1977 saw the release of one of the most iconic albums of that era. Bat Out of Hell lauded the emergence of an unforgettable creative team: Marvin Lee Aday, aka “Meat Loaf,” on vocals and Jim Steinman providing the lyrics. It remains one of my favorite albums ever.

Editor Don Bruns and Blackstone Publishing have taken Bat Out of Hell and used it as the impetus for a series of terrific short stories based directly or loosely on the songs from this legendary album. Previous Blackstone anthologies have featured tales inspired by the albums Hotel California, Thriller and Back in Black.

There is not a bad story here, so I am highlighting just a few that stood out for me.

"I applaud Don Bruns, who also contributes a story to BAT OUT OF HELL, as well as Blackstone for continuing to produce this unique series of mystery stories paired with classic rock and pop albums."

“Bat Out of Hell” by Andrew Child
This is the first time that Andrew Child has penned a Jack Reacher story without his brother, Lee Child, who created the character and has collaborated on several novels with him. The ever-wandering giant nomad of justice finds himself in the small town of Maynard’s Creek, where his life is about to intersect with a nefarious biker gang and the waitress who had worked with them once and is now the latest damsel-in-distress whom Reacher must rescue. There is great stuff here, and fans of Reacher will be begging for more.

“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth” by Rick Bleiweiss
Based on my favorite song from the album, also known as “Hot Summer Night,” this story is set in 1910 London and features Chief Police Inspector Pignon Scorbion. His area of purview is the English countryside, and he is investigating the beating death of a young woman outside a bar by a bunch of ruffians. In true Sherlock Holmes fashion, Scorbion can see things that seemingly no one else can. He solves this tricky case by using his guile, wit and powerful ability to observe.

“All Revved Up with No Place to Go” by John Gilstrap
Ace and Deb are on their third, and perhaps final, date together. This one involves off-road four-wheel drive racing in a contraption that would strike fear in almost anyone. When they end up crashing and flipping upside down, they come face to face with an armed, camouflaged man once they are able to free themselves. He initially claims to be the owner of the property and is angered by people who abuse his land in the way that Ace and Deb have. They soon learn that he has other intentions, which is to use them as live hunter’s prey in what turns into a lethal game of cat-and-mouse.

“For Crying Out Loud” by Charles Todd
Charles Todd, who wrote for years with his now-deceased mother, Caroline, continues to go it alone. His contribution to this collection speaks to his love of historical fiction, often involving wartime. The story is set in the heart of WWI and features Laurence Hughes, a young soldier who is injured in action and needs to have his leg amputated. Upon his return home to recover, he wants nothing more than to see his fiancée. But his pain will continue when he receives some tragic news involving her. It will take an amazing plot twist to bring about the resolution to this complex and heartfelt tale.

I applaud Don Bruns, who also contributes a story to BAT OUT OF HELL, as well as Blackstone for continuing to produce this unique series of mystery stories paired with classic rock and pop albums. I am eager to see what selections they have in store for us next!