The Flesh Sutra

Longlisted as "Best Novel" for the Horror Writers' Association's 2014 Stoker Awards This is not Romantic Horror. It is The Horror of Romance. Would you mutilate mankind for love? That is the question of "The Flesh Sutra." In Fin de siècle Boston, the mystic healer Alecsi Keresh falls into the desperate embrace of his lover, Mrs. Olivia Spalding, as he is shot dead. In those final moments before the soul passes through the gateway of death forever, Alecsi's rage transforms his power and he forces his way back. But he does so through ghastly means and returns to life - as an abomination. All for love. Olivia is terrified of death. Alecsi dreads abandonment. Recognizing each other as soul mates, they resolve to atone for their sins by helping humanity. But their jealousies mar their works, often with hideous results. And to further warp their efforts, a vengeful spirit stalks them. One that grows more powerful at every turn. Will the depraved lovers succeed and transform mankind? Therein lies the answer to "The Flesh Sutra."I love THE FLESH SUTRA." -- Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author"In THE FLESH SUTRA Tim W. Burke has charted a diabolical, metaphysical odyssey for his main characters, a journey that will take you through Death itself... and back out the other side." -- Shawn Garrett, Pseudopod"In Tim W. Burke's chilling book THE FLESH SUTRA, the reader is taken on a fantastic journey of not only existential terror, but also self-discovery. In this excellent novel, the writing is crisp, the characters sharply drawn, the plot engrossing; as a result, this tightly written and propulsive narrative addresses postmodern angst about humanity and spirituality in the context of body horror and psychosexual transcendence with literary flair and at times deeply disturbing imagery. This is a must-read volume if one truly appreciates not only the craft of writing, but good storytelling and thoughtful takes on what it means to be human, to be alive, to love, and to hate. I highly recommend this excellent work--Burke is an author to watch." -- Jason V Brock"Tim W. Burke is a genius. Not only is he incredibly talented but he can hide stories inside stories. Seeds of body horror and jealousy, avarice and desperation all wrapped in fin de siecle city life and the trappings of the Spiritualist movement. This is a beautiful, precision time piece of unease and tension and Tim winds it all the way up, smiling at you as he does so. This is a modern master at work. Read, and prepare for beautiful nightmares." -- Alasdair Stuart, Host of , the weekly horror fiction podcast