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Glimpses: The Best Short Stories of Rick Hautala
Featuring eight never-before-collected stories, original wrap-around cover artwork and eight interior illustrations by award-winning artist Glenn Chadbourne.
One of 2012’s HWA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners, Rick Hautala has a writing career that spans more than three decades. From Moondeath, his first novel published in 1980, to the republication of his best-selling novel The White Room (DRP, 2012) and his forthcoming “Little Brothers” novella Indian Summer (CD Publications, 2012), his novels and short stories have entertained millions of readers around the world.
Now comes Glimpses, a career-spanning “best of” collection that brings together twenty-four stories, including eight from each of Rick’s critically-acclaimed collections Bedbugs and Occasional Demons, and eight previously uncollected stories.
And Glimpses delivers what it promises—quick glimpses into the deepest shadows of our lives, around unfamiliar corners of streets we think we know, and down the darkest alleys of strange cities where readers will have to face their worst fears and their most unnerving nightmares.
Of course, Glimpses wouldn’t be a Rick Hautala collection if it didn’t included gorgeous original artwork—a wraparound cover and eight new illustrations—from award-winning artist Glenn Chadbourne.
So whether it’s in a haunted schoolhouse or an abandoned lighthouse, an iron bridge that spans a fast-moving river or a World War I battlefield, prepare yourself because you never know what you may catch a glimpse of … and by then, it may already be too late.
One of 2012’s HWA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners, Rick Hautala has a writing career that spans more than three decades. From Moondeath, his first novel published in 1980, to the republication of his best-selling novel The White Room (DRP, 2012) and his forthcoming “Little Brothers” novella Indian Summer (CD Publications, 2012), his novels and short stories have entertained millions of readers around the world.
Now comes Glimpses, a career-spanning “best of” collection that brings together twenty-four stories, including eight from each of Rick’s critically-acclaimed collections Bedbugs and Occasional Demons, and eight previously uncollected stories.
And Glimpses delivers what it promises—quick glimpses into the deepest shadows of our lives, around unfamiliar corners of streets we think we know, and down the darkest alleys of strange cities where readers will have to face their worst fears and their most unnerving nightmares.
Of course, Glimpses wouldn’t be a Rick Hautala collection if it didn’t included gorgeous original artwork—a wraparound cover and eight new illustrations—from award-winning artist Glenn Chadbourne.
So whether it’s in a haunted schoolhouse or an abandoned lighthouse, an iron bridge that spans a fast-moving river or a World War I battlefield, prepare yourself because you never know what you may catch a glimpse of … and by then, it may already be too late.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
55 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Rick Hautala
137 books125 followersAKA A.J. Matthews
Rick Hautala has more than thirty published books to his credit, including the million copy, international best-seller Nightstone, as well as Twilight Time, Little Brothers, Cold Whisper, Impulse, and The Wildman. He has also published four novels—The White Room, Looking Glass, Unbroken, and Follow—using the pseudonym A. J. Matthews. His more than sixty published short stories have appeared in national and international anthologies and magazines. His short story collection Bedbugs was selected as one of the best horror books of the year in 2003.
A novella titled Reunion was published by PS Publications in December, 2009; and Occasional Demons, a short story collection, is due in 2010 from CD Publications. He wrote the screenplays for several short films, including the multiple award-winning The Ugly Film, based on the short story by Ed Gorman, as well as Peekers, based on a short story by Kealan Patrick Burke, and Dead @ 17, based on the graphic novel by Josh Howard.
A graduate of the University of Maine in Orono with a Master of Art in English Literature (Renaissance and Medieval Literature), Hautala lives in southern Maine with author Holly Newstein. His three sons have all grown up and (mostly) moved out of the house. He served terms as Vice President and Trustee for the Horror Writers Association.
Sadly, Rick died on March 21, 2013.
Rick Hautala has more than thirty published books to his credit, including the million copy, international best-seller Nightstone, as well as Twilight Time, Little Brothers, Cold Whisper, Impulse, and The Wildman. He has also published four novels—The White Room, Looking Glass, Unbroken, and Follow—using the pseudonym A. J. Matthews. His more than sixty published short stories have appeared in national and international anthologies and magazines. His short story collection Bedbugs was selected as one of the best horror books of the year in 2003.
A novella titled Reunion was published by PS Publications in December, 2009; and Occasional Demons, a short story collection, is due in 2010 from CD Publications. He wrote the screenplays for several short films, including the multiple award-winning The Ugly Film, based on the short story by Ed Gorman, as well as Peekers, based on a short story by Kealan Patrick Burke, and Dead @ 17, based on the graphic novel by Josh Howard.
A graduate of the University of Maine in Orono with a Master of Art in English Literature (Renaissance and Medieval Literature), Hautala lives in southern Maine with author Holly Newstein. His three sons have all grown up and (mostly) moved out of the house. He served terms as Vice President and Trustee for the Horror Writers Association.
Sadly, Rick died on March 21, 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 9, 2013
When I went to post my review, the system asked me if I wanted to recommend this book to a friend, offering me several to choose from.
The first one was the late Rick Hautala, author of this collection. Because "he liked horror".
I think Rick would have enjoyed hearing that.
And I think you'll enjoy reading GLIMPSES.
Just as much as I did, sharing a laugh with my friend.
The first one was the late Rick Hautala, author of this collection. Because "he liked horror".
I think Rick would have enjoyed hearing that.
And I think you'll enjoy reading GLIMPSES.
Just as much as I did, sharing a laugh with my friend.
May 31, 2014
From what I've read of Hautala's novels, it was never that impressive, solid efforts, good but never great. But here in short form he really excels. Granted some of the stories are only ok, but some are considerably better than that. The title is actually perfect because this collection really does provide glimpses of the quality, originality and imagination the late author possessed. And just in case a certain Bangorian hasn't done enough for Maine's creepy reputation, Hautala picked up the slack here, with most stories set locally. Really fun entertaining genuinely varied anthology showcasing the author's considerable talent. Recommended.
April 13, 2013
If these are the best, I'd hate to read the rest. I know the acceptance standards for genre fiction, especially horror, tend to be iffy, but my god this stuff is awful. Some of the stories you can literally predict from the first paragraph, most of the others are repetitive and imitative, apparently to fill up space since there's no "there there." If they were marketed as teen fiction, there might be some reason, but they seem to be considered adult.
There is one story about a dragon that got me good – I had no idea where it was going and it caught me delightfully. But unlikely the rest, it was not a horror story. Most of the protagonists are terrified before anything happens in any way frightening and we're continually told how horribly scared they are – rather than having the fear shown through details. The tales are also filled with factual contradictions and show a peculiar lack of knowledge of the real world.
Well, what the hell. If the horror people like it, that's fine. I do enjoy good horror, but it's in short supply.
There is one story about a dragon that got me good – I had no idea where it was going and it caught me delightfully. But unlikely the rest, it was not a horror story. Most of the protagonists are terrified before anything happens in any way frightening and we're continually told how horribly scared they are – rather than having the fear shown through details. The tales are also filled with factual contradictions and show a peculiar lack of knowledge of the real world.
Well, what the hell. If the horror people like it, that's fine. I do enjoy good horror, but it's in short supply.
September 5, 2021
This excellently haunting collection of Mr. Hautala’s tales was suitably chilling and perfect for a rainy, dark day! Most of these stories can be found in other collections or publications but Dark Regions Press did a fantastic job with this compilation (accented perfectly by Glenn Chadbourne’s illustrations). Set mostly in Maine, Mr. Hautala’s understanding and sense of place shone brightly in each dark tale; I could smell the sea spray and sense the fog of the rocky coast. Highly recommended!
My “top three” tales:
“The Nephews”
“Scared Crows”
“Ghost Trap”
My “top three” tales:
“The Nephews”
“Scared Crows”
“Ghost Trap”
August 16, 2018
Hautala is a lesser-known author of boom-era horror and after, but if this is the cream of his crop, there's a reason he wasn't top-tier. That's not to say these stories are bad, but few are exceptional. The best tend to be the darkly humorous ones. The more earnest efforts are mostly bland, and the straight-up horror tales are predictable and, at times, cliched. There are exceptions, though, and there aren't any outright stinkers here. The art is fantastic, as well.
If you're a fan of boom-era short horror and the occasional sick joke, give this a shot. There's nothing earth-shaking here, but it's a pleasant way to spend some time.
If you're a fan of boom-era short horror and the occasional sick joke, give this a shot. There's nothing earth-shaking here, but it's a pleasant way to spend some time.
June 17, 2014
I had the privilege of appearing in an anthology with the late and great Rick Hautala. Better know for his novels, his short stories are a blast as well. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2015
When I started reading this book it was headed to two or one star territory, then I started looking at it more like young adult horror, or EC pulp horror, and I really started liking it. The first story is the worst, and the first few are the weakest in the book.
After that, the ball gets rolling. "A Good Day For Dragons" is really for kids, but has a really neat twist at the end that I enjoyed. And "Blossoms in the Wind" is totally gay, about a kamikaze ghost saving his granddaughter from boarding one of the 9-11 planes. BUT, some of the other stuff is fantastic.
"Burning Man Decapitated in Fatal Fall" is short and hilarious, and the title will make perfect sense later. "Oilman: A Tale of the 'Little Brothers'" is apparently one of many stories he has about a race of evil little demon people, it was great. "Scared Crows" is a HELLBOY story, which is something I usually hate (writers working in other writers' creations, I mean. I love Hellboy), but the story was fantastic. "The Back of My Hands" is a gruesome black comedy about a good and evil twin. "The Screaming Head" sounds like a story my grandfather would have told me about the woods of East Texas. "Colt .24" is one of the best "don't make a deal with the devil stories" I've ever read, "The Compost Heap" is something that seems like it should have been in Creepshow Part I, etc. I don't want to go over every story, but about 75 percent are really great.
He has a lot in common with Stephen King, and not just because he happens to be a horror writer from Maine (but really, what are the chances of that? Horror writers in Maine are probably as common as funk musicians in Minnesota. You've got Prince, and...), he has the same kind of child-like glee writing his country-bumpkin or beer-swilling blue collar worker characters into these horrible, pulp comic situations, the colorful local language ("I'll be dipped in shit," didn't Jordy Verrill say those EXACT words in Creepshow?).
These are fun, fast stories. A lot of them have that Twilight Zone twist in them, which I just love, and they are all really easy to read. You could actually give most of these to a high school English class if you wanted. I think of this book as a more grown up version of the awesome Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series that I ate up in elementary.
After that, the ball gets rolling. "A Good Day For Dragons" is really for kids, but has a really neat twist at the end that I enjoyed. And "Blossoms in the Wind" is totally gay, about a kamikaze ghost saving his granddaughter from boarding one of the 9-11 planes. BUT, some of the other stuff is fantastic.
"Burning Man Decapitated in Fatal Fall" is short and hilarious, and the title will make perfect sense later. "Oilman: A Tale of the 'Little Brothers'" is apparently one of many stories he has about a race of evil little demon people, it was great. "Scared Crows" is a HELLBOY story, which is something I usually hate (writers working in other writers' creations, I mean. I love Hellboy), but the story was fantastic. "The Back of My Hands" is a gruesome black comedy about a good and evil twin. "The Screaming Head" sounds like a story my grandfather would have told me about the woods of East Texas. "Colt .24" is one of the best "don't make a deal with the devil stories" I've ever read, "The Compost Heap" is something that seems like it should have been in Creepshow Part I, etc. I don't want to go over every story, but about 75 percent are really great.
He has a lot in common with Stephen King, and not just because he happens to be a horror writer from Maine (but really, what are the chances of that? Horror writers in Maine are probably as common as funk musicians in Minnesota. You've got Prince, and...), he has the same kind of child-like glee writing his country-bumpkin or beer-swilling blue collar worker characters into these horrible, pulp comic situations, the colorful local language ("I'll be dipped in shit," didn't Jordy Verrill say those EXACT words in Creepshow?).
These are fun, fast stories. A lot of them have that Twilight Zone twist in them, which I just love, and they are all really easy to read. You could actually give most of these to a high school English class if you wanted. I think of this book as a more grown up version of the awesome Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series that I ate up in elementary.
May 20, 2013
Glimpses is a collection of short stories from the late horror master Rick Hautala. These stories have all appeared in other publications, but like many previously published collections, they make a fantastic read all in one place.
Rick Hautala is a rare gem. His writing is what I call old-school and by that, I really mean old. Gothic horror dates back to the 1800s and it’s a different breed of animal from today’s popular style. Most modern horror is violent, bloody, and grisly. A century ago, horror meant creepy atmosphere, intense fear, and unnerving suspense. Reality bent until it almost broke and then left you pondering your own sanity. Hautala’s writing does just that. In Glimpses, we fear the shadows, panic in the light, and scream when the nightmares become reality. Places like schools become houses of horror and fear. Family life becomes insanity. The joys of a childhood tradition, trick or treating, turn terrifying and much, much more. Instead of the stomach-turning, Hautala scares you near to death. His work is subtle, disturbing, and bizarre.
Like anthologies, shorts story collections present challenges unique to the style of work. Not every story will work for every reader and Glimpses is no different. There are a few stories that did not resonate, but other readers might choose them as their favorites. The selections are well-chosen for their tone, style, and themes and there is something for everyone here.
Even though these are all previously published and some may be familiar to you, dig into this one anyway. If you have never read Rick Hautala, this will be a marvelous introduction. Hautala’s writing is crisp. He creates a well-paced narrative full of shadows, darkness, and fear. He will be missed.
Rick Hautala is a rare gem. His writing is what I call old-school and by that, I really mean old. Gothic horror dates back to the 1800s and it’s a different breed of animal from today’s popular style. Most modern horror is violent, bloody, and grisly. A century ago, horror meant creepy atmosphere, intense fear, and unnerving suspense. Reality bent until it almost broke and then left you pondering your own sanity. Hautala’s writing does just that. In Glimpses, we fear the shadows, panic in the light, and scream when the nightmares become reality. Places like schools become houses of horror and fear. Family life becomes insanity. The joys of a childhood tradition, trick or treating, turn terrifying and much, much more. Instead of the stomach-turning, Hautala scares you near to death. His work is subtle, disturbing, and bizarre.
Like anthologies, shorts story collections present challenges unique to the style of work. Not every story will work for every reader and Glimpses is no different. There are a few stories that did not resonate, but other readers might choose them as their favorites. The selections are well-chosen for their tone, style, and themes and there is something for everyone here.
Even though these are all previously published and some may be familiar to you, dig into this one anyway. If you have never read Rick Hautala, this will be a marvelous introduction. Hautala’s writing is crisp. He creates a well-paced narrative full of shadows, darkness, and fear. He will be missed.
August 12, 2018
If these are 'The Best' I'd hate to read the worst. Not one caused even a mild frisson in this reader. Many are variations on common themes, usually dealt with by other authors in far superior stories. Many, having delivered their 'twist' then go on, the further exposition just diluting whatever fright the story might have contained. There are also simply unforgivable errors such as the author's multiple statements about 'bones not rotting!!!!' as if they did.
It probably didn't help that I'd just read a book of short stories by Lisa Tuttle: now those were by turns shocking and frightening. These tales sadly were neither.
It probably didn't help that I'd just read a book of short stories by Lisa Tuttle: now those were by turns shocking and frightening. These tales sadly were neither.
December 9, 2019
Great selection of short stories from the late Rick Hautala
I started reading author Hautala's books back in the 1980's when he first started publishing and always enjoyed his books. Some were corny, yes, but they were fun, fast reads. I was sad to hear when he passed away in 2013.
I enjoyed this collection of 24 of his short stories. It brought back memories of reading his books and I enjoyed each one of these stories. Most of them are pretty standard horror tales with no great surprises - some funny, some sad, and none overly horrific. Eight of the stories were published for the first time in this book.
Thanks for the memories.
I started reading author Hautala's books back in the 1980's when he first started publishing and always enjoyed his books. Some were corny, yes, but they were fun, fast reads. I was sad to hear when he passed away in 2013.
I enjoyed this collection of 24 of his short stories. It brought back memories of reading his books and I enjoyed each one of these stories. Most of them are pretty standard horror tales with no great surprises - some funny, some sad, and none overly horrific. Eight of the stories were published for the first time in this book.
Thanks for the memories.
July 4, 2017
Scary stories
I liked these short stories. There were different and spooky. I loved reading them at night before bed. I had quite a few nightmares because of these stories. I will read more from this author.
I liked these short stories. There were different and spooky. I loved reading them at night before bed. I had quite a few nightmares because of these stories. I will read more from this author.
July 22, 2018
Story stories
I'm Effie on short stories like and don't like them. Some of these story's I just started to get into them then there over. And most of them are you decide which way you want it to end. I don't like that.
I'm Effie on short stories like and don't like them. Some of these story's I just started to get into them then there over. And most of them are you decide which way you want it to end. I don't like that.
June 27, 2017
Felt like I was reading a book of short stories written by 9th graders. Only finished it because I make myself read a book i buy
May 20, 2024
This cannot be the best this author offered the world. They feel no better than scraps, part ideas and stories that just didn’t make the cut. Not a good collection by any means.
June 19, 2015
This was provided free by the publisher, Dark Regions Press, in memory of the author, who died in 2013. It is a collection of short stories anthologized from previously-published magazine stories. Mr. Hautala was well-known as a horror novelist and short-story writer.
This collection, while somewhat intriguing, is unfortunately disappointing, mostly in the endings to the stories. With few exceptions (“Over the Top,” about a WWI veteran and his sickly granddaughter visiting a battle site in Europe; “Ghost Trap,” about a diver helping out a friend and finding something that was best left unfound; and “Scared Crows,” a very tongue-in-cheek Hellboy story co-written with author Jim Connolly), the stories are predictable and, in actuality, could have been better with quite plausible alternate endings. Also, many were overlong and would have been better if a lot of the dialogue had been condensed.
I will, however, say that Dark Regions has generously included the cover and internal artwork by Glenn Chadbourne in the Kindle version which I received. It is very good and enhanced the enjoyment of the stories.
Per usual, I would like to thank the publisher for providing this work free of charge. And considering Mr. Hautala’s international reputation, I don’t feel like giving up on him. So I plan to read “Cold Whisper: and “The Wildman” in the vague offing, will letcha know.
This collection, while somewhat intriguing, is unfortunately disappointing, mostly in the endings to the stories. With few exceptions (“Over the Top,” about a WWI veteran and his sickly granddaughter visiting a battle site in Europe; “Ghost Trap,” about a diver helping out a friend and finding something that was best left unfound; and “Scared Crows,” a very tongue-in-cheek Hellboy story co-written with author Jim Connolly), the stories are predictable and, in actuality, could have been better with quite plausible alternate endings. Also, many were overlong and would have been better if a lot of the dialogue had been condensed.
I will, however, say that Dark Regions has generously included the cover and internal artwork by Glenn Chadbourne in the Kindle version which I received. It is very good and enhanced the enjoyment of the stories.
Per usual, I would like to thank the publisher for providing this work free of charge. And considering Mr. Hautala’s international reputation, I don’t feel like giving up on him. So I plan to read “Cold Whisper: and “The Wildman” in the vague offing, will letcha know.
May 15, 2013
I saw this book for free shortly after his death and snatched it up. I am very, very glad I did.
I am not a fan of horror, or at least not the horror that I've read from the horror section of the bookstore. I find that I've become rather desensitized to it. Unfortunately, the majority of the stories in this collection achieved little in the way of frightening me. And yet, I could not put them down. The stories in here are interesting--and I don't mean "interesting" in the way that some people use it as a substitute when they can't think of anything good to say, I really mean interesting. I think my favourites are "Blossoms in the Wind", "Colt .24", and "Ghost Trap".
Maybe I'm more of a Dark Fantasy girl.
Either way, I very much enjoyed this read. Each story is well crafted, the description is impeccable and full of theme. I will be looking for more from his backlist for sure.
I am not a fan of horror, or at least not the horror that I've read from the horror section of the bookstore. I find that I've become rather desensitized to it. Unfortunately, the majority of the stories in this collection achieved little in the way of frightening me. And yet, I could not put them down. The stories in here are interesting--and I don't mean "interesting" in the way that some people use it as a substitute when they can't think of anything good to say, I really mean interesting. I think my favourites are "Blossoms in the Wind", "Colt .24", and "Ghost Trap".
Maybe I'm more of a Dark Fantasy girl.
Either way, I very much enjoyed this read. Each story is well crafted, the description is impeccable and full of theme. I will be looking for more from his backlist for sure.
May 23, 2013
I took my time going through this book, reading other things in between. You could say I was not exactly hooked, but these are still pretty good stories to pass the time.
Also, I think the best way to read stories like this (pretty standard horror stories with no recurring characters or other connections -- except the recurring general Maine setting) is to read one once in a while and not binge on them. They are good for a short distraction and mostly forgettable.
Also, I think the best way to read stories like this (pretty standard horror stories with no recurring characters or other connections -- except the recurring general Maine setting) is to read one once in a while and not binge on them. They are good for a short distraction and mostly forgettable.
May 1, 2015
Great collection of short stories. Until now, I've only read Rick's novels, but his short stories are every bit as good as his longer works. There wasn't a weak story in the 24. Loved everything from the sardonic 'decapitated in a Fall" to the devil's "Colt.24" and I hope to read "A Good Day For Dragons" to my grand-nieces and my grand-nephew in a couple of years. I loved this collection and highly recommend it.
November 15, 2014
This is a collection of short stories by Rick Hautala. Every story is different and every story is fantastic. You must buy this book if you like anything horror.
This review was written before I started to take my reviewing seriously. I would need to re-read the book to give it a serious and fair review so the above review was what I posted at the time.
This review was written before I started to take my reviewing seriously. I would need to re-read the book to give it a serious and fair review so the above review was what I posted at the time.
January 25, 2014
A great collection of stories, this book was my first taste of what a great author Rick Hautala is. I was not very familiar with his work and had only read his book Indian Summer. For anyone not familiar with his work I recommend you read this book first. I also recommend Winter Wake and Four Octobers. These are some of favorites.
October 1, 2014
An excellent collection of horror short stories. I'm both happy and sad. Happy that this is my first Rick Hautula that I have read, but sad that I can't share with my Goodreads friend Rick how much I enjoyed these stories. Although I never knew him personally, he often would comment on books that I added or reviewed. It certainly won't be the last book by Rick that I read.
August 9, 2015
Good
I read a lot of shorts and collections so it's difficult to rate some. This one is well written. The stories are about average, a few jumped out as unique or scarier than the others. I liked the one about the head in the tree. Don't want to spoil the package , but I'd recommend this book if your into spooky over terrifyIng and gory. A good one for youth readers.
I read a lot of shorts and collections so it's difficult to rate some. This one is well written. The stories are about average, a few jumped out as unique or scarier than the others. I liked the one about the head in the tree. Don't want to spoil the package , but I'd recommend this book if your into spooky over terrifyIng and gory. A good one for youth readers.
May 11, 2013
loved it... all great stories, great characters. The endings remind me of Hitchcock. Another author that will be missed, who left us too soon and I am sure many unfinished enjoyment. His stories grab you right away and wanting more and he delivers.
June 3, 2013
Wonderfully evocative and haunting stories all. Creative and talented writers who put heart and soul into their work achieve a form of immortality and this a wonderful collection of stories from one such who though gone will never be forgotten.
May 7, 2014
An excellent collection of stories full of real, human feeling.
July 20, 2015
This was a good book filled with short stories highlighting some good stories of Rick Hautala.. I would read more of his work.
June 11, 2015
Single Serving Horror
Great to read before bed and be terrified of your imagination with! :D (Handful of less frightening tales that are still with checking out as well.)
Great to read before bed and be terrified of your imagination with! :D (Handful of less frightening tales that are still with checking out as well.)
August 16, 2015
Very readable stories with twists and very Steven king.
Ok it's a one of a kind book with some very creative and spooky stories.I'm sure anyone who likes horror will love it.
Ok it's a one of a kind book with some very creative and spooky stories.I'm sure anyone who likes horror will love it.
May 7, 2017
One of my favorite horror writers, alas gone too soon. Not his greatest work, but some spookily effective stories that are great to have. Big loss in the field and a must read for fans
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews