Dead Scalp by Jasper Bark

The West just got a whole lot weirder!

Legend has it, when you’re down on your luck.

When the law is on your tail and there’s nowhere left to run.

There’s one last place to hide…

Dead Scalp.

You won’t find Dead Scalp on any map. It’s not at the end of any trail. And your only way in is hard cash and dark magic. But if you’re willing to risk everything you might just make it. And if you make it, you might just live forever!

Outlaw James Briggs has nothing left to lose. Through a desperate gamble, he bluffs his way into Dead Scalp and onto the payroll of Big Bill Baldwin the boss of the whole violent burg. But something sinister stalks the bloody streets, something in search of retribution. A terror that defies belief and crushes what little faith James has left in humanity.

There are crimes too terrible to countenance on Dead Scalp’s conscience and fates that make death seem a blessing.

Part of the Bark Bites Horror series, Dead Scalp is the weirdest western you’re ever going to read. A horrifying horse opera with shudders in the saddle, gore in the gutters and gunplay on every street corner!

Description

“… the weirdest Wild West I’ve ever encountered… a jet black Western, with a set-up designed to exploit the tough, even hellish nature of life on the frontier, where violence is the only real law. However, the supernatural elements move the story way beyond that initial premise, to territories far darker, more gruesome, and ultimately deeper and more thoughtful”—Kit Power, Gingernuts of Horror

“Dead Scalp is as good of a weird western as any others you will read this year. Bark captures the gritty windblown feel of an unforgiving time and opens the door to dimensions that would make Rod Serling blush.”—Cory Cline

“Dead Scalp is a Western tale that goes so far off into left field that it may take you hours to find your way back. Despite its incredibly bizarre setting and events, it all makes terrible sense. I dare you to run right out and get a haircut after reading it… And if it’s your first time with Jasper Bark, just be warned: he’s not going to be gentle, and he’s going to be staring into your eyes the whole time. Good luck.”—David Dubrow