Gil's All Fright Diner

infobox Book |
name = Gil's All Fright Diner
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Original cover to Gil's All Fright Diner
author = A. Lee Martinez
illustrator =
cover_artist = Jeff Soto
country = United States
language = English
series =
subject =
genre = Science fiction novel
publisher = Tor Books
release_date = April 28, 2005
english_release_date =
media_type = Print (Hardcover and Paperback)
pages = 272 pp (hardcover edition)
isbn = ISBN 0765311437 (hardcover edition)
ISBN 0765314711 (trade paperback edition)
preceded_by =
followed_by =

"Gil's All Fright Diner" is an urban fantasy novel by A. Lee Martinez

Plot introduction

In the backwards Southern town of Rockwood, a vampire and a werewolf arrive in a run-down old truck. They come across "Gil's All Night Diner," a 24-hour diner built in the middle of nowhere, the only nearby landmark being a somewhat vacant cemetery. While taking a break from driving (having nearly run out of gas) they discover that the diner is the target of continual zombie attacks.

The manager of the diner, Loretta, offers them a job: help her out with some things around the diner (and maybe help solve the zombie problem), and she'll give them some money to be on their way. Needing the money, they accept.

Explanation of the novel's title

The title of this novel is a play on the phrase "all night diner." However, it is an "all fright diner" due to the encompassing supernatural elements.

Plot summary

After consuming all the beer they have on hand, as well as running low on gas, Duke (a werewolf) and Earl (a vampire) come upon an all-night diner. It is here that they discover strange things happening about town, such as zombie attacks, hauntings, as well as occult activity, all mysteriously centered around the diner.

Characters in "Gil's All Fright Diner"

Duke - A werewolf. He is big, tall and hairy.

Earl - A vampire. He is lean and balding.

Loretta - Owner of diner.

Tammy - Also known as Mistress Lillith to her cult. She is a teenage sorceress that wants to unleash the old gods who plan to destroy the earth.

Chad - Also known as Mistress Lillith's cult. He is a not too bright jock who does the bidding of Tammy.

Marshall Kopp - The sheriff of Rockwood.

Gil - Former owner of the eponymous diner. Mysteriously disappeared some time before the events in the story.

Cathy - A sweet natured ghost who falls for Earl.

Napoleon - A ghostly Scottish Terrier.

Allusions/references to other works

There are multiple references to the Necronomicon from the works of H. P. Lovecraft.

Awards and nominations

*2006 Alex Award [http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/alexawards/alex06.htm]

Release details

*2005, USA, Tor Books ISBN 0765311437, Pub date 28 April 2005, Hardcover
*2005, USA, Tor Books ISBN 0765314711, Pub date 28 April 2005, Paperback
*2006, USA, Tor Books ISBN 0765350017, Pub date 27 June 2006, Mass Market Paperback

ources, references, external links, quotations

http://www.aleemartinez.com/ - Author's website.