Review: Doppelganger by Byron Starr

Graveside Tales, 2010
ISBN: 9780980133868
Available: Trade paperback and multi-format digital

James Taylor is a small town Texas man with a painfully normal life, except for the visions. Even those are something he’s become accustomed to, until he starts slipping into the mind of a dangerous predatory beast hulking through the woods near the town. His unique perspective puts him in a position to hunt down this dangerous foe, with or without the cops’ help.

While it doesn’t cover much different territory than your average horror-monster novel, Doppelganger easily sates the “dark-thing-in-the-night” hunger of horror fans. The pace clips along nicely, and James is a clear good guy who wants the best for his wife, friends and neighbors and is willing to put himself in danger to help others. The character building is somewhat thin, with most of James’ friends, and even his wife not really breaking out of the role they play (the pregnant, dutiful wife who must be saved, the best friend who is well meaning but goes too far in joking, the Andy Griffith sheriff, etc). It’s an enjoyable read, recommended for collections with insatiable monster-horror fans.

Contains: Violence, language, some gore

Reviewed by Michele Lee