The Best Book You Might Not Read This Year?

Dec. 8, 2009 - PRLog -- Released in September by cutting-edge independent press Casperian Books, Paul G. Bens' literary debut, Kelland has been racking up impressive critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to such prominent literary figures as Stephen King and Michael Cunningham.  And on November 26, 2009, Vince A. Liaguno of Dark Scribe Magazine, in his review of the novel, declared that "Kelland may likely be the best book you might not read this year...and that would be a sincere shame."

Not days later, Dark Scribe helped raise the profile of the novel by including Kelland in the list of nominees for Best Small Press Chill in their Black Quill Awards. Entering its 3rd year, the Black Quills honor editorial and reader favorites in the fields of horror, suspense, thrillers and other dark works. "I'm incredibly honored," Bens said, "to be in such amazing company and very thankful that Vince and Dark Scribe saw what I was trying to do with the book."

Alternately described in reviews as "brutal" and "beautiful,"  Kelland mixes horror, psychological suspense and current events to tell the story of five disparate strangers who all find themselves at a crossroads when they meet the titular character.  Kelland, however, is no an ordinary man; rather, Kelland is an elusive being, appearing to each in different guises: a little boy, a kindly priest, a deceptive woman and a violent lover.  Only in this way can the truth Kelland knows about each of them be uncovered.

So, is Kelland the best book you might not read this year?  Bens laughs, "Well, I hope it's the best book people discover this year.  I'd be very happy with that."

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About Casperian Books: Based in Sacramento, California, Casperian Books is a limited liability company dedicated to publishing quality literary and genre fiction that mainstream publishing houses often overlook.    http://www.casperianbooks.com

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About Paul G. Bens, Jr.: Born in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, far too many years ago to be honest about, Paul G. Bens, Jr., has spent the majority of his adult life in the entertainment industry. As a Casting Associate, Bens worked for three years on the NBC hit series Night Court, as well as the short-lived series Walter & Emily, Good & Evil and Room for Two. As a film and television Casting Director he was responsible for the principal casting of numerous low-budget features, as well as the television series Ned & Stacey, Malcolm & Eddie, Likely Suspects and Murder in Small Town X.Outside of casting, Bens has been many things: a film producer, a file clerk, an altar boy, a bartender (still makes killer martinis), a boy scout and, for a second-and-a-half, an actor. Currently, he works in the new media division of an historic Hollywood film studio and lives in the Los Angeles area with his boyfriend. http://www.paulbens.com

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Public Relations for Paul G. Bens Jr.'s debut novel "Kelland," released by Casperian Books on September 1, 2009.