Shady Palms

Bad things happen to bad people at the Shady Palms.
The most sympathetic character in Allen Dusk’s novel is a woman in prison who, through a shady deal between shady people, is released to work as a maid at the seediiest motel in San Diego. Who quickly finds herself in the vortex of bad mojo that is the Shady Palms.
Dusk tells a tale that is believable, his characters ring true, which is not comforting, becoming attached to a man who hs disposed of a few bodies in the course of his innkeeping experience. But I did, even as he committed crimes against humanity, singular and as a group.
Sanjay, the Indian owner of the Shady Palms, has several revenue streams, the least of which is the steady stream of hookers, drug dealers and suicidal business men that frequent his motel. Yet, you like him, enjoy his almost resigned attitude toward the acts he feels are necessary to protect his livelihood. And you become attached to almost every example of human misery whose path brings them to the motel.
Dusk is not afraid to go there, the characters are really evil, the cops are really inept, and the blood and gore is, well, bloody and gory. Its the details, they say, and the writer spares none in describing a sociopathic thought pattern or the gory death of women and children, young and old, guilty and innocent.
This is not a read for the faint hearted, but it is for fans of funny sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. If you like your violence imaginative, your bad guys unredeemable and your language and sex explicit (and you know you do) Shady Palms is the place for you.

Disclaimer: I’m not an unbiased reviewer here. I love Allen Dusk’s work; probably always will. So, as a review goes this is probably not going to be what you have come to expect.

So instead, allow me to proselytize to you about this author and his work.

I was first introduced to Allen and his work about a year ago starting with his short story ‘Pixie Cut,’ and shortly thereafter, ‘Caught White Handed,’ ‘Her Lovers Touch,’ and of course, ‘Terminal Affair.’
Immediately, I was struck by his crisp yet tactile writing style. “It’s very visual,” I would later tell him. Although, I didn’t know it at the time, he happens to be a very talented film maker, as evidenced by the awesome movie style trailer he did for this book.
Allen’s film making background has clearly had a huge influence on his writing style. A style that is uninhibited and “smash cut” paced, it’s hard to put his work down once you get going. He is quite fearless, and very willing to put you, as the reader, in some contradictory and uncomfortable situations. Situations that make you think this is sexy, or interesting, yet kind of awkward and creepy (see ‘Caught White Handed’). That takes guts people.
‘Shady Palms’ is fast paced, gritty, and non-stop fun. The characters are engaging, and often operate with deeply flawed personalities. Sanjay, in particular, is a wonderful character. I’d love to read his story of how he came to be. The plot has some very nice unpredictable twists, which is often the case with Allen’s writing, and something that I enjoy very much.
One of my favorite features of this book is the quick yet numerous chapters. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I read on the go. When I’m waiting for an appointment, or in a check-out line, or just on a nice mid-day work break, the compact chapters are perfect! Very rarely do you need to pick up mid-stream of a scene. I wish more authors worked this way.
Allen Dusk is somebody you need to keep a look out for in the future; he’s just getting warmed up, and he’s about to rock some worlds.

Do yourself a favor, buy ‘Shady Palms’.
But you might want to put on a rubber apron first, ‘cause it’s gonna get a little messy…

Allen Dusk’s “#1 Fan”
(she said in her best Annie Wilkes voice)

Rose Caraway

dusks has hit a horror gore fest dare u stay with us at the shady palms or are u afraid of blood,gore bugs,come stay with us enjoy ur syay check out time 11 is u live that long