As She Stabbed Me Gently in the Face

I was unsure about this book at first, mostly because CMIII seemed unsure about it in his intro. However, now that I've read it, I have to say this is my new favorite CMIII book. I can see it's gotten some pretty negative reviews (and I do go a little heavy handed with the 5 star ratings sometimes, but I love most books I read, just in different ways), and I'm finding that odd. I really feel like this is one of his strongest works to date. I LOVED the way Oksana told her story within the book. I've always been a fan of the ole 'story within a story' device. So the set-up was different than anything he's done for a long time, and I enjoyed the change of pace.The narrative itself was amazing. Maybe I'm morbid; I don't know. But I absolutely enjoyed CMIII's foray into true horror. Although it's not horror exactly. It's hard to explain! Clusterf*ck and Apesh*t were funny horror stories...this one isn't funny at all, but it's a detailed glimpse into the mind of a killer, and I love books with that theme. The dynamic between Oksana and Edward is fun, and I love the little twist ending (yes, there's a surprise!).But let's be honest...if you're a huge CMIII fan, you're going to read and enjoy this book one way or another. If you HAVEN'T read CMIII, I would consider this a good starter book, although it ISN'T typical of his other writing, so if you don't like it, keep trying more of his books...one of the 45 or so he's written will be bound to please you!

Absolutely loved this book by Mellick, I couldn't put it down. I have read many of his previous books but this really was one of his best

So just finished another of CM3 great books and this one did not disappoint. This is a little different type of writing for him as he explains at the beginning in his notes. This story centers on a eccentric artist who is a former model who turns out to be a serial killer. Her art is as deadly as she is and she can't resist the temptation of taking home a "cute boy" in her words and kill him. She uses killing as an outlet for her sexual energy as well. This is a little different for CM3 and that is not a bad thing at all. Would love to read more in this type of perspective. As always highly recommended.

As usual, Mellick explores strange and unusual possibilities. It was very engaging and very quick read. Nice way to spend a few hours

I've read dozens of Carlton's novels and I must say, he just keeps getting better and more sophisticated.This book is exactly what he promises: an uncompromising exploration of a serial killer's psyche.So, what happens when a brilliant, unremorseful psychopath meets a man willing to be her victim for eternity? You'd think it would be the perfect match, but you'd think wrong."As She Stabbed Me Gently in the Face" is well-paced, suspenseful, and graphic. If you have the right sense of humor, it's also darkly funny. I found it tough to put down and finished it in a day.

I was waiting for months for the latest CMIII release. But unfortunately, this latest work was a let down. There are--in true Mellick fashion--some interesting ideas and images developed; however, the pacing isn't what it usually is. This book has a very slow start. The first 40 pages or so are a slog. It improves as the pages drag on. But a slow start can ruin a decent ending. If you are like me, and buy every CMIII as soon as it becomes available, then this review won't be of any use. But if you are a casual reader, there are much stronger arms in this brilliant author's arsenal.

Carlton Mellick has written some of the most original and captivating Bizarro fiction I have ever read. The Haunted Vagina and Cuddly Holocaust are two of my all time favorite novels from any genre. It pains me to have to give this one such a low rating, but it simply does not measure up to the quality of his best works. The idea of the story is interesting, a serial killer agrees to stop killing others when she meets an immortal who offers to be her eternal victim. The story line is obviously meant to represent the struggles of a codependent relationship, but metaphorically it is weak and obvious in a way that it almost seems the author thinks his readers need things explained for them. Mellick is capable of so much better and I hope he soon returns to his delivering great imaginative reads.

So with Carlton Mellick III I know exactly what I’m getting-a splatterpunk, outrageously bizarro story with absurd characters and all the grimace you can carry on your face. It’s a fun ride, an unforgettable adventure, and cannot be explained to anyone you may know. Because if you do, that person will look at you with a side eye you will never forget. May even cut all ties with you. But oh well, you know what you like.Synopsis: Oksana is a serial killer of 20 year old pretty boys who are meek and scared. That’s the way she likes them. Gabriel is “claimed to be an angel” who cannot be killed. He makes her an offer she can’t (at 1st) refuse- if she promises to never kill again, he’ll become her eternal murder victim. We also meet Edward- the pretty boy who interviews Oksana throughout the whole novella. But that’s all I’m going to give you. You’re welcome!!!So be warned: there is body horror and extreme violenceDEFINITELY NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH!!!!

Wild and well worth the read...if you like female serial killers well into Fem Dom...the interesting twist is that our Lady might be about to meet her match.....wont give away the ending !