“With her debut novella, Reynolds pours a mean mix of slasher and western in a gruesome package primed for a bloody and satisfying finish.”
For over a year, Darlene Boone has been tending bar at the famous Teegarden Saloon, a little honky tonk right in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. She’s been trying to piece together something resembling a life after dealing with her abusive ex. But Darlene’s a survivor, and she’s determined to get back on track.
Then an axe-wielding maniac arrives at the Teegarden on one of the busiest nights of the year. Darlene, as well as all the other patrons in the bar, now have to put down their whiskeys and grab the closest weapon they can find to survive the night.
Hell has come to town, and there’s no way to know who is going to make it out alive, including Darlene. But one thing’s for certain no matter what: Texans don’t go down without a fight.
Why we’re excited about this book:
Horror readers probably know Grace R. Reynolds from her poetry collections and editing endeavors, but that’s all about to change. The author of the poetry collections Lady of the House, The Lies We Weave, and Midnight Blue, Reynold’s short fiction has been featured in such publications as Devil’s Rejects: A Horror Anthology for Second Chances, Into the Dread Unknown: Women in Horror Anthology, and Look What You Made Me Do, among others. Reynolds is also the editor of Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and Insane: Nostalgic Terrors (with Wendy Dalrymple). With her debut novella, Reynolds pours a mean mix of slasher and western in a gruesome package primed for a bloody and satisfying finish. Emily Ruth Verona (Midnight on Beacon Street) says: “Drenched in poetic prose and a whole lotta whiskey, Neon Moon is one of the best slashers I’ve read in a while. It’s an absolute thrill ride. Reynolds has crafted a killer that makes Leatherface look like a puppy.”, and Brian McAuley (Breathe in, Bleed Out) says: “The blood flows faster than the whiskey in Neon Moon, a brutal ballad with lively characters who will two-step their way into your heart. Grace R. Reynolds serves up a rootin’-tootin’ hackin’-slashin’ good time.”
Why Grace is excited about the book:
“Neon Moon is my love letter to Texas and the slasher genre. It’s a wild romp through the Texas Hill Country, filled with blood and guts slapped onto a sheet of music for a night at the honky-tonk readers will never forget. Moreover, Neon Moon is a story about friendship, loyalty, and the lengths one would go to protect someone they love.”
Releasing from Dark Matter INK 5 May 2026, Neon Moon by Grace R. Reynolds is available for pre-order now.
BOB PASTORELLA
