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Christopher Pike's Tales of Terror
Christopher Pike's Tales of Terror #2
The Tears of Teresa: A married couple is kidnapped late one night and drive at gunpoint across the desert. Their assailant promises them pain and death. He says he has his reasons.
The Burning Witch: Marvin Summer, world-famous horror writer, is asked by an old high school friend to help her extricate herself from a strange cult. The only problem is . . . this cult is run by real witches.
The Tomb of Time: Is everything destined? Are love and pain inevitable? Or are the cards of life constantly being reshuffled at the bottom of an eternal tomb?
Plus other strange tales from the master of horror.
The Burning Witch: Marvin Summer, world-famous horror writer, is asked by an old high school friend to help her extricate herself from a strange cult. The only problem is . . . this cult is run by real witches.
The Tomb of Time: Is everything destined? Are love and pain inevitable? Or are the cards of life constantly being reshuffled at the bottom of an eternal tomb?
Plus other strange tales from the master of horror.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Christopher Pike
266 books5,580 followersChristopher Pike is the pseudonym of Kevin McFadden. He is a bestselling author of young adult and children's fiction who specializes in the thriller genre.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 26, 2021
I like how a lot of these stories end with the bad guy getting away with whatever he did, but I also don’t because sometimes it’s not clear if Pike actually realizes that his protagonists are very bad boys. The Tales of Terror books may have just been a bad place to start for re-familiarizing myself with his work.
August 3, 2017
This is a good collection, brings back nostalgia for my childhood and early teens when Christopher Piker was one of the reigning kings of teen horror.
The stories in this collection are good, although I wouldn't describe some as "tales of terror," more "tales of the strange."
"The Burning Witch," the first story in the book, was horror. Pike brings back Marvin Summer, "Master of Murder" in a tale of witchcraft, reincarnation, and revenge. A bit of a downer, it was still a strong lead off to the collection, and one of my favorites. This is also the bloodiest story in the collection.
"The Tomb of Time" was an interesting story that probably could have been fleshed out a little better. It was still enjoyable, I guess I just wished it was a little longer.
"Bamboo" is one of Christopher Pike's favorites, and I really enjoyed it as well. A tragic tale of three doomed friends and their elderly neighbor who subtly helps them prepare for their future.
"The Thin Line" is a realistic terror tale, about a high school basket ball player, who, after losing everything, takes his frustration out on his team and coach in a very violent manner. I'm honestly not sure a story like this would be written today, when the school shooter also the main character, but the story is well done, not exploitative or uncaring towards the victims at all.
The final story, "The Tears of Theresa," was a suspenseful tale of a kidnapped couple and the man who wants revenge on them. I knew there was a twist coming, but I was wrong about what it was going to be, which was actually a nice surprise. The ending could have been a bit better explained, but all in all it was a good story, and a great end to the collection.
The stories in this collection are good, although I wouldn't describe some as "tales of terror," more "tales of the strange."
"The Burning Witch," the first story in the book, was horror. Pike brings back Marvin Summer, "Master of Murder" in a tale of witchcraft, reincarnation, and revenge. A bit of a downer, it was still a strong lead off to the collection, and one of my favorites. This is also the bloodiest story in the collection.
"The Tomb of Time" was an interesting story that probably could have been fleshed out a little better. It was still enjoyable, I guess I just wished it was a little longer.
"Bamboo" is one of Christopher Pike's favorites, and I really enjoyed it as well. A tragic tale of three doomed friends and their elderly neighbor who subtly helps them prepare for their future.
"The Thin Line" is a realistic terror tale, about a high school basket ball player, who, after losing everything, takes his frustration out on his team and coach in a very violent manner. I'm honestly not sure a story like this would be written today, when the school shooter also the main character, but the story is well done, not exploitative or uncaring towards the victims at all.
The final story, "The Tears of Theresa," was a suspenseful tale of a kidnapped couple and the man who wants revenge on them. I knew there was a twist coming, but I was wrong about what it was going to be, which was actually a nice surprise. The ending could have been a bit better explained, but all in all it was a good story, and a great end to the collection.
August 4, 2026
3.5 rounded up
February 6, 2020
DNF:
I don’t write reviews for books I don’t finish reading but I just had to express my utter disappointment. “The Tomb of Time” wasn’t so bad but in usual Christopher Pike fashion, some parts are just so convoluted it becomes hard to understand. I don’t know if I just read all the good Pike books at the start but I used to be such a massive fan when I started reading his books, they were amazing! But the ones I’ve read over the past year have been total duds...
Master of Murder is one of my favourites and I honestly felt betrayed with how he handled the follow up story with the characters in The Burning Witch. First of all, it’s insinuated that Marvin once, possibly multiple times, cheated on Shelly, his supposed true love, on his fan girls. That’s totally out of character, I don’t think Marvin would ever actually do that. And to so lamely kill off Shelly when she barely had any moments in the story is a slap to the face... it’s hinted that she’d apparently be resurrected in the end but still. And Marvin didn’t seem to care either even if he said so. I couldn’t tell if it was a trick or not but I doubt it, he seemed so eager to eventually sleep with Teffi shortly after his girlfriend’s funeral...Um, excuse me? The mistreatment of Marvin and Shelly really just put a sour taste in my mouth for the remainder of what I did read. I found a lot to also just be very boring, Tomb of Time was the only decent thing I read but again, kinda confusing. I just didn’t find these stories to be terrifying for a book called “Tales of Terror”
I don’t write reviews for books I don’t finish reading but I just had to express my utter disappointment. “The Tomb of Time” wasn’t so bad but in usual Christopher Pike fashion, some parts are just so convoluted it becomes hard to understand. I don’t know if I just read all the good Pike books at the start but I used to be such a massive fan when I started reading his books, they were amazing! But the ones I’ve read over the past year have been total duds...
Master of Murder is one of my favourites and I honestly felt betrayed with how he handled the follow up story with the characters in The Burning Witch. First of all, it’s insinuated that Marvin once, possibly multiple times, cheated on Shelly, his supposed true love, on his fan girls. That’s totally out of character, I don’t think Marvin would ever actually do that. And to so lamely kill off Shelly when she barely had any moments in the story is a slap to the face... it’s hinted that she’d apparently be resurrected in the end but still. And Marvin didn’t seem to care either even if he said so. I couldn’t tell if it was a trick or not but I doubt it, he seemed so eager to eventually sleep with Teffi shortly after his girlfriend’s funeral...Um, excuse me? The mistreatment of Marvin and Shelly really just put a sour taste in my mouth for the remainder of what I did read. I found a lot to also just be very boring, Tomb of Time was the only decent thing I read but again, kinda confusing. I just didn’t find these stories to be terrifying for a book called “Tales of Terror”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
Christopher Pike is my favourite author. Every book of his I have loved and have either rated a 5/5 if I absolutely loved it, and 4/5 if I still loved it but it's not a favourite. But this one. Oof. I feel bad giving such a low score but I just did not like any of the stories in this collection. :(
April 4, 2020
Tales of Terror 2: Or, More Bonkers Sh*t
Instead of his usual pulpy, fun novels, Christopher Pike released a SECOND book with a variety of shorter, more bizarre tales. I still prefer his longer novels as I believe they give his stories more nuance and reality, but here are some quick thoughts on each tale in this second volume:
The Burning Witch: Dark, witchy, and creepy. Poor author Marvin can't catch a break with the crazies.
The Tomb of Time: A super convoluted and not well-thought out story about time intervals and saving the world and aliens? Idk I got lost.
Bamboo: A "sweet" story about a man with bamboo trees and the three kids who grow up around him. Depressing is another word for this.
The Thin Line: Super, super dark story about a school shooter. It was uncomfortable to read.
The Tears of Teresa: A truly, wild gripping story that sort of made no sense, but I loved the ending!
Instead of his usual pulpy, fun novels, Christopher Pike released a SECOND book with a variety of shorter, more bizarre tales. I still prefer his longer novels as I believe they give his stories more nuance and reality, but here are some quick thoughts on each tale in this second volume:
The Burning Witch: Dark, witchy, and creepy. Poor author Marvin can't catch a break with the crazies.
The Tomb of Time: A super convoluted and not well-thought out story about time intervals and saving the world and aliens? Idk I got lost.
Bamboo: A "sweet" story about a man with bamboo trees and the three kids who grow up around him. Depressing is another word for this.
The Thin Line: Super, super dark story about a school shooter. It was uncomfortable to read.
The Tears of Teresa: A truly, wild gripping story that sort of made no sense, but I loved the ending!
November 27, 2015
This was an odd collection of stories, none were really scary. My favorite was Bamboo. I think I liked the idea of being able to release a soul held in limbo. The others were OK, the one about the witches was weird, but it's a Pike story, none of them are normal! I much preferred his true experience of seeing ghosts when he was younger. That was better than his short story.
January 15, 2014
I loved all 5 of the short stories in this book!! Great engaging writing.
October 5, 2020
I wish he wrote more short stories. So much range—revenge, grief, wrath, and maybe even some...misguided romance. “The Tomb of Time” was the most memorable for me.
September 2, 2024
The Burning Witch - 3 stars
Everything I read about Pike makes me like him less. Why would he and his 19-year-old friends chase three "prettiest females", one of whom was described as TEN, through a hotel, even if they did end up being ghosts??
"I've never been unfaithful to you," Marvin lied.
"Liar."
Okay this IS why I read these books, though.
"At first, Marvin knew, his readers would think he was taking an Eastern approach to karma and soul evolution. But what he was after was something deeper - the meaning of time and existence." And Pike claims he's not Marvin - complete with the condescending attitude.
"They performed their ceremony: food, prayers, blood-letting - all-American party shit."
Marvin was far from my fave Pike character, and this did nothing to change that. But my goodness do these stories hit like nothing else.
The Tomb of Time - 3 stars
This is so funny
Exactly the same "future affecting present" theme as the last story, and throw in some major Starlight Crystal vibes in there too.
Bamboo - 3 stars
He refers to The Visitor as one of his top-five. OF COURSE he does.
The Thin Line - I feel weird rating this one
Pike says his heroes usually have a strong moral center, which is a bigger lie than him not being Marvin, even when his stories AREN'T about school shooters.
This is interesting to read a story written about a school shooter before it's such a big thing. According to Pike's intro he started writing it before Jonesboro, Arkansas (which, according to Google, was a school shooting in 1998), but didn't finish it until yet another shooting happened. The story is pretty sympathetic towards the main character (though Pike might disagree) - his good life being unfairly turned around, his intense physical (and emotional) pain, his regret, his touching moment at the end with the Coach, all paint him in a certain way.
One thing that society has really latched onto regarding school shootings, in particular, is the idea that media portrayal encourages copy-cats. And so having a story, even fictional, where a wanna-be school shooter escapes via airplane, hostage situations, parachuting, and with his hot cheerleader girlfriend is very anachronistic today. Even if he still ends up miserable and alone, it feels... Romanticized.
The Tears of Teresa - 3 stars
Definitely my favorite of this collection!
Everything I read about Pike makes me like him less. Why would he and his 19-year-old friends chase three "prettiest females", one of whom was described as TEN, through a hotel, even if they did end up being ghosts??
"I've never been unfaithful to you," Marvin lied.
"Liar."
Okay this IS why I read these books, though.
"At first, Marvin knew, his readers would think he was taking an Eastern approach to karma and soul evolution. But what he was after was something deeper - the meaning of time and existence." And Pike claims he's not Marvin - complete with the condescending attitude.
"They performed their ceremony: food, prayers, blood-letting - all-American party shit."
Marvin was far from my fave Pike character, and this did nothing to change that. But my goodness do these stories hit like nothing else.
The Tomb of Time - 3 stars
This is so funny
Exactly the same "future affecting present" theme as the last story, and throw in some major Starlight Crystal vibes in there too.
Bamboo - 3 stars
He refers to The Visitor as one of his top-five. OF COURSE he does.
The Thin Line - I feel weird rating this one
Pike says his heroes usually have a strong moral center, which is a bigger lie than him not being Marvin, even when his stories AREN'T about school shooters.
This is interesting to read a story written about a school shooter before it's such a big thing. According to Pike's intro he started writing it before Jonesboro, Arkansas (which, according to Google, was a school shooting in 1998), but didn't finish it until yet another shooting happened. The story is pretty sympathetic towards the main character (though Pike might disagree) - his good life being unfairly turned around, his intense physical (and emotional) pain, his regret, his touching moment at the end with the Coach, all paint him in a certain way.
One thing that society has really latched onto regarding school shootings, in particular, is the idea that media portrayal encourages copy-cats. And so having a story, even fictional, where a wanna-be school shooter escapes via airplane, hostage situations, parachuting, and with his hot cheerleader girlfriend is very anachronistic today. Even if he still ends up miserable and alone, it feels... Romanticized.
The Tears of Teresa - 3 stars
Definitely my favorite of this collection!
November 26, 2017
A bit of nostalgia... this re-read of some of Pike’s short stories is delicious and quick.
November 5, 2021
Every story in this collection was a masterpiece! Especially Bamboo. Even better than the first, in my opinion.
December 26, 2022
As with all of this authors books, I loved this one and the skill and imagination he writes with is a cut above any other author I have ever read books by.
April 30, 2009
"The Burning Witch" >> Marvin Summer, world-famous horror writer is asked by a friend to help extricate herself from a strange cult run by real witches. The description of the punishments of those who break the Circle of Fire are quite horrifying indeed.
"The Tomb of Time" >> Are the cards of life constantly being reshuffled at the bottom of an eternal tomb? Is it possible for one's action in a non-linear concept of time affect everything simultaneously in what humans erroneously perceive as the past, present and future?
"Bamboo" >> One of Pike's personal favorites but it just doesn't top my list. A story of souls, both young and old based loosely on a story found in the "Bhagavad Purana".
"The Thin Line" >> A star basketball player in his high school, Tim felt the total unfairness of life closing down on him. He decides on revenge on all the people whom he thought brought him his constant and never ending pain.
"The Tears of Theresa" >> A married couple is kidnapped late one night and driven at gunpoint across the desert. Their assailant promises them pain, for reasons that the couple thought they've already buried in the past.
Book Details:
Title Tales of Terror #2
Author Christopher Pike
Reviewed By Purplycookie
"The Tomb of Time" >> Are the cards of life constantly being reshuffled at the bottom of an eternal tomb? Is it possible for one's action in a non-linear concept of time affect everything simultaneously in what humans erroneously perceive as the past, present and future?
"Bamboo" >> One of Pike's personal favorites but it just doesn't top my list. A story of souls, both young and old based loosely on a story found in the "Bhagavad Purana".
"The Thin Line" >> A star basketball player in his high school, Tim felt the total unfairness of life closing down on him. He decides on revenge on all the people whom he thought brought him his constant and never ending pain.
"The Tears of Theresa" >> A married couple is kidnapped late one night and driven at gunpoint across the desert. Their assailant promises them pain, for reasons that the couple thought they've already buried in the past.
Book Details:
Title Tales of Terror #2
Author Christopher Pike
Reviewed By Purplycookie
February 23, 2013
2.5
This was a unique reading experience as Christopher Pike is my favorite author and this was the one (non-Spooksville) book of his left that I hadn't read. It was funny, because even though I didn't much connect with the short stories I was reading, I still had a blast reading them, laughing at Pike-isms and so on.
Because I own all his books and have read and re-read them, I often felt like, "Ah, this again..." when it came to India, the nature of good and evil and so on. I felt like, when it came to these stories, Pike had already said all that he needed to say to me on the various topics. Still, it's very interesting to see what he came up with short-story-wise and to read the introductions.
This was a unique reading experience as Christopher Pike is my favorite author and this was the one (non-Spooksville) book of his left that I hadn't read. It was funny, because even though I didn't much connect with the short stories I was reading, I still had a blast reading them, laughing at Pike-isms and so on.
Because I own all his books and have read and re-read them, I often felt like, "Ah, this again..." when it came to India, the nature of good and evil and so on. I felt like, when it came to these stories, Pike had already said all that he needed to say to me on the various topics. Still, it's very interesting to see what he came up with short-story-wise and to read the introductions.
July 28, 2012
This was a fun read but many of the stories were pretty out there.
January 6, 2009
I think I like his short stories the best sometimes.
February 6, 2013
nice trashy thriller horror stories
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews