A Book of Horrors is a traditionalist horror collection bringing some of the finer names in horror both past and present with a few "newer" names to join the party. The TOC is a who is who in horror; such as - Stephen King, Ramsey Campbell, Peter Crowther, Elizabeth Hand now sprinkle in Caitlin R. Kiernan, Dennis Etchinson and Robert Shearman and in many circles you have the horror genre defined.
Purest will love the horror, the writing is crisp and rich as you would expect from such seasoned veterans but it is much more than that. What A Book of Horrors brings is horror back to light, to the forefront and to the mainstream conversation. For too long the art has gone out of traditional horror for a more commercial appeal. These writers remind us of the roots and intent of horror … to scare, tantalize, horrify, appall or downright get under the reader's skin and into their minds.
Some of my favorites were not by the masters but their replacements. Shearman's "Alice Through the Plastic Sheet" is an amusing tale spun with a horrific theme that is certain to leave an impression. Go along for the ride with Alan and Alice as they get to know their new neighbors. Kiernan's "Chacloth" takes the Firestarter to new heights and directions. This is a very heated tale, filled with wonder and poetic demise. Consider as well, Australia's own Angela Slatter, her tale "The Coffin-Maker's Daughter" is a fresh and compelling tale that will take you places you never before explored.
How can this A Book of Horror disappoint? Only if you are not a fan of the genre or are such a commercialized fan of horror that the roots and all do not find their way into your heart. Recommend for the horror lover and writer … style, plot, characterization, mood, flow everything the budding writer needs to point them in the right direction.
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