Scott Donnelly, a prolific author with nearly 50 titles under his belt and the creative mind behind the Micro Terrors podcast, has once again delivered a lively, entertaining mix of horror and sci-fi with his upcoming monster mystery novel, “A Monster in a Diner.” Drawing inspiration from the classic Twilight Zone episode “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?”, Donnelly skillfully adapts the premise to a more modern and gory sensibility, creating a thrilling page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The story unfolds with an explosion in the sky, mysterious tracks in the snow, and an unexplained customer in the diner, setting the stage for a gripping mystery. The tension builds as a diverse cast of characters, including a private eye, a high school homecoming queen, and a short-order cook, grapple with the inexplicable events. Fans of the Twilight Zone will find familiar echoes in these characters, adding a nostalgic touch to the narrative.
Donnelly’s writing is both engaging and vivid, creating a world that seamlessly blends the mundane with the mysterious and the horrifying. The author doesn’t shy away from the visceral, delivering moments of bloodshed with unapologetic intensity. It’s this willingness to delve into the darker aspects of the narrative that adds a layer of authenticity to the novel, making it a standout in the genre.
One notable aspect that ensures the sequel’s anticipation is the compelling greater world implied by the investigators. As the characters dig deeper into the mystery, questions about Earth’s place in the cosmos emerge, promising a sequel in the Zone of Terror series that could explore these intriguing possibilities. Donnelly leaves readers craving more, eager to uncover the secrets lurking beyond the confines of the diner.
However, amidst the praise, there is a bone of contention worth noting. In a novel spanning 150 pages and set entirely in a diner, the mention of breakfast dishes is surprisingly sparse. The lone breakfast mention—a peculiar choice of Texas toast with cheese melted on hashbrowns—leaves something to be desired. Here at the Reality Register, we argue that this deranged choice does a disservice to the crispy allure of hashbrowns, and the inclusion of Texas toast, which is not any better than regular toast, stands out as an odd choice in an otherwise excellent work.
“A Monster in a Diner” is a must-read for fans of mystery and horror, seamlessly blending the classic inspiration with a modern and gore-infused twist. Scott Donnelly’s masterful storytelling, coupled with a diverse cast and a tantalizingly mysterious plot, ensures that this novel is not only a thrilling standalone but also paves the way for an eagerly anticipated sequel. Despite a questionable breakfast choice, the novel’s overall brilliance overshadows this minor flaw, leaving readers hungry for more of Donnelly’s monstrous mysteries.
“A Monster in a Diner” will be available February 16th but can be preordered now.
Stan Dirkson
