Fish Farm – Revenge Will Be Sweet?

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Fish Farm distinguishes itself by blending Kafkaesque absurdism with modern psychological satire. It offers a critique of conformity and disempowerment in a society where rules are arbitrary and personal agency is constantly undermined. While it may not fit neatly into mainstream thriller conventions, it should appeal to readers who enjoy existential fiction, dark humor, and morally complex narratives.

Fish Farm plunges readers into a gritty, emotionally charged tale of personal vengeance and the consequences of systemic failure. At its core is Jack, a man in his sixties whose life has unraveled due to corporate corruption, the collapse of his career, and the death of his wife. As he confronts both personal despair and social decay, Jack is drawn into a shocking series of events involving murder, cover-up, and a twisted form of justice.

Sautter writes in a straightforward, almost conversational style. His prose is accessible, with a sharp, sardonic edge that recalls the narrative voice in works by Kurt Vonnegut—particularly in Mother Night or Breakfast of Champions. The surrealism and satire in Fish Farm are not only literary devices but structural choices that mirror the protagonist’s loss of agency.

Unlike more traditional thrillers, Sautter avoids extended action sequences or high-stakes chases. Instead, tension builds psychologically, through dialogue and the strange policies of the Fish Farm, evoking unease rather than adrenaline.

From a book reviewer’s lens:
If you’re drawn to morally ambiguous antiheroes, enjoy stark portrayals of societal breakdown, and appreciate a plot that moves like a runaway train, Fish Farm may well be worth the read.

This excerpt follows Jack, a man in his sixties who, after losing his life savings and career due to corporate fraud, becomes entangled in the aftermath of a violent crime. When his elderly neighbor, Mrs. Murray, kills a menacing gang member in self-defense, Jack decides against involving the police. He enlists his friends, Petey and Larry, to help him gruesomely dispose of the body, setting him on a path of vigilantism that starkly contrasts with his seemingly pious beginnings. The narrative uses extensive flashbacks to detail the injustices Jack and his friends have suffered, providing the motivation for their extreme actions in the present.

 The core concept of an elderly, down-on-his-luck man taking justice into his own hands is immediately engaging. The juxtaposition of the mundane church service at the beginning with the gruesome body disposal creates a strong narrative hook.

 The dialogue is a notable strength, successfully capturing distinct voices for each character. Larry’s darkly pragmatic and humorous lines about the meat grinder, Hal’s neighborhood exposition, and Petey’s weary resignation all feel authentic and contribute significantly to characterization. The theme of systemic injustice versus personal justice is established early and reinforced throughout. The opening sermon on vengeance, Jack’s history as a victim of corporate greed, and the similar stories of his friends create a coherent and compelling thematic framework for the plot.

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Take and Eat

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Take and Eat is a dark and unsettling narrative that merges religious ritual with psychological disintegration. Centered around Father Joe, a Catholic priest, the story initially presents a compassionate figure performing the rites of communion—but quickly unravels into a disturbing tale of addiction, extortion, murder, and moral collapse.

The novel is structured around biblical commandments and verses, with each chapter titled using scriptural references—e.g., “Thou Shall Not Murder,” “Woe Be to Thee.” This design frames the story as a modern-day moral parable, albeit one veering into grim territory.

The plot unfolds as Father Joe is visited by Blake Bradley, a former altar boy turned addict. Blake’s life story—detailing his descent into heroin use, homelessness, and criminality—is painfully authentic and draws the reader into the gritty realism of addiction. When Blake begins blackmailing Father Joe with false allegations of abuse, the priest’s mental and spiritual unraveling accelerates, culminating in a brutal murder and a harrowing series of cover-ups.
Take and Eat is not for the faint of heart, but for readers willing to confront the darkest intersections of faith, trauma, and human frailty, it offers a haunting and thought-provoking experience. Walt Sautter’s work invites unsettling questions about what it truly means to remember in the ritual act—and what happens when the sacred becomes profane.

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The Blood of Judas

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Walt Sautter’s The Blood of Judas offers a daring fusion of Nazi-era history with supernatural myth, particularly vampirism. The story centers on Anton Bruska, a mysterious Russian man revealed to be an immortal vampire whose origins trace back to a mystical connection with Judas Iscariot. As the horrors of the Third Reich unfold, Anton becomes involved with Elda Draken, a Jewish-German woman threatened by Nazi persecution. Their journey transforms from a forbidden romance to an allegorical quest for vengeance and justice.

From a scholarly perspective, The Blood of Judas is a bold and thematically rich narrative that uses supernatural horror to engage with real-world evil. It invites comparison to works like Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain or Anne Rice’s more philosophical vampire tales, but with a historically grounded, politically charged twist. For general readers, it’s a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging story that poses unsettling questions about love, survival, power, and what it means to be human—or something beyond.

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Who Killed Coach?

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

You do a great job of establishing the historical context and the atmosphere of Highburg. The details about post-WWII America, the nascent civil rights movement, and the limitations of 1950s technology paint a clear picture of the time and place. The town itself feels like a character—a small, insular world where football and its coach are the absolute center of life. The description of Coach Carter’s legendary program, the town’s reverence for him, and the players’ ambition all set a strong foundation for the story to come.

The first-person narration by John “Whody” Crane gives the story a personal, authentic feel. His voice comes across as direct and sometimes raw, which fits the gritty, “survival experience” he describes. The anecdotes about the players’ colorful, often unflattering, nicknames (“Tojo,” “Lard,” “Stinky,” “Banana Nose,” “Johnny Cromag”) are a highlight. They provide a window into the rough-and-tumble camaraderie and the humor of the time. The story of how John got his own nickname, “Whody,” is particularly well-told and gives the reader a sense of his impulsive nature and the close-knit relationships among the boys.

The book opens with a powerful scene of the team being punished after their first loss in 72 games. This dramatic event immediately raises the stakes and draws the reader in, creating a sense of urgency and mystery about what happened. The narrative then shifts to provide backstory, which is essential for building the world and introducing the characters. The transition between the present-day events and the memories of the narrator’s childhood is handled well. The anecdotes about his father, their move to town, and his first experiences with football all contribute to his character development and explain his initial fascination with the sport.

 

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Adventures of Jesus (1)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

A Messiah with a Modern Makeover

Chapter One: The Arrival kicks off not with a bang, but with a series of celestial gaffes and comedic misunderstandings. The traditional, awe-inspiring return of Jesus is hilariously upended when his companion, Gabriel, deems the divine rhetoric “old school.” What follows is a rapid-fire sequence of events that sees Jesus trading scripture for rap lyrics, trading Peter and Paul for “Hose and Juan,” and justifying his “porky” appearance as a way to “fit in” with his “chubby” flock. The chapter quickly establishes a world where divinity is subject to market forces and pop culture, and Jesus’s miraculous powers are put to the test against the cynicism of an umbrella salesman and the demands of viral fame.

The book’s humor is at its best when it playfully subverts biblical lore. Jesus’s explanation for John’s wild visions being “plenty of shrooms” and his plan to go viral by having Gabriel fake a bus accident are laugh-out-loud moments that perfectly capture the book’s irreverent spirit.

 

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The Adventures of Jesus (2)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The excerpt’s primary strength is its high-concept comedic premise, which provides a solid foundation for satire. The narrative voice is consistently irreverent and energetic, established effectively from the opening rap song. The dialogue is fast-paced and frequently delivers punchlines, creating a tone that is clearly comedic and satirical. The episodic structure allows for a rapid exploration of different scenarios, maintaining a high level of narrative momentum.

 

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Sticks – A Golfer’s Tale

Rating: ★★★★☆(4/5)

I’ve started by examining the author’s prologue to understand the core intentions behind ‘Sticks.’ Walt Sautter aims for readers to recognize their own ‘foolish fantasies’ related to golf, such as believing expensive equipment will drastically improve their game. The author also hopes the book will elicit grins and nods of self-recognition, suggesting a humorous and relatable exploration of common golfing frustrations.

Bob Andrews’ Journey

I’m tracing Bob Andrews’ journey through the first chapter, noting his initial overconfidence fueled by new, expensive clubs. His high expectations quickly clash with reality as his game deteriorates, leading to a dramatic display of frustration and rage on the golf course. This arc highlights the emotional rollercoaster of a golfer facing a bad day.

Humor and Relatability

I’m identifying elements of humor and relatability within the text. The ‘Frequently Used Golfing Terms’ section, with its informal and often exasperated definitions, sets a lighthearted tone. Bob’s internal monologues and the reactions of his friends also contribute to the humor, making his struggles feel universally relatable to anyone who has experienced a gap between aspiration and performance.

I’m analyzing how the prologue effectively introduces the central conflict: Bob’s unrealistic expectations versus his actual golfing ability. Key themes emerging include self-deception, the futility of seeking material solutions for skill-based problems, and the intense emotional impact of a hobby. The narrative quickly establishes these foundational elements.

I’m observing the narrative style and pacing, noting how descriptive language and Bob’s internal thoughts are used to build tension. The progression of the golf game, from hopeful beginnings to disastrous outcomes, effectively mirrors Bob’s escalating psychological state, drawing the reader into his experience.

I’m considering the broader appeal of ‘Sticks’ beyond just golf enthusiasts. The universal themes of expectation, reality, and self-deception resonate with anyone who has pursued a passion with high hopes, only to be confronted by challenging realities. The golf setting serves as a relatable backdrop for these deeper human experiences.

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Plan of Attack

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

I’ve started by delving into the first chapter, ‘The Promise,’ which immediately plunges into the narrator’s introspective thoughts on choice, fate, and the consequences of past decisions, particularly a desire for vengeance. The narrative then shifts to a pivotal childhood event: a sudden appendicitis attack. This leads to an unexpected hospital visit from his hero, NFL linebacker Martin Shaw. This encounter is a significant turning point, as Shaw encourages the narrator to pursue a career in medicine rather than football, leading to a heartfelt promise that shapes his future ambitions.

Academic Rivalry and a Bitter Discovery

Following the promise, I’ve observed the narrator’s transformation into a dedicated student, earning him the nickname ‘geek.’ This academic focus culminates in a fierce rivalry for valedictorian with Harry Swartzbard. Despite his efforts, the narrator narrowly loses. A later conversation with Becky Goldman reveals a shocking truth: his AP Calculus teacher, Mr. Ashberg, married Harry’s mother, strongly implying that Harry’s grades were unfairly inflated. This discovery ignites a powerful desire for revenge, leading to a meticulously planned and executed act of retribution involving dog excrement delivered to both Ashberg and Swartzbard’s homes.

College Life and a Friend’s New Path

Moving into ‘The Surprise,’ I’ve seen the narrator begin college at State University, where he rooms with his high school friend, Richie Whiteman. Richie, a talented football player, initially aims for a professional career. However, a series of severe headaches and medical advice about potential long-term brain injury (likening it to Muhammad Ali’s condition) forces him to reconsider. In a surprising turn, Richie decides to join the narrator in pursuing medicine, enrolling in an MCAT prep class and ultimately gaining admission to medical school, albeit a different one.

The Three Dollar Phoenix

 

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The chapter exhibits masterful control over its pacing. It begins with a leisurely, nostalgic tone, allowing ample space for character development and world-building as Ed and Charlie reconnect. This deliberate initial pace makes the subsequent dramatic acceleration, triggered by the Al Druse mystery, all the more impactful. The narrative seamlessly integrates flashbacks—such as Ed’s Penn State days, the origins of his clinic, and Sam’s compelling backstory—providing essential depth and context without disrupting the main narrative flow. The author’s ability to weave these elements together ensures that the reader remains engaged, transitioning from emotional connection to burgeoning intrigue.

The narrative skillfully pivots from a seemingly innocent, nostalgic reunion between old friends to a burgeoning medical conspiracy. The casual re-establishment of friendship serves as a narrative device, drawing Ed, and by extension the reader, into a darker, more dangerous plot. This unexpected shift in genre expectations creates immediate tension and significantly raises the stakes. The casual nature of Charlie’s initial request for a “favor” makes Ed’s involvement seem ordinary, but the subsequent events quickly reveal an extraordinary situation. This contrast amplifies the sense of unease and signals that the “real” story is far more complex and potentially dangerous than initially presented.

The immediate stonewalling from the hospital receptionist (“No such name here”) and Dr. Alpert’s “Jekyll to Hyde” reaction when asked about Al Druse strongly implies a deliberate cover-up rather than mere incompetence or misunderstanding. This consistent denial, especially from a doctor who “just hospitalized” the patient, goes beyond simple forgetfulness and points to a concerted effort to conceal information. The shift in Alpert’s demeanor is a strong indicator of fear or complicity, suggesting that the mystery is not just about Al’s illness but about who is trying to hide it and why. This forces Ed to pursue unconventional methods of investigation, as official institutions cannot be trusted to provide the truth. This theme of institutional untrustworthiness sets a cynical tone, implying that truth or justice cannot be found through conventional means, and justifies Ed’s later reliance on figures like Sam.

 

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The Ring

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This is a compelling and well-structured screenplay with a strong premise and authentic dialogue. The plot moves efficiently, building to a dark and memorable conclusion. The primary focus for revision should be on deepening the psychological realism of the protagonist, Albie. His actions drive the plot, the underlying motivations for his extreme obsession make his dramatic descent both believable and more tragic. Emotional beats and expanding the significance of the ring elevates the script from a solid thriller to a resonant character study.