Lynbrook native C.J. Nelson will return to his hometown next month to celebrate the release of his debut novel, The Exterminator, with a book signing at LI Comic Shop in Lynbrook.
The supernatural horror and action novel follows Hudson Dubois, a third-generation monster hunter in Louisiana who is called in when something terrifying begins tearing through farms, families and long-buried secrets. Drawing on Southern Gothic folklore, occult mystery and fast-paced action, Nelson said the book is inspired by the comic books that first sparked his love of storytelling.
Nelson said he struggled with reading as a child until discovering Frank Miller’s Batman and Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing, which inspired him to become a writer. He also credited former Lynbrook teachers with encouraging his interest in literature and creative writing.
“In middle school, Mr. Fausto made Shakespeare fun. He’d act out Macbeth and even jump on his desk during class. That’s really what got me interested in the classics,” Nelson said.
A lifelong Lynbrook resident, Nelson said returning to a comic shop in his hometown for the signing is especially meaningful because comics were his introduction to storytelling.
“It feels very full-circle,” Nelson said. “I’m excited to meet readers, talk about monsters, horror, writing and comics, and sign copies of The Exterminator.”
The book signing will be held Tuesday, July 8, at LI Comic Shop, 1 Stauderman Ave., Lynbrook.
