MARK PARKER, Author
Writer of Horror, Suspense, Mystery
Author Reviews
BIOLOGY OF BLOOD - Southridge Vampires Part I
"In this short story by Mark Parker, we are introduced to Dray, a college freshman, who is in an advanced biology class taught by Professor Prete, a man who is considered a genius and revered by a group of his faithful followers. The story follows Dray, who wants to discuss something he read in his biology textbook (written by Prete) that has him confused. This is where the story gets really good, and sucks you into the world of the professor and his minions, right along with Dray. Mr. Parker has a very descriptive writing style which pays attention to detail, bringing this story to life in the mind of the reader. I will definitely be watching for more on this story with hopes that it will be continued in a series or serial type saga, and will also be looking for more stories by this author, who I feel is heading for a long career in story telling." Denise Keef, Amazon Customer, Illinois, USA
"I liked this soft-shoe approach to the telling of this story of horror. Parker has sure control of his character and his tale. I can't speak much to the plot or I'd spoil the story, but this is a quick excellent little read you might want to discover on your own. There ARE creatures. Wait for them." Billie Sue Mosiman, Bestselling Author of The Grey Matter (coming Spring 2014).
BANSHEE'S CRY
"Absolutely loved it! Sinister, engaging, mysterious, and shocking in equal parts, this is a story that is sure to stay with you and haunt your dreams long after you have finished reading!"
Adam Greenwood, Amazon Customer, Nottingham, UK
LUCKY YOU - Part I of the 'Lucky" Series
"A few hundred years ago, I worked the door at one of the A-Town's more popular nightspots, a joint called Encore. It was there, I'm pretty sure, where I cemented a nascent and healthy misanthropy, even a dash of misogny, which took me many years, and a tough life worth of lessons, to shed. It's not too difficult to spot remnants of this nihilistic philosophy in my own writing, and it's clear that Mark Parker must have some degree of experience with this realm himself. He has painted an accurate picture of the 'types,' bouncers and the women around them, who populate the fringes of the world of nightclubbing. Parker's lead character, Declan McGilvery, is one such bouncer, for whom mindless, no-strings, afterhours sex is merely a fact of life. Without giving away too much, Declan discovers a new twist that brings much needed novelty to his overtaxed libido. Parker is not afraid of details--not in sex, and not in horror. His prose is perfectly descriptive; not too much or too little. His knack for phrase-turning is enviable; there were plenty of lines that had me nodding in appreciation. Parker's oeuvre contains some vampire and witch tales, to which I now greatly look forward. Lucky You is significantly different from those and other traditional horror tropes--and that's a sign of promise. Lucky You comes 'highly' recommended!" Patrick C. Greene, Author of Progeny.
"I was sucked in by the synopsis of this story, and was intrigued enough to grab a copy. Having never read anything by this writer before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I now find myself looking forward to his new releases. The story held my attention and was pretty original as far as serial killer stories go. It was dark and erotic, although unexpectedly comedic towards the end. I really enjoyed this short story, although I'm not sure that a second installment could do it justice. This was a fantastic insight into the mind of a budding serial killer, and any elaboration on his tale, I feel, would just take the story into the middle-of-the-road area. I love the writer's narrative and his creativity is apparent in his writing. I am eagerly awaiting his new material." Kathy Hudson, Amazon Customer, Hampshire, UK
"Lucky You shows Mark Parker's literary diversity. I like how this isn't just your generic serial killer story (i.e. - strange kid has a bad upbringing, blah blah); we've heard it before. Parker takes a young, red-blooded, all-American guy, seemingly popular with the ladies, with good social skills, and makes him into something he really doesn't want to be, but finds himself enjoying his new-found dark side. I say, keep 'em coming!" Robert Gagnon, Amazon Customer, California, USA
"I'm not sure who was lucky in this book, but man, what a surprise! Marketed as a psychosexual thirller appropriately, this story starts out like an erotica short. I thought it would turn into the man's deep down fear of commitment, or sexual abuse in his past that made him the promiscuous womanizer he is. Then it happened... And parts of him seemed to thoroughly enjoy the accident. Thankfully, he was deeply disturbed by the event, but not enough to go the way of chastity. He jumped right back in the saddle, and it all happened again. Shocked and confused, Declan leaves town swearing off women, until he meets the most unsuspecting next 'victim' and it starts all over. Nothing can keep Declan down. Not a softie, this one. If you feel this review is leaving something out, but you are intrigued, good! Lucky You is a very quick read, so go find out for yourself! Parker masterfully crafts this short story, leaving you to wonder why you bought an 'erotica' story--with a shocking twist like this. It held my attention and left me (shamefully) wanting more. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the second 'installment' of this series. I say, 'Well worth a read...'" Lori Hays, Host of Behind the Words with Lori Hays.
WAY OF THE WITCH - Witch Saga Book I
"Mark Parker has a strong voice and is able to convey a sustained sense of time and place. Read the first portion of the Witch Saga in a single sitting. Similar in feel to Richard Laymon's Traveling Vampire show." J.D. Horn, Bestselling Author of The Line, Witching Savannah Book One
"Mark Parker has written a coming-of-age story about two young boys growing up in a small town, and by the indiscretion of one act, changed the trajectory of the rest of their lives. I loved this tale. The way Parker wrote this, I was immediately transported to another age, another time. I walked the same streets with Justin and Randall and felt the same experiences. This story haunted me long after I finised reading it, and stayed with me throughout the days and nights to follow. Way of the Witch reminded me of Jack Ketchum's novel, The Girl Next Door, for tone and flavor, and for the ability to see the world through the eyes of a young person who witnesses things no one should have to. There is a beauty to this tale, as well as horror, redemption, and grace--as well as terror! And therein lies the brilliance of the writing. You will not be disappointed in this story." Malina Roos' Solstice List rates Parker's Way of the Witch - Witch Saga Book 1 as #1 in Best Short Fiction Category.
"A chilling, semi-supernatural story, but also a tender character piece. Echoes of Stephen King, with a dash of The Excorcist. I will be interested to see where the next installment goes..." Evan Kilgore, Who is Shayla Hacker and The Last March of Nine.
"When reading this book, I imagined myself sitting around a campfire with a cup of tea, listening to an older man tell a story. I could almost hear his voice. Parker brings us this delightful tale with a seasoned storyteller feel. Reminiscing on a childhood prank, Randall always thought the spooky words spoken by the scary recipient of the prank performed at the hands of his friend, were directed at him. As the story unfolds, however, we learn they may have been spoken for his friend. As time passes, his buddy Justin appears to be hanted by the events of tht day in a way Randall was not. I do look forward to seeing how this all unfolkds in the next part of the saga. Beyond the witch, this story tells of the pain and suffering two adolescent boys experience as their parents divorce. It is interesting how Parker crafts this story, relating events to the encounter with the old woman--or witch. I was looking for something, but can't really say what. I feel the saga has great potential as the gaps are filled in, in Book 2. Overall, this was a quick read that kept me interested, and left me wanting more." Lori Hays, Host of Behind the Words with Lori Hays, on the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network.
HALLOWEEN NIGHT
"Writing a short chill isn't easy. Don't be fooled by the zillions of short horrors available in the Indie market; we can all write a tale! Storytelling in quite another thing. Mark Parker can do that, gripping you from the first line to the end, but he's not the kind of author who grabs your hand and holds it during the trip. He wants you to use your head; to think. That's exactly what happens in this little Halloween treat--or is it trick?--where a woman's recurring nightmare becomes real. The ending can befuddle those who like simpler stories where every detail is explained and every twist is clear. Parker's voice and style are similar to that of Robert Blocy, and--like this great Bostonian--he likes to leave you with an open mouth while his own is smirking in the darkness. Some short, but good, entertainment!" Jeffrey Kosh, Author of Dead Men Do Tell Tales.
"Another chilling tale from the rising star of the horror world! This story really did not go where I was expecting, but it left me deeply unsettled, and with several questions I'm not sure I want to have answered. In the past, I have compared Mark Parker's style to Stephen King, but this tale reminded me far mor of Roald Dahl's brillian adult short stories collected in such volumes as Tales of the Unexpected. If you are looking for something genuinely scary that doest follow the typical Halloween horror tropes, then this is the story for you! It is highyl recommended--but read it with the lights on, and NOT just before bed!" Adam Greenwood, Author of Legend, Forever After, and Annalina - The Untold Story of Mrs. Claus.
Author Interviews
COMING SOON . . .