9 Horror Stories: The Sequel by Josh Darling book review by Michael Errol Swaim

“Machine Gun Prose,” the blurb by Ramsey Campbell on the front of the book says. If that isn’t enough to interest you, then maybe this review will.

Short fiction will always have a special place in my soul. I love to read it. I love to write it. I’ve been reading and writing most of my life, and I rarely come across a book of shorts where each story is so gripping and entertaining that I thoroughly enjoy each one. This book is one of those.

I was beyond excited when 9 Horror Stories: The Sequel arrived in the mail. I had read stories by the author before and knew I was in for a treat.

Every story will suck you in from the start and leave you craving more. Fans of horror will enjoy every word.

The book begins with a foreword by Moaner T. Lawrence. It contains nine exquisitely written short horror pieces, some previously published in various magazines.

“Unsafe House” brilliantly showcases Josh Darling’s depth and ability as a writer. A unique take on the zombie genre, it introduces the reader to a criminal who is cursed by a bruja. The following bank robbery and kidnapping go smoothly enough, until they get to the safe house, where shit hits the fan, and the curse comes back to bite them in the ass.

“The Stiff and the Dead” involves a necropedophilic priest who gets what he deserves, only to come back from the grave to wreak havoc.

“Best Vacation Ever” follows an injured bank robber who comes across a couple on vacation, but it isn’t what it seems.

“Entry of the Gladiators” is a unique story about a woman who is blackmailed into sexual depravity at a circus unlike any you have ever seen.

“Not Were, Not Wolf” will leave you howling. A neutered pet gets revenge in an unsuspecting way.

“Not Just for the Money” is a mad scientist assistant’s rejection letter.

“The Cellular Family” stars a family of electronic devices that need to charge their batteries, and their target is two humans.

“Cake Eats Dog” is the longest story in this collection and, in my opinion, the best one. I could see it as a stand-alone novel. An emotional yet frightening journey of a daughter’s struggle with the death of her mother. She develops violent tendencies and does unspeakable things to not only a pet but a new friend also. You won’t want to go near an oven after you read this story. Brilliant.

“The Last Day at the Office” is an interesting story about a man who can only get off to the obituaries.

Each of the nine stories in this book is highly entertaining, well-written, original horror fiction. Once you begin, you will not want to put it down.

9 Horror Stories: The Sequel is highly recommended, and I award it a hundred out of 10 stars. In horror fiction, the name Josh Darling means quality entertainment. He is a fantastic writer and Editor-In-Chief at the splatter-friendly ezine Carnage House. He has been writing and editing for decades. His imagination knows no bounds, and his writing skills are exemplary.

Head over to Amazon or Godless to pick up this book immediately. If you don’t, you are definitely missing out.

Links:

Godless: https://godless.com/products/9-horror-stories-the-sequel-by-josh-darling

Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/Horror-Stories-Sequel-Josh-Darling/dp/B09R3B1T3N

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Horror-Stories-Sequel-Josh-Darling-ebook/dp/B09R3P8RTM

Reviewer Bio:

Michael Errol Swaim is a horror and fantasy author and proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He first picked up a pencil and began to write stories many moons ago before he was even born, and due to several mishaps, including a liver and kidney transplant, he stopped writing. After a 25-year hiatus, he has returned to doing what he loves most: writing. Michael focuses on horror but occasionally dabbles in fantasy and poetry. His first horror publication is in issue three of Carnage House, and his stories will appear in several upcoming anthologies. He also writes film and book reviews for the Weird Wide Web blog. Because he was such a weird kid, his parents dropped him off in the middle of a forest in Green Country, where a rabid squirrel raised him, and he eventually returned to civilization. He currently resides in Colcord, Oklahoma, with his wife, Mandy, his three kids, and his special princess, Wolfgirl the Cat.

He can be found at Facebook.com/michael.e.swaim