#AudioReview: Swamp Monster Massacre by Hunter Shea - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: Swamp Monster Massacre
Author: Hunter Shea
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Narrated by: Michael Ray Davis
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Format: Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Audio Realms Publishing Company
Audible.com Release Date: December 13, 2013
Whispersync for Voice: Ready
Language: English
ASIN: B00HAATK2C
Source: Won in Contest
Reviewer: Linda
Rating: 4/5

The swamp belongs to them. Humans are only prey.

Deep in the overgrown swamps of Florida, where humans rarely dare to enter, lives a race of creatures long thought to be only the stuff of legend. They walk upright but are stronger, taller and more brutal than any man. And when a small boat of tourists, held captive by a fleeing criminal, accidentally kills one of the swamp dwellers’ young, the creatures are filled with a terrifyingly human emotion—a merciless lust for vengeance that will paint the trees red with blood.

Thoughts:
"Getting out of tight jams was his specialty."

SWAMP MONSTER MASSACRE by Hunter Shea and narrated by Michael Ray Davis was a horror treat!  I did not know what to expect when I started it but, after the first fifteen minutes, I was hooked.  I enjoy a good horror story now and then and this one was pretty epic with a plethora of monsters, gore, and fast-paced action.  With Halloween coming up, this is the season to be scared.  :-)))

As the story opens, we are introduced to Rooster, a common criminal who was quite talented at courting serious trouble.  While stealing money and guns from a drug lord, he accidentally kills him.  Caught in the act by the drug lord's cartel, he escapes their pursuit by hijacking a boatload of innocent tourists scheduled to tour the Everglades.   When the tourists attempt to re-take control of the boat, events go from bad to worse.  Shipwrecked in the Everglades, Rooster and the tourists soon found out that they were not alone.  Alligators and snakes were the least of their problems.    Teeming with intrigue and suspense, the story kept me on the edge of my seat, dreading what would happen next,  yet not able to stop.

The author's word building and character development were first rate.  The author has a very engaging writing style that took me a little bit to become accustomed to, but which I grew to enjoy.  I was in awe by his very entertaining use of colloquialism and colorful language.  He very artfully used the setting in South Florida and specifically, in the Everglades, to intensify the suspense.   He did not hold back in describing the gore from severed limbs to dismemberment.  However, he alternated the terror with humor that had me laughing out loud rendering needed welcome sporadic relief.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes illustrating the author's original and intriguing lingo:  

 "When people did stupid things around him, that was usually the last thing they did."
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"You want to lay yourself out like an appetizer, go ahead."
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"Does it have a bed?" Liz asked doing her best to prop him up.
"A couple of old army cots that probably have more mildew than a politician has bullshit."

Michael Ray Davis, the narrator, was quite good.   His voice was very clear and he effortlessly  captured the essence of the characters.  I could hear the tension, fear and desperation in their voices, perfect for this thriller.  He easily differentiated between most of the characters - a few sounded similar, but, after a few seconds, I was able to pick up who was speaking.  Occasionally, his narration seemed to run-on without a pause, but, after listening for a bit, I became used to it and, that narrating style seemed to fit with the street talk aspect.  I did replay a few sections more than once as I didn't want to miss anything.

This was the first book I've ever read by Hunter Shea.  I would not hesitate to enjoy another when I'm in the mood for a good horror story.   This book could certainly use a sequel.  I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves an exciting, fast paced thriller!