Michael A. Arnzen Books

The story delves into the psychological unraveling of artist Mark Michael Kilpatrick, who seeks to expel his hellish visions through gruesome tattoos on unwilling victims. As news reporter Roy Roberts becomes engrossed in tattoo culture, Kilpatrick's increasingly disturbing creations gain notoriety, ensnaring Roberts and his loved ones in a perilous web. This award-winning novel is presented in a special Twentieth Anniversary edition, featuring 50 pages of bonus material, including a new preface, essays, and previously unpublished short stories.

Featuring a decade's worth of Michael Arnzen's innovative poetry, this collection showcases his unique contributions to the horror genre, including pieces from his original chapbook and his "refrigerator of the damned" project. It also introduces new works like the Zombie Haikruel series. Recognized with a Bram Stoker Award, Arnzen's pioneering use of concise, gory language remains influential. Additionally, the omnibus includes critical essays that analyze his distinctive style and impact on horror literature.

The story follows Johnny, a once-successful high roller who thrived in the glamorous world of Vegas. His confidence and charm allowed him to dominate the gambling scene until the city turned against him, stripping him of his luck and fortune. As he navigates the harsh realities of his downfall, the narrative explores themes of ambition, loss, and the fickle nature of luck in the high-stakes world of gambling.

This collection showcases one hundred impactful pieces of flash fiction, each crafted to deliver a powerful punch in minimal words. Renowned for its innovative approach, it has played a significant role in the micro-fiction movement, influencing numerous writers and leading to adaptations in film and audio. Released in 2004, it received acclaim as a finalist for the Bram Stoker Award, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking work in contemporary literature.