The Sci-Fi Guys have posted a review of my short story collection from Graveside Tales Books:

“8.5 out of 10…I’ve read this collection five times in the last three months, and each time I’ve finished the book I’ve found myself stunned…a few collections have stunned me in the past, but every collection pales in comparison to Michael West’s Skull Full of Kisses…disturbingly brilliant!”

You can read the full review here.

I will be a guest at Context 23 in Columbus, OH August 27-29.

The Doubletree Hotel
175 Hutchinson
Columbus, OH, 43235
Reservations Phone: 614-885-3334 or 1-800-222-8733

Here is my schedule:

Panel name: Stupid Villains, Smart Villains
Time: Friday 10:00 pm
Room: Short North
Copanelists: Sandridge, Wyatt, Bickle, and Shrewsbury

Mass Autograph Session
Time: Sat 11:30 am – Sat 1:00 pm
Room: Cedar

Panel name: Awards, Nominations, And Publicity, Oh My! Make It Work For You
Times: Sat 7:00 pm – Sat 8:30 pm
Room: German Village
Copanelists: Sanford, Knost, Sinclair, and Ritchey

Panel name: Christian Horror
Times: Sat 8:30 pm – Sat 10:00 pm
Room: German Village
Copanelists: Gordon, Pendergrass, and Sandridge

Panel name: Repsonse To Rejection: A Writers Response
Times: Sun 1:00 pm – Sat 2:30 pm
Room: Short North
Copanelists: Sandridge, Laurey, Lucia, Monroe, Martino, and Coley

For a full schedule of Panels and Programming, click here.

I will be at my table between panels, so please stop by, say hello, and get signed copies of Skull Full of Kisses, Legends of the Mountain State 3, and other works. I will also have T-shirts and Mugs available while supplies last.

Hope to see all you faithful readers there!

Stephen Zimmer, of Seventh Star Press, has posted a very favorable of review of my short story collection, Skull Full of Kisses.  Here is an excerpt:

“Skull Full of Kisses is testimony to the presence of a very imaginative and skilled writer, one who is well underway on what promises to be a very outstanding career.”

Read the full review, and an interview with me, here!

My short story collection, Skull Full of Kisses, is now available as an Ebook via Smashwords.     For the low cost of $2.99,  you can download the complete work to your Kindle, Sony Reader, or computer and bring the nightmares with you whereever you may go!

If you don’t have an electronic reader, however, and you just love the feel of an actual book in your hands, fear not!  You can still find the traditional prin copy here for $12.95.

Gregory L. Hall (The Funky Werepig) just posted a favorable review for Skull Full of Kisses on his Choate Road website.

“Michael West is a horror writer.  If you are a fan of the genre, you’ll be happy he has shared this with us.”

Click here to read the full review!

Shroud posted a glowing review of Skull Full of Kisses on their blog.  The review will also appear in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

“Skull Full Of Kisses is a unique, diverse and powerful collection of bone-chilling horror. The old saying, ‘love knows no bounds’ is well exemplified here. From random acts of kindness, to utter madness, West shows us that even love – the most innocent emotion we posses – is often the impetus for these and other ghastly acts…West’s seamless prose, coupled with his unique and powerful voice gives us multi-layered tales rarely seen in horror fiction. Most importantly, and what truly makes this collection a breath of fresh air, is how West peppers each story with his uncanny ability to weave readers directly into his fiction. Skull Full Of Kisses cements West’s status as a rare and formidable storyteller whose work should not be approached lightly.”

Read the entire review here!

Dark Scribe Magazine just posted a review of Skull today.   

“West displays a strong knowledge of the genre and its readers and also a level of skill that reflects reliability in forming tales, fleshing out characters and setting a tone that brings good tales to life. Midline horror for those looking for something good, and entertaining, but not too experimental as to lose audience interest, West’s collection delivers a spectacular assortment of cultures, themes, and settings sure to keep readers engaged and up at night.”

You can read the whole review here!

Horror-Web just posted a review of the collection today.    

****= 4 Stars
“In the introduction to *Skull Full Of Kisses*, Gary Braunbeck says, “Michael West loves being a horror writer, is in fact proud to call himself one.”  Braunbeck is right, and when you love what you’re doing, it shows.  As I turned the pages of this nifty collection, I couldn’t help thinking about how much fun West must have had writing these stories.  Because I was having a blast reading them.

It took me back to my teenage years, those Golden Days of horror, back when you could use the word “tales” and nobody laughed.  Classic tales (don’t you dare) of monsters and ghosts – nothing deconstructed, no post modern meanderings – just good old scary stories.  The kind you remember when you’re walking down a dark street or driving over an old covered bridge.  The kind that make you look over your shoulder, even though you know it’s idiotic.  Nothing’s there, right?  Right…. ”

You can read the whole review here!