Calling all Zombies

If you live in Devon and dream of being one of the living dead, you might want to take a look at the new Lullaby of the Restless Dead blog. The writers and director of this low-budget zombie comedy (should that be zomedy?) are currently on the look-out for volunteers to get involved in their production.

Lullaby of the Restless Dead will be a work of love from two blokes who love films (one of whom spends a disturbingly large proportion of his time padding around the house pretending to be a zombie - I know from experience), so don't be expecting a great deal of experienced film-making or high budget special effects if you apply. However, for anyone who fancies upsetting the residents of the coastal town of Sidmouth by lurching around the beach groaning, it looks like it will be a riot.

For those who can't make it to Devon, you can still follow the film's progress on the blog.

Books: Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

Rock star Jude Coyne has a fascination with the macabre, collecting rare objects like sketches by a serial killer, a witch's confession and a chessboard that used to belong to Aleister Crowley.

When his personal assistant tells him that there's a ghost for sale on an internet auction site, Jude instantly knows that he has to buy it. A few days later, a heart-shaped box is delivered to Jude's home, but he soon realises that he's bought more than he bargained for - and his life, and the lives of those close to him are at risk. Unfortunately for Jude, the terms of the deal are clearly stated: no refunds and no exchanges.

Heart-Shaped Box is the debut novel from Joe Hill and is a fantastic, contemporary ghost story. Beautifully written, and full of twists and turns, this is a novel that's gripping from start to finish. Original ghost stories are hard to find, but Hill manages to steer clear of cliches, and create a tale that's unique, imaginative, entertaining and chilling.

Highly recommended.