Futile Efforts

"In this disturbing, often grotesque and ultimately mesmerizing collection, Piccirilli reprints 17 stories and 45 poems. Although the star-studded introductions are a nice bonus, Piccirilli's stories are the selling point, and all are standouts. `An Average Insanity, a Common Agony' is an emotionally devastating tale of a man trying to do the right thing for the sake of an innocent creature. `Alchemy tells the story of five emotionally stunted people whose discovery of a dead body lets them visit their own dark places (`They weren't frightened |by the sight of the corpsel. None of us were. It broke up the monotony'). `With an Ear for My Father's Weeping' manages to be both touching and hysterical. Piccirilli's unique mix of gore, violence and a literate style bordering on the lyrical help make this collection one that horror fans will relish." ---Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Futile Efforts features nearly 500 pages of Tom Piccirilli's unique blend of intense and provocative writing. In addition, the four-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award invited a group of guest contributors that reads like a "who's who in horror" to write smart and insightful introductions for every piece in this outstanding collection. These authors include Jack Ketchum, Edward Lee, Thomas Monteleone, Gerard Houarner, Ray Garton, Brian Keene, Christopher Golden, Simon Clark, Ed Gorman, James Moore, and many others.

Leading off with the controversial novella Fuckin' Lie Down Already and concluding with 45 of the author's most acclaimed poems, Futile Efforts is an incredible collection of horror and suspense. Whether you're experiencing Piccirillis compelling writing for the first time, or you're a longtime fan and collector, this is a must-have addition to your bookshelf.

Available only as an exclusive signed Limited Edition from Cemetery Dance Publications, this special edition is sure to top many reviewer and reader lists this year!