Six more titles from Jonathan Carroll‘s acclaimed back-list have been published this week by JABberwocky! Out now in eBook, here are the details, including links to where to purchase them…
OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM (British Fantasy Award Best Novel winner)…
Recovering from a recent nervous breakdown, Harry Radcliffe, known for his visionary, award-winning architectural marvels that blur the lines between buildings and abstract sculptures, embarks on a unique project in the Middle East: the construction of a Dog Museum commissioned by a powerful royal family there. His journey takes a mystical turn when, after the museum is threatened by an opposing warlord there, the project is moved to a site in the Austrian alps. As construction progresses, uncanny events and figures emerge to both complicate and enhance Radcliffe’s vision.
WHITE APPLES…
Vincent Ettrich is a charming carefree man who discovers he has recently died but been mysteriously resurrected. As he tries to piece together the circumstances of his death and the reason for his return, he learns his resurrection is not just a second chance at life but also a pivotal event in a cosmic battle.
Vincent’s lover, Isabelle, plays a crucial role in this mystery. She is pregnant with their child, who is destined to be a key figure in this vast struggle. Their child, however, will only survive if Vincent can protect the delicate balance between life and death. This responsibility forces him to confront his past, his relationships, and the metaphysical forces that govern the universe.
As Vincent uncovers the truth about his resurrection, he encounters a series of enigmatic characters and surreal events that challenge his understanding of reality. The novel delves deeply into themes of love, fate, and the cyclical nature of existence, all while maintaining a dreamlike and haunting atmosphere
GLASS SOUP, a ‘loose sequel’ to WHITE APPLES…
The story continues to explore themes of life, death, love, and the metaphysical battle between good and evil.
The novel follows Vincent Ettrich and his lover, Isabelle Neukor, who were central to the plot of White Apples. Having died, Vincent is once again alive, recently resurrected for some mysterious reason. Isabelle, pregnant with their child, discovers that their unborn son is destined to play a crucial role in the cosmic struggle between chaos and order.
The stakes are high as the forces of chaos, represented by a group of powerful and malevolent beings, seek to manipulate the unborn child for their own ends. The narrative weaves through various dimensions and states of existence, blurring the line between the living and the dead. Characters move freely between life and the afterlife, where reality itself seems to be constantly shifting.
In the afterlife, which is depicted as a surreal, dreamlike landscape, Vincent and Isabelle must navigate a series of strange and dangerous encounters. They meet bizarre and memorable characters, each with their own role in the unfolding cosmic drama. Among them is a particularly sinister figure who seeks to disrupt the balance of the universe and plunge everything into chaos.
As the story progresses, the boundary between dreams and reality becomes increasingly porous and dangerous for the couple while they must fight with everything they have to protect their child.
KISSING THE BEEHIVE…
The famous novelist Samuel Bayer is stuck in the middle of the first writer’s block he has ever known. Hoping to be inspired, he returns to his hometown for the first time in years to investigate the mystery of a seemingly unsolved murder of a young woman, Pauline Ostrova, whose boyfriend was convicted of the crime and later died in prison. But the further he looks into the crime, Bayer begins to question the validity of the conviction. As he navigates his childhood memories and the eerie atmosphere of his hometown, he becomes increasingly involved in unraveling the truth behind Pauline’s death. Digging deeper into the past, he encounters various characters that shape his understanding of the events surrounding the murder, ultimately leading to a reflection on the nature of truth and the impact of unresolved histories on personal identity.
THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS, which was an August Derleth Award nominee…
The Marriage of Sticks by Jonathan Carroll is a surreal and introspective novel that blends elements of magical realism with psychological drama. The story revolves around Miranda Romanac, a successful and independent woman in her thirties who works in New York City as a dealer of rare books. Despite her career success, Miranda leads a somewhat detached and self-centered life, prioritizing her own needs and desires over meaningful connections with others.
Mirandaa’s life makes an unexpected turn when she encounters Hugh Oakley, an older man with whom she begins a relationship. Hugh is both enigmatic and fascinating. Their relationship is intense and fulfilling in a way she has never experienced.
As the story progresses, Miranda’s life becomes increasingly surreal. She begins to experience strange and unsettling visions, as well as encounters with ghostly figures from her past. These supernatural elements appear to be manifestations of her unresolved guilt and emotional wounds she has inflicted on others throughout her life. One of these encounters is with a woman who claims to be her future self, warning her about the consequences of her choices.
The novel’s title, The Marriage of Sticks, refers to a metaphorical ceremony that represents the union of the past and present, the merging of one’s actions and their consequences. As Miranda delves deeper into her own psyche, she is forced to confront the mistakes she has made, particularly in her relationships with others. The novel explores themes of regret, redemption, and the possibility of change.
THE WOODEN SEA, which was a New York Times Notable Book, and nominated for the World Fantasy and Locus awards…
Frannie McCabe, police chief of Crane’s View, New York discovers a dead three-legged dog in the middle of the street. When he decides to bury it, strange things begin to happen. The dog inexplicably reappears, first in his office and then alive, kicking off a series of bizarre events that make McCabe question both his sanity and reality.
As Frannie navigates these odd occurrences, he encounters a mysterious stranger who seems to know a lot about him and the strange events taking place all around him. This figure leads him on a journey through time, revealing that Frannie is caught in a loop, and that the choices he makes have far-reaching implications not just for his own life, but for the entire town and beyond.
McCabe finds himself grappling with questions about free will, the nature of reality, and the possibility of alternate universes. His journey becomes one of self-discovery, as he uncovers hidden truths about his past, his family, and his future.
In the end, The Wooden Sea leaves readers pondering the mysteries of existence, the choices we make, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
These six titles join eight others that were published in 2024: THE LAND OF LAUGHS, BONES OF THE MOON, FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS, THE GHOST IN LOVE, THE WOMAN WHO MARRIED A CLOUD, BATHING THE LION, TEACHING THE DOG TO READ, THE CROWS DINNER.
