I’ve really come to be a big fan of the mosaic novel, looking at it almost as a cross between a themed short-story collection and a more traditionally linear novel. Gabino Iglesias’ Coyote Songs caught my attention earlier this year, David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas is an all-timer, and now Alan Baxter offers his take on the form. In contrast to the others mentioned, Baxter focuses in on a single locale. Specifically, the small harbor town of Gulpepper in Australia, known by residents as the Gulp.

A series of five very vaguely connected novellas make up the almost 300 pages of the novel. A few characters appear in multiple books, a few people wander through the background a few times - their stories yet to be told, and some locations and businesses are visited repeatedly.

“Out on a Rim” is a great introduction to the town and the theme. We spend the story behind the eyes of Rich, a new trucker who doesn’t listen to his seasoned counterpart. The reader sees Rich’s point, because George, the veteran trucker, isn’t rolling in compelling arguments. The Gulp is weird enough by day and you wouldn’t want to be caught out after dark being the long and short. The two men are put in a position where they get stuck in town overnight. George heeds his own advice, Rich doesn’t. Shit ensues. Rich travelling through town gives us the types of sights and people we can expect to come across going forward.

“Mother in Bloom” borders on body horror as two siblings try and cover up the death of their mother. Her remains take on a life of their own, and the two find out how far they’ll go to move on and find a sense of normalcy. This one isn’t for the faint of stomach.

“The Band Plays On” introduces legendary band Blind Eye Moon, although only legendary in this area. After an unforgettable show, four travelers are invited to come stay at the band’s home for a few days. The introduction of the nightmare sequences here are top notch, and one of my favorite parts of the book.

“48 To Go” is Baxter at his best. Tension driven, a character tries to come up with a substantial sum of money in just 48 hours. The lengths he goes to and the outlandish obstacles Baxter dreamed up made this by favorite story of the bunch.

I was on the fence with ‘Mother in Bloom”, but “Rock Fisher” is definitely body horror. A rock fisher catches something a bit strange and it takes over every aspect of his life. This story does a phenomenal job of bringing the book together.

Baxter leaves us in a spot where this feels like The Gulp Volume One. It’s not so much that he leaves loose ends as he leaves opportunities for further exploration. If you enjoyed last year’s Served Cold, you’ll love this one too. Baxter weaves through different tropes and sub-genres to paint a picture of just how messed up this place is. I, for one, hope I get to visit again.



I received a copy from the author for review consideration.