Horror Books

This is the best collection of new short stories I've read since I discovered Thomas Ligotti some years ago. Hirshburg is every bit as good, but entirely different. Any fan of horror stories should buy this immediately. Let's hope he's more prolific than Ligotti.

This is a collection of short stories by an already celebrated author for his short fictions. In the ghost story genre Glen Hirshberg is truely the best american pen stylist since the first publication of Great Master Peter Straub, 30 years ago. Mr. Hirshberg gives a good quantity of new blood, always served in the most literary ways. These are all ghost stories but herein, there isn't any kind of repetition feeling. The only wrong note is that here, the blend is so good that this collection, at the end feels a little short. There is two ways to solve this problem. Either re-read that wonderful collection or read, The Snowman's Children, Mr. Hirshberg's first novel, also a gem on its own . Thanks, Glen! I can't wait for your new novel.

Pull up a chair, start the fire, listen as the tales are told, and see if you sleep tonight. Being a sucker for a ghost story, I thought I'd get a quick scare, have a bit of fun and then put the book down with only a vague recollection of the tales. I couldn't have been more wrong. What I found was so psychologically shattering, it left me with a chill for days.

Centering on education and childhood fears, the fours stories connect and ambush the reader with a combined strike of terror and awe. The title story is heartbreaking and may come to revisit the reader for months, even years after. Each individual plot is so beguiling and intellectually chilling, they leave you breathless. Comfortable and warm, the atmosphere quietly switches gears so fast it's paralyzing.

The characters are deeply portrayed, filled with a delicacy and a history that has damaged them in some way. They soon begin to not only resonate, but also demand to be heard. The pace set in the story is slow and gentle with a build up of a speed so intense it leaves you gasping for air. Hirshberg's style of writing is measured and ingenious, always leaving the reader with his or her own explanations.

Here are five tale that are nominal and unconventional. Classic storytelling with a decisive twist. Perfect!

I give this book a 5 . Buy this book today, but don't forget the No Dose...I wish i hadn't!

The five novellas that make up The Two Sams are billed as ghost stories, but I would describe them more as haunting pieces of fiction, which is not necessarily the same thing. Glen Hirshberg has a wonderful writing style, one that has already earned him many award nominations in his young career. It's a mix of the classic and the modern, a sort of Henry James meets Ramsey Campbell, and in fact Campbell supplies the meritorious introduction to this collection. What you get here is the highest literary form of the dark tale.

There is a great deal of variety between the five long short stories collected here, but they all share a wonderful atmosphere and the underpinnings of well-constructed tales. They are not traditional ghost stories; indeed, they could best be described as psychological horror pieces that remind us once again that the most frightening ghosts are sometimes the ones inside our own heads.

The title story is the shortest and my least favorite of the bunch. It revolves around a father trying to deal with the history of two miscarried pregnancies as his wife's third pregnancy enters its final stages. Who can say what kind of connection a father might have to his children who were not to be? "Dancing Men" seems to garner the most critical acclaim among these stories, but this tale of a boy's very strange rite of passage, one linking the horrors his grandfather suffered in the Holocaust with Native American rituals, didn't evoke the same type of feelings the other stories evoked in me. "Shipwreck Beach" is an interesting story set just off the coast of a Hawaiian island. A young lady has come to see her cousin and friend for the first time since he got out of jail and moved to the islands. Her cousin has something to show her, a mysterious boat that sort of just appeared and cannot be sunk just off the coast. The most interesting aspect of this tale is the story that evolves from the young man's history, the mysterious culmination of which comes onboard the strangely otherworldly boat.

If you are looking for real scares, I would direct your attention to "Struwwelpter" and "Mr. Dark's Carnival." The first story is rather a strange one involving a youth's fascination with a mysterious old man's house and gardens, especially a bell that can reportedly raise the dead. The exploration of the house produces some potentially scary moments for the reader, and the story takes a strange and in some ways much more disturbing turn at the very end.

"Mr. Dark's Carnival" is, in my opinion, the best story by far in this collection. It is set in a college Montana town famous for its Halloween celebrations, much of the collective enthusiasm bound up in the local legend of a strange carnival of undisclosed horrors going back many years. The protagonist is a college professor who delights in teaching this local tradition to his students, and for years he has sought the opportunity to visit this ultimate Halloween haunted house experience -- if it actually exists. You have to be invited to the undisclosed location, and this year he receives what might be a genuine ticket to the supposedly legendary festivities. The whole atmosphere of the story is teeming with spooky potential, the experience as it is happening is fully capable of raising a few hairs on the back of your neck, and the ending hits you like a punch in the guts. I have to say, in all honesty, "Mr. Dark's Carnival" is one of the most impressive horror stories I have read in a long time.

If you have your doubts about the continued honing of the darker crafts of writing in this modern age, you will be especially pleased to sample the impressive wares of Glen Hirshberg. This guy is, as they say, going places -- and he is taking a deep sense of the rich history of the horror genre along with him.

Exhibiting the same compelling, richly textured storytelling style displayed in Hirshberg's noteworthy debut novel, The Snowman's Children, The Two Sams features five novellas that work satisfying variations on familiar themes. All are told in the first person.

The two most intriguing stories in the collection are the bittersweet title story, "The Two Sams," and the surreal "Mr. Dark's Carnival." "The Two Sams" features a troubled husband reflecting on the two miscarriages his wife has suffered-the character's sense of loss is palpable, the climax is profoundly moving. "Mr. Dark's Carnival" which, while evocative of Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes is far, far darker, chronicles a college professor's disturbing Halloween encounter with a local legend.

Another tale set on Halloween night, "Struwwelpeter," is about a haunted house and the allure it holds for a troubled teenager. "Shipwreck Beach" is about the uneasy relationship between two cousins; as it's title indicates, it's about shipwrecks, both literal, and those some people make of their lives. Finally, "Dancing Men" provides a sensitive yet simultaneously harrowing look at some fallout from the central tragedy of our age, the Holocaust.

The enthusiasm Ramsey Campbell displays for Hirshberg's work in his introduction is justifiable-truly an "original and considerable talent," Hirshberg does indeed "bring enviable skills to his work," such as a "stylistic precision that comes of loving language, an unerring eye for character and the moments that define or reveal it," and "a keen sense not just of place but how light and the time of day transform his settings." As to Campbell's assertion that "history will hail him as a crucial contributor to the field," only time will tell. Based on the evidence in The Two Sams, the probability certainly seems high.

Universal Horrors, which was originally published in 1990, is an excellent reference book of every horror related films made by Universal from 1931 to 1946. That book was a real eye awakener for horror movie fans and had a huge impact on how film books would since be written.

The second edition of Universal Horrors, published 17 years after the first edition, is essentially an updating and rewriting of the earlier version. It has additional quotes from the performers and production folks. Also, there are many new pictures added to the book. It goes to show that what was perfect can still be improved upon!

This book is highly recommended for anyone with interest in the old horror films from Hollywood's golden years. Those who already have the 1990 version should really consider going for this new updated version.

If your 'bag' is classic horror films of the thirties and forties, especially Universal films, this book is a must-have. To many baby boomers that saw these movies when they were released for television in the fifties, this book will bring back a lot of memories. The book is great, but like all McFarland books, it is pricey. But for the true fan (which is short for fanatic) the price won't matter!

The classic horror films of the 30's and 40's have never been as popular as they are today. Baby Boomers who grew up watching the old Shock Theater packages in the 50's and 60's hold a tremendous fondness for the films that terrified them as children. The Boris Karloff Frankenstein and Bela Lugosi Dracula are still the most recognized images of those two classic monsters...so much so that their families had to move to legally trademark their images to protect them.

The Universal horror films are the subject of Universal Horrors, the second edition of this outstanding book by noted classic film historian Tom Weaver and Michael & John Brunas. Throughout the massive 608 page hardcover, the authors cover each one of the 85 horror films made by Universal from 1931 - 1946. Just do the math...that's an average of about seven pages spent on each film during this period. This is no mere listing of actors with a one-page synopsis. Rather this is a definitive guide to these 85 films with complete cast and credits, detailed storyline synopses, production history, behind-the-scenes information, critical analysis, period reviews, and commentary by cast and crewmembers. Most of the comments come from the voluminous numbers of reviews that Weaver has conducted over the years.

The films are listed chronologically beginning with Dracula in 1931 and ending with The Brute Man in 1946. It even includes the Spanish version of Dracula which was filmed on the same set as the original at the very same time! White The Lugosi version was shot during the day, the Spanish crew took over at night. In many ways, the Spanish version outshines the Tod Browning directed original.

One of my guilty favorites of the Universal Classic film era is 1932's Murder in the Rue Morgue, presenting Lugosi in truly one of his most sadistic and macabre roles. This film ended up being the bone that both Lugosi and Director Robert Florey received for NOT getting their respective parts in Frankenstein, which instead went to Karloff and Director James Whale. This rather film features Lugosi as Dr. Mirakle, who injects the blood of an ape into women he captures. When the experiments fail, he dumps the women into a river. It's a highly underrated film and one of Lugosi's best roles.

Weaver and partners don't give a short shrift to lesser-known films. While the most popular films do get more coverage, even the least well-known of the Universal Horrors gets several pages devoted to it...and there are a number of lesser known films. Unfortunately a number of these are not on DVD or even VHS for that matter meaning that the entry in this book is probably the closest you'll get to the film without actually seeing it.

Many of these lesser-known films are not true horror but often murder mysteries with horror trappings such as "old dark house-style" films. These films include Secret of the Blue Room, Secret of the Chateau, The House of Fear, and The Black Doll. The appendix goes on to list several dozen more films that were borderline exclusions...close, but just not making the cut to receive a full write-up for various reasons. Actually it's somewhat difficult to figure out while some of these were left out of the main listing since many are quite similar in plot and tone.
This book is simply fabulous. Everything that Weaver does is always meticulously researched and extraordinarily entertaining. This is THE Bible to fans of Universal's classic horror films, and one of the finest film reference books I've ever read.


REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

An amazing source of information for anyone who ever stayed up watching the late late show on a Saturday night. I am truly impressed at the thorough research that went into this book; many factoids which have escaped even the most die-hard of fans will be brought to light. I commend McFarland Press for providing fans of such an "un-hip" genre with consistently fine sources of in-depth information, especially keeping in mind that with each passing year the facts directly from those who were there are getting more and more difficult to find. This book probably does not hold a lot of interest for anyone who does not hold a special place in their heart for the studios' genre work prior to buying the book, and the authors do tend to often drift into becoming overly opinionated and putting much too much thought into subject matter that was never intended to be overanalyzed. Nonetheless, this is still an extremely fun read for any fan.

If your 'bag' is classic horror films of the thirties and forties, especially Universal films, this book is a must-have. To many baby boomers that saw these movies when they were released for television in the fifties, this book will bring back a lot of memories. The book is great, but like all McFarland books, it is pricey. But for the true fan (which is short for fanatic) the price won't matter!

I have finished reading "A Wager of Blood" by J.W. Coffey. Being a person that only reads horror by Stephen King or Anne Rice, it is very hard for another author to keep me intrigued. I must say, however, that when I started reading "A Wager of Blood", I found it very hard to put down. I was both stunned and fascinated with the amount of imagination and creativity that I saw in this novel. The characters had a realistic quality to them in the way they spoke and acted, that kept me glued to the pages in hopes of discovering what would happen next. Not many novels have gripped me the way that this one did. The author takes you on a journey with four unsuspecting people that must face their past to hold on to their future. A gripping tale of love, horror, deceit, and murder that will keep you guessing until the very end! I must confess that this will be an author that I will gladly read from now on. If you have not read "A Wager of Blood" by J.W. Coffey ,I strongly recommend that you do! It is a must read for true horror fans! Are you ready to roll the dice and make a wager? I'd bet on this author anytime!

This novel was fantastic and I impatiently await the sequel!!!!!!!

If you don't want bags under your eyes, don't buy this book. You will be up all night, and you'll be a wreck in the morning, having taken the book and a hot toddy to bed with you.

Coffey has a gift of creating characters with whom the reader identifies. You see what they see; you go where they go; She has you, the reader, on a short leash. Where she leads you is through the dangerous terrain of a great story.

Of course knowing J.W. Coffey I was anxious to read the book. I expected nothing less than incredible and that is EXACTLY what I got and then some. I found myself cursing her one night as it was already late, and by late I mean 2:30 in the morning, as I kept saying I'll stop after this next chapter. I simply couldn't. Knowing that I had to be at work at 8:30 the next morning I forced myself to put it down. But I found myself back in the book in my dreams. An amazing story teller, J.W. Coffey sent my imagination back into high gear. I can't tell you the last time a book's story replayed in my dreams. I owe her a HUGE thank you.

Her vivid descriptions allowed me to imagine what it would be like watching the story unfold. I could picture the inn perfectly. I could see Willow arguing with his father. I found myself willing Meg to go upstairs even though she had been told not to. At many points in the book I found myself on the edge of my seat- literally- as I turned the next page to find more. I found myself completely lost in the story, understanding the bond that Meg and Frankie have- no doubt much like the one I share with my two best friends.

She does a phenominal job going from one century to the other without ever confusing you or loosing you. If you are looking for one of those books that will allow you to sit back and dig deep into your imagination this is most definately the book for you!

I'm tapping my feet waiting for the next one. Write on J.W., write on!

A Wager of Blood plays out in both the 18th and 21st Centuries. Good friends Meg and Frankie have a reunion in a small town in New Hampshire. Meg is married to Zach, the manager of the rebuilt Inn, now a restaurant. Frankie's significant other, Sean, couldn't come along on the trip, but also grew up in the same New Hampshire village.

We learn within the first fifty pages that a killer is on the loose, luring naive businessmen to their death by torture. Coffey has vividly written those opening scenes and made the hairs standup on the back of my neck.

Following this brief intro to the bad guy, the book takes the reader to the reunion of the two women. They go to lunch at the restaurant at the Inn. Meg has already expressed a fear of the old Inn, hearing whispering voices and experiencing some poltergeist activity.

While having lunch, the owner of the Inn appears. Frankie immediately fears the man. Of course, we readers will understand that nasty Mr. Thornton is part of the evil that Meg feels at the Inn. Frankie hears the whispering voices like Meg did and is drawn to the upper floors of the Inn, a place that is off-limits to the Inn's customers.

The two women ascend to the second floor and all hell breaks loose, complete with blood pouring across the floor, screams of tortured souls, and ghostly presences.

"Frankie opened her mouth to try and speak, to give some comfort or assurance, but she didn't get the chance. She turned to see the brass handle of the door twisting up and down; the door, violently, battering itself in the socket that held it. The shaking grew in strength until a picture hanging nearby flew off the nail holding it, dropping to the floor and shattering the glass. The shards mingled with the pool of blood, causing an obscene sparkle to the mess.

She felt a tingle and her right palm began to itch and crawl with unseen insects under the flesh. A burning began to build under the skin, making it feel like it was blistering. She held the hand up to reassure herself that the flesh was not about to bubble off. The pain was becoming increasingly
excruciating, and she cradled her palm against her ribs. It was a moment before she realized that the hallway had been plunged into silence again. The door had stopped its insane vibrations.

. . . rattle, rattle . . . ."

But that's all I'm going to say about the plot because I'd think the readers would like to discover for themselves what happens next in "A Wager of Blood."

I can add a few comments that aren't spoilers. J.W. Coffey is a very good writer and you'll have no problem being carried along in the book. I stayed up way too late reading the first day I received the book. I paced myself after that and firmly shut the book at the end of a part. Not a chapter, but a Part.

Coffey has cleverly divided the book into parts with intriguing titles taken from gambling terminology.

Part One - The New Shooter Steps to the Line
Part Two - Seven's a Bruiser, The Front Line's a Loser
Part Three - The Stickman and the Come Out Roll

Now, I don't know diddley about Craps, the dice game on which Coffey based these titles. That's okay, though. You don't have to know how to play the game to get the connection, sinister as those connections are.

If you like horror, Wager will satisfy your desire for blood. If you like historicals, there's plenty of time spent in the 18th Century. If you like romance, there's some of that going on, too. That's not to say the book doesn't know where it's going; it does. It provides an interesting and balanced crossover of genres to interest a broad range of readers.

From the first pages describing a kidnap and torture to the last page telling of an unholy alliance between an ambitious woman and the devil, Coffey carries you along with plenty of heart-pounding excitement, lots of the 'ew' factor. And maybe you'll learn how to play Craps, but you may wish you'd never heard of the game.

Okay, there are some down sides to the writing. Hey, I've got to be real here. Some chapters dragged for me. A few times (and it was few), I felt like saying "Get on with it. I already know this." An author, I think, doesn't need to keep restating the obvious. How about an example. In Part titled "Interlude Two: The Dark Side," we find Meg back in the office talking to Zach. She's hesitant to tell him what she saw and he's hesitant to tell her what he knows. I'm thinking, "Hey guys! You're in love. You trust each other! Get on with it!" I tended to skim here because I didn't think these two would be so cagey. If my hubby was beating about the bush like Zach, I'd smack him. I think Meg should buck up and tell Zach what she saw and Zach should trust his wife.

Okay, that may be coming from my LONG time marriage. Meg and Zach are newlyweds, so maybe don't have the trust established. I'd urge Coffey not to let these scenes drag down the pace. I think that "A Wager of Blood" is a wild ride of mayhem and, as a reader, I'm up for it tearing along at a fast pace.

On the other hand, maybe the average reader wants a breather once in a while. That's fine. I'll skim, though, and I think other readers will, too.

That is not a huge downside to "A Wager of Sin." I am of the opinion that most readers who like a bit of devil worship, torture, ghostly presences, and so on will enjoy this book immensely.

The writer is Kentucky novelist J. W. Coffey, and her book is called A Wager of Blood. Here's the skinny on it.

Matthew Harper and his wife Hannah own and operate a small in New Hampshire, along a route that is about to become a very busy road - and the perfect stop-over on the way through New Hampshire to points north. Lodging is lush but affordable, and the food is to die for.

One night in 1760, foolishly enters into what he thinks is just a wee game of chance between friends with Newell Thornton. Before the night is over, and with the aid of loaded dice, Thornton owns the Inn, and the Harpers along with two others are dead.

Over three hundred years later, the Thornton Inn is still owned by the descendants of Newell Thornton, and by some strange fluke of cosmic fate, Zach Harper is the manager. It's more of a restaurant than anything else now because over the years, the place has gained the reputation that it's haunted.

Coffey has managed something that I honestly haven't done since probably Ann Rice's Vampire Armand - she's written something I simply could not put down! Twists and turns, brilliant characters you actually care about, fast paced action are all part of the stunning vista that her pen brings to life. The scenes shift seamlessly between the past, the present, the real and the surreal.

I read a lot, and often pass on to my friends recommendations. This is a list topper. If you are a fan of well written horror, you will want a copy of A Wager of Blood for your personal library. And, while they last, there is a nice caveat - Coffey will send a singed book plate to anyone who requests it. Get your book, and snatch up that autograph. When she's famous, you're gonna be able to say you read her way back when... I ordered mine.

MANY OF THE FANTSAY BOOKS COMING OUT ARE ALL THE SAME. THE SAME PLOTS AND CHARACTER TYPES. The Unholy Order is different because J. J. Falcon takes an ancient old legend and brings it to life in an exciting way. The story is well told and keeps you on edge. He did a good job mixing the fantasy and the science fiction, and it has more diologue, so your not put to sleep with descriptions and the author telling whats happening. The action is good especially towards the end, NO KIDDING! It reads like a movie. If this does not become a movie I will be shocked.

I will keep it short...

...great, awsome, thrilling, action, funny, sad, mysterious, and looking foward to the next book!!

get it, read it!!

just finished reading it a second time and it was an awsome story. its original, and exciting. the characters are funny and believable. the diologue made the book. it does not draw out in boring telling. instead, it is done in diologue and that is why I read it a second time. if this does not become a movie I will be shocked!! I would love to talk more about the book, but is better that you check it out for yourselves.

This is an awesome story with lots of action, and it is funny at times too. the characters are cool and I can relate a little to Ian. I bet Toumus could kick Darth Vaders [...]. I bet the second book will be better because there is a lot of explaining to be done. I have questions about some things that happened. I hope he reveals who killed Ian's parents, and I bet Marco returns. Ian and Marco did good together. And why the sudden appearance by Darius at the end? to strange for me. Can't wait for the second book.

I was not sure about this type of book, but after I began to read it I was hooked. There is excitement throughout the story, especially at the end. The Watchers will be a great epic series, and I would not be surprised to see it at the movies soon. If you are a teen you will love the characters of Ian, Marco, and Camille. I predict the relationship between Ian and Camille will become a serious one. If you are an adult you will love the Watchers, and the growing battles between the good Watchers and the evil Watchers. If you thought certain countries in Europe were becoming a problem now, wait till you see them thirty years from now according to J. J. Falcon. His view of the world in 2030 is so realistic. I hope the second book won't take long to come out.

If you have a taste for truly original horror stories; stories such that you will never anticipate where the tale is going until its over; stories that you will probably never forget; then how I envy you if you haven't yet read Robert Aickman. Discovering his stories was one of my pleasantest surprises in reading. These strange tales go beyond surreal. They seem to me to mine some source that predates civilization and its armor against forces felt to be sinister and inhuman. There is a rich literary flavor to many of these stories, but that is only a sort of backdrop that doesn't interfere with the telling. Also, they have a distinctly English flavor which seems to go hand in glove with the subject matter. In my estimation Aickman was the master of the horror genre and a strong contender among writers of fine literature in general.

'The Wine Dark Sea' is a fabulous collection by an unjustly neglected author. Robert Aickman writes stories unparalleled by any other writer. It's not hyperbole to call him the finest spooky story writer of the 20th century.

This particular collection, published several years after Aickman's death, gathers together several of his later stories. My favorite story is the eerie 'The Wine-Dark Sea' which tells the tale of a vacationer in Greece who, against the admonishments of his Greek hosts, takes a boat out to a deserted island. Once there he finds three exotic women who claim to be sorceresses. What follows is a magnificent story of magic, love, and betrayal. Quite simply one of the finest novellas I've ever read.

The rest of the stories in the collection are all fine reading, but none approaches the level of the title story. Of particular note is 'The Trains', the creepy story of two girls bumming through Europe who stumble across a mansion with a mysterious past.

As a previous reviewer noted, Aickman's stories aren't easy to read. You get the most out of an Aickman story if you go slowly, read every word, and occasionally re-read paragraphs. This method, combined with his lengthy stories, means that one story can take you up to an hour to read. It's a lengthy process, but the stories are worth it.

I'm only exaggerating a little when I say that it's a tragedy Aickman's stories are out-of-print. There was a very ..., complete collection released in the UK in 2000, but that doesn't help us Americans!

What the other reviewers say is true. Aickman's stories are painstakingly crafted, or at least appear that way, to maximize a feeling of subtle dread and darkness. There is rarely blood or death, but horror is always lurking, in these and other more poignant forms, just beyond the periphery. The titular story is indeed excellent, but I'm partial to the gloomier "The Trains", "Your Tiny Hand is Frozen" (which actually raised goosebumps once or twice), "Into the Wood", and "The Stains".

Highly recommended for horror enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. These are just great stories!

This is the only book entirely by Aikman I have, and it has given me enormous pleasure. The title story is my favourite, though "The Trains" (I think that's the title - book is not to hand)was delightfully unsettling. Aikman, similar to Blackwood, weaves an atmosphere that surrounds the reader all too snugly, making the impact of each occurrence in a tale similar to having the wind knocked gently out of oneself. I first met RA in an anthology of 'ghost' stories, his selection being "The Hospice". Not a true horror story per se, but discomfitting, with a lasting, lingering impression which is still with me. Based on that reading, I've been collecting what I can find of his since. Nothing personal, but with Stephan King hardcovers on the remainder tables (and everywhere else!), it is a shame that this master of the "strange story" should be allowed to go out of print! Find him if you can, and settle in for a memorable and probably disquieting reading experience.

Enjoy!

Robert Aickman's "strange stories" are far from the usual horror fare, and readers who prefer straightforward, no-nonsense spectres are well-advised to steer clear of Aickman's work. But if you are a fan of the beautifully-crafted supernatural stories of Henry James and/or Walter de la Mare, Aickman will be *essential* reading for you. At his best, his stories are small masterpieces of the uncanny that are all the more disturbing because it's often not entirely clear what has happened. *The Wine Dark Sea* is an excellent collection, which brings together a number of Aickman's most evocative tales. Try "The Inner Room" if you're skeptical--if it doesn't work for you, then Aickman may not be your cup of tea. Some of the stories in this volume are a bit uncharacteristically direct--"The Fetch and "Never Visit Venice" for example--but even they have layers of multiple meaning that make them very rich and rewarding reading. ...................... so don't give up on finding some of the stories of this great and sadly under-appreciated master of the supernatural story.

Each of the short mystery stories has a nicely surprising ending. Very entertaining. I found that the best stories were placed before lesser ones; in general they are included in roughly descending order (as to perceived quality).

In my monthly Mystery Newsletter, I recommended, 100 Malicious Little Mysteries. Here you'll find, "...charmingly insidious, satisfyingly devious little mysteries. Each story has its own particular appeal-that unexpected twist, a delectable puzzle, a devastating revelation. There are stories by some of the most well-known writers in the field including Michael Gilbert, Edward Wellen and Bill Pronzini."
This is quite an enjoyable book. Of course, there are some stories that appeal more than others, but overall, it's a fun read. There is also an added plus; each mystery is short and easy to read before closing your eyes. A doctor of the macabre might say, "Take one little mystery before bedtime and call me in the morning."
Gerard Bianco author of the mystery novel, Dying For Deception
www.dyingfordeception.com

I loved this book. If you need to pass some time, and don't want to get involved in a lengthy novel, try this out. Perhaps I should not have said "Horror and Humor" but some of these stories made me chuckle. I love them, and would recommend them and other 100.... collections.

If you're looking for a good book to pass time, pick this one up. My favorite story is "A Feline Felony" by Lael J. Littke. Jerome Kotter was a cat. He walked, talked, and acted like a human though. He grew up living a pretty happy, normal life except for one guy, Benny Rhoades, who made Jerome's life miserable. Jerome survives school and gets a nice job with a nice secretary. He fogets about Benny. One day Benny shows up and he has gotten a job in the mail room. Jerome can't believe it. Latter that week, Jerome and his secretary, Marie, were settled down for a pleasant evening when Benny burst in. He had a gun! Jerome didn't think, he leaped into the air, Benny . . . you'll have to read the story to find out what happens.

For the most part, these stories do not fit my definition of "mystery." With the exception of one very neat little Sherlock Holmes pastiche, there usually are no detectives and no whodunnits. The stories feature tales of crime, intrigue, and suspense with surprising plot twists. And the literary genres are as varied as the authors. Some of the stories would even be at home in fantasy and science fiction anthologies.

These short-short stories can give you a few morsels of entertainment at odd moments of leisure in a hectic day's work, or you can curl up in your armchair and bite off huge chunks of reading pleasure in the evenings.

What a shocker this book had me engrossed from page 1. I could not believe someone had the balls to write what I was reading. I was hoping that the lady next to me on the plane wasn't looking over my shoulder. 13 stories takes you for a ride you have no idea where it will lead until Ed decides to blindside you with his unique style. If you like your surprises with no holds barred then this book is a must read for you. I hope somewhere Ed is working on a sophamore project for the following this author is sure to amass.

Cain is undoubtedly one of the best new talents. All the stories are written by him, but you'd never know it to read them! Each story is a different facet of this fascinating man's personality. From an anything-but-simple haunting "The Lost Souls of the Stanton", To an odd diary, ( very odd) "The Diary" to the amazing "Glory Hole", each shows the talent of a much more experienced author. There IS one thing in common in all 13 stories--they make it difficult to fall asleep at night! So if you dare, give 13 STORIES a try, and invite me to your nightmares! Enjoy!

From disgust to revulsion, from fright to abject terror... Ed Cain strikes a cord in so many ways with his first book. "Glory Hole" takes you to the depths of depravity and shows in vivid detail where that path can lead. "Pieces" tears apart your psyche like the wrecked body of the monster in the story. And "The Lost Souls of the Stanton" departs from the classic horror genre, but Cain's results are no less unsettling for it. I was skeptical when I first cracked the pages of this book, as new authors usually have to write several books to find their voice, but Ed Cain captures your attention from the get-go. I was truly engrossed in this book from start to finish.

What sticks out most is that this book is like no other I've read. This work is void of the common horror cliches we've come to expect in this ever-narrowing genre of vampires and knife-wielding psychonuts. As an example, who would expect to find Satan himself in the thick of the battle in Viet Nam? "In the Scope", my favorite story, we see that the ol' fork-tailed one has landed himself and a few of his own in the jungle letting hell play itself out as the war rages on around him. This is a refreshing set of short stories that takes the reader to different settings and surroundings somewhat new to the horror realm. "Teven's Monster" takes us to the inner-city project where a young boy meets a brother he never knew he had - and for good reason. Cain is able to play on your worst fears and deepest delusions like a conductor would a symphony.

Wow! I just finished reading this book and I'm still trying to digest it. Where has this guy been? As an avid fan of horror who had grown Oh so tired of vampires or horror disguising itself as romance, I've finally found a writer who writes horror without trying to be PC. Cain's stories don't hold back. They are rude at times, violent, he never backs off. Though I wish some of the stories had been longer, Cain's writing style is definitely for the Gen-X crowd. Rather than having to skip large portions of the text due to excessive use of adjectives, Cain gives you enough background to understand where you are, then throws you into the abyss. The baby boomers have Stephen King, and Dean Koontz, but few of our generation feel like reading a 500 page book. Cain covers in 170 pages what many author's would cover in 500, but you don't miss anything. Without doubt, the strongest story in the book would have to be Glory Hole. This bizarre tale of ancient Chinese myth, spun neatly into the life of a porn junkie living during the depression, is brilliant, original, and totally engrossing. Tevin's Monster ran a close second with me. The story centers around a young black child living in the projects who discovers a family secret the hard way. Cain's settings are perhaps the best part of his books. No two of these stories are even close to the same, even the writing style changes to adapt to the needs of the story. I don't normally recommend books, but if you are a fan of horror, or just looking for something completely different, try 13 Stories, you won't be disappointed.

This is an excellent read which has a magnetism that draws you in to a world of the supernatural, and has the reader believing that these events might actually be possible.
Hard to put this book down. Very suspenseful!

This is a well written book that takes hold of you from the very first page.
I like the way the scenes are presented, and how the horror just jumps out at you.


Gary Lloyd James: author of UNTIED FEELINGS,
ISBN 1598000160

I read a book review in the May "Midwest Book Review", and it said that Brookover's tense writing was like reading Stephen King or Dean Koontz. Well, the reviewers were right. This story is as creepy as they come! And there are monsters galore - enough to keep me on edge throughout the whole book. I never knew which one was going to pop up next, and just when I least expected it, wham! He nailed me. The ancient breed are nasty little guys, and they aren't the run-of-the-mill creatures. In fact, all of Brookover's monsters are very original and creative. I especially liked the Prologue where it described Ponce de Leon's discovery of the fountain of youth, but it certainly isn't what the old boy expected! When it's rediscovered in the present, that's when the real action starts. There are terrorists, four-thousand-year old baddies, an incredible demon, and of course, the blood-thirsty ancient breed. Nick Bellamy is back, along with his sidekicks Neo Doss and Crow. Believe me, they have their hands full this time! The action is intense and is wrapped around a very good plot. Congrats to Brookover. He sidestepped the sophomore jinx with his second book and delivered another fantastic read! I hope he's working on a third! Would I recommend "The Ancient Breed"? Of course. I'm going to read it again after I finish this review!

FBI Agent Nick Bellamy is back. You probably remember him from Mortal Eclipse. The Ancient Breed is a very creepy story with some very imaginative and scary creatures. Mr. David Brookover has outdone his critically acclaimed "Mortal Eclipse" with this book. Brookover sucks you in from the get go. I could not put this book down period.

This review was written by Dr. Atul Uchil, author of "Consulting - A Job or a Lifestyle" ISBN: 1598000640 and "I Opted Out" ISBN: 1598000713.

I don't usually like reading horror books....And this one is truely horrific But at the same time it is spell binding and captivating in a hipnotic sort of way....
This review was written by; Brenda Sanderson Shaw, author of Telling Kids The Truth About Holidays...ISBN # 1598000403
Look for me at outskirts press.com

This is a truly fascinating and at times startling account of one man's
desperate search for wisdom and knowledge.
Few books have held my attention as this one did,and any serious seeker
for Truth will recognise in the author and the main character a fellow
seeker.
To follow his journey through deception and delusion to his final encounter with destiny was a delight indeed.
Recommended to all who likewise seek for wisdom and understanding.

En esta obra, Gustav Meyrink logra una de sus mejores novelas junto con "El golem". Este es un libro profundo, lleno de misterio, que sabe lo que dice... Una obra que refleja la busqueda de la identidad y nos habla de las herencias malditas.

Huy

A man inherits the collected papers of his deceased cousin and is suddenly plagued with nightmares and flashbacks of the past and of the life of his ancestor, John Dee. Strange people start visiting him: the mysterious Lipotin, the seductive Assia Chotokalungin, both demanding of him his most valuable heirloom, the legendary spear head of Hoel Dhat, of which he has no knowledge of possession. Full of alchemistic symbols, the plot spans the time from the reign of Elizabeth I. to early 20th century. The atmosphere is one of increasing angst, the images heavily tinted with the shadiest of grays. Highly recommended!

Meyrink's final work, though flawed, is a brilliant and heartfelt exploration of the individual's search for mystical individuation. It is evident throughout that the spiritual quest of the main character mirror's Meyrink's own struggles in his final hours. Because of its profundity, The Angel of the West Window is of more than occult interest; it has a universal application.

Angels of the Seventh Dawn is an awesome vampire story. His first book Into the Mirror Black is also a very compelling vampire novel. I recommend both highly. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

This was a great read! It hits the mark on every level. The characters are interesting, the story flows smoothly, and there's plenty of action to keep the reader tense... and to prevent you from putting the book down!

If you like vampires and other creatures of the dark, this is a must have for your collection!


David B.

Frank doesn't let his readers down with this 2nd installment of his series. He keeps you on edge, and guessing up until the end! I'm notorious within our circle of friends, as Frank can attest to, for figuring out the end of movies & books a short ways into them. He managed to keep me riveted right up to the last page.

This book is a gothic horror dream. Vampires, werewolves, shapechangers, murder, and eroticism all bound up in one lovely novel. The characters are well developed, and spring to life very nicely in one's imagination.

As always, I'm semi-patiently awaiting the next volume's release date.

Frank's second installment is no less then perfect. It grabs you by the throat and does not let go. He is very detailed in giving the reader a picture in the mind (which for me is key.) I highly recommend this book.

One of the best reads of 2007. Although this is the second book in Frank's Scarabae saga, you don't absolutely need to have read INTO THE MIRROR BLACK in order to enjoy this one as it is a stand alone story. ANGELS OF THE SEVENTH DAWN is a perfect blend of horror and dark fantasy that unfolds at brisk pace and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

Mr. Bittinger develops his characters little by little every chapter and succeeds at making you care about them for the whole ride. His plotting is tight, the action and mystery consistent throughout, and the surprises aplenty. I was afraid the climax wouldn't live up to what led to it, but the third act and ending delivered the goods on all counts.

If you like vampires, were creatures, and a dose of magic thrown in for good measure, you're bound to have a great time with this book. Frank Bittinger is proof that sometimes the best books are not the ones on the New York Times Bestsellers List. I will be looking out for his next book, ANGELS OF THE MOURNING LIGHT, which is scheduled for publication this fall.

Alan Draven,
Author of Bitternest