Book Review: A MAZE FOR THE MINOTAUR
A MAZE FOR THE MINOTAUR And Other Strange Stories Reggie Oliver (Tartarus Press, Â 2021) Reviewed by Mario Guslandi Actor, Â playwright, director, Â illustrator and award-winning writer of novels and short stories, Â British author Reggie Oliver is by far one of the...
Blu-ray Review: THE DEAD ZONE
The Dead Zone Director: David Cronenberg Stars: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt Reviewed by Brian M. Sammons When it comes to psychics it's hard to outdo Stephen King, author of Carrie, The Shining, Firestarter, Doctor Sleep, and more (including this...
Press Release: WE FEED THE DARK
Announces the Release of: WE FEED THE DARK: TALES OF TERROR, LOSS & THE SUPERNATURAL by William P. Simmons Horror has a price. Will you feed the dark? Fiction is the numinous side of truth. Writers and readers enact an insidious ritual, giving birth to terrible...
Book Review: THE LOST VILLAGE
The Lost Village Camilla Sten Minotaur Books (March 23, 2021) Reviewed by Ray Palen I have always been intrigued about civilizations or villages that just up and disappeared like the colony in Roanoke, Virginia, back in the day. Polish author Camilla Sten explores...
Book Review: STRANGE BEASTS OF CHINA
Strange Beasts of China Yan Ge Melville House (July 13, 2021) Reviewed by Ray Palen Yan Ge has created something I guarantee you have never read before.  A surreal look at actual, monstrous creatures living amongst mankind during modern times—in this case, modern...
Flash Fiction: I LOVE EVERY PART OF YOU
It begins, on a rainy Sunday two days after her wife Olivia’s funeral, with her left ring finger. Melanie wakes to a weird little pressure under her ribs and sits up, and there it is: nestled into a fold of the sheet, the glossy magenta acrylic nail lying discarded...
Blu-ray Review: JAKOB’S WIFE
Jakob's Wife Director: Travis Stevens Stars: Barbara Crampton, Larry Fessenden, Bonnie Aarons Reviewed by Brian M. Sammons I love that 80s scream queen, Barbara Crampton, has returned to acting and horror in a big bad way. She's absolutely killing it, and never more...
Flash Fiction: ZERO HOUR
The first thing you do when you wake up is peel your eyelids open with your fingers. Your lashes are gummy, and almost stick together again when you squint against the too-bright light. Your tongue feels parched and furry, clinging to the roof of your mouth, and when...
Book Review: THE SHAPE OF DARKNESS
The Shape of Darkness Laura Purcell Penguin (June 1, 2021) Reviewed by Ray Palen British author Laura Purcell has quickly made a name for herself as a master of Gothic horror, and her latest release THE SHAPE OF DARKNESS continues that effort. Agnes is a silhouette...
Book Review: UNBURIED
Unburied: A Collection of Queer Dark Fiction Rebecca Rowland, Editor Dark Ink Books (May 29, 2021) Reviewed by Elaine Pascale My biggest regret is that I could not complete this review in time for Pride month. Perhaps that is a good thing, as Unburied is a powerhouse...
Book Review: MIRRORLAND
Mirrorland Carole Johnstone Scribner (April 20, 2021) Reviewed by Ray Palen The debut novel from author Carole Johnstone begins with quotes from two of my all-time favorite literary works—THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas and RITA HAYWORTH AND THE...
Book Review: THE GHOST FINDERS
The Ghost Finders Adam McOmber Journal Stone (June 4, 2021) Reviewed by Ray Palen Henry Coxton begins the novel THE GHOST FINDERS attempting to sort together a group of individuals with particular skills to help him form his occult detective firm. His first target is...
Book Review: THE DEATH OF AN AUTHOR
The Death of an Author S. L. Edwards JournalStone (June 25, 2021) Reviewed by Andrew Byers I didn’t know S. L. Edwards’ work prior to reading his newest collection of horror stories but after reading The Death of an Author, I’m a fan. This is quite an eclectic...
Book Review: YOUR TURN TO SUFFER
Your Turn To Suffer Tim Waggoner Flame Tree Press (March 23, 2021) Reviewed by Ray Palen Bram Stoker Award® winner Tim Waggoner’s latest release, entitled YOUR TURN TO SUFFER, is a work of classic, visceral horror that is certain to induce nightmares. I was sold...
Blu-ray Review: HOUSE OF WAX
House of Wax (2005) Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Stars: Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, Paris Hilton Reviewed by Brian M. Sammons This is one of those in-name-only remakes that barely resembles the 1953 3D classic with Vincent Price expertly cast as the...