If you are a fan of classic horror films, you know the name William Castle. This is the man who brought us such classic films as 13 Ghosts, The Tingler, The House on Haunted Hill, Mr. Sardonicus, and many others. Castle was not just a film director, though. He was a showman in the tradition of P.T. Barnum, or Harry Houdini. He wanted his movies to be a fun experience for the fans, so he had a promotional gimmick to go with most of his movies. A buzzer attached to select theater seats for The Tingler to buzz some butts, a "Ghost Viewer" for 13 Ghosts, a "Punishment Poll" for Mr. Sardonicus. The list goes on. What set Castle apart from other film makers of his time is that he truly loved the audience, and wanted them to enjoy his movies.
Sadly, Bill Castle left this world in 1977, and the fans were greatly aggrieved. But, I was overjoyed when, a little over a year ago, I got a friend request for William Castle on Facebook. How shocking but thrilling! Of course, I accepted, and have been entertained for over a year now by Bill. Not only is he back from the grave, but ready to scare the pants off of us again, too! Just released in limited edition is a new novel by Bill called From The Grave: The Prayer. You folks are gonna love this one.
The story here is all Bill's. He tells us first person of how he returned from the grave, and what happened as soon as he did. He finds himself having to learn to deal with being a ghost and how to use his new found powers, while being caught up in a horrifying series of events that center on him, and his house in Gordes, France. Bill finds himself drawn into the lives of four young kids and must use his powers to protect them and help them stop the possible end of the world.
Edgar Good, an American teen whose abusive parents have moved him to France, soon finds himself meeting up with another American, Aleck Lambert, an orphan who has been sent to France to live with his aunt & uncle. Aleck has found an old humidor of Castle's which contain the key & deed to Castle's home in Gordes, and finds his way to to the house. Edgar finds himself drawn to the house through drawings he has done of a tree. There is evil attached to the humidor, though, and this imperils both Aleck & Edgar, not to mention their friends and family. Finally, the pair meet up with Gypsy brother and sister, Sarah & Luca Tsura. The group bonds quickly, and with Castle's help from beyond the grave, find themselves in a race against time & evil forces who want to rule the world.
This novel is true William Castle material, and I would love to see this become a movie. As the novel is Bill's story, told by him, his voice echoes in my mind while reading it, and gives me the feeling he is standing there watching me while I read. I more than once thought I smelled a whiff of smoke from one of his trademark Don Diego #5 cigars as I read page after page. The story is a blending of H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King (or maybe Clive Barker), and Dan Brown. Ghosts, secret societies, Gypsies, saints, and so much more are blended into a fine cocktail of terror that will leave the reader a little giddy when done reading it, but ready for more. The characterizations are deep, with us understanding both Castle and the kids easily. You find yourself drawn into this story easily, and really caring about Bill & the kids as their tale draws you along it's path. As Bill himself might say, "Come on kids! Let me give you some thrills , chills, laughs, and let me scare the pants off of ya!" You won't regret accepting that invitation.
Photos are from www.williamcastle.com
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