The Best Horror of the Year Volume Eleven

by Ellen Datlow

  Figurehead by Carly Holmes (Tartarus Press) is another terrific debut, by a Welsh writer, with twenty-six stories (and a poem or two), almost half of them new. They’re weird, ghostly, dark, and often chilling. Highly recommended. One story is reprinted herein.

  Tartarus also brought out an impressive oversized hardcover edition of The Macabre Tales of E. A. Poe with illustrations by Harry Clarke, replete with colored plates in addition to the black and white illustrations, all of which originally appeared in the 1923 edition of Tales of Mystery and Imagination, plus one. With an introduction by Brian Stableford.

  The Masque of the Red Death and Others by Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by Jason Eckhardt (Ulthar Press) has an introduction by S. T. Joshi and includes thirteen stories and poems, each illustrated by the artist.

  Guignol and Other Sardonic Tales by Orrin Grey (Word Horde) is this author’s third collection, and features seventeen Conte Cruel (cruel stories), four published for the first time. With an introduction by Gemma Files.

  Spectral Evidence by Gemma Files (Trepidatio Publishing) is the author’s fourth collection, this one bringing together nine stories originally published

  between 2006 and 2014.

  Figures Unseen: Selected Stories by Steve Rasnic Tem (Valancourt Books) brings together thirty-five of Tem’s favorite stories, originally published over a very productive career. With an introduction by Simon Strantzas.

  Spree and Other Stories by Lucy Taylor (Independent Legions Publishing) is Taylor’s sixth collection, and contains six stories and the novella of the title, all originally published between 1994 and 2014.

  Exploring Dark Short Fiction #2: A Primer to Kaaron Warren edited by Eric J. Guignard (Dark Moon Books) is the second volume of a new series inaugurated in 2017 by the publisher, intended to focus on literary genre writers of note. This one consists of six stories (one new) by Australian writer Warren, an author interview with her, a complete bibliography, and academic commentary by Michael Arnzen. Illustrated by Michelle Prebich.

  Little Black Spots by John F. D. Taff (Grey Matter Press) is the author’s fourth collection, and it’s a strong one, with fifteen stories, eight of them new.

  New Music for Old Rituals by Tracy Fahey (Black Shuck Books) is a strong second collection by this Irish writer. Ten of the nineteen folk horror stories were published in 2018 for the first time.

  By the Light of My Skull by Ramsey Campbell (Cemetery Dance) collects fifteen of Campbell’s recent supernatural tales, including two published in 2018, one new. Jacket art and interior illustrations by J. K. Potter.

  Robert Morgan’s Sarob Press published three collections in 2018: By No Mortal Hand by Daniel McGachey with eleven entertaining Jamesian ghost stories, several new. With an afterword by the author. Revenants & Maledictions: Ten Tales of the Uncanny by Peter Bell with some excellent weird, sinister, and downright creepy stories. Four are reprints. Waiting in the Shadows by Katherine Haynes, with ten supernatural stories, all but three reprints.

  Knowing When To Die by Mort Castle (Independent Legions Publishing) collects eleven of Castle’s stories originally published between 1992 and 2016.

  There Is a Way to Live Forever by Terry Grimwood (Black Shuck Books) is the author’s second collection. These thirteen stories were originally published between 1998 and 2017 in various, mostly British small press magazines and anthologies.

  Walking With Ghosts by Brian James Freeman (PS Publishing) is the author’s sixth collection, and with twenty-nine stories published between 1995 and 2018, three for the first time. With an introduction by William Peter Blatty.

  Twelve Gauge: Songs From a Street Sweeper by Dustin LaValley (Sinister Grin Press) is a collection of three dark suspense novellas, one new.

  Walking Alone by Bentley Little (Cemetery Dance) is the author’s seventh collection and contains twenty-seven stories and vignettes, most of which have never before been published.

  Black Shuck Books has been publishing mini-collections as part of their Black Shuck Shadows series, featuring various horror writers. During 2018 the following were published: The Death of Boys by Gary Fry is number five in the series, presenting three new stories; Broken on the Inside by Phil Sloman is number six, with five stories, one new; The Martledge Variations by Simon Kurt Unsworth is number seven, with three new stories plus framing text;

  Singing Back the Dark by Simon Bestwick is number eight, with five stories, all but one published for the first time.

  Beautiful Darkness by Jay Wilburn (self-published) has sixteen pieces of flash fiction and one short story, all published for the first time.

  That Which Grows Wild: 16 Tales of Dark Fiction by Eric Guignard (Harper Day Books) is the author’s first collection, with sixteen reprints originally published between 2011 and 2017.

  The Dissolution of Small Worlds by Kurt Fawver (Lethe Press) is the author’s second collection, with fourteen stories, four new.

  Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked by Christa Carmen (Unnerving) has thirteen stories, three new.

  The Horrors Hiding in Plain Sight by Rebecca Rowland (Dark Ink Books) contains seventeen previously unpublished stories.

  Gruesome: A Gathering of Nightmares by Terry M. West (CreateSpace) is a 150,000 word self-published collection of this author’s short fiction. Introduction by Hunter Shea.

  Down By the Sea and Other Tales of Dark Destiny by Michelle Mellon (Hellbound Books) has thirteen stories, nine published for the first time.

  The Bitter Suites by Angela Yuriko Smith (CreateSpace) is a self-published, interconnected mini-collection of tales taking place in a hotel that specializes in renewable death experiences.

  Masters of the Weird Tale: Robert Aickman Volume One and Two (Centipede Press) contains forty-eight stories, an introduction by S. T. Joshi, an essay on Aickman by T.E.D, photographs of the author, and illustrations by John Kenn Mortensen. It’s gorgeous, but pricy.

  For much less money you can get a taste of Robert Aickman’s work by reading Compulsory Games, a volume of fifteen of his lesser-known tales (New York Review Books Classics).

  Hippocampus Press has initiated The Classics of Gothic Horror series, reprinting novels and stories from leading writers of weird fiction over the past two centuries. All the volumes are edited by, and contain bio-critical introductions and bibliographies by S. T. Joshi. Four volumes were published in 2018: Johnson Looked Back: The Collected Weird Stories of Thomas Burke bringing together twenty-six stories by the British writer (1886–1945); Lost Ghosts: The Collected Weird Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman presents eighteen stories and a play by the American writer (1852—1930); From the

  Dead: The Collected Weird Stories of E. Nesbit includes nineteen stories and an appendix, by the British writer (1858–1924) best known for her children’s books; Twin Spirits: The Complete Weird Stories of W. W. Jacobs contains twenty-one stories and three dramatizations, by the British author (1863–1943) of “The Monkey’s Paw.”

  MIXED-GENRE COLLECTIONS

  Phantom Limbs by Margo Lanagan (PS Publishing) is this versatile Australian author’s sixth short story collection, and it contains fourteen stories, one new. Some of her darkest work is inspired by fairy tales and folk stories. The original story is not horror, but it’s charming. Mnemo’s Memory and other Fantastic Tales by David Versace (CreateSpace) is this Australian author’s self-published debut collection of nineteen stories, some of them dark. Acres of Perhaps by Will Ludwigsen (Lethe Press) is the author’s third collection and, as with much of his fiction, they’re more weird than horrific. One story is new. Sparks From the Fire by Rosalie Parker (The Swan River Press) is the author’s third collection. All but two of the brief nineteen stories and vignettes are new. Some are mainstream, others are strange but not dark. Tribal Screams by Owl Goingback (Independent Legions Publishing) collects eleven fantasy and horror stories—most drawing from the author’s Native American heritage—originally published between 1995 and 2003, and also includes the first four chapters of Goingbac
k’s most recent novel Coyote Rage. The Ones Who Are Waiting: Tales of the Strange, Sad, and Wondrous by Glen Hirshberg (Cemetery Dance) is the author’s fourth collection, and this one is more of a genre mix than his previous ones. The subtitle describes the stories very well. Most of the eight stories are at least tinged with darkness. One story is new. Sleeping With the Monster by Anya Martin (Lethe Press) is the author’s debut collection, with twelve dark fantasy and horror stories, one new. The End of All Our Exploring by F. Brett Cox (Fairwood) is another debut collection, this one with twenty-seven stories in various genres, including horror. Two of the stories are new. Garden of Eldritch Dreams by Lucy A. Snyder (Raw Dog Screaming Press) is Snyder’s third collection. This one has twelve dark fantasy and horror short stories. Two are new. It’s Not the End and Other Lies by Matt Moore (ChiZine Publications) has twenty-one horror and science fiction stories, three of them published for the first time. With an introduction by David Nickle. Our Pool Party Bus Forever Days: Road Stories by David James Keaton (Red Room Press) offers a mixed bag of thirty stories, some dark, with three originals. Not Here Not Now by Alex Jeffers (Lethe Press) features thirteen stories published between 1994 and 2018 (one for the first time). Only a few of the stories are dark. The Dummy & Other Uncanny Stories by Nicholas Royle (The Swan River Press) is the author’s third collection. The eighteen stories (two new) reflect his evolution as a writer from 1994 to today—a few of the stories are more oblique than necessary, and he’s writing less horror than weird fiction, but at its best his work still provides chills. Cries from the Static by Darren Speegle (Raw Dog Screaming Press) contains an interesting mix of horror and weird fiction within the seventeen stories and poems. Eight pieces are new. With an introduction by Laird Barron. All I Ever Dreamed by Michael Blumlein (Valancourt Books) is the author’s third collection, with eighteen science fiction (some tinged with horror) and fantasy stories, one new. And the Darkness Back Again by Thomas Phillips (Zagava) is a very odd collection of thirteen stories and vignettes, many which require careful reading (most appearing for the first time). Some are discomforting, others merely obscure, but a few exude a true sense of menace. The Road to Neozon by Anna Tambour (Obsidian/Sky Books) is the third collection by this writer of the weird. The eleven stories, more than half published for the first time, are strange, surreal, sometimes silly, sometimes dark. Tambour’s work is wide-ranging and sui generis, and well worth your time. Nothing is Everything by Simon Strantzas (Undertow Publications) is the author’s fifth collection of horror and weird dark fiction. Half of the ten stories are reprints, half new. All are absorbing. Darker Days by Kenneth Cain (Crystal Lake Publishing) has twenty-six science fiction and horror stories, all but eight new. The Future is Blue by Catherynne M. Valente (Subterranean Press) features thirteen stories (three for the first time) of science fiction, fantasy, and dark fantasy by this versatile writer. Tree Spirit and Other Strange Tales by Michael Eisele (Tartarus Press) is the second collection by this American writer who has been living in the UK since 1987. It has fifteen new stories of fantasy and dark fantasy. The Clockworm and Other Strange Stories by Karen Heuler (Tartarus Press) is the author’s fourth collection. The nineteen stories (of which seven are new) are a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and dark fantasy, and as per the subtitle, yes—they are strange. Tell Me Like You Done Before: and Other Stories Written on the Shoulders of Giants by Scott Edelman (Lethe Press) is a reprint collection of sixteen metafictions inspired by Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, Raymond Carver, and several other writers. A mix of science fiction and fantasy and a bit of horror. Still So Strange by Amanda Downum (ChiZine Publications) is the author’s debut collection and includes twenty-two excellent dark and weird stories and a poem, many of them Lovecraftian. With an introduction by Orrin Grey. Forget the Sleepless Shores by Sonya Taaffe (Lethe Press) contains twenty-two fantasy, weird, and dark fantasy stories, with some horror. One story is original to the collection. Death Makes Strangers of Us All by R. B. Russell (The Swan River Press) is a collection of ten tales, six new, some dark, but none horror. The Human Alchemy by Michael Griffin (Word Horde) is the author’s second collection, and consists of eleven stories of weird and/or dark fiction. One appears for the first time. With an introduction by S. P. Miskowski. Alphaland by Cristina Jurado (Nevsky Books) is this Spanish writer’s first collection, with six sf/f/h stories, a few published in English for the first time.

  CHAPBOOKS/NOVELLAS

  Another Way to Fall presents two weird, dark short novels by Brian Evenson and Paul Tremblay (both reprints) in one book (Concord Free Press). The lovely idea behind the press is that by taking a copy of the book, you agree to “give away money to a local charity, someone who needs it, or a stranger on the street.” Whatever amount you want. When you’re done with the book, pass it on to someone else for free. The Atrocities by Jeremy C. Shipp (Tor.com) is an hallucinogenic dark fantasy about what happens when a governess is hired to teach a ghost child. Nightjar Press brought out four chapbooks in 2018. The Hook by Florence Sunnen is a surreal tale of a family, one of whose members spends the summer vacation in a very disturbing way; Living Together by Matt Thomas is about an unemployed man with an uneasy relationship with his sister, who moves in with her and her sickly son to help care for the boy; Message by Philippa Holloway appears to presage something uncanny, then drops it, disappointing connoisseurs of the weird; The Violet Eye by Mike Fox is a mainstream, heart-breaking story of pigeon racing and family discord. At the Mercy of Beasts by Ed Kurtz ( JournalStone) collects three original historical horror novellas, one about a deadly discovery made while drilling for oil in Texas, one—taking place during the Philippine-American War—about a legendary monster, and one taking place in 1977 about a truck driver who discovers that the cargo she’s hauling is dangerous to herself and others. A Little Cobalt Book of Old Blue Stories. . . and Stuff by Mort Castle and A Little Aqua Book of Marine Tales by Tim Waggoner were new entries in Borderlands Press’ “little book” series. The Castle brings back into print some of the author’s earliest fiction work—with a charming, elegiac introduction, and a sweet memorial to his friend, writer J. N. Williamson. The Waggoner contains seven reprints about water and has an introduction by the author.

  The Broker of Nightmares by Jon Padgett (Nightscape Press) is a creepy tale about a junkie and a doctor, who can’t dream, and what they supply to each other until the inevitable happens. With cover and interior illustrations by Luke Spooner.

  POETRY JOURNALS, WEBZINES, ANTHOLOGIES, AND COLLECTIONS

  Dwarf Stars 2018 edited by Deborah P. Kolodji (Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association) collects the best very short speculative poems published in 2017. The 2018 Rhysling Anthology: The Best Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Poetry of 2017 selected by the Science Fiction Poetry Association edited by Linda D. Addison (Science Fiction Poetry Association) is used by members to vote for the best short and long poems of the year. This year the book included eighty-seven short poems and sixty-three long ones. Star*Line is the official newsletter of the Science Fiction Poetry Association. During 2018 it was edited by Vince Gotera. The journals regularly publish members’ science fiction and fantasy poetry—and the rare horror poem. Four issues came out in 2018, and there were two notable dark poems by Deborah L. Davitt and one co-written by Laura Madeline Wiseman and Andrea Blythe. Dreams & Nightmares edited by David C. Kopaska-Merkel has been publishing fantasy and horror poetry on a regular basis for thirty-two years. During 2018, the magazine featured notable dark poems by Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Holly Day, and Joshua Gage. Spectral Realms, published twice yearly, is edited by S. T. Joshi. It regularly contains original poetry, classic reprints, reviews, and articles. In 2018, there was notable work by John Shirley, M. F. Webb, Michelle Jeffrey, Joshua Gage, Ann K. Schwader, Mary Krawczak Wilson, Wade German, and Christina Sng. Horror Writers Association Poetry Showcase Volume V edited Stephanie M. Wytovich (Horror Writers Association) is an excellent anthology of fifty new poems, selected by judges Michael A. Arnzen a
nd Mercedes M. Yardley. Bleeding Saffron by David E. Cowen (Weasel Press) is an excellent collection of dark poetry, much of it published for the first time. The Devil’s Dreamland: Poetry Inspired by H. H. Holmes by Sara Tantlinger (Strangehouse Books) is a wonderfully chilling history of nineteenth century serial killer H. H. Holmes, active in Chicago, told in a series of poems. Artifacts by Bruce Boston (Independent Legions Publishing) is the fortieth collection by this multi-award-winning Grand Master of the Science Fiction Poetry Association. It includes almost sixty poems, ten of them new. The Comfort of Screams by G.O. Clark (Alban Lake Publishing) collects almost sixty dark poems, most of them new. This Ae Nighte, Every Nighte and Alle: 33 Poems of the Weird, the Horrific & Supernatural by Frank Coffman (A Mind’s Eye) primarily features sonnets, but also includes experiments with other poetic forms creating an intriguing showcase of the structural possibilities of modern poetry. War by Marge Simon and Alessandro Manzetti (Crystal Lake Publishing) is a powerful collaboration on a universal, provocative subject. Thirteen Nocturnes by Oliver Sheppard (Ikonograph Press) is an excellent collection of mostly gothic poetry, illustrated with appropriately moody photography and art. Untimely Frost: Poetry Unthawed edited by Suzie & Bruce Lockhart (Lycan Valley Press) is an anthology of poetry, most original. Unfortunately, the overly ornate typeface used for the first letter of each stanza throughout the book is distracting, making it difficult to fully appreciate the poems.

  NONFICTION

  Devil’s Advocates series (Auteur/Columbia University Press) covered the following movies in 2018: In the Mouth of Madness by Michael Blythe, Frenzy by Ian Cooper, Candyman by Jon Towlson, Daughters of Darkness by Kat Ellinger, The Fly by Emma Westwood, It Follows by Joshua Grimm, House of Usher, Evert van Leeuwen, and Psychomania by I. Q. Hunter and Jamie Sherry. The Shining by Kevin J. Donnelly (Wallflower Press) investigates why the movie has become one of the key cult films of the last half century. Haunted: Malevolent Ghosts, Night Terrors, and Threatening Phantoms by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hanson Steiger (Visible Ink) covers reports of different kinds of hauntings from the existence of early man through the twenty-first century. 21st Century Horror: Weird Fiction at the Turn of the Millennium by S. T. Joshi (Samath Press) is of course opinionated, which is what one expects from Joshi. He divides his book into three sections: The Elite; The Worthies; and The Pretenders, covering nineteen writers currently active in the field of weird horror. What is Anything? Memoirs of a Life in Lovecraft by S. T. Joshi (Hippocampus Press) is mostly what it says, beginning with the Joshi family’s immigration from India to the United States in 1963, when S. T. was seven years old. However, because Joshi cannot help from taking potshots at those he thinks wronged his idol, H. P. Lovecraft, the pettiness—while occasionally entertaining—often obfuscates the important facts of Joshi’s life and the good work he’s done by studying and writing about H. P. Lovecraft. The Scream Factory edited by Peter Enfantino, Robert Morrish, and John Scoleri (Cemetery Dance) is a gorgeous coffee table book paying tribute to the non-fiction magazine that was an important reference for the horror field during its existence from 1988 to 1997. The volume is illustrated throughout and includes a new, 25,000-word history of the magazine and the book program that published several chapbooks, plus collections by Ed Gorman and Richard Laymon. In addition to seventy reprinted articles on subjects such as the worst horror novels in the world, and issues dedicated to British horror, Australian Horror, Canadian Horror, werewolves, and zombies fiction, it includes book reviews from each issue. Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey by Mark Dery (Little, Brown). I’ve been a huge fan of Edward Gorey’s work since I first encountered it while working in the University Library while in college. My roommate also worked there and she brought over this weird little book that upon first look seemed to be for children. I think it was The Gashlycrumb Tinies. From then on I became a collector of his work. So I was interested in discovering more about the illustrator who has delighted morbid minds with his wonderfully cynical, small-sized graphic books. I never knew much about Gorey’s background other than that he loved ballet and cats. I admittedly only skimmed this biography, but in doing so I found too many spurious suppositions and a whole lot of psychobabble. However, it might be of interest to other fans of his.