What do you think?
Rate this book
Detritus
The impulse to collect springs from deep within the human psyche. Squirrels gather acorns, rats collect shiny things, but only humans assign meaning to the objects they collect. Detritus is a collection of stories about the impulse to collect, preserve, and display gone horribly wrong.
Kate Jonez and S.S. Michaels have assembled a diverse range of exceptionally disturbing stories from authors from around the world. Each of the stories, whether about a collection that is world changing or intensely personal, is sure to linger in readers’ thoughts and make them consider the possibility that malice and evil just might lurk in their own hoard of stuff.
Kealan Patrick Burke, Jeremy C, Shipp, Mary Borsellino, Brent Michael Kelley, Phil Hickes, L.S. Murphy, Michael R. Colangelo, Neil Davies, Louise Bohmer, Edmund Colell, S.P. Miskowski, Michael Montoure, Lee Widener, Pete Clark, and Opal Edgar
Kate Jonez and S.S. Michaels have assembled a diverse range of exceptionally disturbing stories from authors from around the world. Each of the stories, whether about a collection that is world changing or intensely personal, is sure to linger in readers’ thoughts and make them consider the possibility that malice and evil just might lurk in their own hoard of stuff.
Kealan Patrick Burke, Jeremy C, Shipp, Mary Borsellino, Brent Michael Kelley, Phil Hickes, L.S. Murphy, Michael R. Colangelo, Neil Davies, Louise Bohmer, Edmund Colell, S.P. Miskowski, Michael Montoure, Lee Widener, Pete Clark, and Opal Edgar
175 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2012
2 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Kate Jonez
35 books167 followersDark fantasy and horror author Kate Jonez has twice been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award ® and once for the Shirley Jackson.
She is also the chief editor at the Bram Stoker Award winning press Omnium Gatherum which is dedicated to publishing unique dark fantasy, weird fiction and horror.
Kate is a student of all things scary and when she isn’t writing she loves to collect objects for her cabinet of curiosities, research obscure and strange historical figures and photograph Southern California where she lives with a very nice man and two little dogs who are also very nice but could behave a little bit better.
She is also the chief editor at the Bram Stoker Award winning press Omnium Gatherum which is dedicated to publishing unique dark fantasy, weird fiction and horror.
Kate is a student of all things scary and when she isn’t writing she loves to collect objects for her cabinet of curiosities, research obscure and strange historical figures and photograph Southern California where she lives with a very nice man and two little dogs who are also very nice but could behave a little bit better.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 19, 2012
The impulse to collect springs from deep within the human psyche Squirrels gather acorns, rats collect shiny things, but only humans assign meaning to the objects they collect. Detritus is a collection of stories about the impulse to collect, preserve, and display gone horribly wrong. The stories in this collection can be about hoarders, cat ladies, people who keep cabinets of curiosities, folks who have secret stashes of strange and disturbing things or any other sort of person who has a frightening collection or a desperate need to gather up and keep things close.
My own personal obsession with short stories has grown considerably over the last couple of years to the point that any new anthology is something that I really look forward to. Detritus found its way into grubby little mitts via the wonder of technology that is Twitter. This collection contains fifteen short stories that range from the surreal to the gruesome by way of extremely geeky. There is a whole lot to enjoy here and my thoughts about my favourite entries are listed below.
Shots and Cuts by Mary Borsellino – A homicide detective discusses the rise of the violent Internet memes and you-tube videos that depict horrific crimes. This is one of the more gruesome tales in the collection. A fact that is made all the more distressing when you realise it is also likely the most realistic as well.
Mrs. Grainger’s Animal Emporium by Phil Hickes – A mysterious shop and an equally mysterious proprietor who knows exactly how to deal with young boys who cause trouble. This was one of the real standout stories in the collection as it reads almost like a modern day fairytale.
The Tick-Tock Heart by L.S. Murphy – When two estranged sisters meet after years apart one finds the constant interruption to her highly regular routine more and more difficult to cope with. She eventually takes matters into her own hands with horrific results.
Arkitektur by Michael R Colangelo – This was one of the more surreal stories in the collection. The old house contains dark patterns and those patterns affect everyone that comes into contact with them. As this tale unfolds things just get stranger and stranger. I’m not adverse to a bit of odd and this certainly delivered that.
Armoire by Louise Bohmer – Sometimes when I read a short story it seems obvious to me that all I’m getting is the smallest of glimpses into a much larger world, Armoire felt like that. I think I could quite happily read an entire novel based around this stories premise – a young woman with magical powers becomes obsessed with collecting the spirits of inter-dimensional parasites.
Heroes and Villians by Michael Montoure – Anyone who has ever collected comic books will enjoy this story. Just how far would you go if the ultimate collection landed in your lap? Darkly comic, please excuse the pun, and just a little bit evil.
In His Own Graven Image by Pete Clark – There is a growing trend in the world for body modification and this story finds a man who has taken one particular type of modification to the extreme. A tale that masterfully examines the nature of obsessive behavior and how it can totally control a life.
Overall this is a solid little anthology that contains some real gems. I wasn’t blown away by every single story but at only £2 for the entire collection I think this is still definitely value for money. If you enjoy your horror in the short form then I would suggest you give this a try. I am sure that you will find something that you enjoy.
Detritus is published by Omnium Gatherum and is available for Kindle now.
My own personal obsession with short stories has grown considerably over the last couple of years to the point that any new anthology is something that I really look forward to. Detritus found its way into grubby little mitts via the wonder of technology that is Twitter. This collection contains fifteen short stories that range from the surreal to the gruesome by way of extremely geeky. There is a whole lot to enjoy here and my thoughts about my favourite entries are listed below.
Shots and Cuts by Mary Borsellino – A homicide detective discusses the rise of the violent Internet memes and you-tube videos that depict horrific crimes. This is one of the more gruesome tales in the collection. A fact that is made all the more distressing when you realise it is also likely the most realistic as well.
Mrs. Grainger’s Animal Emporium by Phil Hickes – A mysterious shop and an equally mysterious proprietor who knows exactly how to deal with young boys who cause trouble. This was one of the real standout stories in the collection as it reads almost like a modern day fairytale.
The Tick-Tock Heart by L.S. Murphy – When two estranged sisters meet after years apart one finds the constant interruption to her highly regular routine more and more difficult to cope with. She eventually takes matters into her own hands with horrific results.
Arkitektur by Michael R Colangelo – This was one of the more surreal stories in the collection. The old house contains dark patterns and those patterns affect everyone that comes into contact with them. As this tale unfolds things just get stranger and stranger. I’m not adverse to a bit of odd and this certainly delivered that.
Armoire by Louise Bohmer – Sometimes when I read a short story it seems obvious to me that all I’m getting is the smallest of glimpses into a much larger world, Armoire felt like that. I think I could quite happily read an entire novel based around this stories premise – a young woman with magical powers becomes obsessed with collecting the spirits of inter-dimensional parasites.
Heroes and Villians by Michael Montoure – Anyone who has ever collected comic books will enjoy this story. Just how far would you go if the ultimate collection landed in your lap? Darkly comic, please excuse the pun, and just a little bit evil.
In His Own Graven Image by Pete Clark – There is a growing trend in the world for body modification and this story finds a man who has taken one particular type of modification to the extreme. A tale that masterfully examines the nature of obsessive behavior and how it can totally control a life.
Overall this is a solid little anthology that contains some real gems. I wasn’t blown away by every single story but at only £2 for the entire collection I think this is still definitely value for money. If you enjoy your horror in the short form then I would suggest you give this a try. I am sure that you will find something that you enjoy.
Detritus is published by Omnium Gatherum and is available for Kindle now.
September 13, 2013
Detritus a collection of stories about collections of strange and grotesque things people decide to horde for whatever reason. Hearts from living people, clocks to stay in tune with their pacemakers and severed heads. Overall the shorts gave me a lot of yawns.
(Shots and Cuts by Mary Borsellino) Real articles about killers and lesbians doing shitty stuff. And YouTube videos with people's reactions. After watching them. 3.5★'s
(The Tick Rock Heart by L.S. Murphy) When her sister comes to visit with her heart out of tune. She says "I can fix it" 3.5★'s
(Candy Lady by Neil Davies) a bloody collection. The story of a stalker. 4★'s
(Crawling the Insect Life by Opal Edgar) A Creepy taxidermist finally set free of his cumbersome emotions. Sure to have you checking you pillows before you go to bed 4★'s
(Shots and Cuts by Mary Borsellino) Real articles about killers and lesbians doing shitty stuff. And YouTube videos with people's reactions. After watching them. 3.5★'s
(The Tick Rock Heart by L.S. Murphy) When her sister comes to visit with her heart out of tune. She says "I can fix it" 3.5★'s
(Candy Lady by Neil Davies) a bloody collection. The story of a stalker. 4★'s
(Crawling the Insect Life by Opal Edgar) A Creepy taxidermist finally set free of his cumbersome emotions. Sure to have you checking you pillows before you go to bed 4★'s
August 10, 2012
Overall, the stories in Detritus are very compelling when taken as a whole; each offers a slightly twisted view of the world. Some stories, such as "The Highest and the Sweetest," deal with more contemporary issues such as the obsession with placing "unique" families on reality TV; others, such as "The Tick-Tock Heart," are throwbacks to the macabre tales of Edgar Allen Poe. The noir/fantasy genre usually doesn't appeal to me, but this collection of stories is well-edited and is fast-paced.
May 19, 2012
This was a mixed bag of short stories by various authors. Some were good others not so good. A few were just too short to care about at all.
But L.S. Murphy (author) of The Tick-Tock Heart was one of the best stories in the book. It was a little predictable, but it was written well.
Brent Michael Kelley (author) of Ride, was the most twisted but he writes very well so it was a twisted fun read.
About the .epub version I received ... my only negative mark about the format is there should have been a Table of Contents. So, one could jump to a story easily. Maybe future versions will have one but mine did not. Granted it was a free preview copy, sent to me by the publisher.
Note: The Kindle Version has a table of Contents...
But L.S. Murphy (author) of The Tick-Tock Heart was one of the best stories in the book. It was a little predictable, but it was written well.
Brent Michael Kelley (author) of Ride, was the most twisted but he writes very well so it was a twisted fun read.
About the .epub version I received ... my only negative mark about the format is there should have been a Table of Contents. So, one could jump to a story easily. Maybe future versions will have one but mine did not. Granted it was a free preview copy, sent to me by the publisher.
Note: The Kindle Version has a table of Contents...
January 1, 2017
Detritus means: waste or debris of any kind. This collection of story is not a waste at all. Out of 15 stories, I found 3 I didn't care for. I consider that a very good ratio.
So quick recap on each story.
1. Chewed Up - Marcus is estranged from his wife Aubrey. He can't figure out why she won't talk to him. Is it his strange compulsion to collect used bubble gum? Or something more? I enjoyed this story and was surprised by the end.
2. Shots and Cuts - A homicide detective recounts tales of gore/horror that he has collected over the years. From 2 girls, one cup on youtube, to the serial killings in Ukraine. Not one of my favorites.
3. Ride - Man takes last ride on motorbike while world is ending. Bombs have been deployed and falling everywhere. During his ride, he stops to kill and collect hearts. I was bored.
4. Mrs. Grainger's Animal Emporium - Young boy walks into a store and steals a stuffed rat. Old women who owns the store sends other exhibits to retrieve the rat and the boy. Basic story, seen or read this type before, knew the end before I was done reading first page.
5. The Tick Tock Heart - When Kate's sister Meredith returns home, Kate can't take it. Kate collects clocks and feels her sister is upsetting their rhythm. Once again seen the end immediately, reminiscent of The Tell Tale Heart by Poe.
6. Arkitekur - Mother is in the house. Is she collecting or is it the house? This one was a bit boring, but ok.
7.Candy Lady - A story about 2 men stalking a woman. But why are they both stalking and what do they each collect. Not a bad tale, but reminds me of a Showtime show (I'm not gonna ruin the story, you will know what I mean when you read this.).
8. Armoire - Ophelia collects Ultra dimensional creatures. One gets loose and plans revenge.
I liked this one.
9. Shrieking Gauze - James "hears" colors. Blood screams at him. Now he collects bandages to figure out what they are saying. I didn't care for this one.
10. The Highest and The Sweetest - A young woman gets a job babysitting for a woman who keeps having multiple children. Then becomes pregnant with multiple babies herself. I wasn't a fan of this one either, made me think of Octomom for years ago.
11. Heroes and Villains - Ben and Paulie plan to steal a comic book purchase from their employer, and go into business for themselves. Until Ben figures why does he even need Paul. Not a bad tale, but not a new one either.
12. Let Them Into Your Heart - Hampton collects candy wrappers for his art. But who or what is the reason behind the art? I could have passed on this one.
13. In His Own Graven Image - Dauphin is a collector of scars. He has let himself be attacked (in a controlled environment of course) by every animal conceivable, even ones believed to be just folklore or imagined. With one spot left untouched on his entire body, he reaches for the ultimate being to scar him. I like this story, but really couldn't understand this compulsion at all.
14. Crawling the Insect Life - Marvin collects bugs. He is divorced and has gone crazy. He has bugs, dead and alive, all over his apartment. I was a little confused by this one, but it was a fine tale.
15. The Room Beneath The Stairs - Andy goes to visit his grandma. He asks her about the room under the stairs that she keeps locked. She gives a scary tale and reveals her own collection. Not the best in the bunch but not the worst either.
So I do recommend reading this collection. All in all , it was a great read. My 3 favorite story were Chewed Up by Jeremy C. Shipp, Candy Lady by Neil Davies, and In His Own Graven Image by Pete Clark. My 3 Least Favorites were Ride by Brent Michael Kelley, Shots and Cuts by Mary Borsellino, and Let Them Into Your Heart by Lee Widener.
So quick recap on each story.
1. Chewed Up - Marcus is estranged from his wife Aubrey. He can't figure out why she won't talk to him. Is it his strange compulsion to collect used bubble gum? Or something more? I enjoyed this story and was surprised by the end.
2. Shots and Cuts - A homicide detective recounts tales of gore/horror that he has collected over the years. From 2 girls, one cup on youtube, to the serial killings in Ukraine. Not one of my favorites.
3. Ride - Man takes last ride on motorbike while world is ending. Bombs have been deployed and falling everywhere. During his ride, he stops to kill and collect hearts. I was bored.
4. Mrs. Grainger's Animal Emporium - Young boy walks into a store and steals a stuffed rat. Old women who owns the store sends other exhibits to retrieve the rat and the boy. Basic story, seen or read this type before, knew the end before I was done reading first page.
5. The Tick Tock Heart - When Kate's sister Meredith returns home, Kate can't take it. Kate collects clocks and feels her sister is upsetting their rhythm. Once again seen the end immediately, reminiscent of The Tell Tale Heart by Poe.
6. Arkitekur - Mother is in the house. Is she collecting or is it the house? This one was a bit boring, but ok.
7.Candy Lady - A story about 2 men stalking a woman. But why are they both stalking and what do they each collect. Not a bad tale, but reminds me of a Showtime show (I'm not gonna ruin the story, you will know what I mean when you read this.).
8. Armoire - Ophelia collects Ultra dimensional creatures. One gets loose and plans revenge.
I liked this one.
9. Shrieking Gauze - James "hears" colors. Blood screams at him. Now he collects bandages to figure out what they are saying. I didn't care for this one.
10. The Highest and The Sweetest - A young woman gets a job babysitting for a woman who keeps having multiple children. Then becomes pregnant with multiple babies herself. I wasn't a fan of this one either, made me think of Octomom for years ago.
11. Heroes and Villains - Ben and Paulie plan to steal a comic book purchase from their employer, and go into business for themselves. Until Ben figures why does he even need Paul. Not a bad tale, but not a new one either.
12. Let Them Into Your Heart - Hampton collects candy wrappers for his art. But who or what is the reason behind the art? I could have passed on this one.
13. In His Own Graven Image - Dauphin is a collector of scars. He has let himself be attacked (in a controlled environment of course) by every animal conceivable, even ones believed to be just folklore or imagined. With one spot left untouched on his entire body, he reaches for the ultimate being to scar him. I like this story, but really couldn't understand this compulsion at all.
14. Crawling the Insect Life - Marvin collects bugs. He is divorced and has gone crazy. He has bugs, dead and alive, all over his apartment. I was a little confused by this one, but it was a fine tale.
15. The Room Beneath The Stairs - Andy goes to visit his grandma. He asks her about the room under the stairs that she keeps locked. She gives a scary tale and reveals her own collection. Not the best in the bunch but not the worst either.
So I do recommend reading this collection. All in all , it was a great read. My 3 favorite story were Chewed Up by Jeremy C. Shipp, Candy Lady by Neil Davies, and In His Own Graven Image by Pete Clark. My 3 Least Favorites were Ride by Brent Michael Kelley, Shots and Cuts by Mary Borsellino, and Let Them Into Your Heart by Lee Widener.
August 10, 2012
I enjoyed all the stories with the common ground of "collecting" Quite a few made me cringe. However, one bothered me- it was the Comic book story which seemed to recreate the story from a movie I've seen and upon research it appears the movie came first. This really bugged me as it seemed to steal a great idea. Other than that I was quite impressed with the collection.
May 12, 2012
Not one of the best anthos I've read - a few good stories, some I couldn't even finish. Full review on horrornews.net soon.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews