Prodigal Blues

By: Gary A. Braunbeck

Narrated by: Eric Dove

From award-winning author Gary A. Braunbeck comes Prodigal Blues, his first foray into non-supernatural horror.

After he finds himself stranded at a truck stop in Missouri, Mark Sieber gets one of the biggest shocks of his life when he recognizes the face of a little girl on a Missing poster as belonging to the same little girl he saw only a few minutes before. Looking around for some sign of her, he comes back to his table in the restaurant to find the little girl sitting there, waiting for him.

"I'm sorry, mister," is all she seems capable of saying.

As the police and media begin to converge on the truck stop, Mark retreats back to his hotel room to call his wife and let her know what's going on, only to be taken hostage by the same people who released the little girl. But his abductors are little more than children themselves.

Ranging in ages from 12 to 19, Mark's abductors are in the process of escaping from a sadistic pedophile known to them only as "Grendel" - a man whose practices include torture and mutilation specifically, mutilation of the face.

Mark's abductors have all been mutilated by Grendel who may be very close behind them and need someone with a "normal face" to help them carry out their plan for justice and returning home.

For the next few days, Mark will come to understand not only the inhuman horror that these children have suffered, but how they eventually learned to fight back and how they discovered that Grendel and his practices are at the center of a very complex network catering to those who tastes run toward the molestation and mutilation of children.

©2006 Gary A. Brunbeck (P)2011 David N. Wilson

Incredible novel with amazing voice acting

I was recommended this book as extreme horror literature, but I think that it would be classified as regular horror as well. The story is beautiful and sad

Not what I expected. In the best way.

The embodiment of “waiting for the other shoe to drop” this keep makes you feel like you know what next the blindsides you.

I want more from Gary B. please.

Would you consider the audio edition of Prodigal Blues to be better than the print version?

Perhaps, but since I did not READ it I cannot compare the two.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Prodigal Blues?

Too many to list, both good and awful.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can not tell you. Spoiler Alert. There were a few however.

Who was the most memorable character of Prodigal Blues and why?

Mark. The conversations with his father, and meeting the "uncle" (he was real good too).

Any additional comments?

This was a unique tale of courage, desperation, ingenuity, love and honor. How can you go wrong when you hit ALL of these marks dead on ~ (pun intended).
It was well read, and moved right along, keeping me hooked all the way through. Any longer would have been a crime. The end was satisfying for me, all things considered, throughout this journey.

A unique story

Wow, this book blew me away. Be warned, it's very dark and violent. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. That being said, it was an amazing read. The character development was my favorite part of this book. I really cared for the characters in this book, and was nervous as to what would happen to them.
The narrator does a good job of creating distinct voices for all the characters.

Dark, but well written and unique

What did you love best about Prodigal Blues?

Very well crafted characters.

What did you like best about this story?

The sort of sing-song chanting voice.

What does Eric Dove bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Engaging voice and breadth of characterization

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's very dark. It makes you think.

Any additional comments?

This is a horror novel. Not for the squeamish.