J. F. Gonzalez (1964–2014)

After a couple of books that I couldn't quite get sucked into completely, THE BELOVED was just what I needed. Something that pulled me in and wouldn't let go until I finished it. It took me a couple of extended marathon reading sessions to devour it but I was very pleased and satisfied.

The story follows a Ronnie Baker and his sister Elizabeth. Ronnie is out of a divorce and relatively new to the dating scene when he meets Diana via an online dating site. The two hits things off and he ends show more up quickly moving her and her two children, along with his own daughter, to a house in his hometown. However, Elizabeth doesn't like her brother's new girlfriend and senses that something is wrong. The story alternates between the two characters until suddenly there is more evidence as to what is really going on.

As I mentioned at the start, I was immersed into the novel and could hardly put it down. As a reader, I knew what was really happening but it was still engrossing to watch it unfold and affect all the characters. The richness of the characters really helped to keep me involved with what was happening and kept the pages turning. My only complaint was that Gregg, Elizabeth's husband, was a bit two-dimensional in the first half of the novel. Considering what an important character he was during the second half, I would have liked for him to be fleshed out a bit earlier. A minor complaint really. Considering the emotions that the novel invoked and the uneasiness that it left, Gonzalez did a great job! show less

This novel was a pleasant surprise on multiple fronts. It did not end up going where I thought it would. And rather than being a straight forward single topic horror story, it was a very well executed blend of multiple horror genres into a single solid novel.

Tim Gaines is a social outcast at his school. His love of horror novels and movies has gotten him labeled as a devil worshiper; in the ultra-conservative town where he is living, this guarantees his outcast status and very few friends. show more He's finally turned the corner and starting to get a social life. At the same time, the school bullies have been upping their violent streak outside of school, a streak that has reached a point where someone has died. Tim is viewed as their solution since as a devil worshiper, he can bring the dead back to life. A ridiculous idea, until it happens.

As I mentioned before, the blend of genres is worked into the story beautifully. It is part revenge on school bullies, part evil from the past coming back to be righted, part zombie. The story veers in directions that are unexpected but very enjoyable. There are a few points where credibility is extra stretched but nothing crazy. Any story that brings someone back from the dead will do that. It all worked together very nicely and resulted in a novel that I would happily recommend. show less

During the great Southern snowpocalypse of this year of the Covid crisis, I read the ultimate book for freaking a reader out during a pandemic.

Restore from Backup by J.F Gonzalez and Mike Oliveri was originally released in 2007 and rereleased in 2016, and the technical jargon reflects that. However, if one keeps that in mind, the story is timeless and downright frightening in 2021. The suspense and intrigue are as compelling as one would expect from such masters of the genre, and the show more characters are interesting and evocative. But the story itself the real gem.

I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed the story. It is, of course, expertly told and flows with a good pace. It is both visual and evocative. And it is interesting, entertaining, and ultimately downright horrifying. There is enough situational and workplace realism to make things relatable and draw you in. Things both are and are not what they seem. What is going on at Kaiser Development Systems? I found myself wanting Carl to leave it alone; I was that drawn into the characters, caring that much. That scared of what he was going to find.

This is a fantastic horror story. It is listed as a technothriller and occult horror, but it defies those labels. Highly recommended for all horror fans. show less

This was more than your every day creature feature! Sure it started off with big crabs, but then it evolved into something else entirely.

I loved the Lovecraftian feel of the "something else" portions. They were unexpected and fun, and they raised this book from plain B movie cheese to something more long lasting and memorable.

A lot of times these types of stories have the ending where humans conquer all and live happily ever after relating their tale of horror to their grandchildren. Well, show more not this time. I absolutely loved the ending! I didn't expect it and this was another thing that made this book special.

The only bad thing I have to say about this book, is man...I don't like the cover AT ALL.


To sum up, I had a great time with this story. I regret having waited until this author passed away before taking up his work. Now that I have tried it out and enjoyed it, I will seek out more , starting with Clickers II. RIP, Mr. Gonzalez. RIP. show less