Red Inside- Book Review

Summary of Red Inside:

Bethany can’t wait for the end of her hospital shift–four glorious days of relaxation await. Secretly, she’s most excited about the fun-filled nights reveling in an unexpected flirtation with her co-worker, Michelle. Thoughts of her long, cozy weekend vanish, however, when Francisco Delgado is admitted to her floor from the emergency room. Delgado, a man who came into contact with an unknown arachnid species in South America, and who now has something…squirming…beneath his skin.

Initially a medical curiosity, the case rapidly turns into a full-on body horror nightmare…one with eight legs, a deadly set of fangs, and the ability to spread through the hospital at a terrifying pace. Trapped inside the building under a rifle-enforced quarantine, Bethany, Michelle, and the rest of the staff must do whatever it takes to survive the grisly night, defending their patients against an unstoppable menace…one who seeks out the weakest prey.

We’re all red inside, and tonight the proof will be splashed all over the hospital corridors.

What I Thought about Red Inside by Bridgett Nelson:

Bridgett Nelson’s Red Inside novella can best be described as Nurse Alyssa Versus Zombies by Scott M Baker with tarantulas instead of zombies. Nelson’s background in nursing is apparent and technically accurate, making this prime reading for the dark-humored paramedic or ER nurse. The assessment of patient zero, Dr. Delgado, is quite true to life and completely disturbing. So are the characters’ sense of self-preservation.

The horror of playing host to any parasite is disgusting, but Nelson masters the total gag factor in this invasive telling of what happens when something as unassuming as a household pet pulls the strings. 

Narrated by fricken John Wayne Comunale means the audio version of this book is expertly animated so you are fully immersed in every intense scene without distraction. His performance over such an array of characters is top-notch voice acting from an expert storyteller. Though I’ve met John Wayne on more than a few occasions, this was my first experience of his narration, and I was not disappointed.

I gagged many times through the reading of this story, but like a train wreck, I could not look away. Who is next to go? What sort of weapons can one create on a physical therapy unit? What slightest mistake will bring upon their demise? Who will make it out alive? I can hear Bridgett Nelson’s menacing laugh already.

Five stars to all involved. Great story of terror from a former tarantula mom. Spectacular performance by John Wayne Comunale. Bravo.

About the Author, Bridgett Nelson:

Bridgett Nelson is a registered nurse turned horror author. Her first collection, A Bouquet of Viscera, is a two-time Splatterpunk Award winner, recognized both for the collection itself and its standout story, “Jinx.” She is also the author of What the Fuck Was That?, Sweet, Sour, & Spicy, and Poisoned Pink. Her first novella, Red Inside, releases July 23, 2024.

Her work has appeared in the iconic Deathrealm: Spirits, Edward Lee’s Erotic Horror for Horny Housewives, To Hell and Back, Evil Little Fucks, Y’all Ain’t Right, Dark Disasters, Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror, October Screams, The Never Dead, Razor Blade in the Fun Size Candy, Counting Bodies Like Sheep, Dead & Bloated, American Cannibal, A Woman Unbecoming, Thanks RJ, and several volumes of the If I Die Before I Wake series of anthologies.

Bridgett is working on her first novel and has been contracted by Encyclopocalypse Publications to write a novelization of the cult classic film Deadgirl.

She is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the co-chair of HWA: West Virginia. She was a 2022 Michael Knost “Wings” award nominee, won second place in the ’22 Gross-Out contest and third place in the ’23 edition, both at KillerCon in Austin, Texas.

Bridgett is mom to Parker & Autumn and four doggies: Sal Gallagher the St. Bernard, three pugs – Bodhi Mortimer, Dexter Morgan, and Harlow Audrey.

She lives in Duluth with Bram Stoker Award-winning horror author, Jeff Strand, and their ball python, Indie Hellspawn McFangy Serenity Strand.

I love reading, and at times I find myself able to take on free book reviews for friends and acquaintances. If you would like me to consider reviewing your book, I encourage you to reach out. I cannot take on many projects at once, but I promise to consider your request.