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One Size Eats All #2
Rattus New Yorkus
THEY’RE BIGGER
Deep in the sewers of New York City, the rat population is growing. Dr. Randolph Finch is determined to break the cycle. His new rodenticide, Degenesis, doesn’t kill rats. It sterilizes them from reproducing. But nothing adapts faster than a New York rat . . .
THEY’RE SMARTER
City exterminators and soon-to-be divorced Chris and Benita Jackson think they know how these rats think. They know how rats breed. And they fear that Degenesis has only made these rats stronger. More aggressive. More intelligent. And more ravenous than ever . . .
TONIGHT’S DINNER SPECIAL: US
After a noticeableÌýsurge in rat den activity, the Jacksons witness something strange. Without warning, the rats disappear—only to reassemble in a massive lair beneath Grand Central Station. Millions upon millions of them. Working together. Operating as a hive mind. Feasting on the flesh of the homeless below—and planning their all-out attack on the unsuspecting humans above . . .
Deep in the sewers of New York City, the rat population is growing. Dr. Randolph Finch is determined to break the cycle. His new rodenticide, Degenesis, doesn’t kill rats. It sterilizes them from reproducing. But nothing adapts faster than a New York rat . . .
THEY’RE SMARTER
City exterminators and soon-to-be divorced Chris and Benita Jackson think they know how these rats think. They know how rats breed. And they fear that Degenesis has only made these rats stronger. More aggressive. More intelligent. And more ravenous than ever . . .
TONIGHT’S DINNER SPECIAL: US
After a noticeableÌýsurge in rat den activity, the Jacksons witness something strange. Without warning, the rats disappear—only to reassemble in a massive lair beneath Grand Central Station. Millions upon millions of them. Working together. Operating as a hive mind. Feasting on the flesh of the homeless below—and planning their all-out attack on the unsuspecting humans above . . .
Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2018
38 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Shea
60Ìýbooks991ÌýfollowersHunter Shea is the author of over 25 books, with a specialization in cryptozoological horror that includes The Jersey Devil, The Dover Demon, Loch Ness Revenge and many others. As part of the new horror line at Flame Tree Press, his novel Creature has gained critical acclaim. His novel, The Montauk Monster, was named one of the best reads of the summer by Publishers Weekly. A trip to the International Cryptozoology Museum will find several of his cryptid books among the fascinating displays. Living in a true haunted house inspired his Jessica Backman: Death in the Afterlife series (Forest of Shadows, Sinister Entity and Island of the Forbidden). In 2011, he was selected to be a part of the launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line alongside legendary author Ramsey Campbell. When he’s not writing thrillers and horror, he also spins tall tales for middle grade readers on Amazon’s highly regarded Rapids reading app.
An avid podcaster, he can be seen and heard on Monster Men, one of the longest running video horror podcasts in the world, and Final Guys, focusing on weekly movie and book reviews. His nostalgic column about the magic of 80s horror, Video Visions, is featured monthly at Cemetery Dance Online. You can find his short stories in a number of anthologies, including Chopping Block Party, The Body Horror Book and Fearful Fathoms II.
A lifetime New Yorker, Hunter is supported by his loving wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not studying up on cryptozoology, he’s an avid explorer of the unknown, having spent a night alone on the Queen Mary, searching for the Warren’s famous White Lady of the Union Cemetery and other mysterious places.
You can follow his travails at .
An avid podcaster, he can be seen and heard on Monster Men, one of the longest running video horror podcasts in the world, and Final Guys, focusing on weekly movie and book reviews. His nostalgic column about the magic of 80s horror, Video Visions, is featured monthly at Cemetery Dance Online. You can find his short stories in a number of anthologies, including Chopping Block Party, The Body Horror Book and Fearful Fathoms II.
A lifetime New Yorker, Hunter is supported by his loving wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not studying up on cryptozoology, he’s an avid explorer of the unknown, having spent a night alone on the Queen Mary, searching for the Warren’s famous White Lady of the Union Cemetery and other mysterious places.
You can follow his travails at .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 12, 2019
How much more fun could this book could be? The answer is none! None more fun!
I had to hold myself back from finishing this novella in just one sitting. I wanted to try to savor it, but it was too hard. A man and his soon to be ex-wife run an extermination company in Manhattan and are chosen to try out a new rat poison. After dispensing some healthy doses they thought their job was done, but it turns out the poison seems to have backfired, (isn't that always the way?), and now there are more rats than ever. Not only are there more, but they're more aggressive AND let's just say they're happier in their little rat bedrooms. Soon, they've taken over the sites where they were treated and many more sites as well. Can Manhattan escape this scourge of aggressive and horny rats? You'll have to read this to find out!
RATTUS NEW YORKUS is flat out FUN! It doesn't get bogged down in philosophical questions or literary mumbo-jumbo. We're here for people killing rats and boy, do we get them!
I've been slow to come around to Hunter Shea and I'm not sure why, exactly. Maybe I was trying to fancy myself as more of a literary reader? Don't get me wrong, I love literary horror, cosmic horror and all kinds of stuff, but lately? Creature features have been bringing it as far as I'm concerned, and Hunter Shea is up there with the best writers of them, EVER. I love me some James Herbert and Guy N. Smith, but Hunter? This is pure unadulterated fun and if you want some for yourself? Pick up RATTUS NEW YORKUS when it comes out. You won't be disappointed!
This gets my highest recommendation! You can pre-order your copy here:
*Thanks to Lyrical Underground and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
I had to hold myself back from finishing this novella in just one sitting. I wanted to try to savor it, but it was too hard. A man and his soon to be ex-wife run an extermination company in Manhattan and are chosen to try out a new rat poison. After dispensing some healthy doses they thought their job was done, but it turns out the poison seems to have backfired, (isn't that always the way?), and now there are more rats than ever. Not only are there more, but they're more aggressive AND let's just say they're happier in their little rat bedrooms. Soon, they've taken over the sites where they were treated and many more sites as well. Can Manhattan escape this scourge of aggressive and horny rats? You'll have to read this to find out!
RATTUS NEW YORKUS is flat out FUN! It doesn't get bogged down in philosophical questions or literary mumbo-jumbo. We're here for people killing rats and boy, do we get them!
I've been slow to come around to Hunter Shea and I'm not sure why, exactly. Maybe I was trying to fancy myself as more of a literary reader? Don't get me wrong, I love literary horror, cosmic horror and all kinds of stuff, but lately? Creature features have been bringing it as far as I'm concerned, and Hunter Shea is up there with the best writers of them, EVER. I love me some James Herbert and Guy N. Smith, but Hunter? This is pure unadulterated fun and if you want some for yourself? Pick up RATTUS NEW YORKUS when it comes out. You won't be disappointed!
This gets my highest recommendation! You can pre-order your copy here:
*Thanks to Lyrical Underground and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
August 26, 2018
Hunter Shea, by now, is a sure win for me. Well, not always but almost always. The previous book was about giant iguanas running rampant in Florida. This one had New York rats. *shudders*
It always fascinated me how pet rats were so incredibly clean and downright friendly while the wild variety is carrying almost every disease known to man. What they always are is smart as hell. And in this short book, that is exactly what's the problem.
A scientist is tinkering with whatever chemical formula in order to help exterminators in New York City to handle the rat problem better. However, that has unexpected side-effects and soon people are dying left and right and whole gangs of rats are cleaning out the neighbourhoods.
This would make an excellent b-movie. Seriously. It's just the right mix of monstrous creatures, mad science, military action, and ordinary people caught in the middle.
So much blood, so many "fireworks" ... so goooood. *evil grin*
It always fascinated me how pet rats were so incredibly clean and downright friendly while the wild variety is carrying almost every disease known to man. What they always are is smart as hell. And in this short book, that is exactly what's the problem.
A scientist is tinkering with whatever chemical formula in order to help exterminators in New York City to handle the rat problem better. However, that has unexpected side-effects and soon people are dying left and right and whole gangs of rats are cleaning out the neighbourhoods.
This would make an excellent b-movie. Seriously. It's just the right mix of monstrous creatures, mad science, military action, and ordinary people caught in the middle.
So much blood, so many "fireworks" ... so goooood. *evil grin*
April 17, 2023
Rat Action!
Small backstory:
City exterminators Chris Jackson along with his ex-wife Benita are pulled into a city problem as rats have invaded the city of Manhattan. Dr. Randolph Finch invented a rat poison that was supposedly to kill the rats over a period of time but for some reason the rats are not dying and instead they seem to be everywhere!
Now with the rats growing in numbers, Chris and Benita are going to have their hands full trying to get rid of the rats as these are not "ordinary" rats that have invaded the city but some type of mutation that seems to make them eat "anything" as they over run the city!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This book was one fun read even though it was page to page about rats! Author, Hunter Shea is always fun to read when it comes to creature features books as in no time at all I found myself wrapped up within the pages of the story and ended up reading almost half the book in one sitting!
This book was great with the characters and the dialogue as I found myself chuckling through some of the story as well with the quips between Chris and Benita. Lots of creature action in this book as it was non-stop with the "rat" action
Another great book by this author and looking forward to tackling the other books I own by him soon as it is always fun to step into a "Shea" book! Giving this book five "Rat Attack Snack" stars!
Small backstory:
City exterminators Chris Jackson along with his ex-wife Benita are pulled into a city problem as rats have invaded the city of Manhattan. Dr. Randolph Finch invented a rat poison that was supposedly to kill the rats over a period of time but for some reason the rats are not dying and instead they seem to be everywhere!
Now with the rats growing in numbers, Chris and Benita are going to have their hands full trying to get rid of the rats as these are not "ordinary" rats that have invaded the city but some type of mutation that seems to make them eat "anything" as they over run the city!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This book was one fun read even though it was page to page about rats! Author, Hunter Shea is always fun to read when it comes to creature features books as in no time at all I found myself wrapped up within the pages of the story and ended up reading almost half the book in one sitting!
This book was great with the characters and the dialogue as I found myself chuckling through some of the story as well with the quips between Chris and Benita. Lots of creature action in this book as it was non-stop with the "rat" action
Another great book by this author and looking forward to tackling the other books I own by him soon as it is always fun to step into a "Shea" book! Giving this book five "Rat Attack Snack" stars!
August 21, 2018
Quote from David Attenborough:
". . . The problem with rats is that they have no fear of human beings . . . "
RATTUS NEW YORKUS is the second novella in Hunter Shea's "One Size Eats All" series. In this one, the master of creature-features takes on the rats in Manhattan.
". . . Most people don't realize how smart rodents are. They learn from their mistakes and from watching the mistakes of others . . ."
Chris and Benita (Benny) Jackson--a soon-to-be divorced couple, run a business together as New York City exterminators. They've seen what rats are capable of, and are ready for just about anything. When Dr. Randolph Finch--"Ratticus" to Chris--develops a new rodenticide that is supposed to render rats sterile, the exterminators begin using it and monitoring the results.
"A healthy fear of rats kept exterminators exterminating."
"Maybe they hold little rat seminars . . . 'You ARE Smarter Than the Exterminator'."
The problem is that while the new product--Degenesis--is supposed to reduce the rat population over time, quite the opposite seems to be happening.
And then some.
". . . I'm not normally a claustrophobic person, but there was a definite you're doomed vibe going on . . . "
Shea takes you into the minds of his characters. Irregardless of their impending divorce, Chris and Benny work well together. They know the tenacious nature of these rodents, and they're not afraid to use a little brute force when all else fails. We get to see how the knowledge they've accumulated begins to crumble in the face of what this new poison actually does to the city's rat population.
". . . got me to worrying that the rats could now strategize and plan ahead. It was hard to find a silver lining at that moment."
The comedic banter that I love so much is clearly in full force here. Let's face it--if your job was killing rodents for a living, you'd need a large dose of sarcastic humor to get through the day. From their own comments, to the actions of "Ratticus" and the citizens of NYC, I found myself laughing--often inappropriately--throughout much of this book.
"They're moving . . . "
"'They can't. They're dead', Marvin kindly reminded her."
Of course, no creature feature would be complete without buckets full of gore and carnage at every turn. You'll find that in the most "inventive" and horrific ways all throughout. While the altered rats are doing their worst to reduce humanity into a large, panicked, "all-you-can-eat" buffet, the humans--mainly Chris and Benny at first--are up for some rodent bone breaking and skull crushing of their own.
I bet you never envisioned some of these unconventional uses for a hockey stick or fireplace poker!
". . . It was like watching the world's most horrid game of dominoes . . . "
Overall, in my opinion, the combination of the main characters, NYC residents, and the formidable rat population, makes RATTUS NEW YORKUS one of Shea's most gruesome--and sarcasm-laced novellas to date. The action started in rapidly, and increased dramatically as the book moved forward. The main characters were impossible NOT to root for, and their darkly comedic outlook gave the story some truly memorable moments that I can still picture.
". . . Lots of somethings dead."
So far, RATTUS NEW YORKUS is my favorite in Shea's new "One Size Eats All" trilogy.
Highly recommended!
**AVAILABLE NOW!!!**
". . . The problem with rats is that they have no fear of human beings . . . "
RATTUS NEW YORKUS is the second novella in Hunter Shea's "One Size Eats All" series. In this one, the master of creature-features takes on the rats in Manhattan.
". . . Most people don't realize how smart rodents are. They learn from their mistakes and from watching the mistakes of others . . ."
Chris and Benita (Benny) Jackson--a soon-to-be divorced couple, run a business together as New York City exterminators. They've seen what rats are capable of, and are ready for just about anything. When Dr. Randolph Finch--"Ratticus" to Chris--develops a new rodenticide that is supposed to render rats sterile, the exterminators begin using it and monitoring the results.
"A healthy fear of rats kept exterminators exterminating."
"Maybe they hold little rat seminars . . . 'You ARE Smarter Than the Exterminator'."
The problem is that while the new product--Degenesis--is supposed to reduce the rat population over time, quite the opposite seems to be happening.
And then some.
". . . I'm not normally a claustrophobic person, but there was a definite you're doomed vibe going on . . . "
Shea takes you into the minds of his characters. Irregardless of their impending divorce, Chris and Benny work well together. They know the tenacious nature of these rodents, and they're not afraid to use a little brute force when all else fails. We get to see how the knowledge they've accumulated begins to crumble in the face of what this new poison actually does to the city's rat population.
". . . got me to worrying that the rats could now strategize and plan ahead. It was hard to find a silver lining at that moment."
The comedic banter that I love so much is clearly in full force here. Let's face it--if your job was killing rodents for a living, you'd need a large dose of sarcastic humor to get through the day. From their own comments, to the actions of "Ratticus" and the citizens of NYC, I found myself laughing--often inappropriately--throughout much of this book.
"They're moving . . . "
"'They can't. They're dead', Marvin kindly reminded her."
Of course, no creature feature would be complete without buckets full of gore and carnage at every turn. You'll find that in the most "inventive" and horrific ways all throughout. While the altered rats are doing their worst to reduce humanity into a large, panicked, "all-you-can-eat" buffet, the humans--mainly Chris and Benny at first--are up for some rodent bone breaking and skull crushing of their own.
I bet you never envisioned some of these unconventional uses for a hockey stick or fireplace poker!
". . . It was like watching the world's most horrid game of dominoes . . . "
Overall, in my opinion, the combination of the main characters, NYC residents, and the formidable rat population, makes RATTUS NEW YORKUS one of Shea's most gruesome--and sarcasm-laced novellas to date. The action started in rapidly, and increased dramatically as the book moved forward. The main characters were impossible NOT to root for, and their darkly comedic outlook gave the story some truly memorable moments that I can still picture.
". . . Lots of somethings dead."
So far, RATTUS NEW YORKUS is my favorite in Shea's new "One Size Eats All" trilogy.
Highly recommended!
**AVAILABLE NOW!!!**
August 11, 2018
New York rats have a bad reputation, and this book is not going to win them any positive vibes. The long asked question may finally be answered-Who is the king of the cement jungle ? Man or rat, the battle is on ! Welcome to fight club, rat vs man, all rules off the table, only one can win.
It's all fun and games till the rat pops out of the mouth. Oh yeh expect to cringe, chuckle and shutter as you read along. Keep a hockey stick close, and be ready to run. Oh my, I loved the ending the skittering sound...so Carrie with once last EEKK or squeak depending on your humanity level.
Thanks NetGalley and publishers for the review copy.
August 26, 2018
Always be leery of any reviewer who says, "If you like, then..."
Why?
Because it usually means that if you pick up this book, you're gonna get eaten by horny rabid New York Rats juiced up the to gills on a super-potion, killing everyone in the most gruesome fashion ever.
Capishe?
Capishe.
Oh, I might want to mention that I would WATCH THE HELL out of this if it was a B-movie horror with an extra budget for all the special effects. It tickles all my fancies. :)
Shea usually does.
Why?
Because it usually means that if you pick up this book, you're gonna get eaten by horny rabid New York Rats juiced up the to gills on a super-potion, killing everyone in the most gruesome fashion ever.
Capishe?
Capishe.
Oh, I might want to mention that I would WATCH THE HELL out of this if it was a B-movie horror with an extra budget for all the special effects. It tickles all my fancies. :)
Shea usually does.
October 30, 2021
I can personally guarantee this is the best book about rats becoming rapidly more aggressive (physically and sexually), mass producing at a staggering rate, developing a hive mind, and going on a city-wide rampage in New York that you will ever read.
If you are a creature feature horror fan, this is a must read. It’s fun, exciting, horrific, disgusting, gory, fast-paced, and surprisingly funny. The dialogue in here was pretty hilarious throughout, especially the back and forth banter between our two main leads (an amicably divorced couple who still own their extermination business together).
Plus, this was FREE to download. What’s not to love?
Hunter Shea: you are the man. Such a fun horror novella. Extra bonus points for the clever title, and for naming a restaurant “Pasta 13�, as in “there’s been an assault on Pasta 13�. I see what you did there!
If you are a creature feature horror fan, this is a must read. It’s fun, exciting, horrific, disgusting, gory, fast-paced, and surprisingly funny. The dialogue in here was pretty hilarious throughout, especially the back and forth banter between our two main leads (an amicably divorced couple who still own their extermination business together).
Plus, this was FREE to download. What’s not to love?
Hunter Shea: you are the man. Such a fun horror novella. Extra bonus points for the clever title, and for naming a restaurant “Pasta 13�, as in “there’s been an assault on Pasta 13�. I see what you did there!
June 14, 2018
I am a sucker for monster tales. Big or small, creature rampages are always a hit with me! Hunter Shea has entertained me with man eating lizards in Florida, the Jersey Devil, swamp creatures, Loch Ness.....lots of monster goodness. This time....it's very angry, swarming rats attacking New York.
Rats are definitely in my top 5 of things I don't like. Not just because they helped spread the fleas that killed millions during the various outbreaks of plague several hundred years ago, but because they are still spreading disease, biting people and popping out from unexpected places even today. I have not had the joy (note sarcasm) to meet a New York rat up close, but I have heard stories. Where I live in NC most rats invade derelict or abandoned homes and then wreck havoc on others who own surrounding properties. Yuck! The thought of millions of rats....angry....clawing, biting...CHASING people.... EEEEEKKKKK!
The basics: A well meaning scientist creates a new bait for rats which is supposed to sterilize them, preventing them from breeding and increasing the rat population. He gets an exterminator to test the new product on several locations in New York so they can track its effect on the rat population. Unfortunately, the chemical just makes the rats super aggressive, violent and seemingly even more intelligent than normal. New Yorkers are resilient, but what will they do when faced with millions of Super Rats?
I enjoyed this story! Very creepy and just an entertaining fun read. At 112 pages Rattus New Yorkus is an afternoon's entertaining creepy read. I sat on my porch with a big glass of iced tea and let myself just enjoy being creeped out by a story about rats. Lots of Rats. Angry rats. Rats that want to eat people. All the people. That night I kept waking up thinking I heard skittering and squeaking. It was my foster kitten, not a rat....but it did prove that Hunter Shea managed to creep me out once again!
For those who love cheesy monster stories, this book is perfect! And I'm definitely up for the next Hunter Shea book! :) I wonder what he will scare me with next time? :)
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No rats were harmed during the writing of this review.**
Rats are definitely in my top 5 of things I don't like. Not just because they helped spread the fleas that killed millions during the various outbreaks of plague several hundred years ago, but because they are still spreading disease, biting people and popping out from unexpected places even today. I have not had the joy (note sarcasm) to meet a New York rat up close, but I have heard stories. Where I live in NC most rats invade derelict or abandoned homes and then wreck havoc on others who own surrounding properties. Yuck! The thought of millions of rats....angry....clawing, biting...CHASING people.... EEEEEKKKKK!
The basics: A well meaning scientist creates a new bait for rats which is supposed to sterilize them, preventing them from breeding and increasing the rat population. He gets an exterminator to test the new product on several locations in New York so they can track its effect on the rat population. Unfortunately, the chemical just makes the rats super aggressive, violent and seemingly even more intelligent than normal. New Yorkers are resilient, but what will they do when faced with millions of Super Rats?
I enjoyed this story! Very creepy and just an entertaining fun read. At 112 pages Rattus New Yorkus is an afternoon's entertaining creepy read. I sat on my porch with a big glass of iced tea and let myself just enjoy being creeped out by a story about rats. Lots of Rats. Angry rats. Rats that want to eat people. All the people. That night I kept waking up thinking I heard skittering and squeaking. It was my foster kitten, not a rat....but it did prove that Hunter Shea managed to creep me out once again!
For those who love cheesy monster stories, this book is perfect! And I'm definitely up for the next Hunter Shea book! :) I wonder what he will scare me with next time? :)
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No rats were harmed during the writing of this review.**
July 29, 2018
I've always enjoyed stories where Nature strikes back at mankind, and RATTUS NEW YORKUS is a great example of this type of yarn.
When a new toxin designed to sterilize rats in New York City has the opposite effect, creating a massive population of sex-crazed, aggressive rats, exterminators (and estranged spouses) Chris and Benita Jackson are drawn into the bloody battle to save New York City from the ravenous monsters.
RATTUS NEW YORKUS evokes those crazy creature features of the 50s-60s, and like those films, this one is a hell of a lot of (sometimes gruesome) fun.
Hunter Shea has once again delivered a satisfying tale of Nature-gone-mad that I highly recommend.
***I received this as a free E-ARC from NetGalley, and THIS is my honest review.
When a new toxin designed to sterilize rats in New York City has the opposite effect, creating a massive population of sex-crazed, aggressive rats, exterminators (and estranged spouses) Chris and Benita Jackson are drawn into the bloody battle to save New York City from the ravenous monsters.
RATTUS NEW YORKUS evokes those crazy creature features of the 50s-60s, and like those films, this one is a hell of a lot of (sometimes gruesome) fun.
Hunter Shea has once again delivered a satisfying tale of Nature-gone-mad that I highly recommend.
***I received this as a free E-ARC from NetGalley, and THIS is my honest review.
August 20, 2023
Hunter Shea does it again in Rattus New Yorkus, the second entry in his One Size Eats All series. Rats are such nasty creatures. And intelligent. If anyone has ever tried to rid a building of them, they know what I’m talking about. You’ll catch the dumb ones, but the smarter ones watch and learn. What worked at first quickly stops working on the rest of them. Lucky for us, they’re not dangerously aggressive. Ah, but what if they were? Hunter takes that nugget and runs with it. And if it’s one thing the guy can do, its take an everyday creature and scare the shit out of us with it. Benny and Chris are exterminators in the Bronx and their marriage is on the rocks. Amid navigating the unknown waters of their separation, they’re called upon by the city to administer a newly developed rat control drug, a revolutionary substance called Degensis. Degensis is supposed to prevent New York’s rats from reproducing. That’s a good thing, since a rat’s gestation period is 21 days and can pop out 18 of the nasty boogers in one litter. Ah, but science never goes wrong, right?
What elevates Rattus New Yorkus from being a forgettable science gone amuck creature feature is Shea’s characters. I love Benny and Chris. Their situation feels real and familiar. We’ve all experienced break ups and that awkwardness that can go with it. Shea could’ve easily made one to be the bad guy here, but he doesn’t. The two simply drifted apart in their marriage, and that feels like real life. You don’t have to make one of the characters a bitch or an asshole. And because he didn’t, I sympathize with both of them equally. Then, throw them in this wild situation, and watch where it goes. Pulpy? Yes, but damn good writing.
4.5 Flaming Rats out of 5
What elevates Rattus New Yorkus from being a forgettable science gone amuck creature feature is Shea’s characters. I love Benny and Chris. Their situation feels real and familiar. We’ve all experienced break ups and that awkwardness that can go with it. Shea could’ve easily made one to be the bad guy here, but he doesn’t. The two simply drifted apart in their marriage, and that feels like real life. You don’t have to make one of the characters a bitch or an asshole. And because he didn’t, I sympathize with both of them equally. Then, throw them in this wild situation, and watch where it goes. Pulpy? Yes, but damn good writing.
4.5 Flaming Rats out of 5
December 11, 2018
“If Genesis is the beginning of man, Degenesis is the end of the rats.�
Holy Shitticus. This wasn’t messing around.
When you decide to read a book called “Rattus New Yorkus� you pretty much have a good idea of what’s going to go down.
And it went down just like that. No f’n around for these rats, all hopped up on the latest poison and ready to do some serious multiplying.
And killin�.
Evidently, the "revolutionary new rat poison" was half meth and half super Viagra. Oops.
I like Hunter Shea. Dude loves his creature feature stories and it shows. His bio says he has a specialization in cryptozoological horror. I dig that about him.
3.5+ Stars
Holy Shitticus. This wasn’t messing around.
When you decide to read a book called “Rattus New Yorkus� you pretty much have a good idea of what’s going to go down.
And it went down just like that. No f’n around for these rats, all hopped up on the latest poison and ready to do some serious multiplying.
And killin�.
Evidently, the "revolutionary new rat poison" was half meth and half super Viagra. Oops.
I like Hunter Shea. Dude loves his creature feature stories and it shows. His bio says he has a specialization in cryptozoological horror. I dig that about him.
3.5+ Stars
September 17, 2020
“City rats are tough bastards.�This is a B-grade movie I need to see! Mankind’s infinite wisdom strikes again. This time we’re taking on New York’s rat population, up close and personal with “hand-to-paw combat�.
Dr Randolph “Ratticus� Finch has developed a new rodenticide, Degenesis, that promises results. There are results, just not the ones he was hoping for. These rats are smarter and more aggressive, they’re multiplying quickly and they’re hungry. Exterminators Bennie and Chris Jackson are going to be working overtime on this one.
They were enormous and mangy and looked like the embodiment of animal savagery and disease.I always have so much fun with Hunter Shea’s books. Although I really enjoyed watching the rats wreak havoc from a safe distance, a couple of the elements I look forward to in Shea’s stories weren’t quite as prominent in this one.
The action was pretty much non stop but my horror book bloodlust wasn’t entirely sated. The rats gnawed their way through the pages but I wasn’t sustained by graphic insides that are now your outsides details like I was in Misfits and Slash. There also wasn’t the time for me to become invested in any specific character’s survival. I was actually on the rats� side and wanted them to prevail, although I did have my swattin� pole on hand, just in case.
I’m keen to experience all of the bloody fun that Shea’s novels promise and definitely want to see the mayhem unfold in the other One Size Eats All novellas.
“I think panic is an appropriate response to what we just saw.�Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground, an imprint of Kensington Books, for the opportunity to read this novella.
Blog -
August 20, 2018
We all know that rats are crafty little buggers and learn very quickly from their mistakes. But what if they could demonstrate intent? An ability to outsmart even the most sleuth rodent exterminators. The genetic capability to reproduce tenfold in a matter of days? Well, that's what our two main characters Chris and Benny start to experience when a new type of rat poison does the exact opposite of what it was intended for.
Throughout this novella, I really enjoyed the fun, witty banter between Chris and Benny, the former spouses that continue to run their own exterminator business together. I loved watching their relationship twist and turn and loved their use of humour in even the gravest of situations.
Don't be fooled, however, while the quick-witted charm of our main characters provides a welcome distraction from the unfolding events, this book is ultimately a creature feature and Hunter Shea will have you squirming in your seat with his tense and graphic narrative of how it would really feel to be taken out by an army of rats.
Some books are just damn good fun and this is certainly one of them! I read this while on holidays and it was just the kind of short, snappy, witty creature feature I needed to help disengage my brain from the world around me.
Throughout this novella, I really enjoyed the fun, witty banter between Chris and Benny, the former spouses that continue to run their own exterminator business together. I loved watching their relationship twist and turn and loved their use of humour in even the gravest of situations.
Don't be fooled, however, while the quick-witted charm of our main characters provides a welcome distraction from the unfolding events, this book is ultimately a creature feature and Hunter Shea will have you squirming in your seat with his tense and graphic narrative of how it would really feel to be taken out by an army of rats.
Some books are just damn good fun and this is certainly one of them! I read this while on holidays and it was just the kind of short, snappy, witty creature feature I needed to help disengage my brain from the world around me.
August 21, 2018
Seriously, this is a blast of a little book.
Hunter Shea takes the classic New York Rat problem and makes it legion. Picture them bigger, hungrier, and absolutely deadly!
The book is non stop fun and features a some characters I absolutely adored.
Don't take the book too seriously! Just sit back and enjoy the very chompy ride.
As usual, Shea delighted me and I can't wait for his next book!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
Hunter Shea takes the classic New York Rat problem and makes it legion. Picture them bigger, hungrier, and absolutely deadly!
The book is non stop fun and features a some characters I absolutely adored.
Don't take the book too seriously! Just sit back and enjoy the very chompy ride.
As usual, Shea delighted me and I can't wait for his next book!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
April 16, 2023
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August 5, 2023
A lot of fun, but moves at such a breakneck speed that I couldn't help feeling some of the drama of hordes of rats taking over New York was lost
June 4, 2018
4 stars
Chris and Benita “Benny� Jackson are in the process of getting a divorce, but are partners in the extermination business. Their goal in this story is to eradicate the rat population by feeding them Degenesis. It’s a new invention by Dr. Randolph Finch. Benny and Chris� nickname for him � behind his back, of course � is Ratticus Finch. It is supposed to work by sterilizing the rats.
The rats are very smart and adapt astoundingly quickly. The sad and surprising fact is that Degenesis doesn’t work. If anything, the rats are breeding faster, they’re meaner and they are beginning to attack humans � in a concerted and organized manner.
The rats are going mad. They attack a family in their apartment and Benny and Chris just manage to save two of the children trapped in the house. Dr. Finch and Chris go to an old abandoned building, another site where Degenesis was used, and escape, but barely. Dr. Finch can hardly believe what he sees.
Then all the rats disappear. Where did they go? An old exterminator named Marvin, Chris and Benny follow the rats to the Tombs. It is an area under Grand Central Station. Thousands upon thousands of rats are in there in a huge hollowed-out cavern they apparently dug themselves. There are also many homeless people, who are dead, of course.
With the aid of the army, Marvin, Benny, Chris and DR. Finch make an attempt to eradicate the rats under Grand Central by the means of poison gas and flamethrowers. Their attempt fails miserably. Many soldiers are swamped and killed. Neither the poison gas, nor the flamethrowers work.
What is humankind to do?
I absolutely love creature features, whether in print or in film. I’m always looking for something new and inventive. Although Hunter Shea’s novella Rattus New Yorkus is a theme that is certainly not new, he has a new twist on it. I really like that way he injects humor into his little horror books. It is well written and plotted and I truly enjoyed the story. Keep writing them, Mr. Shea. Your stories are delightful!
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground for forwarding to me a copy of this fun book to read and enjoy.
Chris and Benita “Benny� Jackson are in the process of getting a divorce, but are partners in the extermination business. Their goal in this story is to eradicate the rat population by feeding them Degenesis. It’s a new invention by Dr. Randolph Finch. Benny and Chris� nickname for him � behind his back, of course � is Ratticus Finch. It is supposed to work by sterilizing the rats.
The rats are very smart and adapt astoundingly quickly. The sad and surprising fact is that Degenesis doesn’t work. If anything, the rats are breeding faster, they’re meaner and they are beginning to attack humans � in a concerted and organized manner.
The rats are going mad. They attack a family in their apartment and Benny and Chris just manage to save two of the children trapped in the house. Dr. Finch and Chris go to an old abandoned building, another site where Degenesis was used, and escape, but barely. Dr. Finch can hardly believe what he sees.
Then all the rats disappear. Where did they go? An old exterminator named Marvin, Chris and Benny follow the rats to the Tombs. It is an area under Grand Central Station. Thousands upon thousands of rats are in there in a huge hollowed-out cavern they apparently dug themselves. There are also many homeless people, who are dead, of course.
With the aid of the army, Marvin, Benny, Chris and DR. Finch make an attempt to eradicate the rats under Grand Central by the means of poison gas and flamethrowers. Their attempt fails miserably. Many soldiers are swamped and killed. Neither the poison gas, nor the flamethrowers work.
What is humankind to do?
I absolutely love creature features, whether in print or in film. I’m always looking for something new and inventive. Although Hunter Shea’s novella Rattus New Yorkus is a theme that is certainly not new, he has a new twist on it. I really like that way he injects humor into his little horror books. It is well written and plotted and I truly enjoyed the story. Keep writing them, Mr. Shea. Your stories are delightful!
I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground for forwarding to me a copy of this fun book to read and enjoy.
November 8, 2018
Rattus New Yorkus is the latest creature feature from Hunter Shea. As always the author does not disappoint. The author is able to cram a novels worth of gore goodness into a novella. Don’t look for character development in this one. But I did enjoy the characters that were created. But the focal point is the lightening quick plot which contains the right amount of action and horror goodness. I enjoyed this story all the way through and I recommend it to fans of horror and/or rats.
January 18, 2019
This was fun fun fun!!!-if your idea of fun is thousands of oversized bloodthirsty rats ripping people to shreds that is! :) Hunter Shea has become a favorite author and this one hit all the right notes for me. Strong characters, fantastic pacing, a rip roaring finale, and did I mention the thousands of mutated rats! :)
October 29, 2018
Book source ~ NetGalley
Chris and Benita Jackson have their own exterminating company and they’re one of several with a city contract. On a good day it’s hard to keep up with the rat population in New York City, but when they are ordered to use a new rodenticide named Degenesis, things are about to escalate and quickly.
If you have a phobia about rats DO NOT read this story. Because ewwwww! On the one hand I love the rat trivia I learned. On the other hand, the rats in this book? They are not your typical rat. They are disturbing on so many levels it’s not funny. This is a creature feature of horror and your cute little pet rat is not the star. No sirreebob. Go ahead. Pick it up by the wiry tail, if you dare.
Chris and Benita Jackson have their own exterminating company and they’re one of several with a city contract. On a good day it’s hard to keep up with the rat population in New York City, but when they are ordered to use a new rodenticide named Degenesis, things are about to escalate and quickly.
If you have a phobia about rats DO NOT read this story. Because ewwwww! On the one hand I love the rat trivia I learned. On the other hand, the rats in this book? They are not your typical rat. They are disturbing on so many levels it’s not funny. This is a creature feature of horror and your cute little pet rat is not the star. No sirreebob. Go ahead. Pick it up by the wiry tail, if you dare.
July 4, 2018
I know rats are supposed to be smart, but I have no idea if they are this smart. Good god, I hope not!
Chris and Benny (short for Benita) are contract exterminators for NYC. Despite going through a divorce, they are partners in their pest removal business. Dr. Randolph Finch (AKA Ratticus) has created a new rodenticide called Degenesis. While it does not kill the rats, it sterilizes them. The city has decided that all their exterminators will use the new Degenesis.
After baiting the traps with Degenesis, Chris and Benny return to a local Italian restaurant with a pest problem. Turns out, the problem is even worse now. Not only are the rats multiplying, but they are becoming more aggressive. Desperate to believe that this is an aberration, Dr. Finch accompanies Chris into an abandoned building to check the traps. In the basement, they find hundreds of rats tripping over each other to reach them. Having locked themselves in the building to keep out the dangerous humans, the cowardly doctor and Chris end up forcing their way out of a second story window and down the fire escape. After their near-death escape, they can see the rats piled in the windows and watching them.
Then after the population explosion, the rats mysteriously disappear. But where did they go? And what are they planning?
I adore Hunter Shea and his creature features. I recently watched an extraordinarily cheesy old creature feature from the 50s, and I couldn't help but think that Shea does this, only makes it believable for today's audience. It's not hard to believe that a lab rat (see what I did there?) could create a "new and better" rat eradicator and royally mess it up. And I love the humor. After some police kept the rats back with their sidearms, Chris says: "Guess they don't like guns...Good thing the little monsters are liberals." Later on, Dr. Finch calls to say that the rats that had been captured and studied had killed themselves. Chris asks: "So, how did they die?...Was it pills? Did they make out with the business end of a thirty-eight special?" The end was a little darker than I thought it would be, but not unexpected and very fitting. Definitely an enjoyable Shea creature feature!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chris and Benny (short for Benita) are contract exterminators for NYC. Despite going through a divorce, they are partners in their pest removal business. Dr. Randolph Finch (AKA Ratticus) has created a new rodenticide called Degenesis. While it does not kill the rats, it sterilizes them. The city has decided that all their exterminators will use the new Degenesis.
After baiting the traps with Degenesis, Chris and Benny return to a local Italian restaurant with a pest problem. Turns out, the problem is even worse now. Not only are the rats multiplying, but they are becoming more aggressive. Desperate to believe that this is an aberration, Dr. Finch accompanies Chris into an abandoned building to check the traps. In the basement, they find hundreds of rats tripping over each other to reach them. Having locked themselves in the building to keep out the dangerous humans, the cowardly doctor and Chris end up forcing their way out of a second story window and down the fire escape. After their near-death escape, they can see the rats piled in the windows and watching them.
Then after the population explosion, the rats mysteriously disappear. But where did they go? And what are they planning?
I adore Hunter Shea and his creature features. I recently watched an extraordinarily cheesy old creature feature from the 50s, and I couldn't help but think that Shea does this, only makes it believable for today's audience. It's not hard to believe that a lab rat (see what I did there?) could create a "new and better" rat eradicator and royally mess it up. And I love the humor. After some police kept the rats back with their sidearms, Chris says: "Guess they don't like guns...Good thing the little monsters are liberals." Later on, Dr. Finch calls to say that the rats that had been captured and studied had killed themselves. Chris asks: "So, how did they die?...Was it pills? Did they make out with the business end of a thirty-eight special?" The end was a little darker than I thought it would be, but not unexpected and very fitting. Definitely an enjoyable Shea creature feature!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2018
Another great, fast read from Hunter Shea. The author knows how to craft a tight, fun, action-packed story. I was especially fond of the rather grim ending.
Hunter Shea is on my 'must-read' author list now.
*free copy form NetGalley*
Hunter Shea is on my 'must-read' author list now.
*free copy form NetGalley*
July 23, 2018
Creature feature in perfection!
This story does everything right: from super-scary creatures, which are already scary enough in real life, to likeable main characters with just the right sense of humor. I must admit I easily imagined Chris to look something like the exterminator in The Strain series, but I guess that's due to the fact that I've not seen that many exterminators so far. Also, I think they share a similar kind of humor, which seems to be a necessary quality in order to do the job without going nuts. It was so sweet to observe how Chris cared for his beloved, but separated, ex-wife 'Benny' Benita, and I was not disappointed to read how the story ended - he totally deserved it!
Of course, the story also featured the mandatory wise-ass scientist who is to blame for the catastrophe because he missed to do some field-study and made the fatal (hehe!) assumption that wild rats would behave and react like lab rats.
Finally: the rats - nasty and annoying little creatures, but manageable if encountered alone. Give them a hive-like mind and highly increased aggressiveness, and they turn into mankind's worst nightmare. I was impressed by the sheer masses of them, which enabled them to literally overrun everything the humans threw in their way - walls, fire, you name it. Note: if I remember correctly, rats featured in the first creature horror I ever read (thanks to Mr. Herbert), and I guess that left a lasting impression...
Put together, it was a pleasure to read this fine work of genre fiction and I enjoyed every last page of it. Highest recommendation!
This story does everything right: from super-scary creatures, which are already scary enough in real life, to likeable main characters with just the right sense of humor. I must admit I easily imagined Chris to look something like the exterminator in The Strain series, but I guess that's due to the fact that I've not seen that many exterminators so far. Also, I think they share a similar kind of humor, which seems to be a necessary quality in order to do the job without going nuts. It was so sweet to observe how Chris cared for his beloved, but separated, ex-wife 'Benny' Benita, and I was not disappointed to read how the story ended - he totally deserved it!
Of course, the story also featured the mandatory wise-ass scientist who is to blame for the catastrophe because he missed to do some field-study and made the fatal (hehe!) assumption that wild rats would behave and react like lab rats.
Finally: the rats - nasty and annoying little creatures, but manageable if encountered alone. Give them a hive-like mind and highly increased aggressiveness, and they turn into mankind's worst nightmare. I was impressed by the sheer masses of them, which enabled them to literally overrun everything the humans threw in their way - walls, fire, you name it. Note: if I remember correctly, rats featured in the first creature horror I ever read (thanks to Mr. Herbert), and I guess that left a lasting impression...
Put together, it was a pleasure to read this fine work of genre fiction and I enjoyed every last page of it. Highest recommendation!
May 15, 2019
I don't have a lot to say about this other than it was fast and fun. Hunter Shea has smooth prose using everyday language in the way of Laymon--without the rapey talk. The scenes placed me into the story and I felt for the main character and his love woes, as a backstory.
Mostly, I grabbed this due to the cover and my own past love of the movie "Willard" and Stephen King's "1927." Maybe it had something to do with Ralph S. Mouse from my childhood, or memories of my own pet mouse biting my index finger when I was seven, holding onto until I shook my hand hard enough to fling him into the wall. Or was it because that same year I came home from school and opened the door to my room to discover the female mouse in my cage had given birth and then slaughtered the three other adult mice sharing her space? There was a bloody mess to clean up and a mass mouse grave to be dug. Whatever lead me to read this, I enjoyed it.
Mostly, I grabbed this due to the cover and my own past love of the movie "Willard" and Stephen King's "1927." Maybe it had something to do with Ralph S. Mouse from my childhood, or memories of my own pet mouse biting my index finger when I was seven, holding onto until I shook my hand hard enough to fling him into the wall. Or was it because that same year I came home from school and opened the door to my room to discover the female mouse in my cage had given birth and then slaughtered the three other adult mice sharing her space? There was a bloody mess to clean up and a mass mouse grave to be dug. Whatever lead me to read this, I enjoyed it.
August 25, 2018
It’s never a dull moment with Hunter’s newest series and I wondered when he’d get around to rats. He wastes no time bringing on the horror.
Exterminators and divorced couple, Chris and Bonita, Benny for short, can’t help but notice the rats are acting peculiar. Normally aggressive when cornered, the rats are actually working together and attacking in packs. It soon becomes complete chaos as they multiply and swarm from the sewers to attack in the streets. The city isn’t prepared. How can anyone be. And it may be too late to stop them.
I always appreciate how this author can create three dimensional characters with so little words. I can picture them so easily with just a sentence or two. But, I know better than to get too attached. You never know who he’ll kill off.
Once the character’s are introduced and the plot is set in motion, it’s ooey gooey fun right to the bloody end. Another winner by Hunter Shea.
I just got my hands on the third book in Hunter’s One Size Eats All series, The Devil’s Fingers. The title gives me scary good vibes.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
July 30, 2018
Rattus New Yorkus, one of the One Size Eats All series, is all out horror filled fun. Chasing rats that are genetically out of control has now been added to his seemingly endless list of creatures. These rats were supposed to have been given a lab created poison. But, instead of killing them, which would be too easy and boring, it made them near invincible. I'm a big Hunter Shea fan, and totally dig what he is throwing down. I'll keep reading what he is writing for as long as that is, and please let it be a very long time!
August 25, 2018
Loved it! Fast paced from start to finish, and action that runs up your leg and bites you in the face. I'm putting a lock on that toilet lid now.
July 11, 2021
I guess I was expecting more, but it was just good enough to pass the time. It was very much like a short corny B-movie.
October 21, 2021
A very short novella and I didn't know it was part of a trilogy although I don't think they're interconnected. This was a fun, fast-paced read with plenty of witty humour thrown in as well.
To counteract the rising vermin problem, a scientist creates a poison to kill them off which, of course, works completely opposite to how it was planned out. Gruesome, humorous, quick read!
To counteract the rising vermin problem, a scientist creates a poison to kill them off which, of course, works completely opposite to how it was planned out. Gruesome, humorous, quick read!
April 20, 2021
Another awesome creature feature from Hunter. If you are terrified of rats then you might want to skip it.
Excellent writing with witty characters, well described scenes, and an abundance of wee, hairy beasts. Satisfied my thirst for a gory creature read. Was a pretty quick read.
Only thing i was a bit disappointed with was the ending was a quite abrupt. I wouldnt have minded it carrying on - but then, im not quite sure where it could have went to be honest. I could see another book as a spin off from this one - maybe from the point of view of different characters in Manhattan. Maybe?
Excellent writing with witty characters, well described scenes, and an abundance of wee, hairy beasts. Satisfied my thirst for a gory creature read. Was a pretty quick read.
Only thing i was a bit disappointed with was the ending was a quite abrupt. I wouldnt have minded it carrying on - but then, im not quite sure where it could have went to be honest. I could see another book as a spin off from this one - maybe from the point of view of different characters in Manhattan. Maybe?
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