Wow!!

It is not often that having started reading a book at 9am I finish the whole thing by mid afternoon but in the case of Phantom Feast I just could not put it down. This is no exaggeration. I was visiting family for the weekend and sat in the lounge reading this story instead of talking! Still, everyone else had their noses in a book so I wasn't exactly out of place.

There is nothing predictable about this story. From the assembled "cast" (four dwarves, a midget, a couple of policemen, a gang of Hell's Angels and an overweight sex worker) to the story line, everything about this book is unusual... and riveting. The prologue is a description of a man being eaten alive and being aware of every sensation. Rather gruesome to say the least. The author then begins to introduce the main protagonists and starts to weave the storyline. Erin, an overweight sex worker, is a virtual recluse who's only human contact (apart from her "clients") are her siblings and a couple of dwarves who act as housekeepers for her. One day an old wino disappears leaving only a badly ripped hat and a pool of blood. The local police investigate but no reason is found. Life begins to return to normal until, that is, a local boy and his dog also go missing. What could possibly be happening?

If I were to say anymore at this point, then I would give too much away so I will leave the rest to your imagination. Mind you, if I wasn't vegetarian before I certainly would be after reading this little beauty!

This is a truly amazing story, especially when you consider that this is Diana Barron's first novel. I understand that this has been nominated for a Stoker award – well deserved! Good Luck Diana.

Synopsis
  A haunted antique circus wagon...
  A murderous dwarf...
  A disappearing town under siege...
  The citizens of sleepy little Hester, New York are plunged into unimaginable terror when their town is transformed into snowy old-growth forests, lush, steamy jungles, and grassy, golden savannas by a powerful, supernatural force determined to live...again.
  Danger and death stalk two handsome young cops, a retired couple and their dog, the town 'bad girl', her younger sister's boyfriend, and three members of the local motorcycle gang.
  They find themselves battling the elements, restless spirits, and each other on a perilous journey into the unknown, where nothing is familiar, and people are not what they at first appear to be.  Who, or what, are the real monsters?

What They're Saying About Phantom Feast
  "Phantom Feast has many little turns, quirks, and one-liners, and Barron's comic style is as entertaining as the story is chilling."
RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE, Jan/Feb 2002

  "He was still alive and fully aware when she began to skin him." How's that for an opening line? Did it get your attention? I'll bet it did. I also bet the story that follows will keep you enraptured long into the evening.
  This story is so chock-full of over-the-top elements that it strains the reader's ability to suspend disbelief, but is so relentless and inventive that it remains engrossing because you just can't wait to see how much weirder things can get. I guarantee you've never read anything like it before.
GARRETT PECK, THE HELLNOTES BOOK REVIEW January 2002

  Phantom Feast is a perfect book for a dark, stormy, moonless Halloween night, sitting curled up by the fire and with your elephant gun within easy reach.
  It is not a book for the faint of heart, or the weak of stomach. It is, however, a feast for the die-hard fan of horror.
JO ROGERS, MyShelf.com
  Phantom Feast is a blood-soaked novel of horror and magic, wonder and weirdness...a story with plot twists a-plenty, and a cast of characters you won't soon forget.
EDO VAN BELKOM, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of 'TEETH'

  What a great showing for a new author who has burst on the scene with her first book, 'Phantom Feast'! But be forewarned, if you are of weak constitution, this book hits the 'extremes' of the horror genre.
  Ms. Barron's imagination takes us on twisted turns, with characters both believable and sympathetic, to those most horrible. Her bloody scenes will make you cringe and have nightmares with their vivid descriptions.
  For much of the book, I was on the edge of my seat, and really did not wish to read in bed, now turn out the lights. I look forward to seeing more from this new author, as it would be shame to deny the world of her twisted imagination. Her plotlines are believable and strong, with a nail-biting ending! For true horror fans, this is the book for you!
JOAN M. McCarty, Editor/Publisher, ALTERNATE REALITIES WEBZINE

  Diana Barron weaves an engrossing and heart-stopping tapestry of horror, mystery and magic in this spell-binding first novel. Ms. Barron uses well-turned dialogue, diverse and credible characters and well-written narrative to bring this story to life, and suspense and relentless action keep the reader turning pages.
  I felt compassion for the victims, yet aside from the one true villian in the tale, I understood and was touched by the plight of the victimizers as well -- victims themselves in a different way.
  Only a talented writer can create that kind of reader empathy for her characters, and Diana Barron has talent to spare.
  A well-done story with a satisfying ending.
  Highly recommended.
SHANNON RILEY, Publisher/Editor, TAPESTRY ONLINE Magazine

  Surprising, non-stop, or in a word, compelling. Diana Barron must have an unparalleled mind when it comes to imagination. Her first novel, 'Phantom Feast', in my opinion is a successful cross of genres. The book is full of dark and bizarre horror ingredients, while magical fantasy is is added to spice up the already hot story. Topping off this 'Feast', is a mystery that kept me turning pages.
  ...introduces a line of characters that are each more mystifyingly intense than the one before it. When a house touched by magic seemingly takes over the city -- when a jungle explodes into the heart of Hester, New York -- when everything was once considered sane, and if not normal, at least explainable...
  Some unknown horror stalks those who are unfortunate enough to find themselves as victims of prey. If the city streets still rewembled paved roads instead of wintry woods full of carnivorous beasts, perhaps escaping with your life might seem more possible. But when the unexpected is the norm, then...good luck finding a sanctuary.
  Phantom Feast is an almost guaranteed haunting read. Clever dialogue and creative narrative allow a reader to become absorbed...as if an included character in Diana Barron's story. From the beginning until the magical end, Barron's novel not only held my interest, it demanded my attention. I will be impatiently awaiting more from this talented writer.
PHILIP TOMASSO III, author of 'Tenth House' and 'Third Ring', for BOOKBROWSER.COM