For anyone who’s unaware of the series, the Fucking Scumbags Burn in Hell books are novelettes available exclusively via Godless. The books are priced at a mere 50 cents (in truth, that’s American money so I don’t know what you can buy with it; maybe you’d get an oil well and set of stainless steel teeth, but I’d wager it’s probably such a small amount you’d get next to fuck all) and deal with tales of retribution. We’re not talking common run-of-the-mill retribution; we’re talking thermo-nuclear retribution.
The first in the series, A Little Bit Country, is by Drew Stepek, and it delivers a solid understanding of the theme of Fucking Scumbags Burn in Hell, as well as an insight into the recurring character, Hoop, behind the retribution. That said, this isn’t just an intro to forthcoming books; it’s a solid story in itself, and fucking good one at that.
We start off meeting Country, who’s a little but country, a little bit rock and roll, and a little bit of a scheming bastard. He’s dead, but he has no intention of spending his time in the caverns of Hell, not when there’s the potential to get out and reinstate himself in the land of the living.
One thing you soon realise about Country is he’s smart. He watches, listens, learns and exploits every bit of knowledge, so whenever a opportunity arises he’ll be ready to make sure the cards fall in his favour. The other thing you realise about Country is … well, he’s a dick.
A Little Bit Country is a fun read, and it keeps its powder dry with regards to the twist at the end. All in all, it’s a fucking hoot, and it’s free so you get to keep that 50 cents for oil and teeth.
If I were you, I’d go get it.