First published back in September of 2020, Welsh author David Owain Hughes’ novella ‘Wind-Up Toy: Patriotic Prowler’ formed the sixth instalment within the author’s ‘Wind-Up Toy’ series.
DLS Synopsis:
Simone had met Henrietta at a somewhat mediocre horror, sci-fi and fantasy convention. During their meeting, the girl announced herself as a huge fan of Simone’s work before asking him to sign a copy of his novel ‘Wind-Up Toy’. A twisted story of debauchery, sadism and perversion, which Simone had penned a little over a decade ago.
Three weeks later, after numerous dates, Simone invited Henrietta to his cabin in the woods. A remote and isolated spot surrounded by tall trees, away from any prying eyes. There he’d drugged the girl and subsequently tied her up, keeping her chained to the walls in his playroom below the cabin. He would use Henry as his sex toy until her body could take no more and she became another of Simone’s many victims to be lost and forgotten.
However, even as he was finishing up with the disposal of Henrietta’s broken an overused body, the urge for another plaything was taking over Simone once again. St David’s Day was almost upon them, which meant only one thing for Simone – it was time for his annual contest. The star prize this year was to spend an unforgettable weekend with him at his cabin.
All he had to do now was pick a winner from his fanbase. Someone feisty. A woman who would fight for survival, although not someone he couldn’t handle. A name instantly caught his eye. The delicious, Neen Long.
Then he noticed the interactions Neen was having on the competition thread with another sexy-slutty fan – Chriss Sandoval. Two ladies could be troublesome! Nevertheless, the prospect of having both women at the cabin was mind-numbing. Simone couldn’t say no to that. He’d just need to be careful. Play his cards close to his chest, until they got to the cabin, and then he’d have two new playthings to use and abuse to his heart’s content…
Back in 2017, Hughes released the ‘All Wound-Up’ (2017) omnibus, and at the time we thought his sordid series of perversion and murder was pretty much set to bed. Then in 2020 this short novella comes out, expanding upon the ‘Wind-Up Toy’ series further.
However, instead of another slice of classic Simone action continuing on from where ‘Into The Playpen’ left off, what we have here instead is a whole new angle for the series. A nifty self-insertion, whereby Simone himself is written in as the author who’s been penning these deviously perverted titles. Of course, we all have instantly assumed that Hughes has simply projected himself as the sleazy, sordid Simone. Enacting his own perverted fantasies within this whole setting. Yeah, we’re all on the same page here, right?!
Then we’ve got the plot for this next instalment. Here, Simone is champing-at-the-bit to get underway with another bout of sexual domination within the isolated confines of his cabin – or more precisely, within the playroom located in its cellar.
For this, we’re introduced to a cheerful trio of entirely new characters – two hardcore groupie-style fans of Simone’s literary output (ala Neen Long and Chrissy Sandoval), along with Simone’s cleaning lady and general maid – Mary. Now, for those who’ve read Hughes’ previous offerings, we know fully well that he likes to insert fans of his work into these stories (in fact, this very reviewer has appeared in a couple of his ‘Wind-Up Toy’ books). Here, all three female characters are also real-life friends/fans of Hughes’ – further breaking down that fourth.
Only, in doing so, within the premise and plot of this piece, writing in these three fans feels almost like a sordid fantasy is being played out. Akin to us wadding through Hughes’ sexually charged fantasies.
It’s a strange situation to be reading. Knowing full well that Hughes is barely even trying to conceal the fact that he’s written himself into the story under the paper-thin guise of Simone. Then we have Simone openly lusting over these real-life fans. Describing their bodies in sordid detail. Stripping them down, appraising their flesh and finally succumbing to his sexual cravings.
Honestly, it feels sleazy as hell. Voyeuristically grubby to the point of being utterly indecent. In fact, I actually found myself checking the Facebook comments on the novella, to thankfully see they were all aware and fully consenting to this open display of lustfulness! Which was a fucking relief!
Anyway, as you’ve no doubt gathered by now, this short little soiree back into Simone’s world, is one of absolute sexual depravity once again. It’s basically an author’s fantasy piece, which soon escalates back into the serial-killer territory we’ve come to expect from our pal, Simone.
Unlike the majority of other instalments, there’s actually little else to this novella other than just a bout of non-consenting bondage and some hardcore sexual antics, followed by (small spoiler here) a spiralling sequence of escape, capture and murder.
As such, the novella doesn’t feel like one of Hughes’ most accomplished pieces. In fact, not by a long shot. Nevertheless, it’s fun, fast-paced and entertaining, with all its unashamed sordidness. That voyeuristic feel to the whole thing – as if we’re spying on Hughes wanking away at his laptop, as he fantasises over his fans – is a tad unnerving. Furthermore, I can imagine the bearded bastard getting a kick out of knowing he’s messed with my head in such a way.
For fans of Hughes’ ‘Wind-Up Toy’ series, this is again one you’ll not want to miss out on. If you’re new to Hughes’ work, or the ‘Wind-Up Toy’ series, then I’d recommend checking out one or two of his other books, before venturing onto this literary version of a cum-stain.
Honestly, the novella feels like it’s one that’s been penned for the hardcore fans. But it’s still a story to make you grin, laugh and squirm. If you manage to get hard or wet when reading this shit, then hats off to you. I’m sure such an admission of such would quite frankly, make Hughes’ day!
Sordid as holy hell, in such a monumentally voyeuristic way. Oh Dave…the things you’ll do for…and to…your fans, huh?!
The novella runs for a total of 51 jizz-splattered pages.
© DLS Reviews
Other ‘Wind-Up Toy’ instalments:
- ‘Wind-Up Toy’ (2016)
- ‘Wind-Up Toy: Playtime, Simone’ (2016)
- ‘Wind-Up Toy: Broken Plaything’ (2016)
- ‘Wind-Up Toy: Chaos Rising’ (2016)
- ‘Wind-Up Toy: All Wound Up’ (2017) [Collected Edition]
- ‘Wind-Up Toy: Patriotic Prowler’ (2020)
- ‘Patriotic Prowler: Wind-Up Toys And Straitjackets’ (2022)
