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Darker Than Noir by Randy C. Chandler
When a mundane mystery needs solving, you call a private detective. But when the mystery involves ghosts, demons, zombies, monsters, mystical serial killers, and a host of other supernatural elements, you call the detectives in this collection. They'll venture into the darkness and hopefully come back out alive. Just remember, they get paid expenses up front, and what they uncover, you might not like. Featuring tales from seasoned vets and up-and-coming talent, the game is afoot in a world that is Darker Than Noir.
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 4, 2015
Instead of rehashing certain parts of each story in this anthology, I will just say that this is one of the best ones I've read so far. There is literally (yes, I used it because it's true) something for every horror short story lover out there. Add a bit of dark humour into the mix, and you're good to go. Plus, you will never know what to expect.
And the best thing? None of the stories is like those you've previously read. As for the content, there is only one single thread that connects them; every story has some kind of investigator (who may or may not be human or even good) and the paranormal, horror element.
I can't begin to explain just how diverse these stories are. It is one of the reasons why I loved it. You have the investigators finding more about old cults, helping with exorcisms, dealing with hotel problems, zombies, ghosts, mythological and folklore beings, demons or checking a possible insurance fraud, working on serial murder cases or dealing with crazy scientists. There are even tentacles!
Another great thing is that there isn't a guarantee that the case is going to be solved the way you expect. There are so many surprises hidden in these stories.
THE KNACK OF LIVING by Patrick Flanagan
BACK-UP MAN by Justin Gustainis
BLOOD RIGHT by Dagny Macallan
DEVIL IN 206 by Randy Chandler
MASKS by J. T. Seate
WED MAN WALKING by Erik T. Johnson
THE KITSUNE by A.K. Amesworth
WINE AND SPIRITS: A TALE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND THE SUPERNATURAL by Gregory L. Norris
THE CUNT NEXT DOOR by Zoot Campbell
FRANK ‘N’ JON by Manny Frishberg
THE BOX OF THE SEVEN SONS by Kent Alyn
MY SUBJECT by Justin Pollock
THE FURRY CON MYSTERY OR MY FURSUIT IS HOT (WITH APOLOGIES TO DASHIELL HAMMETT) by Alan Loewen
GHOST IN A BOTTLE by Frank C Gunderloy, Jr.
STRESS CONTROL by Gustavo Bondoni
MYBURGH by Paul L. Bates
SHARDS OF THE BROKEN by R. Thomas Riley And Roy C. Booth
THE THIEF OF SOULS by Vincent L. Scarsella
And the best thing? None of the stories is like those you've previously read. As for the content, there is only one single thread that connects them; every story has some kind of investigator (who may or may not be human or even good) and the paranormal, horror element.
I can't begin to explain just how diverse these stories are. It is one of the reasons why I loved it. You have the investigators finding more about old cults, helping with exorcisms, dealing with hotel problems, zombies, ghosts, mythological and folklore beings, demons or checking a possible insurance fraud, working on serial murder cases or dealing with crazy scientists. There are even tentacles!
Another great thing is that there isn't a guarantee that the case is going to be solved the way you expect. There are so many surprises hidden in these stories.
THE KNACK OF LIVING by Patrick Flanagan
BACK-UP MAN by Justin Gustainis
BLOOD RIGHT by Dagny Macallan
DEVIL IN 206 by Randy Chandler
MASKS by J. T. Seate
WED MAN WALKING by Erik T. Johnson
THE KITSUNE by A.K. Amesworth
WINE AND SPIRITS: A TALE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND THE SUPERNATURAL by Gregory L. Norris
THE CUNT NEXT DOOR by Zoot Campbell
FRANK ‘N’ JON by Manny Frishberg
THE BOX OF THE SEVEN SONS by Kent Alyn
MY SUBJECT by Justin Pollock
THE FURRY CON MYSTERY OR MY FURSUIT IS HOT (WITH APOLOGIES TO DASHIELL HAMMETT) by Alan Loewen
GHOST IN A BOTTLE by Frank C Gunderloy, Jr.
STRESS CONTROL by Gustavo Bondoni
MYBURGH by Paul L. Bates
SHARDS OF THE BROKEN by R. Thomas Riley And Roy C. Booth
THE THIEF OF SOULS by Vincent L. Scarsella
April 28, 2015
This collection of supernatural noir stories was amazing. There was a huge selection of baaaaaad things our intrepid dicks (giggle) had to go up against. There were ghosts, zombies, demons, shape-shifters, alien parasites, and all manner of disturbing beasties.
Some, yeah, I'll admit, some we more noir than others. The noiricity of the stories varied, but I enjoyed all of them. I don't often partake in short fiction anthologies, but this was just the right book to make me question that decision.
Some, yeah, I'll admit, some we more noir than others. The noiricity of the stories varied, but I enjoyed all of them. I don't often partake in short fiction anthologies, but this was just the right book to make me question that decision.
February 12, 2012
This is a great collection, and a really cool premise. Noir fiction meets ghosts ghouls and zombies. There were some real stand out stories in this anthology, which I'll get to, but overall Grand Mal Press has put out another winner.
Check out the opener, Patrick Flanagan's tale - my personal favourite, too. Erik T. Johnson's story was mind-blowingly good, Wine and Spirits from Gregory L. Norris - excellent. I also really enjoyed the Box of Seven Sons, by Kent Alyn, and Randy Chandler's tale, the title of which is just too damn long to type, but not too long to read.
On titles, biggest win goes to Zoot Campbell - I don't think Amazon would let me publish the title in a review!
Great collection, loved it.
Craig Saunders, Author of Spiggot, Rain, The Outlaw King, Evolution, The Seven Point Star...OK, I'll stop now. ;)
Check out the opener, Patrick Flanagan's tale - my personal favourite, too. Erik T. Johnson's story was mind-blowingly good, Wine and Spirits from Gregory L. Norris - excellent. I also really enjoyed the Box of Seven Sons, by Kent Alyn, and Randy Chandler's tale, the title of which is just too damn long to type, but not too long to read.
On titles, biggest win goes to Zoot Campbell - I don't think Amazon would let me publish the title in a review!
Great collection, loved it.
Craig Saunders, Author of Spiggot, Rain, The Outlaw King, Evolution, The Seven Point Star...OK, I'll stop now. ;)
July 9, 2012
Just barely started this collection of short stories, and looking forward to diving in!
June 2, 2012
I was expecting something strange and amusing, and I was very surprised. I didn't think it would be so dark. A great read and mildly disturbing. Definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews