well.

I've never read any of Harris's work...only seen a couple of the movies. are you a fan of either? Or the Dexter TV series. We started it but haven't gone back yet. Too many fun series to catch up on.

Froot Loops stands out - a little on the too obvious side for me and his...tastes...I don't know. I suppose its fine. Actaully it probably is...to go with the cartoony/humor-symbolism. it just made me pause. funny he's concerned with fashion.
I like that he's more casual and that not everything is OCD calculated with him as seems more typical for SK's.
Oh damn...did the saw really have to be rusty...heheh.
Part of me has to be honest - even if I'm enjoying it - this scene feels a bit like I've seen it before. I like the brush creation aspect though. might be that there are certain necessary scenes for these types of tales.
30? For some reason I was seeing him as older. I wonder what the typical age is for SK's.
I like the origin story...or the part you share. Do you have tattoos?
I sort of wish the drop cloth angel term wasn't used and instead alluded to.(?)
still wonder about the use of Fruit loops as being too heavy handed but again...probably not a big issue.
Clog dancing joike might have fallen a little flat?
The whole set up of their relationship and business is good...I'm already wondering if later the Dr turns on Zane or if its vice-versa.
heh, ghost of AR's career...good.
Eat around the bad parts...very nice... I wonder why you went with chance for his choice making?
I'm not connected to Zane enough to know why he acts as he does...possibly I should be by now? Maybe I missed it and chance/life's random ways = the god's showing him the way to the angels?
pack of Alzheimer's striken mares...nice.
A really solid chapter 4.I wonder if every chapter will have another "oh jesus" aspect.

hey nice...he's got neurosyphilis. Now I'm trying to recall if he's exhibited any other symptoms beyond the pupil / seizure business. really would be interested in hearing if research into other SK's brought you to that or what if not.
I wonder when he first contracted syphilis...do you share that?

Might be a little too much time developing the sister relationship? Could be that I had enough about her Mother problems and nothing really attracted me to their interactions (even though I found it all believable)
I'm wishing I could get a little more painting action! heh no really, when he brings up the Gideon/show again...I started thinking...what, no painting descriptions/scenes yet? I suppose it might slow things down to include it and possibly you get to it later. Might be a way to get inside his personality more...flesh him out more so than you have?
Just thinking out loud here...sorry.
The little girl was good for me feeling sympathy/compassion for Zane...I wish there was something here that tied me to his youth and revealed an anger for his parents etc. again, its your story...but I'm not sure I want to side with Zane...possibly its necessary later on so ignore my questioning if so. possibly you'll have the doctor being an even greater villain and we need to build up a slight sympathy for Zane in order for the doctor to take first place.
Gotta stop here for the day.
But I'll say I thought it all felt...accessible/professional. I wonder how much you've tried to shop it to agents? I wonder if this isn't a better candidate for self-publication and I don't mean that as a negative. I'm just thinking of the success Jake Barton/Jared found with his Selfpubbed work. I think this could do really well in any case.
Best,
-=Bradley












bunderful wrote 115 days ago

My reactions after chapter one:

The HC editor is off his/her rocker. When you find a writer with this much obvious talent you have to be insane not to sign them. Your voice shines through so incredibly clearly - I find myself listening to and believing everything he tells me - nodding my head in something like a meditative trance - feeling like I might become one of his victims at any point in time but I'm okay with that because he has my attention and I am rapt.

The negs so far? I think that you repeat yourself a little bit here - and even if that is stylistic - the prose could be tightened. You have to trust your readers - if the narrator says he's in it for the money once - we don't need to hear it again. We'll remember. There were a few things like this. And I think there are some sections that while the exposition is carefully wrought and intelligent and may serve a purpose in your head - they are not necessary to the text itself and the actual text might be made stronger and/or clearer and/or more powerful without them. I can mark these and send them to you if you'd like.

It could be you have a newer version and that the text has been tightened up since this was posted etc. but for now this is my reaction and I wanted to post it here. Going back to read more.

- Rena (Bunderful)

S.Ramsay wrote 170 days ago

I'm both blown away and green with envy, your skill and wit are truly awesome. What an amazing book, by far the best I've read on the site so far. If, one day in the distant future, I can write a fraction as well as this, I'll die happy.

Kim W. wrote 248 days ago

Hi. I found you in a thread and like the way you handle yourself, so I thought I'd take a look at your book. I just noticed that it's already made it to the editor's desk, so I don't think there's much I can do, but I'm going to read it, primarily because of your tags. Right up my alley.

I had to write you first, though, because I've never EVER found anyone else who digs Chuck Palahniuk's book, "Invisible Monsters." You, sir, have extraordinary taste in literature:)

I look forward to reading your book,

Kim

(if you find the time, I'd appreciate your feedback on mine, as well)

billysunday wrote 356 days ago

I can see why you are medalled. This is brilliant. I would buy this in a heartbeat. Are you published? You are so good at imagery. The shed scene is creepy, terrifying, and addicting to read. 6 stars, not that it matters and let me know where to buy the book.

Rhonda9080 wrote 361 days ago

Just had a peek, so I'll be back. I'm a big thriller/crime fan, so this is my type of book. Good luck with the query process. Yes - its hell, but from what I see here, I believe its will be time well spent for this promising author.

Hi,Really very impressive work. i am very much impressed the way you narrated the story.
All the best.
backed with wishes,
S.Vinay kumar,
"10 roses for love"

DG Online wrote 382 days ago

This story is almost in every word brilliant. It's unique and original. The first chapter is off putting and will affect an audience though. Many can handle gore, but this comes off as a novel that is strictly through the eyes of a serial killer, which kills the spontaneity through the current system of sampling. In seconds these days people choose what they want to read and write, you have to start off with something that connects first. Zane's offhand humor and casualty through the situations in the first chapter made us think twice about continuing. However, once we moved into chapter two we began to get a real feel for this story.

Zoe is not a typical character someone would choose as a main character, clearly she isn't fixed with perfect values that the audience can relate to, but she doesn't come off completely hated. Instead it's a love/hate relationship. We can already see by the end of this book she would have been a character the audience rooted for.

Monkey? We don't even know what to say about this creature. Bringing a childhood innocent object into a foul-mouthed uncaring entity that is the imaginary friend of Zoe is unique, but the way he is presented, and seems to be in fact guiding her leads the audience to wonder, is this creature imaginary or is it something else?

Zoe's sister was more typical, however you shared enough of her personally that when her moment is over the audience can't help but feel for the situation. The audience is now ready to hear the next part and it ends upon Authonomy. What happens next? It's a harsh ending because we truly want to know.

We do enjoy having Zane's POV though, it enhances the story similar to something of Silence of the Lambs, where you don't feel for the character, but you get a greater understanding of who this being is.

We know you'll have much success with this novel, and wish you all the luck in your publishing adventures.

DG Publishing

eurodan49 wrote 398 days ago

Happy New Year. Horror is not my forte but I browsed through your book and have enjoyed it enough to back it. My days are hectic and don’t have lots if time. If you would like a specific comment, send me a request and I’ll do my best.
Could you please take a look at mine?
Dan

Bob Jones wrote 427 days ago

Hi Gerald,

I've only had time for the first chapter. I'm duly impressed with the depth and flow of your writing. You draw the reader in immediately and hold them there. Disturbing and memorable, if horror readers crave a trip into the mind of a twisted serial killer they'll find it in Dropcloth Angles. Well done.

Bob Jones
TakeAway

JJ Palooka wrote 429 days ago

Thanks for looking at TAGGERS.

I don't have much to say about Dropcloth Angels that hasn't already been said. It's excellent, of course -- that much is certain, but you don't need me to tell you that.

I don't personally agree with the Harper Collins review, except for the good parts. I don't think HC really understands the market right now -- at least not the global market -- and judging by their list of recent publications this isn't going out on a limb.

I've always wanted to write a book like DcA, but could never find the right balance. I found myself identifying with Zane in certain situations, so I don't think finding common ground is a problem, let alone mainstream appeal.

This book is great. The writing is top-notch. Harper Collins is out of touch.

=Brandt=
TAGGERS

Shakespeare's Talking Head wrote 435 days ago

I'd like to send out an extra special thank you to my reviewer for their review of DcA. I found their lack of negative remarks to be very promising indeed. I'll work toward making this as commercial as I can.

Steve.Tee wrote 440 days ago

Having just read your au professional(?) review I can do naught else but offer you my condolences.
Truth told, I expected nothing less from them.
Let’s face it, if your work cannot make an impact on the desk then what hope is there for anyone here foolish enough as to pin their hopes on HC?
Keep writing,
Steve.

WiSpY wrote 441 days ago

Oh wow - HC didn't snap this up!? That's a surprise. Congratulations on making the desk. I would say that at least 411 readers on this site who took the time to comment on your work would disagree with HC on this one. Well done.

HRachelle wrote 448 days ago

Love the hook! I'll have to read this as soon as I have the time. Sounds so interseting!!

GraceDivine wrote 455 days ago

The first chapter gripped me, the second chapter didn't. which is a shame The monkey was an annoying distraction at first but I can see that it's an important mechanism to demonstrate Zoe's drug usage. I'm an avid reader of this genre and I think Zane rivals any psycho ever written about by the greats.

Hope you don't mind honest critisism. Bear in mind that my only qualification is that I devour books daily - so take it however you will.

This is a book I would buy and I intend to keep reading it.

Well done, you shouldn't have any difficulty getting published.

litlush wrote 461 days ago

pure passion in the beginning and then it began to sound like a creeps weekly article in the "Bloody Times." so many questions. i cant tell whether ur writin about the klller or if you are the killer telling his story.

nenno wrote 465 days ago

Hey Gerald pleasure to out this up again, my favorite sick puppy :) Have you tried Querytraker yet? Gotta deal? Hmm?? Huh?? Would love to see their review... Four Better Four Worse.

hellsbelles wrote 469 days ago

Congrats G.

ccb1 wrote 469 days ago

Editor’s Desk! Congratulations.
CC Brown
Dark Side

bigpetey wrote 469 days ago

Congrats on your selection. I hope things work out for you!
Petey

Becca wrote 469 days ago

Gerry--Just read your new version of chapter 1. I didn't think you could make it any better, but you did! I had those two tiny suggestions that I messaged you offline--if any editor is as picky as me, then they'll find working with you a delight. (especially since two nit picks for a whole chapter is noting, and is likely just a preference thing and not an actual problem).

xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

carole austin wrote 469 days ago

This is fantastic. I cannot understand why it is not already in a bookshop, I would certainly buy it. Backed without hesitation. Read mine if you have time?

William Holt wrote 470 days ago

Having read the entire manuscript (since Gerry was kind enough to send me the remaining chapters), I can now say unequivocally that the suspense and the abundant humor of this remarkable book never let up. From the ultragruesome details of Zane's murderous escapades to the absurd spectacle of an aged Chinese criminal learning to drive a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle while wearing unwieldy clown shoes, this is the sort of horror-comedy that for some readers may evoke memories of A Clockwork Orange (though without the challenging blend of languages requiring a glossary in the back) or Slaughterhouse Five (without the implied political commentary).

One might say that it's a book with something to scare and something to delight just about anyone. The scariness and the humor work together so seamlessly that there is, for me at least, no feeling of discord.

Guy de Maupassant told lots of stories about prostitutes with hearts of gold ("Boule de Suif", etc.--so many that the character type became hackneyed from overuse). Zoe Beaupre has a heart of somewhat tarnished silver, and we can believe in both her professional cynicism and her sweetness, which somehow do not contradict each other. She's a memorable creation, full of toughness and tenderness that avoid the stereotype, and the reader may well find her easy to identify with.

I shelved this long ago, and need not do so again, since it is obviously about to win the coveted gold star.

Bill

OddGirl wrote 470 days ago

So, I came to this site to find new books and picked this and four others. Two of them were amazing and this is one of them.
Yes, Zane is 100% fxxked up, but I like him! He is a genius creation and he leaps off the page in full bloody technicolor.
I see that you have reached the desk. Congratulations. Next is to set Zane loose on the bookstores of the world...

Backed.
Odd.

Tracy McCarthy wrote 470 days ago

Hi Gerry,

I read this almost 6 months ago and decided to take another look with massacred eyes. I'm not going to stroke b/c you're close to review. Instead, I have some thoughts (to take or leave, obviously).

Open the book with what is your first scene change: "Annie?" - ending with getting coffee. Very strong opener/hook.

Then scene change to: 'She'd been standing by the side of the road...' delete all prior. I would cut out that the meeting was cliche. It makes seasoned readers think you couldn't do better. There's too much info about Gideon. He's not interesting yet, we don't know him or care. Much less would pique interest and not slow down the pacing. I'd cut out both paragraphs: 'Any idiot with a knife could kill..' and 'The difference between Zane and the riff-raff..'

That's my take on chapter one. I love the humorous touches in this. Loved how you ended it with 'whistle while he worked.'

Sorry if I offended you with my crit. You know I wish you only the best.

xx,
Tracy

Droopy_McCool wrote 470 days ago

This is a real page turner. The first chapter reminded me of the song 'Polly' by Nirvana, especially the line about letting the girl escape because a hunt would be fun.

Good luck in getting on the editors desk.

Dick Wells

KJKron wrote 470 days ago

Read this over at slushpilereader.com and glad to see that it's doing so well over here. Original and entertaining. Best of luck.

cicuta wrote 471 days ago

Dear Gerry, you have had enough of the gushing, of how good you work is, but now its my turn. You, could have only created a man like Zane, from that Zindabad, mind of yours. I hope for your kids sake, just like mine. That we don't meet at the edge, to embark upon the extinction of our morals. But seriously. If King, or Koontz, and even Herbet! are watching. Then maybe, you'll get them writing something decent again. I'm not wishing you luck for the future, because its already here. Grab it and gorge, on every podium, because it won't be long before they piss on you again. Take care, and until we meet again. Cicuta, [Carl, Arcane].

ExpatMaddie wrote 471 days ago

Gerry:
I'm not squeamish and I can recognize talent. This is a great book and deserves a gold star and a publishing contract. Come on authonomites who care about the quality of the material on the ED. Keep "Dropcloth Angels" on the desk. Do it again if you have backed in the past! Put Gerry on your shelf and show support. The clock is ticking.

Best of Luck,
love
Madisonxx

Jessica L Degarmo wrote 471 days ago

Gross. Gruesome. Yucky. Macabre. And still freaking fantastic. Like holy cow, totally amazing freaking awesome fantastic.

And what does Oprah know anyway?

jsosniak wrote 471 days ago

I "heard" all the buzz about how DA shot up to number three and I decided to give it a try. This wasn't, however, the first time I'd heard about you or your book. You have a great sense of humor in the forums and you seem to have a lot of friends, but I had heard DA probably wasn't for me. I'm a baby when it comes to horror. My husband tries, in vain, to get me to watch slasher films with him and I won't. I can't. I just can't do it. Tonight I decided that the whole point of authonomy is to support other aspiring authors and learn from each other. I put myself in your shoes. I wouldn't want others to shy away from my book if I so close to the ED. I would hope they would help push me up if I deserved it. On the flip side, I don't want to back anything unless I've read it, so I gritted my teeth and "ripped it off like a band aid". I did it! I read chapter one. I'm still alive. I won't be able to sleep tonight, but I finished it. You are so talented. I can't believe I might actually read further. I'm definitely going to share with my husband. How in the heck did you get me to actually feel something for Zane? I'm not worthy. I don't know how much good my little backing will do, but you have it. You have a very disturbed mind, but I'm going to back you. After that, I'm going to pray for your wife! Lol Best of luck to you. ;)

Elysian wrote 471 days ago

While the numberless hordes below have already said all that should be said about the brilliance of your truly unique vision, it would be remiss of me not to add my own voice to that chorus. Rest assured, if I knew a publisher personally, I would visit upon them the most exquisite of torments for not having you in their employ.
Most importantly, this is one of the very few things in this world which has actually shocked me in quite a number of years. As a sci-fi author I trade in the destruction of whole worlds; you have managed to overshadow such excess with a mere saber-saw. Backed delightedly.

AnnaSlade wrote 471 days ago

A nightmare scenario, cleverly drawn and seasoned with enough black humour to grab attention. Not usually my type of book but I imagine there will be a big audience out there. Good luck with it.

Sandrine wrote 471 days ago

I have a sneaking feeling I haven't put this on my shelf yet, so that's a wrong righted. Having had the Hannibal Lecter novels as my specialist subject on Mastermind (no, really - Heinemann even sent me a copy of Hannibal Rising for gratis when I told them I was going on) I love a dark, Renaissance killer. I tried to write one once as well, and it was a disaster. Which this isn't. It's cracking stuff. Which goes without saying. So the niggles - first mention of Dr Gideon you have a repeated needed that's clumsy. And "gift horse" in ch 1 - sounds like a really minor niggle but it's something you need to watch. Black humour's great, and there's nothing like a sardonic serial killer, but conveying artistry and intelligence at the same time is very difficult, and you need to steer well clear of that kind of everyday phraseology.

Have you done much research into modern day cannibalism? My WIP features a live donor club (I'm looking at the fluidity of objectification, and whether/when donor or recipient is user/used), and I've spoken to nurses about the exactitudes of taking muscle biopsies that will heal nicely, but I'm particularly concerned to get details right about the actual eating. Hmm, I guess we've said hi in the forums enough for you not to think I'm a total whacko :) Anyway, if you have done research I'd love to pick your brains. Thx :)

JoeTheAuthor wrote 471 days ago

The only word to describe this is "chilling." I can just see this up on the big screen, in throbbing 3-D, right along with "Saw IV." Great stuff!

Buffy Summers wrote 472 days ago

I've never read horror before, but this book is one of the best I've read in a long time.

Frank James wrote 476 days ago

Gerald D.Johnston (Dropcloth Angels0

Well Gerald I hardly think you need little old me to tell you this is a brilliant piece of work. It really is exceptional and all I will say is, I'm BACKING Dropcloth Angels and I have a place on my bookcase forit, now. Good luck for the future.

Frank James (The Contractor)

Jedda wrote 476 days ago

Too violent for my tastes but I can appreciate the writing. I only got as far as the end of chapter one and I knew that your writing was too gruesomely descriptive for me. However I recognise that there are many who enjoy this genre and am backing it for the quality of the writing. Regards, Anne

Becca wrote 477 days ago

When are you posting more chapters?

Lovecraft wrote 480 days ago

I'll be commenting as I go. The first chapter set a wonderful backdrop for your villain. Well done with that. Not much to say on 1; it's been said many times by others here. I'll be back for each chapter in turn.
Lovecraft
Beelzebong

authojoe wrote 480 days ago

This is brilliant--uncomfortable and involving, while scaring a guilty laugh out of me. You've taken something disturbing and turned it into an tale. Besides obviously being well written, it has so much more to it. Your characters have many layers to them and it's interesting to read how they develop as the plot takes Zoe further into her own personal rabbit hole. I read 15 chapters and was blown away. I agree with a lot of people on this site when I say you've got one of the best books I've come across on here. Not much else I can really say.

Best
J

Shakespeare's Talking Head wrote 480 days ago

Please excuse any lack of edits mentioned on any of the later chapters. I don't entirely trust the upload page.
Thanks.

wespollet wrote 480 days ago

Hi gerald, WELL DONE!!! Need I say more. Its a real page turner at least for me and I BACK the book. Harold Alvin(ICON)Wesley

Gary Wedlund wrote 481 days ago

Nicely deranged, which is the point in horror. I was very busy reading it. Nicely paced and starts off quick. This certainly deserves its high rating. I recommend it. Back mine, if you get a chance, Satan's Daughter Goes to Pittsburgh. I'm backing this, for sure.

akemidawn wrote 482 days ago

Hello! I have to admit at the start I didn't think this is the type of book I would enjoy. I avoid anything remotely 'horror,' as I tend to get squeamish. This, however, proved to be an exception. Dropcloth Angels is well-written and captured my attentions immediately. I didn't have to keep myself from skimming because I wanted to read every word. I was vaguely reminded of Perfume and Sweeney Todd in only the best ways possible, and I am convinced the first chapter is only a small taste of what is to come. I will definitely be back to read more. Well done, you should be very proud of yourself and I look forward to seeing you published!

Akemi Maruyama
The Black Diamond

marywood18 wrote 483 days ago

Great, edge of the seat stuff, well done and good luck. I see you are near to the eds desk, hope when you land you stay there, this deserves to. Best wishes, Mary, An Unbreakable Bond.

Green H wrote 483 days ago

Shit what a read. To put yourself in the mind of a serial killer must be so difficuilt and yet you nailed it. WOW such art. This book is definately going places. Well done

SPW wrote 485 days ago

There is nothing that I can say that hasn't already been said, so I will keep this simple.....
Bloody awesome.

Backed.
Simon,
Yuko Zen is Somewhere Else.