Allow me to say something pertaining to my review: when it comes to horror, I am case-hardened. I watched Scooby-Doo and was angry when the monsters turned out to be humans in masks when I was in preschool. I used to draw vampires eating people alive when I was seven. I've been reading Stephen King since I was about fourteen.
I know horror. I love horror.
Regina Puckett asked me if I'd read her collection of short horror stories, and I readily agreed. I was already a fan after reading her sweet romance novel Concealed In My Heart.
The book opens with a story called "Mine", a modern ghost story about ghost-hunting gone awry. That one was enjoyable, as I know paranormal investigators and have had some ghost encounters myself. Not as scary, but it kept you wondering "what will this crazy ghost do now?", which is A+ in my book.
A story called "Pieces" was by far my favorite, about an abused wife murdering her husband. The ending of that...I honestly don't think anyone could've expected it.
I have one word to tell you about "Crying Through Plastic Eyes": dolls. I have been terrified of dolls since I watched The Twilight Zone when I was a kid. Oh, yes, and this story features a clown doll. The best descriotion I can give you is "Talky Tina" meets Stephen King's It. I wouldn't call this scary, I'd call it spine-tingling. Don't read it before you go to bed!
"Paying The Hitchhiker" seemed to me like a new version of "The Ghostly Hitchhiker". This hitchhiker is alive and dangerous. I found it innovative and could see a novel detailing Susan's "adventures".
The final story, "Inheritance", reminds me of a plot TV horror show Supernatural. Crazy old lady dies after locking her granddaughter up in the basement, telling her of a family inheritance and curse. What's the inheritance? Perhaps you don't want to know...
But the best is titled "Will Work For Food". It intrigued me, it interested me and it succeeded in shocking and disgusting me. I thank Regina Puckett for this story for those reasons. If there is more furniture like this inside her mind, I truly look forward to reading it some day...hopefully soon!
There is something for everyone, from ghost-lovers to gore-seekers. I think you will be very happy with this collection reader. Just remember, if you read it with the lights out before bed...don't say I didn't warn you!
4/5--chilling!
Purchase Regina Puckett's Short Tales of Horror at:
Amazon
Goodreads
Google Books
Audible (audiobook)
Author's website
I have recently bought Regina's book and added it to my 'to read' list. Because of this I read your review with interest. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to check back weekly to see if any of the other books I review catch your eye! :)
Great review, sounds like a really good collection of short stories
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was really fun to read. I hope you enjoy it if/when you pick it up. :)
ReplyDeleteAlways glad to meet another Kelly Smith!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yep! I hope to see you back here again, Kelly Smith. :)
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