The Last Few Curls of Gut Rope

About This Audiobook

Steve Vernon’s *The Last Few Curls of Gut Rope* is a tight, twisted little horror-comedy that never overstays its welcome. At just 37 minutes, it feels like a perfectly crafted shaggy-dog story—if that dog had been dipped in ranch dressing and left to ferment in a backwoods diner. The premise is gloriously absurd: a man orders eggs and gets a live, clucking chicken instead, kicking off a chain of increasingly bizarre events that blur the line between rural folklore and cosmic dread. Vernon’s writing is crisp, with a voice that feels like a campfire tale told by someone who’s had one too many beers. The humor is dry, the horror is sudden, and the whole thing lingers like the aftertaste of bad diner coffee.

Derek Dysart’s narration is the icing on this weird little cake. His performance is effortlessly smooth, shifting between deadpan delivery and sudden, manic energy without missing a beat. He nails the small-town maritime vibe of the setting, making the absurd feel grounded—until it isn’t. Dysart’s ability to sell both the comedy and the creeping unease is what makes this audiobook click. If you’re looking for something short, smart, and unsettlingly funny, this is a bite-sized dose of the strange that won’t leave you wanting.