July 25, 2016
Shea (The Montauk Monster) delivers a tense and intriguing work of escalating tension splattered with a clever, extensive cast of bystanders turned victims. Deep in the New Jersey Pine Barrens lurks a monster out of legend. It’s been mostly dormant for decades, but something has roused it from its normal pattern of malicious pranks into a frenzy of escalating, gory murder. When news of the Jersey Devil’s reemergence reaches the Willet family, they know what to do. Three generations of Willets and their TV-famous cryoptozoologist buddy trek into the barrens to resolve the family’s mysterious link to the legendary monster and put an end to its rampage. An otherwise excellent, tightly delivered plot stumbles when the major reveal reinforces an uncomfortably sexist focus, potentially spoiling an otherwise wicked ride. Shea fans will appreciate the call-outs to his other work, and fans of cryptid creatures are likely to revel in this love letter to a legendary menace. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency.
July 31, 2017
Horror writer Shea (The Montauk Monster) spins an audio-format original tale set in Pine Barrens, New Jersey. Sixty years ago, while hunting, Boompa Willet came face-to-face with a winged beast known as the Jersey Devil. In the decades since, he and his family have been preparing for their next encounter with the monster. Still, the entire Willet clan is surprised to learn of the emergence of multiple devils—a full-blown infestation due to toxic pollution in the area. Over two dozen actors lend their voices to this highly produced audio-format original drama, with a different actor voicing each of the nine of Willet family members and the numerous townspeople and side characters. The director of the production, Ken Jackson, serves as the main narrator and keeps the story moving along. His deep voice and dynamic pacing help to draw out the tension of the more macabre moments of the story, such as when the Willets finally confront the monster. Actor David Jourdan stands out for his rendering of Sam Willet, Boompa’s son and leader of the survivalist family. He sounds both tough and determined, with hints of vulnerability as he starts to fear for his family. Music lends mood, and the sound effects (such as the crunch of footsteps trekking through the Pine Barrens or buzzing of an insect) create a spooky realism.