Mark McLaughlin – författare

In the early years of the English Civil War, a French traveller in England remarked that the Irish 'are better soldiers abroad than at home'.Between 1585 and 1818, over half a million Irish were lured from their homeland by promises of glory, money and honour in a constant emigration romantically styled 'The Flight of the Wild Geese'. Throughout this period, the Irish brigades in France and Spain participated in conflicts ranging from the wars of the Spanish and Austrian Succession to the Napoleonic Wars.Spanning over two centuries of history, this book examines the uniforms and organization of the Wild Geese in France and Spain.

Throughout history, people have been fascinated by the seductive allure of vampires. We read about them in books, watch stories about them on television and in movies -- but do we know all there is to know about them? Of course not. These creatures of the shadows have kept their most shocking secrets hidden . . . until now.

"Dracula Transformed & Other Bloodthirsty Tales" features eleven vampire stories by Bram Stoker Award-winning author Mark McLaughlin and Bram Stoker Award finalist Michael McCarty. In these stories, they have unearthed many of the secrets of the bloodthirsty dead.

In the novella "Dracula Transformed," Dracula is brought back from beyond the grave in a manner that gives him startling new powers. Using these powers, he begins a bloody campaign of vengeance. In "Lucy Transformed," you will learn of the relationship between Dracula and his daughter Zaleska, as well as his growing fondness for Lucy Westenra -- a fondness that will seal Lucy''s doom. Even more vampiric horror awaits you in the remaining nine tales.

McLaughlin and McCarty are the co-authors of the horror novel, "Monster Behind The Wheel," along with other novels, story collections, and poetry collections. Both authors also have successful solo writing careers. Wildside Press books by Mark McLaughlin include: "Beach Blanket Zombie," "Best Little Witch-House in Arkham," and "Hideous Faces, Beautiful Skulls." Wildside Press books by Michael McCarty include: "A Little Help from My Fiends" and "Dark Duets: Musical Mayhem."

Who is this Mark McLaughlin person, and why should you read him?

Mark—whom I’ve had the pleasure of publishing for nearly 20 years now—is one of those unique voices in the horror field. He doesn’t tread the safe (or even sane!) path, but goes off in quirky directions, and he’s happy to have company along the way. And while he’s poking around the oddest places, he finds humor in the outrageous and the unsettling. Vampires? Of course. Zombies? Definitely. But these are never quite the monsters you’re expecting.Don’t take my word for it. Here are some other opinions:

“In the most devious manner, McLaughlin’s stories achieve a high degree of demonism by perpetuating a sinister ‘humor’ at the gallows of the human comedy.” (Thomas Ligotti)

“Listen up. Noel Coward is back. Salvador Dali is back. Dylan Thomas is back. And they’re all rolled into one in the shape of Mark McLaughlin who writes stories that are wonderfully witty, surrealistic and ineffably strange. Absolutely fabulous.… If your palette is jaded, come to the feast that is Mark McLaughlin.” (Simon Clark)

“McLaughlin’s tales are laugh-out-loud assaults on consensus reality.” (Paul Di Filippo, ASIMOV’S)

“Reading Mark McLaughlin is a little like stepping out of the door of an airplane in mid flight. The view is pretty amazing, but the shock of impact may do you in...gruesome, funny and touching. Top that: anybody.…” (TANGENT)

So, dig in and enjoy these 28 tales by one of the modern masters of the macabre!

Part 1: Cosmic HorrorsThe House of the OcelotQueen of the VulturesThe Foul One Lives to DestroyDer FleischbrunnenA Beauty Treatment for Mrs. HamogeorgakisToadfaceShoggoth CacciatoreMrs. DakhamunzuUsed Viol, One Previous OwnerThe Resurrection of Nephren-Ka

PART 2: Magic, Monsters, Zombies, And DemonsAdroitly WrappedWhy Cosmo Used to Wear a Lab Smock Every HalloweenLargesseZOM BEE MOO VEEEmpress of the Living DeadascloseasthisScenes from a Foreign Horror Video, with Zombies and Tasteful NudityAunt PalomaDiabolical Entities and How to Deal with ThemThe Disciples of Monidroth

PART 3: Tales of the Surreal and the BizarreThe Vainglorious Simulacrum of Mungha SorcyllamiaThe Astonishing Secret of the King of the CatsDeck the Halls with GuacamoleThe Revelations of McDethThe Agony of Claude BawlsDon’t Look in the Little Storage Room Behind the FurnaceThe Tale of the Cat-Headed Man, the Man-Headed Dog, and the Lady with Rats for HandsDr. Belmont’s Hiking Buddy

If you enjoy this ebook, check out the 400+ other volumes in the MEGAPACK® series, covering not just horror, but science fiction, fantasy, westerns, romance, and many other genres (even nurse novels!). Search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press MEGAPACK" to see the complete list of available titles.

This well-established commentary gives private client advisers and accountants an expertly written and highly practical guide to the main planning points, potential pitfalls and possible solutions to consider when dealing with IHT and estate planning solutions.The October 2024 Budget statement introduced some of the most consequential changes to the inheritance tax regime and the new edition of Ray and McLaughlin's Practical Inheritance Tax Planning is updated to take account of this new landscape.The concept of domicile was removed from the UK tax system with effect from 6 April 2025. As such the scope of UK IHT on non-UK situated assets is no longer determined by an individuals domicile status; it is now judged on how long the individual has been resident in the UK. All individuals are affected whether they were domiciled in the UK or non-domiciled under the old rules. The changes to the residence based system also has an impact on the IHT treatment of trusts and excluded property (non-settled property situated outside the UK).A further significant change covered in the updated edition is the change to to the IHT rules relating to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief (with exception of unlisted shares) with effect from 6 April 2026. The commentary also reflects the change which means that inherited unused pensions and death benefits will be within a deceased’s estate for IHT purposes. There are important planning implications relating to all the these changes and the revised commentary will highlight these along with any identified pitfalls. Key points will be highlighted throughout and all examples updated, with new ones being added where necessary.