Dark Woods, A BF novel. Options

[Wildman]

Last week I picked up a novel by Jay Kumar titled Dark Woods. I am currently using some of the book's cover-art as my avatar. Actually, I shouldn't mention that, since it has been pointed out that I do change avatars quite often, and I don't want someone to think that the cover art features a sock monkey, or whatever my avatar of the day is. But I digress!

It is a paperback fiction novel that takes place mainly in the forests of Skookum County, WA. A local deputy and a few friends are hunting in the woods, when they have a little run-in with a Sasquatch. In the little fracas, the deputy wounds the Sasquatch, and it runs away. The deputy does not want the animal to suffer, so he makes up his mind to track the animal down and make sure it is ok. However, it doesn't turn out to be quite that easy. Word is leaked, and various organizations want to find the Sasquatch, but with very different agendas.

Not a bad little thriller. It is paced pretty well, and the author really knows his stuff. He lists Dr. Krantz as a huge influence, and there is a character in the novel that is loosely based on Krantz. I read through the book over the weekend, and really enjoyed it. It isn't ground-breaking or all that original, but it is definitely entertaining! I'll give it !

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[Muktuk]

Kewl! Sounds like an entertaining read! Thanks

[Tia]

Will keep an eye out for it.

[belleoftheball]

Another to add to my growing collection of Sasquatch Books. Thanks Wildman!



Belle

[Paul1968UK]

I'm reading this at the moment - it has certainly started well.

more later

[Wildman]

I appreciated the fact that the author never took the story out of the realm of possibility. The creature isn't some super-intelligent, supernatural being. Sure, there are a few point-of-view segments featuring the BF, but they are done in a very simplistic way. They do not grant the creature mental capabilities outside of what may be expected, IMO. The author used Krantz's work as a reference, and it helped paint a more accurate depiction of a BF based on the facts.

[tugboatwa]

I have to get the oil changed in my wife's car... sounds like a good time to start a new book.

[ecwool]

Here is the author's website:
Jay Kumar

[bigstinkyfoot]

Bought it today on my lunch break, and I just started chapter 6. I have not read fiction very much, but so far, I am enjoying it. Seems like it is going to be one of those rare books that is hard to put down. I would say Mr. Kumar is a very talented writer. I have ordered Green's books and Krantz's book but have not received as of yet. Murphy's book is a little steep for me this month, maybe next, and I will get Larsen's book when it comes out, just because what little I have heard about him points to him being a solid, down-to-earth researcher. Any other suggestions?
BSF

[RabidMonkey]

Thanks for the heads up Wildman. I picked it up because of your review and enjoyed reading it. My thoughts of the book pretty much mirror yours. I thought that BF was treated realistically for the most part, but went overboard on BF aggression for dramatic purpose. It was a hard book to put down as it always left me wanting to know more. The only thing I did not like about the book was the blunt message at the end. It was not that I was in total disagreement about the message, but I prefer a more subtle approach that allows the reader to think about it and draw his or her own conclusions. Overall it was a great debut novel and I would generally recommend it.

[Wildman]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, RM. Definitely not the greatest novel ever written, but an enjoyable read, nonetheless! I thought the author did a decent job of coming up with a plausible reason for the bf's aggression, as well as the whole conspiracy aspect of the story. Most books on subjects like this would have given the bf super powers, human or beyond human intelligence, and driven by revenge or some other inane motive. Not to mention a multi-billion dollar underground crypto organization either controlling the creature, keeping the government away from the creature, or a combination of the two.

[Wildman]

:bump:

This is one of the better pieces of Bigfoot fiction to come out in a while, so I wanted to give a little bump!

[Sachmo]

Is this one of those hard to find books or would I find it at the local B&N?
I'd like to pick it up...

[bigstinkyfoot]

Sachmo:
I got it at barnes & Noble. I called for them to pull it for me, and just stopped by the register at lunchtime to get it. Pretty good book. I enjoyed it. Six bucks.
BSF

[uffda320]

I bought mine at the local bookstore..any bookstore should have it. I'm only on page 30 but I like it so far! Thanks for letting us know about it! I normally don't read novels, but I'll make an exception this time. lol

[Sachmo]

Sounds like a good plan, thanks BSF.

[bf2004]

I just got this book today, and am already up to Chapter 15. Very compelling and fast-moving book. I can definitely see the parallels between Dr. Arthur Lansing and Dr. Grover Krantz.

[StinkFoot]

Picked up the book yesterday and am almost finised with it.I think the story flows very well and that the author has a style of writing that makes you want to keep reading.He seems to be well versed in sasquatchology,citing BF encounters,tracking methods,and behavior of BF.This would make for a good movie!!Certainly better than some of the crap that's come out lately for BF movies.

[bf2004]

I just finished this book late last night, and a review is up at my site.
http://www.geocities.com/giantape20042000/...fdarkwoods.html

This post has been edited by bf2004: Sep 11 2004, 08:21 PM

[bigstinkyfoot]

Very astute review, BF
BSF

[Leemon]

I bought my copy at Borders. I have also seen it on the shelves at Walmart.

[socaljake]

Hey Wildman,how is the book?

[Wildman]

Hey Wildman,how is the book?

Shouldn't you be in bed?

It's a good book. I definitely recommend it. However, it does contain some harsh language and violence. Parental guidance is advised!

This post has been edited by Wildman: Sep 11 2004, 10:46 PM

[Marigold Bumbler...]

Well, seeing how you all enjoyed the book, I just HAD to get it!! Got it last night and just finished it now. Everyone's reviews are very accurate, a good read.

I have to say tho that now, for the first time ever, I actually have a large sense of FEAR about these creatures and I'm re-evaluating if I ever really do want to see one!

"ok mari, it was just fiction hehe, find your happy place now....."

I could relate to the Alison character just a bit: I want to think that I stand for something &/or have some ideals regarding these creatures, but in reality I'd be defacating all over myself if truly faced with the REALITY of them.

[Gee4orce]

Well, I finished the book and I have mixed feelings. It started very well, and the sasquatch behaviour was all pretty realistic (if overly agressive). But the characterisation stank (especially the professor, who apparently had no redeeming features at all).

I thought the pro-hunting message was very heavy handed, the climax with everybody running around in the dark shooting things was silly, and I confess I really didn't understand how the discovery of sasquatch would result in the end of the Endagered Species Act....

[Ben Bartlett]

I just picked it up at barnes and noble,only 2 copies were left. I asked if they had Raincoast Sasqautch, and Apes Among Us, but they said they were both out of print. Are these books available only through direct order from Hancock house?

[ecwool]

I just picked it up at barnes and noble,only 2 copies were left. I asked if they had Raincoast Sasqautch, and Apes Among Us, but they said they were both out of print. Are these books available only through direct order from Hancock house?

Raincoast Sasquatch, The Locals, Meet the Sasquatch and any of the Hancock House titles are available through Amazon.com. Amazon says this about the Hancock House titles:

Availability: This title usually ships within 3 to 6 weeks. Please note that special order titles occasionally go out of print, or publishers run out of stock. These hard-to-find titles are not discounted and are subject to an additional charge of $1.99 per book due to the extra cost of ordering them. We will notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title.

The best place to get any of the Hancock House titles is to order directly from them by Phone: 01-(604) 538-1114, Toll Free Ph: 1-800-938-1114 or Fax: 01-(604) 538-2262, Toll Free Fax:1-800-983-2262 or by going directly to their website.

Here is the page with all of their Bigfoot/Crypto titles.

Roger Patterson's book "Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?" is being republished as "The Bigfoot Film Controversy" and has been moved back to a spring 2005 release, as has the reprint of John Green's "Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us".