Book Review: PLACEHOLDERS
I figure what the heck. Now and then i want to do a review, so I will.

Here's one for John Little's PLACEHOLDERS.

PLACEHOLDERS, by John R. Little
From the Necessary Evil Press website:
For most of us death comes only once.

For Richard, that rule no longer applies. He has died hundreds of times over, taking the place of those in agony as well as those unaware, men and women alike, as they each meet their death.

Along this macabre passage through seeming immortality, he begins to suspect that these unrelated deaths cloak a personal mystery and discovers that the horror of the truth resides where death is no longer a safe refuge…
Okay I was intrigued by the idea behind PLACEHOLDERS. It seemed like there might actually be an original idea floating around somewhere in the concept. My curiosity was decidedly piqued when I found out that Thomas Monteleone was going to do the foreword, because, let’s be honest, Tom is not known for casually throwing praise to the wind. And, of course, as I still haven’t gotten around to reading the highly touted THE MEMORY TREE, I wanted to read something by John R. Little, who in addition to being a nice guy when I had the pleasure of meeting him in person, is also going out of his way to do everything the right way. Factor in that the book is from Necessary Evil Press, and we’re looking at what is basically a must-read scenario. I’ve yet to be disappointed by anything NEP has come out with.

If you’re expecting me to change my mind about NEP, I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. Still damned fine stuff.

PLACEHOLDERS is unique. I haven’t read a story quite like it before. It’s fast, it’s short and it’s intense as all hell. Now you know by now that I’m not giving you anything beyond the book description above, and if you don’t know that by now, you haven’t been paying attention. That said, damn, I feel humbled. From beginning to end, PLACEHOLDERS grabs you by the throat and holds on tightly.

There is no safe place in the story. There is no point where you can sigh and relax, and close the covers of the book without wanting to know what happens next. Not only is our hero constantly in danger, he’s dying every other page and in some damned horrific ways, to boot. At first I was a little worried that there would be no character development. Okay, that’s a lie. I was worried before opening the book to page one. After that the doubts were pushed aside. You get to know Richard in possibly the most off-beat method ever, but as a twist, you get to learn all about him at the exact same speed as Richard himself. Again, I’m humbled.

Richard isn’t the only character. Hell, there are a lot of characters to learn about and you do learn about them and to care for them, even as their worlds are shattered. I can’t say anything more about that, much as I want to.

There’s a mystery running through this story, and I ain’t saying a word. It’s too perfect to give away any clues. Too sublime. And the resolution of that mystery? Wow. Seriously. One of the most unexpected and satisfying endings I’ve read in a very long time. When I was done with PLACEHOLDERS I looked at the book and shook my head. It’s seldom I admire not only the story, but the execution of the same as much as I did here. John R. Little, sir, you are amazing. I can’t wait to see what you pull out of your hat next.

Oddly, despite the unusual premise, there’s a solid plot here, and it progresses beautifully. It’s dark, it’s disturbing and it’s violent in the extreme, and yet, none of it feels forced or unnecessary. The violence is definitely there, but expertly handled and does nothing at all to obfuscate the continuing story. And again, wow.

I could go on, but I won’t. Let’s leave it at this: Get your hands on a copy of PLACEHOLDERS or you are going to miss out on one of the finest pieces of fiction I have seen come down the pipeline in the last few years. I am delighted and thrilled by and just slightly in awe of PLACEHOLDERS. I simply can’t recommend it enough.

James A. Moore