“Horror with a Heart”: A Review of Locker Arms, by Zakary McGaha
(KGHH Publishing, 2018). ISBN: 978-1-912638-27-7 In Danse Macabre , Stephen King postulates that great horror has at its core a collection of dark tropes gleaned from our reptilian brains and deepest primordial fears. In other words, it is all about character. Following the journey of an interesting, relatable (which is different than likeable) character as he or she crosses the threshold into a subterranean (literal or metaphorical) world of monsters to be battled and souls to be saved is the essence of well-constructed horror. Applying this idea, the debut novel by Zakary McGaha, Locker Arms , is a success. Set in modern times but with a strong ‘80s feel (think Stranger Things meets Heathers meets Teachers ), this splatter-fest of a tale centers around two sets of characters—one the students of your typical suburban high school and the other their teachers. The latter are joined by Henry, one of the (anti-)heroes of Locker Arms —a washed-up, aging never-was who had big dr...