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Title: The Call of Distant Shores

Author: David Niall Wilson

Narrator: Eric Dove

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-15-13

Publisher: Crossroad Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Thirteen tales of Elder Gods, Darkness, horror, and Lovecraftian madness by Bram Stoker Award Winning author David Niall Wilson. From crazed sculpting tenants, to giant wooden cockroaches, to Tarot cards and a creepy old barber shop, these stories lead through doorways and down corridors that are not of this world. Published for the first time in this volume is the story "Anomaly".

Contents include:

Members Reviews:

Lovecraftian...sorta

This book meets the minimum requirement to be considered in the overwhelmingly large mythos subgenre. It isn't a hard group to get involved in really. I gave this book a shot because all the reviews were so glowingly positive. My own opinion however differed greatly. I have been reading Lovecraft and Lovecraft inspired works for years. My own blog is even dedicated to it. There are many great writers out there who work with HPL's ideas. Whether writing Lovecraft pastiches, working within his created environments and settings, or just inspired by the father of cosmic horror. The Call of Distant Shores on the other hand is like the massive collections of less inspired and skilled writers. The inspiration and connection to Lovecraft is easily felt, but everyone of the stories worked far better in the hands of other authors. Other opinions seem to differ from mine, and it seems others like this. But I can't seem myself recommending it. Even after you have finished rereading HPL, or checking out Derleth or even Brian Lumley, there is still so much better works out there than this collection. Wilson is skilled enough to get a pass, impressive enough compared to much of the horror being published these days, but this book certainly doesn't stand out in the crowd.

great pulp-like horror

Wilson assembles a fine collection of horror with nods to some of the greats such as Lovecraft and C.A. Smith . To his credit, he freely acknowledges his indebtedness to the masters. Some genuine shudders here, and I look forward to more work from this talented author.Duh! After writing this review I found that he has a ton of books out there in amazonland.

5 Star Collection

Brim full of creepy intent, calculated panic and more than a touch of Lovecraftian flavouring - The Call of Distant Shores is a fantastic collection of short stories that will test your sanity whilst drawing a smile.

From the eerie backwoods horror of `Are You Lookin' For Herb?', to the equally downhome but much lighter and altogether more wondrous `Cockroach Suckers', and the yearning for Home and the Sea of the title story - this is a style of storytelling in which David excels - a mix of local, charming storytelling, with a distinctly creepy tone that builds to a generally scary but satisfying climax, with a touch of laid-back humour as required.

A definite nod to Lovecraftian timbre and styling can be found in the desperation of `From My Reflection, Darkly', the insanity in the corner of your eye of `Darkness - and the Light' and the epic tones of `Death, and his Brother, Sleep' - all dealing with the fabric of sanity that thins in certain places.

Quaint morbid fascination shines through in the joint effort `Death Did Not Become Him' - a Sherlock Holmes tale that thrusts Watson into a terrifying mystery.

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Title: December

Author: Phil Rickman

Narrator: Seán Barrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-12

Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 81 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

In the ruins of a haunted medieval abbey, four musicians hope to tap into the site's dark history. The experience almost destroys them. Years later, the original group is forced to return to the abbey, to confront the old evil they discovered

Members Reviews:

Ghosts of Decembers Past and Present

In the best British tradition of the Christmas ghost story, Rickman creates a spookily atmospheric tale of a medieval Welsh abbey which has a history of horrific December deaths and accidents dating from the 12th century to the present. The cast of characters revolve around a group of aging rockers who are the survivors of a disastrous recording session in the abbey studio on 12/8/1980, which also happens to be the day the former Beatle, John Lennon, was shot to death outside his Manhattan apartment building, an event which plays a significant role in the unfolding of the story.

Be forewarned that the prologue and the first few chapters are confusing and quite difficult to follow as the narrative washes between epochs and characters, none of which are familiar to the reader as yet. These characters and events begin to sort themselves out as the book takes on a more straight-forward narrative approach as the book progresses.

Sean Barrett's narration is excellently suited to the material and this audio version is enhanced by riffs from songs purportedly recorded in the abbey sessions.

A wonderfully dark tale for the nights of the winter solstice.

Good story but disappointing adaptation

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not the audiobook. Narration is hamfisted and the music to add drama is embarrassing.

If youve listened to books by Phil Rickman before, how does this one compare?

Have read others but not listened

What didnt you like about Seán Barretts performance?

It's heavy handed. Groans and screams etc are over acted.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Possibly if directed by right person

Any additional comments?

The first 50 minutes of the audiobook is almost unlistenable. It is a chaotic mix of visions and terrible Celtic music interruptions and I nearly gave up on it as I tried to remember why I had liked the book so much when I read it over 10 years ago. It eventually settles into a more traditional narrative but the occasional further bursts of bad Celtic music that are there to "add to the mood" are amateur and annoying.

The Deus ex machina ending to the story is disappointing and does not close all the loose ends that the plot and the final scenes build up to.

A Very Queer Sort of Redemption

Read it and u will see what I mean. My impressions are that the author builds a tense& somewhat creepy atmosphere, and characters are at least 3-D. U do feel something for their struggles. You could say this story is about 4 naive 60's liberals getting scared somewhat straighter.

Atmospheric celtic horror

Great story that holds your attention. Tons of character development with real life-weary people. Keeps you turning the pages.

A little Lennon history

The story might have proved challenging to read. The narrator's talent with the various accents made it very enjoyable. He had Lennon's voice down very well. It was continually touching go with the evil characters in the story, so you don't know until the very end who survives and who doesn't. I really enjoyed the story.

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Title: Brides of the Impaler

Author: Edward Lee

Narrator: Barry Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-29-12

Publisher: Audio Realms

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Internationally published horror novelist Edward Lee unleashes his 37th book and his very first vampire novel! When a new couple moves into a New York brownstone, they find their ultimate dream house...until they go into the basement. Suddenly, a macabre nun is seen lurking about, with an entourage of lewd and gibbering homeless women who seem to KNOW what evil secret lurks in the bowels of the old house. As the couples' dreams turn to lust-stained nightmares, and the bodies of missing persons are found impaled, the basement's secret is revealed at last: the remnants of Dracula himself...

Members Reviews:

Horror & Not the Good Kind

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not as an audible book.

What did you like best about this story?

The first chapter was good despite the horrible narration. I just could not deal with the narrator long enough to finish the book.

How could the performance have been better?

A better narrator. Barry Campbell read this like he was reading a fairy tale to a room full of children.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Possibly

Mr. Lee, you deserved a better reader

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Sometimes Edward Lee writes like a 13 year old boy. This was one of those stories. They're fun to read, light and silly, but I've discovered that they're not so fun to listen to unless you have a talented and experienced reader. This reader was so bad at interpreting the story and simply horrible at doing female character voices.

Would you recommend Brides of the Impaler to your friends? Why or why not?

No. Lee isn't for everyone - he's sort of an acquired taste - and I don't have friends who would find his writing as enjoyable as I do.

What didnt you like about Barry Campbells performance?

He was simply dreadful at doing female voices. Bad to the point of irritation. It was so distracting that I had to listen to the book in stages. I was interested in the plot, but this reader just frustrated me so much that I couldn't get lost in the story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would probably netflix it.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Lee, you deserved a much better reader. Please do not use Barry Campbell for any of your stories again.

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Title: Creepy 2

Subtitle: A Collection of Scary Stories

Author: Jay Krow, Jeff Bennington, Katie M. John

Narrator: Michael Scherer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-29-12

Publisher: Nexgate Press

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Creepy 2 is a frightening collection of true ghost stories from around the world and supernatural short stories from Jeff Bennington (best-selling author of Reunion, Twisted Vengeance and Creepy), up and coming author and paranormal investigator Jay Krow, and Top-10 UK author, Katie M. John.

The collection includes the following stories: "The Manchester Haunting" - Jeff Bennington, "Haunted Bathroom" - Julia Locke, "Suicidal Renter" - Crista Lynn,"The Creeper of Waverly Hills Sanatorium" - Jay Krow, "The Haunting of Heartmoore House-Scotland" - Katie M. John, "A Japanese Ghost at the Sea Wall" - Crista Lynn, "The Spare Room" - Stephanie Yohn, "Attacked in the Basement" - Stephanie Yohn, "A Hungry Female Apparition" - Stephanie Yohn, "The Ghosts of Anasazi" - Jeff Bennington, "Dark Forces at Bobby Mackey's Bar" - Matt Boruff, "Our Ghost" - Hope Welsh, "Jasmine in the Air" - Jay Krow, "At Home in Death" - Jay Krow

If haven't read the original Creepy yet, you'll definitely want to check out the book that started it all. The Creepy series is a one of a kind combination of true supernatural occurances, mixed with a variety of supernatural short stories!

Members Reviews:

Great!

This story compilation book was narrated well, and written well. It's just what I sought!

Scary Stories

These stories were okay. A little juvenile, but it was the 1st audio book I bought. Would of preferred a more adult collection of stories.

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Title: Bumper Crop

Author: Joe R. Lansdale

Narrator: Wyntner Woody

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-17-12

Publisher: Crossroad Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

This collection of 26 stories contains some of Joe R Lansdale's favourite and most violent dark horror tales. 'God of the Razor' introduces the dark god behind serial killers. A martial arts fight to the death between a reluctant champion and a sadistic alpha male, is featured in 'Master of Misery'. Human sacrifice, to ensure prosperity or as a coming-of-age ritual, are themes of 'On a Dark October' and 'Duck Hunt'. In 'The Fat Man', young boys learn the hard way that some mysteries should not be investigated. Many of the tales are truly weird, such as 'Chompers', the story of the false teeth with an appetite. All stories are individually introduced by Lansdale, who explains the humorous, weird, and sometimes sad genesis for each.

Members Reviews:

Should have read this instead of listened

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, I'd recommend the book - the stories were fun. But no, I would not recommend the audio book.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Not really an ending - they were a collection of short stories.

How could the performance have been better?

I don't think the reader interpreted the stories well. The inflections were odd, the pacing and pauses were off, and he was really bad at doing different character voices. I did not enjoy this reader at all.

Did Bumper Crop inspire you to do anything?

No.

Any additional comments?

This would have been better if the author's prefaces were not read. My ipod wouldn't let me skip ahead and it was EXTREMELY annoying to have to sit through the author's thoughts on each of his stories.

NARRATION RUINED THE WHOLE BOOK

I love Lansdale novels, but this narrater was the most annoying I've ever listened to on audible. He appears to use an over exaggerated southern wine and twang to his voice for some reason which gives each story a goofy feel. I've always thought it odd when reading other reviewers complain of how a narrater can ruin a book even if the story is good. Now I understand why. Would be 5 stars but narration was too annoying...oh,...I'm also from the south and I'm used to southern accents but this was feigned and annoying like chalk hissing on a chalkboard.

Horribly Humorous and Bizarre

Yeah I agree the narration is kind of difficult to get into at first but give it a chance. The narration works with Lansdale's stories.

The stories themselves are imaginatively humorous and horrifically horrible. I especially like the ghost fish and the choppers stories.

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Title: Speed Dating With the Dead

Author: Scott Nicholson

Narrator: Daniel Dorse

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 08-31-12

Publisher: Scott Nicholson

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

When Wayne "Digger" Wilson hosts a paranormal conference at the haunted White Horse Inn, he has motives beyond searching for the inn's legendary ghosts. Years ago, he made a honeymoon promise to his wife, Beth, that if one of them died, the survivor would return to the White Horse to summon the other's lost spirit. Now she's dead and Digger's back, with the daughter they conceived during that fateful honeymoon 16 years before. And the ghost hunters are stirring up ancient evils that were better left in peace, because the inn's basement is home to a circle of demons that have been waiting for Wayne to return. They want his teenage daughter, Kendra, and they'll play whatever tricks they need in order to satisfy their dark desires. And at the White Horse Inn, not even angels can be trusted....

Inspired by events at an actual paranormal conference at a haunted hotel, author Scott Nicholson's thriller takes you to the remote Southern Appalachian Mountains. Nicholson is author of The Red Church, Drummer Boy, and nine other novels, as well as five story collections and several comics series. Learn more about his work at www.hauntedcomputer.com or email him at [email protected].

Critic Reviews:

"Keep both hands on your pants, because Nicholson is about to scare them off." (J. A. Konrath, author of Origin)

"Always surprises and always entertains." (Jonathan Maberry, author of Patient Zero)

Members Reviews:

Horrible Narration

What disappointed you about Speed Dating With the Dead?

I couldn't even get through the 1st 15 minutes of the story

Would you recommend Speed Dating With the Dead to your friends? Why or why not?

No you can't even understand the author

What didnt you like about Daniel Dorses performance?

His voice is horrible!

Horrible narrator

First off, I love Scott Nicholson books and will finish READING the book. I will not finish the AUDIO book. The narrator spoke so softly most of the time I struggled to hear.

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Title: The Dead Man, Vol. 3

Subtitle: The Beast Within, Fire & Ice, Carnival of Death

Author: Lee Goldberg, William Rabkin, James Daniels, Jude Hardin, Bill Crider

Narrator: James Daniels, Luke Daniels

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-24-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Matt seeks out a paranoid visionary who claims to have defeated an entity just like Mr. Dark. His quest takes him deep into the Michigan woods and into a bloody siege between warring, paramilitary factions in James Daniels "The Beast Within".

In Jude Hardins "Fire and Ice", Matt is trapped inside an industrial plant during a deadly shooting rampage. As the body count rises, the cunning Mr. Dark raises the stakes to horrifying new heights, putting thousands of lives at risk.

Matt is working security on the midway in Bill Criders "Carnival of Death". But when violence breaks out and a fake fortune tellers dark prophecies suddenly begin coming true, Matt knows that Mr. Dark has arrived and its not for the cotton candy.

Critic Reviews:

Buckle up... this is big ticket horror! (New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry)

Members Reviews:

good mindless read

not in a bad way. Sandman Slim, The Laundry Archive, Secret Histories series all what I consider great mindless fun. Although I most admit the deadman series was the only one of these series that I got chills reading - think that was in vol 2.

This is a fun series, and a very even tone and pacing throughout even with different authors.

RECOMMENDED!

Three More Near-Death Days for The Dead Man

While I had a lukewarm reaction to the first novella in this collection, the two after it really helped to rekindle my interest in The Dead Man series. Lots of action, a great rivalry between the hero, Matt Cahill, and the villain, Mr. Dark. And the strains of credulity tend to be forgivable. I'm looking forward to checking out the next three stories in this series.

page turner

the dead man series does not disappoint..smartly written and engrossing from the first page. left me waiting for more. I look forward to Lee Goldberg's books and have been happy with his collaborators as well as writers he has recommended. Most of the stories have a quirky edge to them which makes the action stand out .

salutations from the other side

Continued fun and adventures of Matt the dead man. Question is, how would you handle the responsibility of stopping what you see coming? I am enjoying the series. How far would you go and what do you believe? Mr Dark is a nuisance. I liked the beast within the best of the 3.

Not bad ... But...

I read the first two volumes and really enjoyed the blend of action, horror and supernatural elements. This mix is what made those stories stand out of the usual horror-action genre.

Somehow the supernatural part got lost in those three stories - it was just a kind of another place with bad people that have to be killed. the worst being the first "the beast within" which was basically a "under siege, let's kill everything that moves" story.

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Title: True Ghost Stories

Author: Terry Deary

Narrator: Denica Fairman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-01-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Incredible? Impossible? Someone, somewhere has sworn that each of these nine terrifying tales is true... Strange, unexplained 'spirit stones' haunt a remote Australian farmstead. The horrifying apparition of a young girl avenges her own murder. A restless mummy walks abroad on Hallowe'en... Look at the facts and decide for yourself: do you believe in ghosts?

©1995 Terry Deary (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

A fun listen

Liked the history discussed in this book and the spiritualism movement of the 19th century. Interesting stories, some I have heard some I did not know.

Other Reviewers Found this Chilling and Scary???

Would you try another book from Terry Deary and/or Denica Fairman?

Not unless I need something to put me to sleep.

What do you think your next listen will be?

My next listen will be a novel or anthology of novelists.

What three words best describe Denica Fairmans performance?

Beautiful lilting British (voice that sang me to sleep)

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from True Ghost Stories?

You couldn't do it, because many of the stories are between 1-3 minutes long.

Any additional comments?

I love a good ghost story, and if they are supposedly true, my interest is that much more piqued, unfortunately, this was a let down. There are many, many stories, all preceded by the narrator with a number, and as stated above between 1-3 minutes. I felt like we were gossiping rather than storytelling (did you hear?? oh my! let me tell you!).Pass. I won't be listening to any further additions to this series.

"Alleged 'true' stories from eyewitness accounts"

If you could sum up True Ghost Stories in three words, what would they be?

Really Good Fun

What did you like best about this story?

That the author tells the stories and lets the reader decide how credible they are.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I was able to break it up into sections.

Any additional comments?

Obviously aimed at younger readers i.e. 8-14 years but I still found this enjoyable as an adult. Just wish it was longer.

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Title: A Heated Premonition (Dramatized)

Subtitle: Fangoria's 'Dreadtime Stories' Series

Author: Carl Amari

Narrator: Malcolm McDowell

Format: Original Recording

Length: 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-14-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Based on the famous short story "August Heat" by W.F. Harvey, this is the story of two men whose glimpses, each of the other's possible future, lead them to a strange and paralyzing standoff. Hosted by Malcolm McDowell and commissioned by Fangoria - Americas number-one source for horror - this original short story is fully dramatized to thrill and chill you!

Members Reviews:

THERE ARE NO DOTS TO BE CONNECTED

This is horror on the 5th grade level. It is well produced and those by Dennis Etchinson are the best. This one is very predictable and is not one of the best.

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Title: Some of Your Blood

Author: Theodore Sturgeon

Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Fiction, Horror

Publisher's Summary:

Named one of the Top 40 Horror Books of All Time by the Horror Writers Association, Theodore Sturgeons dark and foreboding look at the vampire myth was an instant classic when it was originally published.

Army psychiatrist Philip Outerbridge receives a confidential folder containing the letters, memos, and transcripts for a young soldier named George Smith - a quiet young man with a terrible past and a shocking secret. As Outerbridge conducts Georges therapy, he gradually discovers the truth about Georges traumatic childhood, his twisted romance with an older woman named Anna, and the unusual obsession George keeps hidden from the world.

With the masterful touch that earned him the Hugo and Nebula awards, Theodore Sturgeon creates a character of both unsettling violence and irresistible humanity, eliciting both horror and sympathy.

Critic Reviews:

Sturgeons stories are treasures. (Carl Sagan)

The magic of Theodore Sturgeons writing lies in his understanding of the many ways there are to be human. (Larry Niven)

A master storyteller certain to fascinate. (Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.)

Members Reviews:

THE FATHER

With the exception of the very beginning and the very end, this story is told through letters and telegrams. It is exceptionally well written, intelligently done, and gets creepier as it goes along. I would not say it is exceptionally scary, yet it is troubling. It is a mystery. You might find yourself having empathy for a killer. I promise you will not be bored.

Narrator does an excellent job.

sturgeon's horror masterpiece

Any additional comments?

excellent story. truly haunting. I don't want to say too much because i don't want to give it away.

Excellent non-scifi Sturgeon

I read this long ago and thought it was excellent and still think so. Its a Silence of the Lambs kind of thing, though not a serial killer story. Very much a psychological investigation with some disturbing revelations. But do not think it will be a SF novel.

Slow and Predictable

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

People without imagination

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was disappointed with this book, it had Sturgeons usual attention to detail. However I found it to be slow and predictable.

If the reader has any imagination they will guess the entire plot.

Not what you're expecting

Throw a different title or even cover art on it and you'd be fine. This is not a vampire book, or really even horror. It's more of a psychological deep-dive into the mind of a twisted, emotionally stunted hemophage. Not a bad listen/read, almost the written version of a found footage film, just don't hold your breath for a big supernatural reveal.