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The Ghost IS the Machine
From the Amazon page:
An Anthology of Steampunk-Inspired Ghost Stories
The Ghost IS the Machine: Steampunk meets Horror and the machines might just win.
Machines define human society.
But that doesn’t mean they have to play nice.
A new collection of steampunk-inspired ghost stories from some of the best rising talent in speculative fiction. Plus a genre gem by Stoker Award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author Joe Hill.
Take a ride on the treacherous Thunderdrome. Entrust your future to Life-Bright Augmentation Facilities. Go on a journey with the head of the Leon Salvatorium Corporation. And click off a few with your second-hand Polaroid.
Just don’t be surprised if the mantle clock, piano or that classic typewriter is watching you from across the room.
Fifteen tales of haunted machines from Joe Hill, Matthew Alan Hughes, Christian A. Larsen, Kenneth W. Cain, Doug MacKenzie, Anton Cancre, Eric J. Guignard, Jay Wilburn, Gloria Weber, Kristopher Triana, Jonathan Templar, J. David Anderson, Alexis A. Hunter, Rose Blackthorn, and Rob Smales.
Edited and Introduced by Patrick Scalisi
An Anthology of Steampunk-Inspired Ghost Stories
The Ghost IS the Machine: Steampunk meets Horror and the machines might just win.
Machines define human society.
But that doesn’t mean they have to play nice.
A new collection of steampunk-inspired ghost stories from some of the best rising talent in speculative fiction. Plus a genre gem by Stoker Award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author Joe Hill.
Take a ride on the treacherous Thunderdrome. Entrust your future to Life-Bright Augmentation Facilities. Go on a journey with the head of the Leon Salvatorium Corporation. And click off a few with your second-hand Polaroid.
Just don’t be surprised if the mantle clock, piano or that classic typewriter is watching you from across the room.
Fifteen tales of haunted machines from Joe Hill, Matthew Alan Hughes, Christian A. Larsen, Kenneth W. Cain, Doug MacKenzie, Anton Cancre, Eric J. Guignard, Jay Wilburn, Gloria Weber, Kristopher Triana, Jonathan Templar, J. David Anderson, Alexis A. Hunter, Rose Blackthorn, and Rob Smales.
Edited and Introduced by Patrick Scalisi
- GenresHorrorFictionAnthologies
183 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2012
7 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Scalisi
13 books38 followersPatrick Scalisi is a writer and storyteller from Connecticut. He has published fiction in several magazines and anthologies, and served as the editor of The Ghost Is the Machine, a bestselling anthology of steampunk-horror stories from the now-defunct Post Mortem Press. His debut book, The Horse Thieves and Other Tales of the New West, was released in 2014. His debut novel, The Key to the Universe, was published by Owl Hollow Press in 2019.
In addition to his fiction work, Pat co-created the local history book Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird & Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State with artist Valerie Ruby-Omen. Developed over three years, Connecticut Cryptids collects creature folklore from throughout the state and examines both the history of these stories and the impact that some of them continue having today. Available now wherever books are sold.
In his spare time, Pat often sheds his guise of a responsible adult to play video games, build Lego models, and generally be a nerd. He lives in Connecticut with his partner, Crystal, and their cadre of cats.
ABOUT GOODREADS
My reviews tend to be honest, since I believe that sugarcoating things for any writer does a disservice to their craft. I grade books on Goodreads' recommended scale, meaning that 3 stars ("liked it") is a positive review.
In addition to his fiction work, Pat co-created the local history book Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird & Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State with artist Valerie Ruby-Omen. Developed over three years, Connecticut Cryptids collects creature folklore from throughout the state and examines both the history of these stories and the impact that some of them continue having today. Available now wherever books are sold.
In his spare time, Pat often sheds his guise of a responsible adult to play video games, build Lego models, and generally be a nerd. He lives in Connecticut with his partner, Crystal, and their cadre of cats.
ABOUT GOODREADS
My reviews tend to be honest, since I believe that sugarcoating things for any writer does a disservice to their craft. I grade books on Goodreads' recommended scale, meaning that 3 stars ("liked it") is a positive review.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 21, 2013
I met the Post Mortem Press guys at Texas Frightmare Weekend this year. I bought a copy of Fear the Abyss (Good book btw.)
Anyways, I started chatting these guys up and I gave them a copy of Tall Tales with Short Cocks Vol. 2.
They were checking it out and one of the guys speaks up, "Hey, give him a copy of that fucked up book.” (Not his actual words but when I replay conversations in my head everybody curses a lot and talks like I do.) So he hands me the 'fucked up' book and says something like, “Ya, the cover got all bent up and shit so I can’t sell it. So here ya go. Ya jagoff.” (Again, not his actual words.)
First of all, this is not an all steampunk/horror anthology. It starts off in the Victorian Age but quickly moves into the present day and then onto the future. Although, one of the future tales does take place in a post-apocalyptic setting, where people are reverting back to steam technology.
My favorite story by FAR was “The Ghost of Ozzie Hobbs”. Remember back in the day when you had a beeper and would say cheesy stuff like, “Hit me on my hip.”? (Just me then hu….) Anyways, this story takes place in that brief age of technology TI calculators were a must have for your Economics Class, and you would enter “80085” into your graphing device and show it to your friend. Nudging him in the ribs and say, “Look, it totally says BOOBS!” (Just me again hu…)
Recommended for dudes who think the # 3 is cool because if you look at it sideways it totally looks like a pair of 80085.
Anyways, I started chatting these guys up and I gave them a copy of Tall Tales with Short Cocks Vol. 2.
They were checking it out and one of the guys speaks up, "Hey, give him a copy of that fucked up book.” (Not his actual words but when I replay conversations in my head everybody curses a lot and talks like I do.) So he hands me the 'fucked up' book and says something like, “Ya, the cover got all bent up and shit so I can’t sell it. So here ya go. Ya jagoff.” (Again, not his actual words.)
First of all, this is not an all steampunk/horror anthology. It starts off in the Victorian Age but quickly moves into the present day and then onto the future. Although, one of the future tales does take place in a post-apocalyptic setting, where people are reverting back to steam technology.
My favorite story by FAR was “The Ghost of Ozzie Hobbs”. Remember back in the day when you had a beeper and would say cheesy stuff like, “Hit me on my hip.”? (Just me then hu….) Anyways, this story takes place in that brief age of technology TI calculators were a must have for your Economics Class, and you would enter “80085” into your graphing device and show it to your friend. Nudging him in the ribs and say, “Look, it totally says BOOBS!” (Just me again hu…)
Recommended for dudes who think the # 3 is cool because if you look at it sideways it totally looks like a pair of 80085.
September 9, 2012
I really enjoyed this. There were some great ideas, and some really good "chills" moments. From everyday items like clocks, calculators or pianos, to objects that are currently only imaginary (artificial eyes, functioning robots) there's something in here for everyone.
My story "Eidiss" is included in this anthology, and I am honored to share the pages with such talented authors. Post Mortem Press puts out some great books (in my opinion) and I hope to be included in future anthologies.
My story "Eidiss" is included in this anthology, and I am honored to share the pages with such talented authors. Post Mortem Press puts out some great books (in my opinion) and I hope to be included in future anthologies.
August 20, 2012
A fun read, I'd recommend.
May 20, 2013
I'll put up a proper review eventually, but for now I'll just say that Post Mortem has assembled another absolutely amazing anthology.
November 19, 2012
While not a fan of short stories, or horror, I found this really worth mentioning. Joe Hill spun a nice story that held my attention but, to be honest, it felt too short and I wanted more of a read from this writer and the possibilities this story had. The other story that I enjoyed is written by Rob Smales about a young boy who gets ahold of an old camera in a pawn shop. When taking photos, they showed a dark figure who, when the boy looked around, wasn't there. It's a fast read, even engaging and kept me going right up to the end. I would like to read more from this author, as well as Joe Hill. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes things that go bump in the night.
September 22, 2012
Some blood, some suspense, some chills and ghosts galore -- this collection of stories has something for everyone. With some excellent writing and a whole bunch of terrific storytelling, there is no way I could NOT recommend this pile of tales to anyone interested in ghost stories!
October 25, 2020
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY A great short stories as I have short term memory issues
WOULD BE HANDY ALLOWING LESS WORDS DUE TO PUTTING WORDS TOGETHER DUE TO MEMORY ISSUES!! And 5 MORE WORDS COME ON!!!
WOULD BE HANDY ALLOWING LESS WORDS DUE TO PUTTING WORDS TOGETHER DUE TO MEMORY ISSUES!! And 5 MORE WORDS COME ON!!!
October 4, 2020
A collection of excellent stories!!
April 17, 2022
3.5 rounded up. Steampunk leaning toward horror short stories - some better than others but overall, good collection
February 26, 2014
It was ok, some interesting stories & ideas. I'm not a huge fan if short stories, prefer long books - so maybe my review is a little unfair.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews