Shelf Control: Missing Monday by Matthew Costello

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for a Shelf Control post!

Shelf Control is a weekly meme hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies, giving book junkies like me a chance to highlight some of the lingering titles in our TBR stacks!

What it's about (from the back of the book):

On Sunday night Janna Wade went to sleep and had the dream. 

The black clouds roiling in the sky...

The isolated farmhouse beckoning in the distance...

The stairway leading into nothing...

The choking sobs coming from behind the door...

Open the door Janna. Don't be afraid, your screams will wake you.

When Janna does awaken, it's Tuesday - an entire day lost. Yet according to her friends she was at work, her e-mails were answered, her lunch dates were met, and her phone calls were returned. In fact, it was a day just like any other. Except Janna doesn't remember a thing. It's as if she wasn't there at all. And if Janna wasn't there, who was?

The answer comes with a stranger - a woman who knows what becomes of Janna's lost nights... who knows what Janna dreams... and who knows that from now on, Janna's every waking hour will be a nightmare. 

How I got it:

At the bookstore.

When I got it:

Well the fact that it's out of print now means I got it way too long ago for it to still be in my TBR!

Why I want to read it:

First of all, that cover! Plus I was intrigued by the premise. 

Years after this book released, Costello wrote a duo of zombie books (Vacation and Home) that I absolutely loved. And so, Missing Monday came back on my radar (it's shelved in a weird spot, I'm working on that). Course now that it's out of print it's even harder to fit into the reading/review schedule (am I the only one with this issue?).

Home by Matthew Costello

When we left the Murphy family in the end of Vacation, they were in a bit of a... pickle. This follow up picks up just before the end of Vacation and follows wife Christie and kids as they escape Paterville and move on to the next challenge.

Christie, Kate, and Simon narrowly managed to escape Paterville Camp, but they've made it. While they were away, though, it seems New York experience a massive power outage. The electric fences designed to keep out the Can Heads failed and their world is crumbling around them. As they make their trek home, they aren't sure what they'll find, but they hope it'll still be the haven husband Jack prepared for them. If their home has been compromised, Christie isn't sure what she'll do, but she knows that protecting her family is her number one responsibility. 

I've tried -- hopefully somewhat successfully -- to avoid any possible spoilers here for folks who have yet to read Vacation. It's a bit tough since Home is an immediate follow up, but I should point out that Home can essentially be read as a stand alone itself. There's enough of a recap from Vacation that you get the gist of what the Murphy family is facing and what's going on around them in this future world.

This one went a bit more Walking Dead than the previous installment. Much more of the family facing the outside world and traveling their way to some place safe.

I missed Jack. I really wanted more of him! It was nice to see Christie come into her own, though, since she's more of a background character in Vacation and now the one in charge in Home. Both of the kids get more page time as well and their growth is particularly fabulous.

It's pretty clear in the end of Home that there's much more to the Murphys' story and some really cool elements (not giving it away) are introduced in the end that should lead into a follow up. I've no clue how many books may be planned for in this "series" but I'll be along for the ride for sure!

Home officially hits shelves on Tuesday, October 30. Vacation is out in paperback now.

Vacation by Matthew Costello

Paterville Camp, where you and your family can relax -- or not.

A vacation is just what the doctor ordered after NYPD officer Jack Murphy barely survives an attack. His partner was killed by a group of Can Heads, roving bands of cannibals that have become an increasing threat since the water dried up and blight attacked the crops. But Jack isn't the kind of person who relaxes easily and something about Paterville has him worried. Sure it's surrounded by a massive electric fence and heavily armed guards walk the perimeter every night, but why does Jack still feel unsafe? It won't take long for him to discover Paterville's secret. But will he and his family survive this vacation?

What did I love about this book? It's fun! Plain and simple. It's dark and dirty fun in a semi post apocalyptic setting. The only thing that would have made this a more perfect read would be if I'd read it in a cabin in the woods!

Seriously, it's a pretty simple story and a really quick read but Costello's setting is fantastic in its simplicity. Then there's the added bonus of wondering what caused the Can Heads and the blight that's killed the crops.

Jack and his family are totally believable and I was rooting for the cop all the way. And Paterville's eeriness is not too blatant or overt, just barely more than implied and presented in a way that scratch at the back of your brain along with Jack's worries.

Based on the acknowledgements in the book, it sounds as though there's a screenplay for this floating around somewhere. I would actually love to see this become a feature length film. I think it would be a great one to watch!

Vacation does have a bit of a cliffhanger ending but no worries, readers, the sequel, Home, hits shelves on October 30 and I have it on good authority that it stands on its own as well as being a follow up.

As a bonus, Tor posted an except last year. You can find it here. Vacation is available in paperback and on audio.