I have read several fetishist gone too far themed books of the splattery variety. The last few I read were major disappointments, despite being highly rated and widely praised. The author of those last few books has a very supportive fan base and that’s great for them, but after reading their work, all that praise feels a bit disingenuous. I have concluded that I just don’t like that author’s writing style and probably won’t read more of their sexually charged titles. When I read a book centered around sex, even in horror, I want sexy language. I want to cringe at the horror and tingle at the titillating. I want Master of Pain.

Melanie is a young single mother looking to spice up her life. She decides to explore her darker desires by lurking in the BDSM forums and ends up meeting someone calling himself Slavemaster (red flag). They message back and forth a bit and eventually Melanie agrees to meet in person. He sends her a contract (red flag) that she holds on to until after she makes an ass of herself with the babysitter/crush. I know that need to feel like more than just your baby’s mother all too well, but I wanted to scream at Melanie right up to the point where she met up with Slavemaster. But only up to that point because by then, I knew she was a goner.

While this book was inspired by the story of America’s first online serial killer, John Edward Robinson, this is not a humans are the real monsters story. It is, but it’s also more. This takes Robinson’s claims of supernatural influence and brings them to life. You see, Slavemaster is trying to spice up his own life as well. Slavemaster wants desperately to be accepted by the Council, who look at him like he’s Frank in Hellraiser and they’re the Cenobites. Strong Clive Barker/Hellraiser vibes, which I love.

I was familiar with Wrath James White’s work going into this. He has a way with words that I really appreciate. He is a poet and a wordsmith. I haven’t read Kristopher Rufty before, and I don’t know which parts he contributed, but the end result is so good. I’ll be dipping into his catalog for sure. I think the only thing that would have made this more enjoyable is if WJW had narrated it himself. If you’ve ever heard him speak, you get it. That said, Louise Cooksey’s narration is great. She is a seasoned narrator and very good at what she does. I really liked this book.