Review of "Infernal Tramps: Tales of Weird Terror" by Alex Grass
- Megan Diedericks
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Infernal Tramps by Alex Grass is filled with amazing prose and haunting imagery.
As weird as the stories get, they often hunkered down and made me wonder: "Is this just reality with a beast shoved in its midst?"
This book is a nightmarish read, and a living nightmare for its characters. I was struck by how creative each and every premise was, even if some wisp of the creature is familiar—Grass made it new. Grass also presented parallel images that were almost movie-like in their transition.
Speaking of creativity, each story is preceded by incredible artwork the author put together (occasionally from public domain), which added another layer to the horror!
As for the characters: they're very real in their flaws, or intrusive thoughts, or less-than-savory actions. Which, obviously, made the stories even more interesting.
My thoughts on each story:
• THE TEZCAT APPARATUS
Intriguing, and darkly humorous. Left me wondering about the salesman.
• INFERNAL TRAMPS
The beastly descriptions are so vivid, and I absolutely loved the cadence of this first-person narrator.
• RATS
Short, but daunting.
• PUJKAMAUNKA SPLASH
This starts with the narrator asking if anyone remembers the (title) game, his confirmation that he knew you (the reader) wouldn't—made the story even more personal. The ending and whole premise made my skin crawl!
• A WOMAN OF DISTINCTION
Another darkly humurous story, with great commentary too. I want to read the narrator's book, please!
• ODD EGG
I appreciate the play in the title with the content of the story. This will definitely haunt me every time I see eggs...
• A VIXENLY HEXER
Gory, yet nearly light-hearted. I would like more of this vixenly hexer; she seems fun.
• MEETING IVOR VOËLMAN
Nothing could have prepared me for the first sentence that was written in Afrikaans in this story. I should have taken myself seriously when I thought the surname in the title is Afrikaans 🤣. First language-jumpscare aside, this is a very creative story, which I can't say more about without spoiling it. (And, if anyone was curious, the Afrikaans does read correctly! 😌)
• THE EP™ IMPLANT
Creepy, gory, and I love how the story was tied together with plastic surgery and vanity—apparently, a deadly combination (but not in the way you'd think!)
• THE BLACK GAUCHO OF REVENDICATION
This story is very mysterious. It left me wondering about the end of the world/the final human; and what such a person could carry into a new, different, world.
• THE GOLDEN MILE
Such a mindfuck of a story, which obviously means it's one of my favorites. I also loved the haunting aspect of memories!
• IN A NEW WORLD, ITS BASEMENT
A world ruled by the trigger-happy (metaphorically, as there was no mention of guns), and it hits awfully close to reality.
• EVER SHALL THEY FEED
Another favorite! Disgustingly good, and Beno has a very relatable moment of realizing his parent isn't what he thought—relatable only in feeling, not to the extreme in the story, which is all I can say without spoiling!
• EGUISTO ZANOSI'S FAST
After finishing this story, I thought back to a little detail that hinted at the ending of it—so well-done! (Partially a pun.)
• IF PROMISES WERE MEANT TO KEEP
This basically thrusts you into the mind of someone you wouldn't feel sorry for if you were a mere witness, and not right there with the character. A story of justice with the barest hint of regret/redemption? Read it for yourself!
• BOXED BREAKFAST
Very short, but creepy enough to hit hard.
• FINDING ERLAND
Absolutely my favorite, and what a banger to end the collection with!
Infernal Tramps is absolutely beautiful in its grotesqueness, and I simply couldn't get enough!
