Tales of the Macabre, Vol. 1: Sixteen Stories of Creeping Horror

by Newton Webb

Welcome to the debut collected works of Newton Webb. Tales of the Macabre is intended for mature audiences.

This book includes the following tales of creeping horror:
The Grimsdyke Ghouls - In the 16th century, a family kicked out from their homes in Grimsdyke finds a new and murderous way to survive.
Smoke in the Sewers In 18th century London, a group of street urchins strive to escape their master. But in doing so they unleash a greater horror.
The Black Fog - When the black fog rolls in, death follows. In 1950‘s Grimsdyke, two lovers encounter a horror unlike any other.
A Rose By Any Other Name - A bank robber hiding out from the law, Dennis commits a heinous crime. Soon, he’ll learn to regret his actions.
Rock Bottom - Aussie back packers come face to face with primal adversaries in the cold peaks of Nepal.
The Platinum Service - When you have almost bottomless wealth, you can buy your way out of almost anything. But sometimes, actions come with unexpected consequences.
Festival of the Damned - Four teenagers are hired to perform at a county fair, but they soon realise that they were each chosen for a very specific reason.
The Sinful Child - Held captive in her father’s basement, Amelia struggles to escape. But reality isn’t always what it appears to be and soon she will learn an earth-shattering secret.
Terror from the Trash - Climate change is a very real threat to the world, but scientists find new perils, as something long thought to be dead, awakens.
The Tattoo - A hitchhiker and a lorry driver exchange tales on the road. Soon, they realise that neither of them is whom they claim to be.
The Tokoloshe - In South Africa, there exists a demonic entity that can make wishes come true, but the consequences cannot always be predicted.
The Heir Apparent - Keen to support his parents' failing farm, Keith asks his wealthy cousins for a position in the family firm. As he becomes more and more entrenched in the business, he discovers that limitless ambition can be murderous.
The Wrong Crowd - Tim just wanted to apologise to his girlfriend, but soon finds himself in peril as he accidentally joins a very exclusive, very deadly club.
The Black Box - Waking up from a coma after a severe accident. Jack finds it is better to read the small print when offering your body to medical science. The Illusive Passenger In the distant future, a freighter captain picks up a most unusual cargo.
The Ghouls of Bangalore - In outer space, greed and narcism still plague the human race. An engineer whose life is at its nadir learns a terrifying secret.

Newton’s Macabre Tale’s span continents, with stories from the 17th Century to the distant future, from Nepal to South Africa. Some of the stories contain elements of humour, of love, of passion, but all of them are imbued with soul shattering terror. As you travel through time and space, you’ll witness horrific consequences, mind bending paranormal activities and good people who took the wrong turn.

Each story is unique and offers a different perspective. So cradle your drink, and get comfy, because you are about to pierce the veil and witness the true nature of horror!

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies, Fiction

265 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Born at RAF Halton, Newton Webb is a British horror author and father to a perpetually grumpy tortoise. He is the author of fourteen published books, the collector of venus fly traps and a notoriously pedantic fishkeeper.

His international bestselling collected works, Tales of the Macabre: Volumes 1-4, contain stories inspired by splatterpunk and classic gothic themes. His fiction frequently blends gore with psychological tension, reflecting influences that range from heavy metal to ancient mythology.

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly Entertaining!

This was a very enjoyable collection of eerily prophetic stories, full of variety and encompassing a world of demonic entities, cannibalism, ghouls, murder, ancient curses and deviant sex addiction. From folk horror to supernatural sci-fi tales, what more could you wish for? Each story slowly unfolds with a sense of unease and menace, complimented by many unexpected twists and turns. The moral theme of these stories would appear to be, "be careful of what you wish for". Highly recommended!

[Zain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the Weak Minded.

The author, Newton Webb, is a member of the Happy Writers, club. I am sure that he is very proud of his achievements. He has been a great influence on other writers, l am sure.

Now that he’s written the first book in his The Macabre Code, Tales of the Macabre, he is very much going to make a habit of writing class acts of these kind of books.

The kind of stories that are in this book are very interesting to read because they have the potential to inspire the readers to reach out and ask if they are going to be scared.

And scared you will be if you are reading this book. Because the stories are not just about one type of story, but they touch upon multiple ideas.

The stories also, all have a different feel and direction than those in other books. The stories in this book are all about the horror of the world and the how and the why and the what and the where of terror.

What this book is about, is telling me to read the next volume in the series. And then I will write my review.

Four stars. ✨✨✨✨

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newton Webb never disappoints. His debut collection (great cover, by the way!) includes most of his best stories, spanning a huge amount of time and going through a great variety of settings. Some are novelettes, others more of a typical short story length, always well written, with a fantastic use of the English language. Plotwise, I myself prefer horror tales that pack a punch, and Webb's stories are definitely that! There's a good deal of atmosphere, a quite satisfying narrative tone, calm, balanced, and assured. Webb's strong suit seems to be the great build up of dread and tension, of the slow creeping kind. There's not much gore here, but you will find fast-paced thrills, plus some shocking twists.

My personal standouts:

- The Hastings Harvest: the story opening the collection; 16th century ghouls, with a great last line!
- Rock Bottom - This is not horror, but I loved it just for the language!
- The Platinum Service - A terrific story, everything rings true, almost an urban legend type story.
- Festival of the Damned - This has to be read by every horror fan!
- The Sinful Child - Webb went off the rails here, great ending.
- The Black Box - This is a bit unsettling, but I found myself laughing out loud (in a demented way!)

Obviously I recommend this collection very highly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of nail-biting moments. The book was full of variety that kept you engaged andv wanting to bread the next story. Great read. I'd recommend it to friends!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is like a box of chocolates & so are horror anthologies, you never know what you’re going to get. Well just know if you get this one, you are going to get a bunch of fucked-up horror stories that make you itch to read the next one. So many bases get covered, from survival horror to demonic entities to body horror to AI to extremely expensive sex addictions. You do get a little bit of everything, all masterfully told and EXTREMELY British. (I had to google so many words and was tickled at each new word/phrase I learned.) Some standout stories for me: “Succession,” but the people you want to die actually do, the kid gang fighting an age-old demon, the $2500 gloryhole, and the 18th century cannibals. The *new* invasive thoughts aside, this was a joy to read. Highly recommend this collection of stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written group of short stories. Solid plots with interesting characters. Several of them had an old world folk story feeling to them, which definitely added a bit to the creepy factor. Especially loved the character connection through some of the different tales. Lots of unexpected twists for abrupt endings, nice touch honestly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sixteen short stories are:
- The Grimsdyke Ghouls
- Smoke in the Sewers
- The Black Fog
- A Rose By Any Other Name
- Rock Bottom
- The Platinum Service
- Festival of the Damned
- The Sinful Child
- Terror from the Trash
- The Tattoo
- The Tokoloshe
- The Heir Apparent
- The Wrong Crowd
- The Black Box
- The Illusive Passenger
- The Ghouls of Bangalore

These short stories explore different types of creepy horror narratives, such as ghouls, murder, and curses. Some of the stories revolve around auditory horror, such as The Sinful Child, and others are dialogue-driven, such as The Tattoo.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna Mathieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

These stories were fantastic. I really liked how they progressed in time, but the horror is universal. I highly recommend.

[Veronica ☠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection features 16 short stories of chilling horror! There's a little bit for everyone! From ghosts, to cannibals, to murder, even some love...this is a collection you don't want to miss! Hard to choose a favourite but I will narrow it down to 3:

1) The black fog: The ancient fishing village has slowly lost people without a word. Ted's mom passed away and he was left living with his dad who still thinks she's alive. When rumors of the black fog start, are the village people safe from it? Or will they also vanish without a trace?
- This was a fun one! Seeing the dead clme back to live when the fog rolls in wass fun! I definitely enjoyed this one! Spooky, fun, and I got in my feels at times

2) The Platinum Service: Oliver has just started a new job at a fancy company. In order to make it, he noticed that he's gotta be included with the big boys of the company. A couple of nights out, sleeping with women should do it. After endless nights out with the boys, drinking and fucking, Oliver decides to pay a big amount of money for a single 1 time service. Of coarse he doesn't listen and with that comes a big problem!
- This was probably at the top for me! I loved this story so much! I love a good glory hole and this delivered satisfaction and pain in the best way! Loved it!

3) The Black Box: Jack died. Then he woke up. Well, what was left of him. Jack was an organ donor and when he had his fatal crash, his brain was donated. He never thought he would awake and be used for experimenting.
- Another really good one! I LOVED this, makes you question!

I highly suggest this fun, yet dark horror story collection. Webb is an excellent author!

[Laurie C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!!

I was marking titles to talk about in my review. These stories are that good. But what happened was each story was a star in it's own right. Catch your mind and takes you away stories. There's no reading a few pages trying to get into a story, these stories catch you in a few sentences! These stories are not just a few pages, they're long enough to put down and pick up later to finish the story later. Newton Webb is a great writer, and is the master of his own stories. He cannot be compared to any other writer, he's stands out at the head of his own genre.

[Ann Marie Warwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Thing!

At last, an intelligent, literate writer - bonus, a subversive wit, too. No gross out gore here, no splatter, simply building to a sense of unease and discomfort. These stories made me slow my pace and really think. Characters and places well drawn. I especially enjoyed the two Aussies, they were utterly believable. More please, as soon as possible. Thank you, anniedanceswithcats

[Physics Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into 'Tales of the Macabre' is like venturing into a thrilling world of the eerie. Webb's narratives, rich in detail and variety, cover everything from demons and cannibals to serial killers and the paranormal.

The standout story, 'The Black Fog,' brilliantly captures my favourite era, the 1950s, and weaves in a layer of cosmic horror. This book is more than a collection; it's a testament to Webb's storytelling prowess and his ability to immerse readers in the macabre.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection

This is a good collection of creepy tales. Each one was interesting in its own way and kept me interested. They are well written and I'd recommend them to others in the future.

[Dglab1511 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

I was properly given the chills and at times the creeps. The stories were well written and good to read. I loved the appropriate ways they ended too. Good job Mr. Webb.

[Crush Critiques · Rating 3 out of 5]

The word macabre was originally used in reference to the “dance of death”, a performance to remind people of the fragility of their lives, until gradually coming to mean something disturbing and horrifying in relation to death. Most of the stories in this collection reflect the early definition of the word macabre, as they are definitely performative and not disturbing.

The short stories span from the years 1747 to 2518ad, with some of them being connected albeit loosely, by location and/or characters. The first 4 stories in this collection (each short story is a chapter in the book) are by far the best. The 3rd and 4th chapters are my absolute favorites out of this collection and I must say, I truly enjoyed them. I would read a full length novel based on the black fog in chapter 3 as I wanted to know more about where it came from, how it managed to do what it did, and how they could possibly get rid of it.

I definitely liked the stories set in the past better as the future ones were unoriginal and relied heavily on established tropes. If you’re going to do a Soylent Green type of futuristic plot device, have something new to say or an incredible twist, as it’s been done before and much better.

Some chapters should have been cut and some needed to be workshopped more as the endings were incredibly weak. It seems like they threw a bunch of underdeveloped fluff stories in to fill out the collection rather than keeping it a small assortment of solid short stories. Chapters 14 and 15 had good concepts but due to logistical errors and poor writing, they fell short. Again, this collection could have been really solid if it contained 8 of these short stories rather than the 16 Webb decided upon.

A lot of the stories contain misogynistic characters and dialogue which was taxing to read time and time again. I felt like I was reading the dialogue of a wannabe Patrick Bateman type “alpha male” which is fine in one story if it makes sense to the plot, but in multiple stories it’s entirely too much. Dialogue like - “Have you been crying? How dare you? I told you before, you look so ugly when you cry. Sort your face out, then get me my drink.” - had me ready to throw something because I was so irritated reading that type of discourse. Then you have the opposite where you’re wondering who would possibly say this, especially out loud when by themselves - “All I wanted was an entry level desk job,” Keith sobbed. “To work off my parents’ mortgage. I didn’t need riches.” Meh.

I read this on Kindle Unlimited which is fine as I didn’t pay extra or full price for it, and I would recommend it for the first few stories alone if it’s in KU or on sale. I doubt I will check out the other volume in this series either or anything else by the author. Had the compilation been of multiple authors I could have understood the variation in skill level between the stories, but since it was all Newton Webb, it made the terrible stories so much worse because you’re aware of what he is capable.

3/5 stars only because I really enjoyed two of the short stories.

[Destynnee Realta · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Go on, my dear, treat yourself. I feasted on my father, you know?" He smiled. "Even then, he was bitter."
-Master

Tales of the Macabre
Volume 1
Sixteen Stories of Creeping Horror
By Newton Webb

272 pages
Publication date April 5, 2023

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review. Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Novel, Horror, creeping horror, horror anthology, short stories, cannibalism, occult, demon, paranormal, serial killer, historical, kidnapping, drugging, zip/cable ties, gagged, hypodermic needle, torture, death of a parent, death of a sibling, gore, vampire, blood drinking, and possibly more.

I will be talking about one of the stories in this anthology, The Sinful Child.

It was amazing, if sadly short. But, that is what you get with this anthology, and Webb’s stories from what I have noticed. Short, not always sweet, but always packs a gut punch.

This story hits hard and fast, if you can not handle the idea of kidnapping, zipping tieing, and injecting someone with “holy” water.. Then you may wish to skip this specific tale. But, if you are like me, you are chomping at the bit, to know why someone is getting injected with holy water! Well, you will have to read it to find out.

I could easily read full length novels from some of these short stories.

I have previously read, The Heir Apparent, so I knew what I was getting myself into with this anthology. Which, by the way, all of the works in this anthology are 5 / 5. stars.

Top tier..

Chef’s kiss..

Highly recommend it..

5 / 5 stars
-Destynnee

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newton Webb's literary brilliance shines through his fascinating stories, whose allure captivates and ensnares readers until the last page. There is no doubt that the collection you've explored is a testament to his exceptional talent, while the other tales, filled with a series of unexpected twists and turns, leave an indelible mark on readers, making his work a delightful journey of unexpected delights.

In "The Grimsdyke Ghouls," readers are mesmerized by the protagonist's journey toward redemption. As the story unfolds, we become immersed in the character's words. A tapestry of emotions is woven throughout the narrative, blending empathy with intense suspense. The character's inner conflict challenges our beliefs and values challenges.

In Another one, The Black Box, you initially put yourself in Jack's position. A repeated question stirs emotions, and Jack doesn't know what is happening. The pieces of information cause him confusion and upset when the doctor gives them. However, according to this saying, "Every dog has its day," the situation changes, sounding poetic and ironic.

Finally, Newton Webb's writings have become so familiar that no adjectives can describe them, nor can I stop reading them. Having experienced them is a privilege; they're part of my literary taste.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newton Webb is an author who was new to me when I read this and his Nestor Lynch. Webb’s a good short-form horror writer and there was a galaxy of evils, secrets, perversions and other bad things to choose from. From among the 16 stories, I particularly liked Rock Bottom (Aussie backpackers in Nepal get more than they bargained for out of a tuk tuk ride), Smoke in the Sewers (ancient evil meets modern crime in 19th century London), The Platinum Service (eff around and find out) and for old time’s sake, The Tokoloshe (timeless evil things in modern Johannesburg).

This was a quick and entertaining read; his range is wide and imagination vivid enough that horror fans will probably find at least one gem here to treasure.

7/10 (3.5 stars, rounded up)

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newton Webb is one of my go-to authors when I want a quick horror fix. This collection of tales has a wide variety of stories, some more horrific than others.

There are stories that would fit in several categories, including folklore, urban legend, hauntings and more. If you enjoy short horror stories that will entertain you, creep you out and stick with you, give this collection a go. You won't be disappointed!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paris Purnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Dark

This anthology of horror stories was very different. It provided a gothic, but modern feel to horror. One specific story that I liked was the one about the guy Keith who was just trying to pay his family’s rent, yet he had to work for his rich, spoiled cousins. This book was a page turner, offered many various new words I have never heard of, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. To really enjoy this book, you have to open your mind to a different perspective. I give it a 10/10!

[JulieAnn Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a collection of short stories to scratch your horror itch, you’ll get lots of variety here! From vampires, to karma, to revenge, and just plain bad luck, each story brings a unique spin.

Most dive into the action quickly and move along at a fast pace, while a few linger in setup. But whether the ended on a sharp twist or with an eerie, uneasy feeling, each story stuck with me in different ways.

Overall, a creative collection with great ideas and strong story-telling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection was good. I feel like some were a bit short and left me wanting more which is a great sign since very often authors are reaching to make things work or just ending stories when they have nothing more to work with. Some of these made me think for sure but others were like music that while good are kinds just there helping to pass the time. I definitely would recommend this for people who want something quick but entertaining. 4/5 and would definitely check out the other volumes from Webb.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 16 scary stories are really, really good! My absolute favorites of the bunch were Festival of the Damned and The Heir Apparent (man, what a twist I was NOT expecting!). I love Webb's writing and he has a gift for short stories that seem much, much longer - and that's a good thing! Each story stands up and hollers at the reader: "You'll be freaked out and you'll love every bit!".

[Puisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that consist of stuffs of nightmares, wildest imaginations and unbelievable quests. Some will linger at the back of your subconsciousness, others will make you question things you believe in. But all will leave an imprint once the book ends. Worth reading!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Set of Short Stories
Loving horror stories and all that goes bump in the night (and day), this was a great set of different stories, from ghouls to what's in the Sewers, even outer space, and having your neighbor for dinner.
Thank you, Newton Webb, for these good stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry from Newton Webb, it did everything that I enjoyed from previous books. The stories were interesting and I enjoyed every part of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that are all about death in one way or another. Each story seems to contain a modicum of the supernatural even if it doesn't which makes them even creepier. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good :) I thought this was a good collection of short stories. They were interesting & none of them seemed to cover the same theme as the last. recommend this book.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales of the Macabre, Vol. 1: Sixteen Stories of Creeping Horror
Book 1 of Newton's Macabre Tales

by
Newton Webb

The story and characters were well written and nicely developed. I enjoyed the journey, chemistry and drama.

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very rare that a book with several stories pleases so much. Not a single one was a bad one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tales of the Macabre book 1 and I’m looking forward to reading book 2. Excellent story telling. Grizzly but not too gory. Perfect bedtime reading for the month of October.