Brace yourselves for a chilling new tale from beyond the grave. Legendary writer/director George A. Romero‘s unfinished manuscript, “Pay the Piper,” co-authored by bestselling author Daniel Kraus, has been completed, hitting shelves this September.
This discovery is a thrilling resurrection of Romero’s legacy. While working to complete Romero’s novel The Living Dead, Kraus stumbled upon another hidden gem, a half-written novel titled “Pay the Piper.” In collaboration with Romero’s estate, Kraus completed the manuscript, ensuring this terrifying vision finds its place in the horror genre.
A Descent into the Louisiana Bayou
“Pay the Piper” plunges readers into the heart of the cursed Louisiana bayou. Young Renée Pontiac has grown up with whispers of “the Piper,” a malevolent entity lurking in the swamp. The spirit has long been rumored to be responsible for a string of gruesome child disappearances. The legend becomes chillingly real. Now, Renée, along with the town, must confront a horrifying truth – the sins of their ancestors, slave traders, and pirates might be to blame. Uncovering their secrets may be the key to stopping this bloodthirsty entity.
A Legacy of Horror
George A. Romero, revered as the “Father of the Zombie Movie,” redefined horror with his groundbreaking “Dead” series, including classics like Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. Beyond zombies, Romero explored diverse themes in films like Creepshow, The Dark Half, and The Crazies, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
A Masterful Collaboration
Daniel Kraus is a powerhouse in his own right and is a New York Times bestselling author. He has teamed up with creators such as Guillermo del Toro, including on projects such as The Shape of Water and Trollhunters. Kraus’s solo works, including Wrath and The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying his position as a master storyteller.
“Pay the Piper” is not Kraus’ first Romero project. In our interview with the author, he discussed his and Romero’s book “The Living Dead,” which was released in 2020. Set in a Midwestern trailer park, a teenage girl and a Muslim immigrant battle newly risen friends and family. On a US aircraft carrier, sailors hide from the dead. Meanwhile, a fanatic makes a new religion out of death. A surviving anchor keeps broadcasting at a cable news station while his undead colleagues try to devour him. In DC, an autistic federal employee charts the outbreak, preserving data for a future that may never come.
A Must-Read for Horror Aficionados
“Pay the Piper” is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. It is a chilling collaboration between two titans of horror. Don’t miss your chance to delve into this terrifying tale, which is perfect for chilling fall nights. Get your copy of “Pay the Piper” on September 3, 2024.
