The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror

by R David Fulcher, David Yurkovich (Cover Art)

Gravelight is pleased to present the first volume in a two-book series collecting the horror fiction of R. David Fulcher!

THE PUMPKIN KING AND OTHER TALES OF TERROR offers up 20 works by Fulcher, each updated and revised by the author. Each tale has been fully revised by the author, making these the definitive versions of the stories.

The collection Includes Features a wrap-around cover and contemporary design. Perfect for Halloween or dark, rainy nights.

Genres: Horror

136 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2023

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm kind of ashamed to admit I have never read anything written by Fulcher, and I can honestly admit I've been missing out. The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is comprised of 20 well crafted and enthralling horror tales that will captivate and chill you.

While I personally lean more heavily into extreme horror, I can still spot and respect good writing, and that's what you will get with this collection. Quick, fun, and well-done horror.

Oftentimes, collections can be hit or miss. At times, while reading them, I find myself skimming the pages. I didn't have that problem with this collection. I was genuinely interested and invested in each and every story. Fulcher is an author that I would love to read again and who I think many lovers of the genre would enjoy.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine collection of short stories and I was impressed with the level of talent that is required to come up with these little gems. The prose is clear and uncomplicated and expertly lays out each plot in an engaging and relatable manner. There is nothing here that veers into extreme gore or splatterpunk, but most of these tales are good and enjoyably creepy. I do wonder about the breadth of the author’s life experiences or is it just a creative imagination he employed in detailing these stories? Usually a pattern can emerge with short story collections from a single author, but these are all so different and solid. My favorite was The Pumpkin King – so much “creep factor” packed into a few pages! This book would be perfect for Halloween or anytime for fans of the horror genre. I like to read on my lunch break and this collection was a tasty literary “side dish”. This is a new author to follow!

[ಸುಶಾಂತ ಕುರಂದವಾಡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thankful to Booktasters for giving an opprtunity to connect with David Fulcher to receive this nice book. Author is a best story-teller and have magificent imagination power, otherwise it is very difficult to narrate horror stories. And author has taken a best decision to limit to stories instead of a novel. The best thing about stories is that - they give us brain storming. Becuae most of the stories end up with little ending and readers tend to think more and more about 'happened next?' Here author makes us the same. We end up in sitting at one place and complete the entire book in single break. And ofcourse I'm not at all going tell about inside story, please read it. When you complete this book, you'll be thrilled for sure.
Happy reading and congratulations to the author David Fulcher

[Sara Hailstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror by R. David Fulcher
Reviewed By: Sara Hailstone

R. David Fulcher flexes mastery of horror in his highly sought-after collection in “The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror.” A repertoire of previously published short stories, Gravelight Press is set to produce a second volume in fall 2024. Fulcher is known for horror, science fiction, fantasy and poetry. The short stories in “The Pumpkin King” can be digested in one sitting and offer plotlines that shock and sneak up on you. I found the succinctness of the collection left me wondering about the margins or residue of the tales creeping into other unexplored recesses of my imagination that I was not expecting. This experience made the reading exciting and suspenseful.

Fulcher’s novel titles include, “Trains to Nowhere” which is a historical drama set in World War II, “Blood Spiders and Dark Moon” is his second novel which is a collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories. Fulcher has appeared in Lovecraft’s Mystery Magazine, Black Satellite, The Martian Wave, Burning Sky, Shadowlands, Twilight Showcase, Heliocentric Net, Gateways, Weird Times, Freaky Frights and the anthologies Dimensions and Silken Ropes. He has also been the editor for Samsara (samsaramagazine.net) for over ten years. He lives in Ashburn, Virginia.

Learn more about David at rdavidfulcher.com.

Fulcher is drawn to the physiological responses that horror has on readers. In an interview with Gravelight Press he articulates that “a really good horror story can quicken your pulse, give you goosebumps, and raise the small hairs on the back of your neck. A great horror story can have you questioning your own sanity.” He also likes World War Two and showcases the exploration of the darkness of war by pulling the reader into plotlines of imagination that extend beyond the capacity of human reality with two stories in the collection, “Castle Marienburg” and “My Days with Mahalia.” Other stories in “The Pumpkin King” are based on settings that Fulcher encountered in his life.

I was drawn to the sublime layers of play between setting, plot and character in Fulcher’s stories. Fulcher’s horror does not shock with gore, but are moved by the turn of an idea and paths that vein out into the psychological that can haunt you. I also enjoyed the shortness of the pieces that worked into a reading nature of being caught in stolen moments throughout the day, a text you can creep back to quietly and be compelled to think differently about form or plotline.

The 20 short stories in “The Pumpkin King” are edited by Fulcher himself and re-envisioned. Some stories are over 20 years old. What cumulates is a classic collection; a memorable archive.

Thank you to R. David Fulcher, Gravelight Press and Coffee and Thorn for the complimentary copy in request for an honest review!

[Rose Auburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a concise collection of twenty horror shorts, some only a few pages, and all subtly different in form, perspective, and tone.

There is a reassuringly classic feel to Fulcher’s horror anthology which opens with “Eulogy to E.A. Poe”. Overall, the tales are traditionally spooky, with a couple of exceptions, and combined with Fulcher’s measured yet descriptive prose provide spine-tinglingly creepy reading.

Subtle yet comparable themes thread through several stories, from the settings to character motivation. Often the individuals subjected to terror are either vulnerable or possibly not quite reliable, yet all are credible characters and the horror is believable.

Fulcher knowingly draws on some recognizable horror tropes yet without tokenism. There is a pleasantly familiar feel to the stories for fans of the genre, but Fulcher employs a wealth of snappy and inventive twists, making the collection feel intriguingly fresh.

The first tale, “Marienburg Castle” was horribly atmospheric and one of a triumvirate set in a time of combat adding an additionally disturbing layer to the narrative. Fulcher’s writing shivers with dread and unease from the opening paragraph and although barely four pages long, the characters, especially Walker, are immediately engaging.

The titular story, “The Pumpkin King”, is a masterclass in a short horror. Simple, effective, and psychologically nasty. Similarly, the other gourd-related tale, “Pumpkin Seed Spit”, was one of the strongest with a surreal, visual quality and a dark 80s schlock-horror vibe.

A couple have a tiny sprinkling of occasional humor, “Heavenly Strains” and “A Matter of Taste” have subdued comic asides and, in both, slightly pathetic protagonists.

In “The Man Next Door”, the chilling weirdness is enhanced by using the perspective of Billy, a child, and the contrast of Fulcher’s nicely realized sun-bleached, late 70s setting.

The sixth story, “My Days With Mahalia” is unfolded in epistolary form and features a B-17 aircraft, one of a number to do so. Like the majority of Fulcher’s distilled narratives, the fear comes from the unknown or the unsaid with both reader and protagonist using their imagination to drive the horror.

“Merry are We of the Lake” is brushed with science-fiction and lovely, descriptive imagery. Likewise, “Dreaming, The Copper City” with its whiff of futurism. “A Night for Animals” and “The Watcher’s Web” flicker across into fantasy and retribution.

A couple are a little too abrupt; “Night Flight” feels underdeveloped and “For the Children” is a touch abstruse. “A Night Out Mr. Bones” was slightly predictable.

However, “Extra! Extra!” and “The Flight Dummy” simmer with macabre, grisly violence. The latter is especially frightening with the added fear factor of an unmanned passenger jet flying at altitude and, consequently, a chillingly desperate and thought-provoking ending.

The last three stories differ gently, shot through with a dark, mythical air and a generous pinch of folkloric horror, qualities which are foregrounded by Fulcher’s softly archaic register.

The first of the concluding trio, “The Huntress” has a rich, gothic sensuousness inspired by Wilde’s Dorian Gray but very much its own compelling tale. “The Faerie Lights” tips a nod to The Brothers Grimm and the shadowy, eldritch “The October Man” unsettles with preternatural unearthliness, and lingers with sinister poignancy. It was the perfect choice for the closing tale.

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a neatly crafted grimoire of ghoulishness. Highly recommended.

[Zea Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror by David Fulcher
A Book Review by AZ Perez
May 2024

This is the beauty and wonder of this book: it has twenty worth pondering, haunting tales! It requires me to pause for each tale done reading - to absorb and to reflect before proceeding to the next one.

They are short and quick reading. However, its content poses some philosophical questions as well as a challenge, situating the reader to a spotlight query of ‘What if these things shall happen to me, to my family and to my community? How will I take it and what will I do?’

There are tales in the book that left me astounded; some in wonderment; other tales make me reread them in order to check if I am correctly understanding about how it goes and ends.

Most of the stories have something to do with war: its gory reality in the battlefields and the inevitability of cold deaths; in another tale, it shows about a peculiar birthing of a community of monsters brought about by curious children; furthermore, there is the story of pregnancies of a clueless lady and then her denial of birthing them because of a miscarriage curse during the conception period. These are strong images for me and I cannot help associating them to the present challenges and social ills of times. Hence, they are becoming profound tales mirroring the darkest recesses of the human experiences portrayed to its horrible extremes and absurdities.

Indeed, these tales will test the borderlines of one’s fear threshold and are of no doubt, preparing an individual's psyche to prevail and to take a leap - all for survival and for the betterment of human existence.

[Dale Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met R. David Fulcher and his wife at the Western Indie Lit festival in Frostburg, Maryland in 2023. We crossed paths again this year at the same event and swapped books. I got The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror in exchange for my most recent novel Penitence.

I'm not generally a fan of horror, but this collection of short stories made it easy to digest. Principally, these are stories of psychological horror, relying more on dark twists than slasher stunts. Not that there isn't bloodletting along the way, but that's not the focus. I particularly liked the twist in "Extra! Extra!" in which a tabloid reporter is approached by a man claiming he's being hunted by gargoyles. The ultimate story, "The October Man," is creepy and horrifying, yet with a twist of the bittersweet, which is (as far as I know; I could be wrong) somewhat unusual for the genre.

Some of the writing is quite good, although Fulcher can overdo it with the adjectives, and sometimes I would have preferred a more subtle treatment. But he does have a vivid imagination, and I expect horror fans would like to follow his career and see where he goes next.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pumpkin king and other tales of terror - short stories by R. David Fulcher.
A creepy selection of 20 short stories that get you thinking. My favourite tales were - The man next door and The flight dummy - these 2 stories in particular I enjoyed as they made me think what would I do in those situations.
An easy read, I enjoyed reading 1-2 a day.
If you like creepy stories with a twist you will enjoy this.

[Julie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. David Fulcher’s anthology, The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is an experiment on minimalist horror.

Each story is extremely short. The longest are less than ten pages and most are only two or three. In those brief times, Fulcher only has time to scare us and he does it well.

Fulcher contrasts with other short story horror authors such as Miles Watson or Micheal Reyes. They create detailed settings and manage to squeeze in some exposition and world building in the brief time that they have been given. The results often are that the horror is often part of a larger picture that contributes to the fear factor that we are given. It's a grim ominous energy that awaits for some truly supernatural cosmic event to erupt.

Fulcher ignores the large picture and focuses on the immediate situation. He just sets up a scene, gives us a lead character, and puts them into a terrifying experience with a twist that makes it scarier. The stories don't have time to give details when they concentrate more on the shocks and scares that engulf the final pages.

This anthology offers some great stories designed to keep Reader’s adrenaline racing and their sleep patterns very short. The best are:

“The Pumpkin King”-The title story gives a fine atmospheric macabre Halloween setting that builds on the old pagan origins of the famous holiday. The Narrator opts out of decorating his house on Halloween night.
He particularly refuses to leave a Jack O’Lantern outside his house and comes afoul of a visitor who makes their disappointment known in a gruesome way that illustrates the original need for placing pumpkins outside the door on that night.

“A Matter of Taste”-This is one of many “Face to Face With Death” stories that this anthology produces and is also a chilling “Deal with the Devil.”
Mary McKeldin wants her comatose son to heal so she agrees to Satan’s terms. The terms themselves are graphic as are the notions of sin and atonement that surround the act. The final pages call Mary to task for her actions, and her intent on whether it was to genuinely save her son or inflict revenge on another person. She ends up paying a final bloody price and an eternity of regret for the act.

“My Days with Mahalia”-War can produce its fair amount of monstrosities and this story is a definite example. The Narrator is one of a group of pilots who loves, really loves their plane, a sleek black flying fort. The men personify their flying mistress as she takes them on air raids and protects them with an almost human-like defense. They name her Mahalia after the Hindu goddess of time.
Humanizing a vehicle, particularly one used for war, proves to have a downside especially when Mahalia’s men begin dying at an alarming rate. The Narrator realizes that this plane has more than a mind of her own and has a potentially fatal hold on the pilots who ride inside of her.

“Merry Are We of the Lake”-Ah Christmas, the perfect time for revisiting the old hometown, reuniting with friends, having drinks and engaging in ritualistic murder. You know the usual things that people do on the holidays.
The festive setting offers a great ironic punch to the awful deeds that are happening at the forefront as a group of old high school friends engage in a ghoulish ritual. The apparition that they appeal to is the perfect blend of otherworldly attractiveness and eerie omniscience that is both captivating and terrifying at the same time. This story is like a modern day version of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” where tradition and religious devotion stand in the way of morality, legality, empathy, and common sense.

“Extra! Extra!”-Thanks in large part to a certain Disney animated series from the 90’s, gargoyles are often now placed alongside other noted creatures of the night like vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and the like. This story gives those grotesque stone waterspouts some attention. Slade, a tabloid reporter, agrees to interview a witness to recent gargoyle attacks and gets more than an up close and personal exclusive.
There is a savage undercurrent as the world of tabloid reporting is darkly mocked as are the strange outlandish tales that are spread through such outlets and social media. This modern humor contrasts with a centuries old spirit that has seen much, fought against and survived more, and knows exactly how to capture and kill its unwilling prey.

“The Watcher's Web”-This story combines a Crime Thriller with a Supernatural Horror by giving us what seems to be a perfect crime only to meet some definitely unexpected interference.
Rizzo, a professional thief, aspires to rob a museum exhibit only to encounter a very determined night watchman who has a few surprises of his own.
Rizzo is written as the consummate thief who has everything planned and observed. He is calculating and able to find ways around the obstacles that he would usually encounter like security systems and the police. However, his conflict with the night watchman opens himself up to something that he is completely unprepared for, something ancient and unknown, and leaves him vulnerable and defenseless.

“Dreaming, The Copper City”-Fulcher takes a brief detour into Science Fiction and plays around within another familiar fictional landscape. Carter, one of many residents on the Moon, sees a mysterious object land on the lunar surface. He approaches and hears a mysterious voice calling, “Yog-Sothoth.”
Fans of the Cthulhu Mythos will recognize that name as one of the Outer Gods and the progenitor of such deities as Hastur the Unspeakable and Cthulhu himself. Carter becomes drawn to the voice and an accompanying vision of a copper city. He becomes obsessed with the vision to the point of forgetting about life.
This story presents the cosmic horror that is present in these horror tales. It's not enough that Earth is full of supernatural and human scares but the entire universe can present the unknowable fear. The type of fear also brings obsession, addiction, and insanity. Carter's obsessive pursuit of the copper city and the voice calling Yog-Sothoth reminds us that some things are better left unknown and unexplored if the cost is one's mind and life.

“The Faerie Lights”-We had a detour into Science Fiction, why not one into Dark Fantasy that involves those ruthless terrifying creatures: faeries?
Many think that faeries are harmless cute and sometimes mischievous creatures but anyone who has studied folk tales beyond cutesy animated films and TV shows knows that faeries are actually powerful malevolent spirits that you do not want to mess with.
In this story, the Narrator tells his tale of a late night encounter with the Fair Folk. The beginning plays on the more poetic beautiful images that fairies convey as they seduce and entice the Narrator. However, their true being and intentions lie underneath the surface reminding us that you can dress up and defang a powerful magical being all you want. But a great power lies underneath, one that is incomprehensible and demands to be feared and respected.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

One Liner: A decent collection

I enjoy reading short story collections, so when this horror anthology was available, I wanted to give it a try. The horror levels are moderate and belong to the atmospheric category rather than outright gore. Of course, there are a few gory elements but not so much to make a reader uncomfortable (unless you have zero tolerance for horror).

The book starts with a eulogy to Poe in a short poem. As I tend to do with anthologies, I’ve written my impressions of the stories soon after I read each one.

Marienburg Castle: What happens when the survivors of the WWII American Army try to take shelter in an abandoned place? Nothing good for sure! Well, the story is atmospheric but lacks the punch. 3.5 stars

The Pumpkin King: Ohhh… this is creepy! No detailed gore but enough for us to imagine. Wouldn’t mind if it was longer, but works as it is. 4.2 stars

Heavenly Strains: Another chilly, creepy, and atmospheric tale. It deals with parental death and grief, which turn into something else. Many unanswered questions, too! 3 stars

A Matter of Taste: A slightly longer story that follows the well-known trope of wishes and fallen angels. There’s a twist that I expected; a pretty average read. 3 stars

My Days With Mahalia: A diary entry of a WWII soldier about an aircraft B-17 named Mahalia. 2.5 stars

A Night Out With Mr. Bones: More like a twisty thriller/ suspense. A bit predictable. 3 stars

Merry Are We of the Lake: Now, this is good! Atmospheric. Starts slow but ups the stakes gradually and ends on a high. 4.2 stars

The Night Fighter: What happens when a mysterious man steals a fighter plane to take it on a night ride? Is it a mission? If yes, what? Another atmospheric tale with a couple of twists. 3.5 stars.

Pumpkin Seed Spit: A middle-grade horror set during Halloween. Creepy and dark for the age group but works well for the adults, too. 3.5 stars

A Night for Animals: This is nice. Yeah, it has some chills, but the overall vibe is ‘nice’. 3.5 stars

The Man Next Door: Oh, this is good! A detailed story with a twist at the end. Atmospheric. Not gory or scary. 4 stars

Extra! Extra!: What happens when a bored journalist gets a frantic call? Well, this has the chills, though it leaves many questions unanswered. 3 stars

The Flight Dummy: Interesting! I’m now sure the author loves planes. A creepy, scary story with an open ending. 3 stars

For the Children: Oh! A detailed story with a surprise twist at the end. 4 stars

The Watcher’s Web: What happens when a robber goes on a heist? Who does he encounter? The story builds and ups the pace as it progresses. Just the right amount of horror and terror. Well done! 4 stars

Dreaming, The Copper City: A sci-fi horror about a man on the Moon and what happens when he finds a piece of meteor. I think we lost each other somewhere in the last section. 2.5 stars

The Huntress: Oh, this is good. A short and entertaining piece. Predictable ending, of course, but well-written. 4 stars

The Faerie Lights: Another short piece. Good premise but needs to be longer to create a stronger impact. 3 stars

The October Man: Woo! This is so good. The right touch of creepy and horror with a twisted ending. The best of the lot. 4.5 stars

As you can see, most of the stories fall around the average line, with some above and below it. The writing is easy to read. Some pieces are on the slower side, though none are boring as such.

To summarize, The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a decent collection with diverse topics and themes (aircraft is a recurring element). Anthologies are subjective, so try it based on your preferences.

My thanks to Coffee and Thorn and the author of eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

[Sandra Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. David Fulcher’s The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a macabre collection of short stories that masterfully captures the essence of classic and contemporary horror. With twenty intricately crafted tales, each steeped in suspense and dark imagination, this anthology is a thrilling journey into the shadowy corners of the human psyche and beyond.

From the very first page, Fulcher sets the tone with a haunting homage to Edgar Allan Poe in Eulogy to E.A. Poe, celebrating the Gothic tradition that pulses through every story. The collection effortlessly traverses a spectrum of terror, offering something for every fan of the genre. Whether it's the eerie WWII mystery of Marienburg Castle, the Halloween dread of The Pumpkin King, or the unsettling supernatural deals in A Matter of Taste, each story is a vivid, standalone nightmare.

Fulcher’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, weaving rich settings with a poetic touch. The desolate battlements of Marienburg Castle are as alive as the haunted bomber in My Days with Mahalia, a tale that adds an unsettling twist to the camaraderie of wartime aviation. Similarly, the grotesque humor of A Night Out With Mr. Bones contrasts with the cosmic horror of Merry Are We of the Lake, showcasing the author’s versatility in crafting suspenseful narratives.

What sets this collection apart is Fulcher’s ability to blend classic horror elements with modern themes. Tales like The Huntress and Dreaming, and The Copper City delve into the supernatural with a freshness that feels contemporary, while The October Man and Pumpkin Seed Spit channel the nostalgic terror of campfire ghost stories.

Each tale feels meticulously revised, delivering polished narratives that grip readers from beginning to end. The wrap-around cover design and thematic focus on Halloween and dark nights only add to the book’s allure, making it a perfect read for fans of seasonal horror or anyone seeking an escape into chilling fiction.

The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a must-read for fans of horror anthologies, Gothic fiction, and psychological thrills. R. David Fulcher invites readers into a dark, imaginative world where terror takes many forms, and no one escapes unscathed. It’s a gripping, spine-chilling collection that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Highly recommended for Halloween nights or any time you’re brave enough to embrace the darkness.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE PUMPKIN KING AND OTHER TALES OF TERROR
• BY R. DAVID FULCHER
Book Information

• Purchase link: http:/mybookto/pumpkinking
• Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
• Genre: Horror short stories
• Print length: 136 pages
• Age range: This is an adult book but would be suitable for mature older teens who are familiar with the psychological horror genre.
• Trigger warnings: Violence, murder, familial death, disturbing situations throughout
• Amazon Rating: 5*

ABOUT THE PUMPKIN KING AND OTHER TALES OF TERROR
The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror represents twenty of R. David Fulcher’s best horror stories. Unlike slasher books, these stories create an eerie atmosphere of dread, letting the reader’s own imagination fill in the terrifying details. In the tradition of psychological horror and dark fantasy, they hint at sinister things lurking in the shadows without fully bringing them to light. .
Review: This is an anthology of short stories, some only a few pages. They are mostly atmospheric rather than gore making them more on the “creepy” side (in my opinion), not that there’s anything wrong with that. Lovers of horror who like less gore and more thought to their horror will enjoy this, there are disturbing situations so this book is more for older teens and adults. Thanks to the author & Coffee and Thorn Book Tours for the review copy of this book. #coffeedogsbooks #bookreview #coffeeandthornbooktours #pumpkinking #horror #ipreview

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

R David Fulcher writes a magnificently horrifying collection of tales with The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror

In The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror, the reader is introduced to the incredible mind of R David Fulcher, and his terrifying collection of horror and sinister stories. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Wow. R David Fulcher has a great imagination. One of my favorites was his Eulogy to Edgar Allen Poe, one of my classic horror authors, whose mind would have enjoyed these stories. I found that Fulcher has a sinister imagination comparable to Poe and even Stephen King. Each story is its own, and the characters are ones you would not want to cross in a dark alley or even on a lit street. The stories are non-typical chilling stories, and very unpredictable. The stories have that creepy yet intriguing part of the story. Each story is remarkably shown to the audience, and it makes your heart beat faster with anticipation. The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[Rakshanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. David Fulcher's "The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror" is a captivating collection that masterfully blends horror with dark humor. Fulcher’s writing is smooth and engaging, balancing eerie atmospheres with sharp, witty dialogue.

"The Pumpkin King," a standout favorite, is quintessentially Halloween. Pumpkins are more than festive decorations—they're sentient beings demanding your participation in their eerie rituals. It's a quirky, chilling twist on holiday traditions that leaves a lasting impression.

"A Night Out With Mr. Bones" offers a hilarious yet horrifying glimpse into maintaining normalcy while being haunted by a mischievous skeleton. Mr. Bones’ antics create a bizarre blend of terror and comedy that keeps you hooked.

In "A Matter of Taste," Fulcher delves into the macabre with a tale of a Faustian bargain where the Devil craves sinful eyeballs. It's a twisted, imaginative spin on deals with the Devil.

Another notable mention is "For the Children," a story that intertwines innocence with horror, creating a deeply unsettling narrative that sticks with you long after reading.

Overall, "The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror" is a must-read for horror enthusiasts. Fulcher’s stories are creepy, clever, and wickedly entertaining, making this collection perfect for a spooky night in. 🎃👻

[Paola Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror” is a precious book of a collection of short horror stories, which each comprise of only a few pages.

Every single story has been crafted with a wealth of knowledge on fantasy, sci-fi and horror genres; adding the right amount of intensity, compelling the reader to engross themselves and forget about the world.

These are a few of my stand-out favourite stories:
‘The Watcher’s Web’ – Suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase, where darkness takes hold of serving justice with an evil deed.

‘A Matter of Taste’ – Dark and clever.

‘For The Children’ – How goodness can shine through the darkness and evaporate evil.

‘A Night Out with Mr Bones’ – Twisted and sinister tale.

‘The Man Next Door’ – Great story with Greek mythology.

Each tale will haunt you and cause you to reflect before pursuing the next.

Wonderful and wickedly entertaining book to either read as a whole, or to sip in each tale, a day at a time.

Perfect book for those who loves dark twisted tales; serving as an ideal gift.

[Vanessa Moreland-Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t ever read anything by David Fulcher and I’m not always a lover of horror novels despite enjoying horror films at times but having read my first Stephen King book this year, I wanted to try something else horror based. I found The Pumpkin King and other tales well written and a pleasure to read. Each story was a demonstration of an impressive talent to come up with each one. I found the prose easy to get on board with and enjoyable with enough chilling moments to give the creepy edge. I was suitably engrossed from the first writings which paid tribute to Edgar Allan Poe – it set the tone perfectly for what was to come. I think my favourite will have to be the pumpkin king – “It was then that the pumpkin spoke to me” – a line which sent chills down my spine. A worthwhile read for anyone who loves short, snappy tales accompanied by a wee bit of terror.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book of short horror stories.

I felt that each of the stories had some suspense, and some of the stories had interesting imagery. Rather than being gory or distasteful, I felt the author somehow presented the imagery as something that could be scary in a fun way, or even a picturesque sort of way. I also found that with some of the stories, it was merely the idea or suggestion of something that scared me, rather than something specific. All of these stories were quite short, but with each of them, I felt I got what I was looking for - the desired chills, or just the feeling of unease, disquiet. I felt affected by the writing in some way, and I think that is sometimes difficult to achieve with a very short story.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking Short Stories - Horror. 4.5/5 stars
Not for children.

Here is a great collection of chilling stories, so well cut and polished that you don't want to give it away. The most difficult genre to write are short stories. In just three or four pages to design suspense and infuse with horror is a big ask indeed. David Fulcher does it handsomely well.

There are some twenty distinct stories to savour at leisure. Many of these will refuse to leave the mind. Marienburg Castle is a screamer, later, The Pumpkin King is a macabre tale, every time a pumpkin is spotted a sudden chill runs down the spine ever since. The author has woven so many tales of terror leaving any blood and gore to the reader's imagination. A Night out with Mr Bones, shocking!

Don't miss the Flight Dummy, the ending is up to the reader to fill in. Many memorable moments from several stories. The shock in the Huntress. October man is more poignant but eerie, no one can forget it. There is a feel good one too, let the readers find out, when you least expect. All are stylishly written, so compact and truly unique.

Do keep you hot coffee/tea out of reach, there is a good chance that many readers will jump, shout or scream at various times. Beware!

[carolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Pumpkin King and other tales of terror” is not the first book i read from this author. A few months ago, i read “The Lighthouse at Montauk Point and other stories”, and i can tell i liked this one better.

I also noticed that, toward the end of the book, the writing got better: after, and including, the tale “The Huntress”, even though I didn’t particularly enjoy this one, I could tell the writing was different, for the better.

Although I wasn’t that captivated, overall, the tales interested me. The plot wasn’t always understandable and much is left to wonder, but I believe that might be the point. Some of them striked me as too strange, even for tales of terror, but it wasn’t a bad experience.

[Terrytracy Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love horror book, because I never heard of R. David Fulcher , I decided to try his books and was not disappointed. I love how short and easy they are to read as well as written. His books mades want to read more and more. Coming from a person who loves Stephen King novels I would say his books are on the same level as his short stories. Reading between breaks was a joy. I highly recommend this book to everyone who love short stories especially horror stories. I rated this book 5 out of 5
Thank you for letting me read it.
Tracy.

[Mark Shayler (mark_reads_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading this fantastic collection by David Fulcher, The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror recently, and it didn't disappoint!.
.
I'm a sucker for a short story collection, and these bitesize beauties hit the spot real good. Buikding suspense is a skill when writing a short is a skill in itself, but David executes each one perfectly. The title story is a stand out for me. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up and giving it a try.
.

[Barry Litherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collection of darkly mysterious, enigmatic tales into which a reader can dive when he or she has sufficient time to read, reflect and savour. Not a book to be hurried through. Each short story is a gem to be relished but you will, no doubt, have your favourites. Well written, varied, imaginative. A perfect book for the coffee table, the holiday, or the late evening before bed. A pleasure to read – but read it slowly.

[Sofiya’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of short stories, feels like a cocktail mix of something like:

- 2oz. ‘2 Sentence Horror Stories’ which I love
- 1.5oz ‘1981s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ a book I’m sure many of us remember reading
- Dash of ‘Black Mirror’
- Garnished with modern Poe vibes

My top favorites would definitely have to be (in no particular order)
- A Night for Animals
- My Days With Mahalia
- The Huntress
- The October Man
- The Faerie Lights

Great read! Definitely recommend ❤️

[✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything horror so I was immediately drawn to this book and it didn’t disappoint. The short story format of this made it easy to read during a busy schedule. Each story had its own unique twist and the perfect balance of suspense and scares, which kept me anticipating what the next story would bring. I would like thank Booktasters and the author for providing me with a copy of this great book!

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys horror I am surprised and little upset I haven’t read any Fulcher before. However, this collection was perfect to introduce me to Fulcher and his writing. I can honestly say that I did enjoy each story but most definitely had a couple of favorites. My absolute being A Night for Animals and Pumpkin Seeds but each one was fantastic.

The writing tied with Fulcher’s storytelling really sells this. Each story is easily contained but offers so much. I loved the pacing of each story and how manage to understand and bond with the characters in the story. I will most definitely be looking into more works by Fulcher and highly recommend to any lover of horror who enjoys well crafted and enjoyable stories in the genre.

Thank you so much to The Pumpkin and Other Tales of Terror and R David Fulcher for my copy. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.

[Dianne Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love horror, but much of horror writing is too violent or hostile. This is my kind of horror. It scares me. It gives me the creeps. It makes me wish I wasn't walking home alone in the dark. It makes me wonder what my neighbors are up to. It's all the things that horror is supposed to be.I like the short story format too. It means I can read one on my lunch break.
Fantastic book, and I cannot recommend it enough!

[☆Samantha☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aye! I do believe I have been introduced to a dark arts horror Master, that pays tribute to the old school macabre Masters! There is of course the Author's own poetic sickness included. Tales that drive your mind to unthinkable boundaries, and hunger for more....
Desires yet deadly outcomes, remorse yet revenge, plus a disturbing twist when you least expect it.
I highly recommend this Author and this quick, read!
📚💯 ヽ⁠(⁠｡⁠◕⁠o⁠◕⁠｡⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠.

[maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good book! From someone that doesn’t usually read horror, the way that this book made me want to keep reading and was able to scare me but also keep me interested at the same time was surprising!
The fact that the book is divided in short stories makes it very easy to read being the perfect length but also having an interesting plot. I definitely recommend this book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. These were really great shorty scary stores! I’m a lover of thrillers and horror and this book really did the job. It was such a great quick fun read. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I was very captivated by these stories and would recommend to anyone.

If you’re looking for a quick read that is a little bit spooky this book is for you!

[Stephanie Land · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Collection!

I will admit that is anthology isn’t the strongest I have read. It loosely reminds me of Slasher Girls and Monster Boys by April Genevieve Toucholke.
I really enjoyed the fact that every story was in the same theme! It felt like a true old school collection of stories.
I would like to thank the author and @Booktasters for allowing me to enjoy this book.