Daniel Pyle

I really loved this book, which probably says something about me. It seems like the whole genre of Christmas stories/movies/music is limited to warm-and-fuzzies, romance, children's innocent awe and wonder, and looooove; Daniel Pyle has successfully de-elevated the Christmas story genre and for this I'm incredibly grateful. Throw away any hopes of cheer while reading this book and instead brace yourself for a sick onslaught of blood, death, fear, and truly chilling concepts (yes, concepts) show more that will change you. I seriously think Daniel Pyle's goal is to twist the way the reader looks at Christmas, forever. Again, thank you Daniel. Binge read it or read it like a dark, twisted literary Advent calendar, but whatever you do, be prepared when you pick it a because you aren't eased into things - right from the first story you're going to be changed. show less

You better watch out! In this collection of not so merry stories, you'll find that Santa is not always the jolly old guy with the beard, and the red on his suit may come from the blood spilled.
I love Advent calendars and was really happy to find this book, which offers one scary story for each day up until Christmas (if you can be patient) and, if you made it that far, an additional bonus novella. While all stories share the Christmas theme, each one is a delicious treat of its own flavor show more and I was positively surprised by how many different faces Santa shows, like the one on the gorgeous book cover.
This will definitely go to my re-read pile of Christmas books for years to come. Thank you Mr Pyle! show less

Daniel Pyle creates a unique voice with the character, Bugs Sullivan in his new novel Breakdown. Working with his wife Addie and mystical rabbits, Bugs is not your average investigator. He displays a unique vulnerability, that allows the reader to slip into Bug’s skin as they become one with the story.

Flashbacks into the life of young Bugs, extend an invitation to experience events that shape the man today. A tumultuous childhood has deeply impacted on Bugs, making him a complex show more character. He cares deeply for his wife Addie and those in need of saving. While battling personal demons, and using his physic ability created by tragedy, Bugs follows ghostly rabbits that lead him on quests to bring justice to those in need.

Needless to say, Breakdown was not leaving my hands anytime soon.

Pyle’s use of narrative and language flows beautifully and captured me from the start of the book. Time passed quickly and descriptive language weaved throughout the story allowing me to be there with the characters. There were times I found myself with butterflies and anxiety as I related to events in the novel. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to remind myself ‘it’s not happening to you’, as I’ve read. Of course, great mechanics do not necessarily mean a winning plot. In this case it did.

Breakdown had it all. Thriller, romance, retribution, tragedy, and heroism. There were twists to throw the reader, which is always a treat when reading. Best of all it seems Breakdown seems to be the beginning of a series of books starring Bugs and Addie.

Dedicated to his Mother, Breakdown is a must read for anyone who loves a thriller with a twist. I’m looking forward to the next Bugs Sullivan instalment. Thank you, Daniel, for such a great read. I’ll be reading your back catalogue and waiting for your next book with anticipation.

As a final note to those looking forward to joining Bugs' on his adventures, it appears that students at a local high school will soon be enjoy his novel. Teenagers will be chasing rabbits around the library with Breakdown finding a home on the shelves. show less

I gave it four stars:

A great monster romp with very unusual (and quite nasty) creatures. I would love to read a sequel to learn more about these monsters--where they come from and what they are up to. In a time when every other horror novel is about zombies, how often do you get to enjoy a story about a completely different kind of creature?

Atmosphere. I will admit that I really love stories where the characters are isolated and left to their own devices and I could really feel the arctic show more chill in the air. It was almost a toss up at times which was more deadly: the creatures or the blizzard.

Pacing was great. Read it in one sitting. It was exactly as long as it should be. Pyle kept the story simple, limiting it mainly to 2 characters and kept the story humming along. It never felt rushed yet never slagged in pace. Well done.

Fun. Plenty of humor. Pyle knows exactly how to write this type of story. Monster romps should be fun and this one sure was. Also, he avoided the typical cliches. These characters were not buff, brilliant, young athletic types capable of making devastating weapons out of a few pieces of wire and a couple of garden tools. They are middle aged, not particularly fit, and are about as far from mechanical engineers as you can get. They are baffled and unprepared for their circumstances, but they fight like hell and I cheered for them.

I will be reading the rest of Pyle's books and I bet that they will be just as good. show less