HOUSEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Howdy, partners! Lookin' for some nifty (if not offbeat) Christmas/holiday gifts for friends and family this season?    

Why not treat 'em to my Airship 27/New Pulp (2020) releases?

My most recent, paperback publication is "Mark Justice's the Dead Sheriff, Vol 4: Purity", which chronicles the further (mis)adventures of Sam (aka Cheveyo), journalist Richard O'Malley and their puppeteered, zombie lawman in a tall tale that I carved in the style of "High Plains Drifter", "The Wild Bunch", "Friendly Persuasion" and "Guns for San Sebastian". (The creepy cover is by Michael Youngblood; the spiffy interiors by Rob Davis.) For those who fancy weird westerns, I do declare that "Purity" will hit every arcane spot.

Also available is my contribution to "Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery, Vol 4": "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats". (It's a Kolchak-meets-Moreau kind of deal.) This vivacious volume also features spine-tingling stories by Lance Stahlberg, Dewayne Dowers and Michael Black. (The alluring cover is by Adam Shaw; the stylish interiors by Ed Catto.) The overall blend is devilishly sweet. 

As a dandy companion piece to the Ravenwood edition, Radio Archives offers an audio (CD) book, performed to perfection by Joe Formichella. The set comes in a sturdy, collectible snap-case.  

One can purchase the paperback edition of "Dead Sheriff: Purity" at 

https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Justices-Dead-Sheriff-Purity-ebook/dp/B08NRNMTW6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=michael+housel&qid=1605743748&sr=8-1

"Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery 4" at

https://www.amazon.com/Ravenwood-Stepson-Mystery-L-R-Stahlberg-ebook/dp/B087QYL2YM/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=ravenwood+stepson+of&qid=1605745615&sr=8-2

and the "Ravenwood 4" audio book at

https://www.radioarchives.com/Ravenwood_Stepson_of_Mystery_Audiobook_Volume_4_p/ra1053.htm

There you have it, folks; so stuff those stockings with some hearty, Michael Housel novelties this season and watch those grateful grins, giggles and goosebumps ensue. 

Collectible Time: Cat People Lobby Cards

Ah, my dear friend, Mel, has bestowed me with yet another grand, lobby-card set: three reproductions from the "Cat People" franchise and one, a feline variant of "Werewolf of London". She sent these 11" x 14" cards to mark the publication of my short story, "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats", which is included in Airship 27's "Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery, Vol 4". 

The initial card (as seen above) is from "Cat People (1982)", directed by Paul Schrader, co-written by Schrader and Alan Ormby, and starring the ravishing Nastassja Kinski. The retelling is a huge favorite of mine, with contained sexuality that's both overt and repressed. This particular card is a real dandy, for it features one of my favorite Kinski images. (Ah, her anxious expression tells all.) 

The second card is from "Cat People (1942)", produced by Val Lewton, scripted by DeWitt Bodeen, directed by Jacques Tourner and starring the sultry Simone Simon. The card captures the noir mood of this suggestive thriller. Not only is Simon featured, but her dashing, male lead, Kent Smith. (They make such a fine, strained couple, as anyone who's seen the film can attest.) 

The third submission springs from its 1944 sequel, "Curse of the Cat People" and features Simon and her young costar, Ann Carter. Like its predecessor, "Curse" is a psychological (and tender) gem (even if not so cat oriented), produced by Lewton, scripted by Bodeen, and directed by Gunter von Fritsch and Robert Wise. (For the record, "Curse" is more an offbeat, Christmas carol than a chiller: a fact that not many fans acknowledge, but should.)

To accompany this cat-ivating trio, Mel inserted a Mexican card for "Catman of Paris", directed by Lesley Selander, written by Sherman L. Lowe and starring Carl Esmond, Lenore Aubert, Gerald Mohr and Douglass Doumbrille. As mentioned, "Catman" holds a "Werewolf of London" aura in both structure and style and is cozy and enjoyable for it. The card's fierce illustration and well chosen, cropped photos (all under the label, "La Bestia de Paris") make it extra-special to me. 

What a splendid way for a wonderful friend to observe my story's publication. As always, I'm most appreciative of Mel's heartfelt and thematic consideration. God bless you, fair lady. 

BTW: For those who might wish to give it a whirl, "Ravenwood: Stepson of Mystery Vol #4" can be purchased at 
https://www.amazon.com/Ravenwood-Stepson-Mystery-L-R-Stahlberg/dp/1946183792/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ravenwood+stepson+of+mystery+%234&qid=1595183932&sr=8-1.

SUMMER READING (AND LISTENING) BY YOURS TRULY, MICHAEL HOUSEL

It's time for me to toot my own horn with warm-weather, reading recommendations by, well, none other than yours truly. 

My most recent, fictional published product can be found in "Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol 4", with a weird tale entitled, "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats". The edition's accompanying stories are by Dewayne Dowers, Michael Black and Lance Stahlberg. All works are certain to enthrall to the utmost degree.  

To add to the anthology's haunting splendor, Vol. 4 contains inspiring illustrations by Ed Catto and an enchanting cover by Adam Shaw. 

The paperback and Kindle editions await at
https://www.amazon.com/Ravenwood-Stepson-Mystery-L-R-Stahlberg-ebook/dp/B087QYL2YM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ravenwood+stepson+of+mystery+vol+4&qid=1590232365&sr=8-1. 

In addition, "The Persona: Green-Fleshed Fiends" is still in circulation and anxious for more reads. (It would certainly make a swell gift for friends and family.) My novel covers the further exploits of Michael Mansford, aka the Persona, who avenges wrongs upon donning a magical mask. 

"Green-Fleshed Fiends" includes intricate illustrations by Kevin Broden and a delightful cover by Chris Rawding. 

Paperback and Kindle versions beckon at
https://www.amazon.com/Persona-Green-Fleshed-Fiends-Michael-Housel/dp/194618364. 

The wonderful, "Green-Fleshed Fiends", Radio Archives audio book, which is performed to superb measure by Paul Curtis, can be purchased at
https://www.radioarchives.com/The_Persona_Green_Fleshed_Fiends_p/ra784.htm.

Snatch some sublime, summertime sensations from your pal, Michael Housel and of course, Airship 27 Productions. 

Pulp Fiction for a New Generation!!!

AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST (LATE MAY '20): READY FOR LIFTOFF!!!

Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis lead us toward May's end with another sprightly Airship 27 Podcast.

This episode further references "Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol 4", to which yours truly contributed, and the spankin' new "Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective Vol 15": a double whammy of excellent anthologies, designed to please all New Pulp readers.  

In addition, R.A. Jones' soon-to-be-released "The Road Twice Traveled" (a touching fantasy in the Frank Capra vein) is referenced. Also, the guys chat about Rob's participation in the "Twilight Grimm" comic miniseries and the upcoming editions of Chuck Miller's "Bay Phantom" and Ron's "Brother Bones". (And speaking of Brother Bones, a graphic novel based on Ron's celebrated, undead avenger should be released within the year. Whoopie!) 

Adding to the pulpy spree, Ron and Rob do a spread-the-word call for New Pulp writers, reviewers, artists and publishers to contribute their bios to Airship 27's "Who's Who In New Pulp".  For submission guidelines, email Ron at Airship27@comcast.net. (Proceeds from the text will go to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: a most noble cause.) 

Hop aboard for a fulfilling, audio/visual experience at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wcBvmGW-Wo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3YauRHOytPVIWGzwi16zijkr3qTeFFi1iim5PKtUWjJa9so5BcqvbRxho.

KINCAID'S HOUSE OF ALTERED CATS: RAVENWOOD INFLUENCES

Some folks have been quick to identify influences in my "Ravenwood Vol 4" story, "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats", while others wonder what the bloody heck led to its lurid content. 

For those in the loop and those not, I thought it might be fun to confirm the influences (obvious and not so) in a post. 

There's no doubt that "Cat People '42" and "Cat People '82" made huge impacts on my Stepson of Mystery tale. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Ed Catto's illustrated renderings of my character, Lily exudes a Natassja Kinski quality.  

H.G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau" also helped shape my story, as well as the variants, "Terror is a Man" (aka "Blood Creature") and its "Blood Island" companion pieces.  

A dash of "Konga" enters the story's later part. "The Reptile" slithers through, too. With that said, any number of similar monster movies should be given the nod, including "The Wasp Woman", "The Leech Woman", "She Demons" and "The Manster".

Above all, my Ravenwood jaunt is a gift to my cat, Cody, who departed some years ago due to unexpected circumstances. I've long struggled with her passing and was inspired by my dad's suggestion to grant her homage in a story. When Ron Fortier asked me to contribute to a new volume of tales based on Frederick C. Davis's occult detective, I had my chance.  

Anyway, there you have the basic influences that helped mold "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats". 

For those who haven't yet read my story (and wish to graze the aforementioned references), it can be purchased (along with three other swell Ravenwood yarns) at 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946183792/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ravenwood-stepson-of-mystery-volume-4-dewayne-dowers/1136929648?ean=9781946183798.

AIRSHIP 27 PODCAST (EARLY MAY '20): READY FOR LIFTOFF!!!

Though the spring air may be tainted, Captain Ron Fortier and Chief Engineer Rob Davis deliver New Pulp freshness through another spree of Airship 27 updates and insights. 

Prelude plans and the delays surrounding "Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol #4" are discussed in this episode, which I do appreciate since I'm one of the authors who's contributed to it. 

These new adventures of Frederick C. Davis' occult detective have proven a rousing success for Airship 27, and the latest anthology is expected to do just as well. (Since the podcast's recording, Vol 4 has become available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble. See my April '20 post for further details.) 

In addition to "Ravenwood #4", Ron and Rob discuss the passing of Red Badge creator, Mark Halegua of "Mystery Men (& Women)" fame, as well as acclaimed artist, Tom Gianni and revered pulp historian, Nick Carr. May these superb gentlemen continue their creative endeavors in New Pulp Heaven. 

(As a special surprise, Rob boldly shows off one of his illustrations for the soon-to-be-released "Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Vol 15". Wow!!!)

Tune in for Ron and Rob's uplifting inhalation at 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=338ZCyqDx9E&fbclid=IwAR3CF40wQ-6r1N3nMEXAl3lE-UsUQTELvHoRku6wisP3munZu_c24ZgRQ0A.

RAVENWOOD #4 IS HERE!!!

"Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol 4" has arrived, and like those Airship 27 volumes that preceded it, it's filled with thrilling chills. 

The stories include Lance Stahlberg's "The Case of the Hellbent Thief"; Dewayne Dowers' "The Rabbi's Scourge"; Michael Black's "Voice in the Darkness"; and from yours truly, "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats". 

The haunting cover was rendered by Adam Shaw (who gives the crystal-balled detective a nifty, George Sanders look), and the spellbinding, interior illustrations were fashioned by Ed "Captain Action" Catto.

As a result of this latest volume, Frederick C. Davis' occult investigator continues his popular ascent, with more Ravenwood tales having sprung within current times than during the '30s. 

I'm honored that Ron Fortier asked me to add to Ravenwood's paranormal activities, and it sure feels great to be among the Stepson of Mystery's remarkable raconteurs. 

"Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol 4" can be purchased at  
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946183792/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. 

RAVENWOOD, STEPSON OF MYSTERY, VOL 4: COMING SOON!!!

Per Ron Fortier, Ed Catto will soon submit his final illustrations for "Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery, Vol 4", and Adam Shaw has turned in his cover. Once the basic proofing is done, the latest Airship 27 edition of Frederick C. Davis' occult detective will hit print. 

As "bizarrechats" readers know, Vol 4 will contain a story by yours truly. I'll be joined by three other Airship 27 authors. The paperback should be a swell one and further advance the-man-with-no-first-name's legend. 

I'll keep readers posted on developments, though I do trust that the next time I report on "Ravenwood Vol 4", its publication date will be confirmed.