Poisonous

Tommy B Smith delivers a tale of supernatural horror rooted in the aftermath of the Quake of '79. This event unleashes the Living Poison upon St. Charles, a malevolent force seeking a host to facilitate its destructive path. The narrative centers on Lilac Chambers, who becomes an unwilling vessel for this entity. As her physical and mental state deteriorates, she poses a growing threat to those in her vicinity. The story reveals that her transformation is neither accidental nor natural, but part of a larger design. Detective Brandt McCullough and John Sutterfield, the ringmaster of Sutterfield's Circus of the Fantastic, emerge as the primary figures attempting to halt this calamity. McCullough has witnessed the brutality firsthand, while Sutterfield discovers the malignancy festering within his own circus. Their paths converge as they face a power capable of drowning the city in blood and chaos. Smith, known for his work with Black Diamond, constructs a narrative where personal horror intersects with urban catastrophe. The book appeals to readers who enjoy gothic fiction and tales of infectious dread. It may not suit those seeking lighthearted supernatural adventures or purely psychological thrillers without physical stakes. The prose focuses on the escalation of danger within St. Charles. The Living Poison acts as a catalyst for the unraveling of society and individual sanity. Smith uses the setting of the circus and the detective's investigation to ground the fantastical elements in a tangible reality. The narrative does not offer easy resolutions, instead presenting a struggle against an overwhelming force.