Books Like...

'The Dark Descent' by David G. Hartwell is a comprehensive collection of horror short stories spanning from classic authors like Poe and Lovecraft to contemporary writers like King and Barker. The stories in the book are ordered in a way that transitions from explicit supernatural themes to more subtle and ambiguous treatments of horror. The editor's introductions are recommended to be skipped in order to fully enjoy the bone-chilling tales on their own terms.

Out There Screaming is an anthology of new Black horror stories edited by Jordan Peele, featuring a variety of horror themes from traditional monsters to social issues. The book brings together stories from Black authors, exploring horror in different themes and challenges faced by Black people. The writing styles vary, with some stories being thought-provoking and unsettlingly scary, akin to a season of The Twilight Zone. The collection offers a mix of speculative, historic, and social horror, creating a modern and diverse portrayal of horror fiction.

'The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories' is a vast anthology featuring a collection of weird and uncanny tales from various authors spanning different time periods and geographical locations. The stories range from surreal dream sequences to dark rituals, exploring themes such as time travel, alien worlds, and supernatural phenomena. The writing style varies from descriptive and atmospheric to surreal and hypnotic, offering a diverse reading experience for fans of weird fiction.

'Dark Forces' by Kirby McCauley is a landmark anthology in horror and suspense that captures the previous generation of horror fiction. The book features a collection of stories by renowned horror writers like Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and Ray Bradbury. It includes a variety of horror tales ranging from revenge plots and witchcraft to eerie encounters and supernatural occurrences. The stories are well-crafted, engaging, and offer a mix of classic and modern horror elements that keep readers on edge.

'North American Lake Monsters' by Nathan Ballingrud is a collection of dark and haunting short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the monstrousness within us. The book explores a variety of horror elements such as vampires, zombies, werewolves, and supernatural beings, but focuses more on the psychological terror induced by human actions rather than the supernatural events. The stories are deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with vivid imagery that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

"Wounds" by Nathan Ballingrud is a collection of short horror stories that are described as artful and terrifying. The stories delve into themes of existential questions, toxic relationships, and occult mysteries, set in various locations such as Louisiana and a neighborhood bar infested with roaches. The writing style is praised for its superb quality, disturbing intellectual depth, and the ability to evoke a sense of unease and terror similar to Lovecraft or classic horror films.

"The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories" by Mariana Enriquez is a collection of twelve short stories that explore supernatural themes with a social conscience. Set mostly in the impoverished barrios of Buenos Aires, the stories are told from the perspective of sad, lonely, or disturbed female protagonists. The writing style is described as beautiful, unsettling, and profound, with a mix of horror, magical realism, and feminist themes.

The plots of the stories range from a woman haunted by a decomposing baby to young women trying to contact the spirits of disappeared friends and relatives. The book delves into themes of ghosts, curses, mutilation, and psychological horror, presenting old horror tropes in a fresh and new way. The stories are rich in detail, vivid, and often disturbing, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

'The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All' by Laird Barron is a collection of interlinking tales of sublime cosmic horror that deliver spine-chilling horror to satisfy even the most jaded reader. The book combines elements of hardboiled noir, espionage, and a scientific backbone, showcasing Barron's strong and original literary voice in modern horror and the dark fantastic. The stories feature themes of ancient, alien invader Gods, dark and tormented protagonists on the edge of society, and a persistent feeling of unease that shakes the reader to the core.

'20th Century Ghosts' by Joe Hill is a collection of short stories that range from horror to mainstream to the surreal. The stories feature disturbing and scary elements, often more by suggestion than outright gore. The settings are everyday and normal, adding to the overall disturbing atmosphere. Some stand-out stories include one about an autistic child creating mysterious mazes and another about a young boy who is an inflatable doll. Hill's writing style is described as varied, character-centered, and haunting, with each story presenting its own universe.

Some Will Not Sleep by Adam Nevill is a collection of literary horror stories that showcase the author's talent for inventive and deep language, combined with nightmarish and horrific narratives. The book features a variety of tales that delve into the strange and weird, exploring themes of fear, isolation, revenge, and the supernatural. Nevill's writing style is described as polished and finely wrought, bringing horrors to life in a three-dimensional manner that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impact.