Charles Black (4) (1967–)

The Black Book Of Horror is the first in a series of horror anthologies published by Mortbury Press. As soon as I saw the gorgeous covers I knew that I wanted the entire set even though I am not familiar with the authors. I did notice some nominations for the British Fantasy Award but winning or losing would not have swayed my desire to get my hands on these books. I don't have a lot of experience with British horror other than having enjoyed the Hammer House of Horror series when I was a kid. Since I have found in my limited experience that British horror tends to be a bit more subtle than what I am used to on this side of the pond, I expected this would be more atmospheric than blood soaked. Well subtle I can take, but vague I can not. Some of these stories were so vague that they seemed more like a wisp of idea for an outline than an actual finished product. For example I could sum up "Spare Rib" as once upon a time a man's wife died but then she came back and he left for work. The End. Seriously that's a story in here. In another story a Nazi skin head and his pals desecrate a grave and then take off their pants and boots. The End.
Not to say they were all bad, there were some 3 and 4 star stories among the duds. The only 5 star mentions go to "Size Matters" more for it's dark humor than for anything frightening. Yes it is a story about a penis enlargement gone wrong, and Lock-In by David A Riley which actually was a scary story about a handful of men trapped in a pub by a creeping black void of nothingness that awaits them outside. 4 stars to Last Christmas (I gave you my life) Family Fishing, and Subtle Invasion.
I'm hoping the rest of the series has more 5 star stories than this did.… (meer)

Time and time again, I am astounded by the amazing work that goes into the Black Books of Horror. For years, Mortbury Press have sent me review copies of their serial anthology, and every time I get my hands on one of these Black Books of Horror, I am awed by the quality contained within those gorgeous covers. Each author is unique, each story even more so, and yet there's something quaint that links them and makes them perfect to read together. Furthermore, the editing is fantastic. Charles Black goes out of his way to craft a perfect read, every single time!

What can I tell you about The Eleventh Black Book of Horror?

Well, you can expect some terrifying stories that'll stay with you for a long time (especially when it's late and dark and every small noise gives you a mini heart attack). You can expect horror in its purest form (there's a big variety of stories in there, something for everyone). You can expect excellence (I already said how good Charles Black is as an editor, but I can't stress it enough). And, probably most importantly, you can expect quality for your buck.

Now, if you know me then you know I don't like to single out stories in anthologies. I enjoy reviewing the product as a whole. And this is one damn fine product. It is proudly on display on my book shelves, alongside all my other Black Books of Horror, and I often refer back to them when I'm in the mood for a truly great read. So, yes, you will possibly reread this book eventually, too.

The Eleventh Black Book of Horror, like its predecessors, is an enjoyable read for horror aficionados. It screams horror, from cover to cover, and it is an absolute gem. DEFINITELY get your hands on this one (and all the other ones) if you like to be scared.

Review originally posted on:
… (meer)

Anthologies aren’t necessarily the type of books that readers sit around and wait for. They are short story collections that sometimes feature an author you like and maybe you’ll pick it up just to see what your favourite author’s been up to. Anthologies are sadly at the bottom of the reader’s food-chain (along with novellas and novelettes) and they’re a dime a dozen for most. However, that’s just generally speaking, of course…

Every year, I patiently wait for Charles Black and Mortbury Press to release their next Black Book of Horror. I anticipate its release just like I anticipate the next book release from some of my other favourite authors. The Black Book of Horror goes onto my ‘must-read’ list long before the next book is even announced to the public. Why? Well, it’s simple really… I can honestly say, without a doubt, that The Black Book of Horror is the best bloody anthology out there. I’m not kidding, The Black Books of Horror are proudly on display in my library, in one of the most honourable spots I could manage (on the top right shelf, between Kim Newman and James P. Blaylock’s books).

I love the artwork by Paul Mudie (sir, you have a die-hard fan right here), I love the fact that there are little to no editing errors, and I absolutely adore how meticulous Charles Black is when he selects the stories that will feature in the book. It’s not just another anthology… The Black Books of Horror will never be just another anthology…

No, The Black Books of Horror are the embodiment of proper horror literature, filled with stories that will thrill and chill readers from the beginning to the end. But what makes these books so incredibly special is that although you know you’re going to get quality, you’ll still be pleasantly surprised by the content.

The Tenth Black Book of Horror is no different in that regard. It comprises of 15 tales that will stay with you long after you’ve switched off the lights, and although one of these stories didn’t exactly tickle my fancy in the usual way, I’ll admit that I was still tickled. That being said, there are some remarkable pieces in this book. Now, as always I don’t go out and review each and every story in an anthology, I review the book in a whole. However, I have to take off my hat to David A. Sutton for his story The Pre-Raphaelite Painting, Carl P. Thompson for The War Effort, Thana Niveau for Guinea Pig Girl (I’d love to see that story be made into a movie) and Paul Finch for Marshwall. These are some excellent stories from excellent authors, but even those I didn’t name outright still had a way of scaring me, so that definitely counts.

All in all, if you haven’t gotten your hands on one of these books yet, you’re really missing out on a lot of awesome tales. The Black Books of Horror have a lot to offer readers who love horror, and each one of these anthologies are little gems you wouldn’t be able to put down, so do yourself a favour and get your hands on them. You won’t be disappointed.

(review originally posted on www.killeraphrodite.com)… (meer)