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Turn Down the Lights
It was December 1988: George Bush had just defeated Michael Dukakis in the Presidential Election. Pitcher Orel Hershiser and the Los Angeles Dodgers had beaten the Oakland A's in five games to win the World Series. People were waiting in line at movie theaters to watch Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. Tom Clancy's The Cardinal of the Kremlin and Anne Rice's The Queen of the Damned were atop the bestseller lists. The most acclaimed genre books of the year were Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs and Peter Straub's Koko.
And twenty-two year old college student Richard Chizmar had just published the premiere issue of a horror magazine named Cemetery Dance.
Twenty-five years later, there have been seventy issues of Cemetery Dance magazine. There have been more than 275 signed Limited Edition hardcovers in the Cemetery Dance book line. There have been awards including the World Fantasy Award, the International Horror Critics Guild Award, and the HWA Board of Trustees Excellence in Specialty Press Publishing Award, as well as nominations for the British Fantasy Award, the American Horror Award, and the Bram Stoker Award, just to name a few.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of that premiere issue of Cemetery Dance, we're proud to announce Turn Down the Lights, an anthology of authors who helped make the magazine what it is today. These original horror stories by Stephen King, Norman Partridge, Jack Ketchum, Brian James Freeman, Bentley Little, Ed Gorman, Ronald Kelly, Steve Rasnic Tem, Clive Barker, and Peter Straub capture the genuine love of the genre that pushes Cemetery Dance Publications forward year after year.
Now, turn down the lights, flip the page, take my hand, and start the dance…
And twenty-two year old college student Richard Chizmar had just published the premiere issue of a horror magazine named Cemetery Dance.
Twenty-five years later, there have been seventy issues of Cemetery Dance magazine. There have been more than 275 signed Limited Edition hardcovers in the Cemetery Dance book line. There have been awards including the World Fantasy Award, the International Horror Critics Guild Award, and the HWA Board of Trustees Excellence in Specialty Press Publishing Award, as well as nominations for the British Fantasy Award, the American Horror Award, and the Bram Stoker Award, just to name a few.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of that premiere issue of Cemetery Dance, we're proud to announce Turn Down the Lights, an anthology of authors who helped make the magazine what it is today. These original horror stories by Stephen King, Norman Partridge, Jack Ketchum, Brian James Freeman, Bentley Little, Ed Gorman, Ronald Kelly, Steve Rasnic Tem, Clive Barker, and Peter Straub capture the genuine love of the genre that pushes Cemetery Dance Publications forward year after year.
Now, turn down the lights, flip the page, take my hand, and start the dance…
176 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2013
10 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Richard Chizmar
252 books3,437 followersRichard Chizmar is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Amazon, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author.
He is the co-author (with Stephen King) of the bestselling novella, Gwendy’s Button Box and the founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance magazine and the Cemetery Dance Publications book imprint. He has edited more than 35 anthologies and his short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including multiple editions of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award.
Chizmar (in collaboration with Johnathon Schaech) has also written screenplays and teleplays for United Artists, Sony Screen Gems, Lions Gate, Showtime, NBC, and many other companies. He has adapted the works of many bestselling authors including Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Bentley Little.
Chizmar is also the creator/writer of the online website, Stephen King Revisited. His fourth short story collection, The Long Way Home, was published in 2019. With Brian Freeman, Chizmar is co-editor of the acclaimed Dark Screams horror anthology series published by Random House imprint, Hydra.
His latest book, The Girl on the Porch, was released in hardcover by Subterranean Press, and Widow’s Point, a chilling novella about a haunted lighthouse written with his son, Billy Chizmar, was recently adapted into a feature film.
Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.
He is the co-author (with Stephen King) of the bestselling novella, Gwendy’s Button Box and the founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance magazine and the Cemetery Dance Publications book imprint. He has edited more than 35 anthologies and his short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including multiple editions of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award.
Chizmar (in collaboration with Johnathon Schaech) has also written screenplays and teleplays for United Artists, Sony Screen Gems, Lions Gate, Showtime, NBC, and many other companies. He has adapted the works of many bestselling authors including Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Bentley Little.
Chizmar is also the creator/writer of the online website, Stephen King Revisited. His fourth short story collection, The Long Way Home, was published in 2019. With Brian Freeman, Chizmar is co-editor of the acclaimed Dark Screams horror anthology series published by Random House imprint, Hydra.
His latest book, The Girl on the Porch, was released in hardcover by Subterranean Press, and Widow’s Point, a chilling novella about a haunted lighthouse written with his son, Billy Chizmar, was recently adapted into a feature film.
Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 6, 2017
There are a couple gems in here. Taken as a whole, Id’ say it’s okay. The best part was experiencing the blend of writers. Each voice is a separate thing. Not all are horror. Some are suspenseful, and others are just different. I wish Chizmar had included one of his own shorts. I picked it up for that reason, and then realized that he only pens the intro, leaving the stories to fellow contributors (much like the Cemetery Dance Magazine).
PS. I got a little carried away and wrote something about the first – then just kept going. Can’t help myself.
Summer Thunder by Stephen King - It’s not often that he writes a story about an apocalypse, and I can’t help but get excited when he does. I mean, can people talk about their favorite apocalyptic books without including The Stand? Summer Thunder is more melancholy than his others, which in no way means that it’s not good. It’s just a couple of characters and a dog, and I liked it. (This short can also be found in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams)
Incarnadine by Norman Partridge - I don’t remember hearing Partridge’s name before this, nor the word Incarnadine for that matter. The word makes complete sense for this short. The problem is that it’s not my cup of joe. More horror than character development.
The Western Dead by Jack Ketchum - Ketchum I’ve heard of, but this short sampling of Undead in the Old West is probably my first of his. A decent tale is spun about the origin of the undead in Egypt, while shooting “walkers” that straggle out into the open.
An Instant Eternity by Brian James Freeman - Freeman puts suspense over scare in this short war story about a photographer who is ready to go home before his time runs out.
In the Room by Bentley Little - ”In the room, I do my dance” These are the last words a father speaks his son before leaving the family, while he was sleeping no less. The words make no sense. Why would they? Over time they will, and they are prophetic. The writing flows, but the ending does not.
Flying Solo by Ed Gorman - Two self-described old guys being treated for cancer and make things right for nurses in need – cause they know what life is like Flying Solo. Feels like a noir thriller. Liked it immediately for its voice.
***The three stories sandwiched here between 6 and 10, by Kelly, Tem, and Barker were short and forgettable, and so I leave blank.
The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero by Peter Straub - Straub tells of a boy haunted by a monster, and what makes this interesting (and strange) is its “real factor”. The intro is like a mini-bio that then leads to the “actual” stories penned by Freddie.
PS. I heard that the PB version includes 2 additional stories that were not included in this HC.
PS. I got a little carried away and wrote something about the first – then just kept going. Can’t help myself.
Summer Thunder by Stephen King - It’s not often that he writes a story about an apocalypse, and I can’t help but get excited when he does. I mean, can people talk about their favorite apocalyptic books without including The Stand? Summer Thunder is more melancholy than his others, which in no way means that it’s not good. It’s just a couple of characters and a dog, and I liked it. (This short can also be found in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams)
Incarnadine by Norman Partridge - I don’t remember hearing Partridge’s name before this, nor the word Incarnadine for that matter. The word makes complete sense for this short. The problem is that it’s not my cup of joe. More horror than character development.
The Western Dead by Jack Ketchum - Ketchum I’ve heard of, but this short sampling of Undead in the Old West is probably my first of his. A decent tale is spun about the origin of the undead in Egypt, while shooting “walkers” that straggle out into the open.
An Instant Eternity by Brian James Freeman - Freeman puts suspense over scare in this short war story about a photographer who is ready to go home before his time runs out.
In the Room by Bentley Little - ”In the room, I do my dance” These are the last words a father speaks his son before leaving the family, while he was sleeping no less. The words make no sense. Why would they? Over time they will, and they are prophetic. The writing flows, but the ending does not.
Flying Solo by Ed Gorman - Two self-described old guys being treated for cancer and make things right for nurses in need – cause they know what life is like Flying Solo. Feels like a noir thriller. Liked it immediately for its voice.
***The three stories sandwiched here between 6 and 10, by Kelly, Tem, and Barker were short and forgettable, and so I leave blank.
The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero by Peter Straub - Straub tells of a boy haunted by a monster, and what makes this interesting (and strange) is its “real factor”. The intro is like a mini-bio that then leads to the “actual” stories penned by Freddie.
PS. I heard that the PB version includes 2 additional stories that were not included in this HC.
January 12, 2014
A great collection of stories from some top notch writers. This is the perfect way for Cemetery Dance publications to celebrate it's 25th anniversary.From Richard Chizmar' s introduction to Tom Monteleone' s afterword there is something for everyone in this collection. Highly recommended.
Read
December 28, 2015Cover art by Steve McGinnis
Table of Contents:
009 - "Turn Down the Lights..." an introduction by Richard Chizmar
017 - "Summer Thunder" Stephen King
039 - "Incarnadine" Norman Partridge
051 - "The Western Dead" Jack Ketchum
063 - "An Instant Eternity" Brian James Freeman
087 - "In the Room" Bentley Little
101 - "Flying Solo" Ed Gorman
127 - "The Outhouse" Ronald Kelly
139 - "Lookie Loo" Steve Rasnic Tem
149 - "Dollie" Clive Barker
157 - "The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero" Peter Straub
169 - "Ryan's Eyes" - Ray Garton
187 - "What Did You Do To Them Mr. Donovan ?" Kealan Patrick Burke
195 - Afterword Thomas F. Monteleone
Table of Contents:
009 - "Turn Down the Lights..." an introduction by Richard Chizmar
017 - "Summer Thunder" Stephen King
039 - "Incarnadine" Norman Partridge
051 - "The Western Dead" Jack Ketchum
063 - "An Instant Eternity" Brian James Freeman
087 - "In the Room" Bentley Little
101 - "Flying Solo" Ed Gorman
127 - "The Outhouse" Ronald Kelly
139 - "Lookie Loo" Steve Rasnic Tem
149 - "Dollie" Clive Barker
157 - "The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero" Peter Straub
169 - "Ryan's Eyes" - Ray Garton
187 - "What Did You Do To Them Mr. Donovan ?" Kealan Patrick Burke
195 - Afterword Thomas F. Monteleone
July 8, 2021
Band 4 der Cemetery Dance Germany-Reihe präsentiert sich einmal mehr in großartiger Aufmachung und besticht allein schon durch seine Optik. Streng limitiert und handsigniert ist diese Jubiläumsanthologie zum 25-jährigen Bestehen von Cemetery Dance ein Must Have für Liebhaber des Genre. Zudem ist der Buchheim Verlag ein Garant für hochwertig und mit viel Liebe zum Detail produzierte Sammlerdeditionen. Doch auch inhaltlich kann "Turn Down The Lights" einige durchaus lesenswerte Kurzgeschichten - jede einzelne individuell illustriert - vorweisen. Allen voran Stephen Kings "Sommerdonner", die für mich beste Story im Buch. Aber auch "Augenblicks-Ewigkeit" und "Alleinflug" konnten mich vollends überzeugen. Im titelgebenden Vorwort gibt uns Richard Chizmar selbst einen höchst interessanten Einblick in die Enstehungsgeschichte von Cemetery Dance. "Blutrot" und "Das Plumpsklo" waren irgendwie speziell und auch gut.
Ich will aber ehrlich sein: Es gab auch durchaus Kurzgeschichten, mit denen ich wenig bis gar nichts anfangen konnte. Geschmäcker sind ja bekanntlich verschieden und womöglich sind es genau diese Storys, die andere begeistern können.
Fazit:
Eine schicke Anthologie, die inhaltlich einige Glanzstücke (nicht ausschließlich aus dem Horrorgenre) vorzuweisen hat, mich aber insgesamt leider nicht vollends überzeugen konnte.
Ich will aber ehrlich sein: Es gab auch durchaus Kurzgeschichten, mit denen ich wenig bis gar nichts anfangen konnte. Geschmäcker sind ja bekanntlich verschieden und womöglich sind es genau diese Storys, die andere begeistern können.
Fazit:
Eine schicke Anthologie, die inhaltlich einige Glanzstücke (nicht ausschließlich aus dem Horrorgenre) vorzuweisen hat, mich aber insgesamt leider nicht vollends überzeugen konnte.
December 27, 2013
A terrific anthology of new dark fiction by authors who helped shape Cemetery Dance into the imprint it is today. This slim volume was put together by CD publisher Richard Chizmar in two weeks as a way of thanking CD's readers on it's 25th anniversary. His intro is heartfelt as he looks back on CD's origins.
All the stories strike the right note of menace and horror--perfect for a couple hours reading. King's "Summer Thunder" perfecty sets the tone for what is to follow and most of the other authors are at the top of their games. The only story that felt stale to me was "The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero" by Peter Straub (It should have been stuck in the middle somewhere rather than at the end.) But then I find most of Straub's work affluently arrogant and offputting. Still he spins an unsettling scenario that does register a feeling of terror of the unknown.
After Thomas F. Monteleone's amusing Afterword, I was sorry to have this collection come to an end. Here's to another 25 great years of Cemetery Dance.
All the stories strike the right note of menace and horror--perfect for a couple hours reading. King's "Summer Thunder" perfecty sets the tone for what is to follow and most of the other authors are at the top of their games. The only story that felt stale to me was "The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero" by Peter Straub (It should have been stuck in the middle somewhere rather than at the end.) But then I find most of Straub's work affluently arrogant and offputting. Still he spins an unsettling scenario that does register a feeling of terror of the unknown.
After Thomas F. Monteleone's amusing Afterword, I was sorry to have this collection come to an end. Here's to another 25 great years of Cemetery Dance.
December 1, 2013
Excellent collection - wonderful stories by the masters. Full review coming soon.
December 1, 2016
If you've followed me for even one review, you know that while I love to read, horror is my favorite genre. That should be evident from my reading list – and some of the best material out there comes from a little independent publishing company called Cemetery Dance Publications, started in 1988 by a 22 year old college student named Richard Chizmar. In addition, Richard is a phenomenal writer in his own right (pun intended). Turn Down the Lights is a collection of stories that helped Richard build the empire he has over the last 28 years.
I wish I can remember the first time I heard of Cemetery Dance Publications, but I don't. I also wish that I was part of it from the beginning, but I wasn't. My earliest purchase from them was in 2012 – but I have used the last four years to make up for the lost time (much to my wife's chagrin). But like they say, wish in one hand...
But as usual, I digress. You're not reading this to learn how great CD is, or what a treasure Richard is to the horror community – you're reading this to find out what I thought of Turn Down the Lights.
As with most short story anthologies, it's very difficult to provide any substance of each story without giving too much away; but I will try.
1) Turn Down the Light – Richard Chizmar – A non-fiction account of how Richard started CD, some pitfalls, and the reason behind this anthology.
2) Summer Thunder – Stephen King – Again, if you've followed me for any stretch of time, you know that King is a god in my eyes. The fact that Richard knows him leaves me torn between never wanting to speak to Richard ever, and putting him on that same pedestal. Anyway, King is a HUGE part of the CD lineup, so it's no oversight that he starts off this anthology; with a bang. Summer Thunder is a story about friendship, loss, and the apocalypse.
3) Incarnadine – Norman Partridge – A weird, surreal story about a killer and a witch that were wronged. Truthfully, I didn't get it.
4) The Western Dead – Jack Ketchum – An interesting take on the overdone zombie story. An Egyptian curse is set upon the Apache tribe. Splatter and gore (Jack's trademark) follow. Very well written and enjoyable.
5) An Instant Eternity – Brian James Freeman – Brian is basically Richard's partner-in-crime. He is an editor for CD as well, and just like Richard, an author. And An Instant Eternity is one of my favorite stories in this book. It's the story of a reporter in a war-torn region that is accidentally left behind when he tries to save a little girl who shouldn't be where she was.
6) In The Room – Bentley Little – A messed up story (in a good way) about a man who's father left him, saying the words, "In the room, I do my dance". It was creepy, atmospheric, and a nice addition.
7) Flying Solo – Ed Gorman – Sadly, Ed left us in October (2016). I was reminded of that just recently since his birthday was in November. What a tribute that I got to read this story as a reminder. It's a great tale of two terminally ill patients (I don't know if you can really call them friends) that dispense justice. As one reviewer said, think Grumpy Old Men meet Death Wish.
8) The Outhouse – Ronald Kelly – I do quite a bit of camping, and have used an outhouse or two. After reading this story, I may start avoiding them. A note: If you are a college student and think it would be funny to knock one over, DON'T. While this was a little campy, it was a fun read.
9) Lookie-Loo – Steve Rasnic Tem – Another weird, twisted, and grotesque story about things that aren't as they appear. Not the story to read right before Thanksgiving.
10) Dollie – Clive Barker – No anthology of horror would be complete without at least one story by the master of short stories, Mr. Barker. This was rife with typical Barker themes: escapism, sexuality, and comeuppance. Beautifully written, however.
11) The Collected Stories of Freddie Prothero - Peter Straub – I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I don't get the allure of Straub. I have yet to read anything by him that I enjoyed. Even the two books that he collaborated on with King had me waiting for them to end. I reviewed this on once before in Dark Screams Volume 3. Here is the final thought of that review, "If you have a chance to read this - DON'T! Poke yourself repeatedly with a sharp stick until the urge to do so passes. This will be the last I ever read of Straub." Sorry Richard, you missed the pitch with this one.
The paperback version of this had two additional stories.
12) Ryan's Eyes – Ray Garton – I think you'd have a hard time getting this story to fly in today's day and age for the same reason King stopped the publication of Rage. It involves a school shooting. But, that's not the theme of the story. Being accepted, even if you are an outcast, is – as well as not taking things at face value.
13) What Did You Do To Them, Mr. Donovan – Kealan Patrick Burke – I have to be honest, I love Kealan's work, but I just didn't get this story. That's not to say you won't. It takes place in a bar with two "outcasts", but I'm really not sure what he was going for.
So there you have it, thirteen stories, with something for everyone. Cheers to Richard for 28 years (although this was to celebrate 25 years) of quality publications, and here's to another 25 (and more).
Give it a shot, along with just about anything from Cemetery Dance Publications.
I wish I can remember the first time I heard of Cemetery Dance Publications, but I don't. I also wish that I was part of it from the beginning, but I wasn't. My earliest purchase from them was in 2012 – but I have used the last four years to make up for the lost time (much to my wife's chagrin). But like they say, wish in one hand...
But as usual, I digress. You're not reading this to learn how great CD is, or what a treasure Richard is to the horror community – you're reading this to find out what I thought of Turn Down the Lights.
As with most short story anthologies, it's very difficult to provide any substance of each story without giving too much away; but I will try.
1) Turn Down the Light – Richard Chizmar – A non-fiction account of how Richard started CD, some pitfalls, and the reason behind this anthology.
2) Summer Thunder – Stephen King – Again, if you've followed me for any stretch of time, you know that King is a god in my eyes. The fact that Richard knows him leaves me torn between never wanting to speak to Richard ever, and putting him on that same pedestal. Anyway, King is a HUGE part of the CD lineup, so it's no oversight that he starts off this anthology; with a bang. Summer Thunder is a story about friendship, loss, and the apocalypse.
3) Incarnadine – Norman Partridge – A weird, surreal story about a killer and a witch that were wronged. Truthfully, I didn't get it.
4) The Western Dead – Jack Ketchum – An interesting take on the overdone zombie story. An Egyptian curse is set upon the Apache tribe. Splatter and gore (Jack's trademark) follow. Very well written and enjoyable.
5) An Instant Eternity – Brian James Freeman – Brian is basically Richard's partner-in-crime. He is an editor for CD as well, and just like Richard, an author. And An Instant Eternity is one of my favorite stories in this book. It's the story of a reporter in a war-torn region that is accidentally left behind when he tries to save a little girl who shouldn't be where she was.
6) In The Room – Bentley Little – A messed up story (in a good way) about a man who's father left him, saying the words, "In the room, I do my dance". It was creepy, atmospheric, and a nice addition.
7) Flying Solo – Ed Gorman – Sadly, Ed left us in October (2016). I was reminded of that just recently since his birthday was in November. What a tribute that I got to read this story as a reminder. It's a great tale of two terminally ill patients (I don't know if you can really call them friends) that dispense justice. As one reviewer said, think Grumpy Old Men meet Death Wish.
8) The Outhouse – Ronald Kelly – I do quite a bit of camping, and have used an outhouse or two. After reading this story, I may start avoiding them. A note: If you are a college student and think it would be funny to knock one over, DON'T. While this was a little campy, it was a fun read.
9) Lookie-Loo – Steve Rasnic Tem – Another weird, twisted, and grotesque story about things that aren't as they appear. Not the story to read right before Thanksgiving.
10) Dollie – Clive Barker – No anthology of horror would be complete without at least one story by the master of short stories, Mr. Barker. This was rife with typical Barker themes: escapism, sexuality, and comeuppance. Beautifully written, however.
11) The Collected Stories of Freddie Prothero - Peter Straub – I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I don't get the allure of Straub. I have yet to read anything by him that I enjoyed. Even the two books that he collaborated on with King had me waiting for them to end. I reviewed this on once before in Dark Screams Volume 3. Here is the final thought of that review, "If you have a chance to read this - DON'T! Poke yourself repeatedly with a sharp stick until the urge to do so passes. This will be the last I ever read of Straub." Sorry Richard, you missed the pitch with this one.
The paperback version of this had two additional stories.
12) Ryan's Eyes – Ray Garton – I think you'd have a hard time getting this story to fly in today's day and age for the same reason King stopped the publication of Rage. It involves a school shooting. But, that's not the theme of the story. Being accepted, even if you are an outcast, is – as well as not taking things at face value.
13) What Did You Do To Them, Mr. Donovan – Kealan Patrick Burke – I have to be honest, I love Kealan's work, but I just didn't get this story. That's not to say you won't. It takes place in a bar with two "outcasts", but I'm really not sure what he was going for.
So there you have it, thirteen stories, with something for everyone. Cheers to Richard for 28 years (although this was to celebrate 25 years) of quality publications, and here's to another 25 (and more).
Give it a shot, along with just about anything from Cemetery Dance Publications.
August 11, 2016
Originally posted here.
Anthologies are a tricky business (tricky, tricky, tricky).
Sad to say that most anthologies leave me a bit cold. There will be some gems, but I rarely find that I enjoy EVERY story.
This wasn't the case with Cemetery Dance's upcoming Turn Down the Lights (out this month!), no - this time I found myself in the strange position of at least liking each story, and even loving a few of them. Okay, loving several of them (Brian James Freeman's "An Instant Eternity" is where the title of this post came from, and that story is fucking haunting, yo).
Let me back up.
A month ago I got an email from Cemetery Dance letting me know that there was a review copy of Turn Down the Lights on its way to me. No information other than that, except for a note saying that they were looking forward to hearing my thoughts on the first story.
SECRECY! INTRIGUE! OTHER EXCITING WORDS!
A few days later it arrived in my mailbox and I open it to see the first story is Stephen King! I scan the other authors and am mightily impressed.
Jack Ketchum. Clive Barker. Peter Straub.
It's a veritable Who's Who of Horror, y'know?
Turn Down the Lights celebrates the 25th anniversary of the very first issue of Cemetery Dance magazine, so it makes sense that they'd pull out all the stops with the big names and I was so glad they did. As I mentioned up there, this collection did not disappoint.
Iread devoured the stories in an afternoon, trying to make them last, but unable to control myself. Isn't that what we all want? Books that compel us to just keep reading - more, more, faster! Yeah, this book has that in spades.
Read it for King's "Summer Thunder," which will give you chills even if you're wrapped up in a blanket in front of a fire. King once again tackles the it's-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-and-I'm-not-feeling-so-fine scenario. The ending is both uplifting as hell and bleak as shit. So there you go.
Read it for Barker's deliciously creepy "Dollie." I don't even have words to talk about this one. It's short and anything I say would be a spoiler. So. You'll have to read it yourself.
Read it for Freeman's (as I mentioned above) hauntingly sad "An Instant Eternity." This is another one I don't really have words for. I've read this one three times already, and still don't know what to say about it.
Read it for Ed Gorman's lovely little revenge tale "Flying Solo." (I haven't read Gorman before, but he's sure as hell on my radar now.) Just because you're a retiree with cancer doesn't mean you're unable to do a little dirty work. Loved this one. Read it twice in a row.
Just read the damn thing, okay? Especially if you're a completist. If you're one of those people who own everything any of these authors has written (even the kinda duds [looking at you, Cycle of the Werewolf]) you NEED this book. Need.
Anthologies are a tricky business (tricky, tricky, tricky).
Sad to say that most anthologies leave me a bit cold. There will be some gems, but I rarely find that I enjoy EVERY story.
This wasn't the case with Cemetery Dance's upcoming Turn Down the Lights (out this month!), no - this time I found myself in the strange position of at least liking each story, and even loving a few of them. Okay, loving several of them (Brian James Freeman's "An Instant Eternity" is where the title of this post came from, and that story is fucking haunting, yo).
Let me back up.
A month ago I got an email from Cemetery Dance letting me know that there was a review copy of Turn Down the Lights on its way to me. No information other than that, except for a note saying that they were looking forward to hearing my thoughts on the first story.
SECRECY! INTRIGUE! OTHER EXCITING WORDS!
A few days later it arrived in my mailbox and I open it to see the first story is Stephen King! I scan the other authors and am mightily impressed.
Jack Ketchum. Clive Barker. Peter Straub.
It's a veritable Who's Who of Horror, y'know?
Turn Down the Lights celebrates the 25th anniversary of the very first issue of Cemetery Dance magazine, so it makes sense that they'd pull out all the stops with the big names and I was so glad they did. As I mentioned up there, this collection did not disappoint.
I
Read it for King's "Summer Thunder," which will give you chills even if you're wrapped up in a blanket in front of a fire. King once again tackles the it's-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-and-I'm-not-feeling-so-fine scenario. The ending is both uplifting as hell and bleak as shit. So there you go.
Read it for Barker's deliciously creepy "Dollie." I don't even have words to talk about this one. It's short and anything I say would be a spoiler. So. You'll have to read it yourself.
Read it for Freeman's (as I mentioned above) hauntingly sad "An Instant Eternity." This is another one I don't really have words for. I've read this one three times already, and still don't know what to say about it.
Read it for Ed Gorman's lovely little revenge tale "Flying Solo." (I haven't read Gorman before, but he's sure as hell on my radar now.) Just because you're a retiree with cancer doesn't mean you're unable to do a little dirty work. Loved this one. Read it twice in a row.
Just read the damn thing, okay? Especially if you're a completist. If you're one of those people who own everything any of these authors has written (even the kinda duds [looking at you, Cycle of the Werewolf]) you NEED this book. Need.
February 22, 2022
Дуже слабкі оповідання.
November 18, 2025
З післямови Т.Ф. Монтелеоне: "Для авторів оповідань жадів то [вісімдесяті роки] був запаморочливий час, бо ми всі йшли за Стівеном Кінгом." І найкраще цю добірку не описати. Так, є нюанси і відмінні наголоси в темах, але я б із легкістю подумала, що всі оповідання авторства сея Кінга. Насправді, мені треба було собі нагадувати, що то не є так. Часи були отакі, розумію, попит був отакий. І все ж.
"Хізер поскаржилася на нього міській владі, і міська влада зробила те, що вміла робити найкраще, - нічого." ("Одиночний політ" Е. Ґорман) Це оповідання є в аудіоформаті, тож його я слухала без тексту перед очима, і волала як чайка, коли ляпнула "нічого" бездумно, але ідеально синхронно із читачем. Універсальна міжнародна ситуація, очевидно. :D
"Олівер Венделл Голмс говорив про людей, які ніколи не співають і вмирають, зберігаючи музику в собі." ("Заглядайло" С.Р. Тем) Хм, подвійне цитування вийшло з мого боку, але оригінал не знайшла.
"Хізер поскаржилася на нього міській владі, і міська влада зробила те, що вміла робити найкраще, - нічого." ("Одиночний політ" Е. Ґорман) Це оповідання є в аудіоформаті, тож його я слухала без тексту перед очима, і волала як чайка, коли ляпнула "нічого" бездумно, але ідеально синхронно із читачем. Універсальна міжнародна ситуація, очевидно. :D
"Олівер Венделл Голмс говорив про людей, які ніколи не співають і вмирають, зберігаючи музику в собі." ("Заглядайло" С.Р. Тем) Хм, подвійне цитування вийшло з мого боку, але оригінал не знайшла.
January 30, 2014
In the past, I have never really cared much for short story anthologies. However, as I've gotten older, my opinion has changed somewhat. As a result, I've decided to do something a little different this year. I plan to have three books on my "currently reading" shelf at all times: A novel, an audiobook, and a short story anthology. Turn Down the Lights is my first this year.
Though it is a relatively small book (175 pages), this volume nevertheless bursts at the seams with ten incredible stories by some of the top names in horror. While every one of these short pieces are fantastic in their own right, here are a few that I found to be exceptionally noteworthy.
“Summer Thunder” by Stephen King is a post-apocalyptic tale detailing the final days of what could very well be the last two men on earth...
“The Western Dead” by Jack Ketchum. As one might discern from the title, this story is a zombie tale in which the undead wander the unpaved roads of the old west...
“An Instant Eternity” by Brian James Freeman is probably the only story in this anthology that I wouldn’t outright call a “horror” story. This piece is a taut, brilliantly written thriller in which a freelance photographer stationed in the middle east attempts to save the life of a little girl that should have watched her step...
“Flying Solo” by Ed Gorman is probably my personal favorite of the bunch. Two terminally ill men that could not be more different from each other (think The Odd Couple) nevertheless develop a close friendship, spending their last days on earth righting wrongs for the nurses that treat them...
In addition to these are beautifully crafted stories by Norman Partridge, Bentley Little, Ronald Kelly, Steve Rasnic Tem, Clive Barker and Peter Straub, along with an informative introduction by editor and Cemetery Dance founder Richard Chizmar on the birth of Cemetery Dance Publications and an afterward by Thomas F. Monteleone. Turn Down the Lights is a must-have for horror aficionodos everywhere.
Copyright © 2014 by Randy Eberle
Though it is a relatively small book (175 pages), this volume nevertheless bursts at the seams with ten incredible stories by some of the top names in horror. While every one of these short pieces are fantastic in their own right, here are a few that I found to be exceptionally noteworthy.
“Summer Thunder” by Stephen King is a post-apocalyptic tale detailing the final days of what could very well be the last two men on earth...
“The Western Dead” by Jack Ketchum. As one might discern from the title, this story is a zombie tale in which the undead wander the unpaved roads of the old west...
“An Instant Eternity” by Brian James Freeman is probably the only story in this anthology that I wouldn’t outright call a “horror” story. This piece is a taut, brilliantly written thriller in which a freelance photographer stationed in the middle east attempts to save the life of a little girl that should have watched her step...
“Flying Solo” by Ed Gorman is probably my personal favorite of the bunch. Two terminally ill men that could not be more different from each other (think The Odd Couple) nevertheless develop a close friendship, spending their last days on earth righting wrongs for the nurses that treat them...
In addition to these are beautifully crafted stories by Norman Partridge, Bentley Little, Ronald Kelly, Steve Rasnic Tem, Clive Barker and Peter Straub, along with an informative introduction by editor and Cemetery Dance founder Richard Chizmar on the birth of Cemetery Dance Publications and an afterward by Thomas F. Monteleone. Turn Down the Lights is a must-have for horror aficionodos everywhere.
Copyright © 2014 by Randy Eberle
January 10, 2014
In 1988 the first issue of Cemetery Dance magazine came out. Celebrating 25 years, Richard Chizmar has put together this terrific anthology. Turn Down The Lights gathers some of the best horror writers in the business. My favorite story is, Flying Solo by Ed Gorman.
November 25, 2016
Има малко шлака, има и добри неща. На кантар е работата. Но като цяло усещането е положително.
February 26, 2025
3,5*/5* (але це золоті 3,5)
Цю збірку я вже читала, тож перечитувала з певних міркувань, а там подумала, а чом би й не написати відгука, не поговорити трішки про ті оповідки, що мені подобаються?
Джек Кетчам, "Мерці заходу"
Класик сплаттеру тут представлений майже традиційною зомбі-сторі із дрібкою мітології. Я не дуже насправді поціновувачка цього автора, не заперечую, він збіса талановитий, хоча й надавав переваги надто передбачуваному овернасильству. Проте він може торкнути за живе, коли захоче. Колись йому це вдалося, дістати мене за живе, - оповіданням про одного маленького неприкаяного привида, ну і трішки зараз, у "Мерцях заходу"
Браян Джеймс Фриман, "Миттєва вічність"
Історія фотографа, що працював у гарячих точках в Африці, допоки він не побачив привида із залишків життєвої сили маленької дівчинки, що поманив його за собою, і йому довелося пройти випробування, котре мало хто б подужав. Це взагалі не горор, так, дещиця символічної містики, щоб виправдати знаходження у цій збірці, але саспенс дійсно написаний непогано.
Бентлі Літтл, "У кімнаті"
Одне з моїх улюблених оповідань, навіть не збірки, а взагалі, за всіх часів та жанрів. Такий дистильований вірд, який на позір надто звичайний, щоб попередити читача про те, що на нього чекає. Та напрочуд шалений, щоб залишити по собі присмак чогось дивного, моторошного та незрозумілого. Про що він? Про кімнату, де збуваються мрії. Або кошмари.
Ед Горман, "Одиночний політ"
Про двох стариганів, які на ізльоті життя вирішують додати чутка справедливості цьому лайняному світові. Також не горор та не містика, та й не особливо вишуканий насправді, з ідеєю, що подана просто у лоба. Але є в цьому оповіданні певний шарм. А ще він надто нагадує мені Night Calls the Green Falcon Роберта Маккаммона, і тільки за це я його любитиму.
Стів Разник Тем "Заглядайло"
Дуже в стилі цього письменника, просте, але прикольне. Я читала його, уявляючи, що це фанфік по Джіперс Кріперс, і просто чудово пішло. Мораль: не варто чіплятися до людей, які вам здаються чимось дивними, будьте чемні та взаємоввічливі, і тоді житимете.
Але це неточно.
Клайв Баркер "Доллі"
Дуже сміялася. Це знову ж таки ніякі не жахи і взагалі читерське, лише з натяком на жанрові ознаки, які повинні бути в історіях цієї збірки. Але знаєте що, саме він забирає приза за найбільш тролльське оповідання. Мабуть таки навіть року.
PS "Історії, подібні до цієї, підтримують мою віру в те, що Америка досі велика країна" (Томас Монтелеоне) - а ось це зістарилося не дуже добре. Коли я читала це вперше, воно якось інакше виглядало. Штош, мабуть тому іноді і варто перечитувати.
Цю збірку я вже читала, тож перечитувала з певних міркувань, а там подумала, а чом би й не написати відгука, не поговорити трішки про ті оповідки, що мені подобаються?
Джек Кетчам, "Мерці заходу"
Класик сплаттеру тут представлений майже традиційною зомбі-сторі із дрібкою мітології. Я не дуже насправді поціновувачка цього автора, не заперечую, він збіса талановитий, хоча й надавав переваги надто передбачуваному овернасильству. Проте він може торкнути за живе, коли захоче. Колись йому це вдалося, дістати мене за живе, - оповіданням про одного маленького неприкаяного привида, ну і трішки зараз, у "Мерцях заходу"
Браян Джеймс Фриман, "Миттєва вічність"
Історія фотографа, що працював у гарячих точках в Африці, допоки він не побачив привида із залишків життєвої сили маленької дівчинки, що поманив його за собою, і йому довелося пройти випробування, котре мало хто б подужав. Це взагалі не горор, так, дещиця символічної містики, щоб виправдати знаходження у цій збірці, але саспенс дійсно написаний непогано.
Бентлі Літтл, "У кімнаті"
Одне з моїх улюблених оповідань, навіть не збірки, а взагалі, за всіх часів та жанрів. Такий дистильований вірд, який на позір надто звичайний, щоб попередити читача про те, що на нього чекає. Та напрочуд шалений, щоб залишити по собі присмак чогось дивного, моторошного та незрозумілого. Про що він? Про кімнату, де збуваються мрії. Або кошмари.
Ед Горман, "Одиночний політ"
Про двох стариганів, які на ізльоті життя вирішують додати чутка справедливості цьому лайняному світові. Також не горор та не містика, та й не особливо вишуканий насправді, з ідеєю, що подана просто у лоба. Але є в цьому оповіданні певний шарм. А ще він надто нагадує мені Night Calls the Green Falcon Роберта Маккаммона, і тільки за це я його любитиму.
Стів Разник Тем "Заглядайло"
Дуже в стилі цього письменника, просте, але прикольне. Я читала його, уявляючи, що це фанфік по Джіперс Кріперс, і просто чудово пішло. Мораль: не варто чіплятися до людей, які вам здаються чимось дивними, будьте чемні та взаємоввічливі, і тоді житимете.
Але це неточно.
Клайв Баркер "Доллі"
Дуже сміялася. Це знову ж таки ніякі не жахи і взагалі читерське, лише з натяком на жанрові ознаки, які повинні бути в історіях цієї збірки. Але знаєте що, саме він забирає приза за найбільш тролльське оповідання. Мабуть таки навіть року.
PS "Історії, подібні до цієї, підтримують мою віру в те, що Америка досі велика країна" (Томас Монтелеоне) - а ось це зістарилося не дуже добре. Коли я читала це вперше, воно якось інакше виглядало. Штош, мабуть тому іноді і варто перечитувати.
August 21, 2021
I first heard of Richard Chizmar when he co-authored a short novel with Stephen King, then authored the second in what will soon be the Gwendy trilogy. Then I learned that he and I were in some of the same Facebook groups. I'd like to correspond with him more, but I don't want to seem too much like a fanboy.
This collection is a 25th-anniversary celebration for Mr. Chizmar's magazine Cemetery Dance. The stories are short, concise, well-written, and feature some names that are known even outside horror circles. I enjoyed reading them, and now I think I'd kind of like to explore both the magazine and some of Cemetery Dance's other published works.
This collection is a 25th-anniversary celebration for Mr. Chizmar's magazine Cemetery Dance. The stories are short, concise, well-written, and feature some names that are known even outside horror circles. I enjoyed reading them, and now I think I'd kind of like to explore both the magazine and some of Cemetery Dance's other published works.
April 11, 2017
A wonderful group of short stories, all very different from one another. Some wild and wacky, some for fun and a few that really know how to get under your skin. A great collection from some amazing authors.
June 19, 2023
Pretty good collection of horror stories. I didn't really get the appeal of the end stories, though.
February 13, 2016
The founder and editor of the quintessential horror magazine, Cemetery Dance presents a 25th anniversary anthology of ten short stories by horror writers who made the magazine possible. Chizmar gives an introduction to the beginnings of his publication, and the ten stories which follow.
“Summer Thunder” by Stephen King
In a post-apocalyptic world, a man and his dog decide how to spend their final days.
This also appears in King’s collection The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. 4/5
“Incarnadine” by Norman Partridge
A killer and a witch wronged by a town somehow create a monster from metal and magic. It had vivid imagery, but made little sense. 3/5
“The Western Dead” by Jack Ketchum
An Egyptian curse of the undead strikes the Apaches. Ketchum delivers his splatterpunk gore in this story of a last stand, but it’s not my sort of thing. 2/5
“An Instant Eternity” by Brian James Freeman
A photographer for the media visits a war-torn town, where he encounters a little girl amongst the ruin. This felt like a real story about the horrors and kindness of humanity. 4/5
“In the Room” by Bentley Little
“In the room, I do my dance,” becomes a haunting phrase for a man who’s father left him. Little’s story brings a horror where something slightly off, and it’s subtle and messed up. 5/5
“Flying Solo” by Ed Gorman
Two terminally ill men decided to help the nurses who treat them by becoming vigilantes. This story of friendship and loss was a highlight. 4/5
“The Outhouse” by Ronald Kelly
On Halloween night three high school football players decide to knock over an outhouse only to unleash a monster—gruesome, and a bit campy. 3/5
“Lookie-Loo” by Steve Rasnic Tem
A writer people watches some characters who don’t appear human—weird, grotesque, and twisted. 3/5
“Dollie” by Clive Barker
A woman escapes her old life with her family only to fall into an abusive marriage. Her childhood doll manages to stave off her loneliness. I liked the concept, though it relied on telling rather than showing. 3/5
“The Collected Stories of Freddie Prothero” by Peter Straub
A prodigious child writer presents some gibberish that’s literally unreadable—and again I’m left shaking my head at Straub’s short fiction. 1/5
Thomas Monteleone writes an afterword and pays tribute to Chizmar and Cemetery Dance.
Turn Down the Lights turned out to be a typical anthology with big names and a smattering to fit a variety of tastes. I enjoyed a good amount of them for the most part, but it doesn’t save it from having a few clunkers. I’d recommend checking this out for whatever fits your taste. 3.2/5
“Summer Thunder” by Stephen King
In a post-apocalyptic world, a man and his dog decide how to spend their final days.
This also appears in King’s collection The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. 4/5
“Incarnadine” by Norman Partridge
A killer and a witch wronged by a town somehow create a monster from metal and magic. It had vivid imagery, but made little sense. 3/5
“The Western Dead” by Jack Ketchum
An Egyptian curse of the undead strikes the Apaches. Ketchum delivers his splatterpunk gore in this story of a last stand, but it’s not my sort of thing. 2/5
“An Instant Eternity” by Brian James Freeman
A photographer for the media visits a war-torn town, where he encounters a little girl amongst the ruin. This felt like a real story about the horrors and kindness of humanity. 4/5
“In the Room” by Bentley Little
“In the room, I do my dance,” becomes a haunting phrase for a man who’s father left him. Little’s story brings a horror where something slightly off, and it’s subtle and messed up. 5/5
“Flying Solo” by Ed Gorman
Two terminally ill men decided to help the nurses who treat them by becoming vigilantes. This story of friendship and loss was a highlight. 4/5
“The Outhouse” by Ronald Kelly
On Halloween night three high school football players decide to knock over an outhouse only to unleash a monster—gruesome, and a bit campy. 3/5
“Lookie-Loo” by Steve Rasnic Tem
A writer people watches some characters who don’t appear human—weird, grotesque, and twisted. 3/5
“Dollie” by Clive Barker
A woman escapes her old life with her family only to fall into an abusive marriage. Her childhood doll manages to stave off her loneliness. I liked the concept, though it relied on telling rather than showing. 3/5
“The Collected Stories of Freddie Prothero” by Peter Straub
A prodigious child writer presents some gibberish that’s literally unreadable—and again I’m left shaking my head at Straub’s short fiction. 1/5
Thomas Monteleone writes an afterword and pays tribute to Chizmar and Cemetery Dance.
Turn Down the Lights turned out to be a typical anthology with big names and a smattering to fit a variety of tastes. I enjoyed a good amount of them for the most part, but it doesn’t save it from having a few clunkers. I’d recommend checking this out for whatever fits your taste. 3.2/5
February 4, 2014
This was a great collection stories celebrating the long success of Cemetery Dance. This is the first collection of stories by multiple authors that I have started and finished so far. Normally I get distracted by other, longer, novels or novellas. This collection held my attention though, as I read a story or two each night until finishing it. It likely helped that I am fan of every author in this collection except for a couple that I had never read before. I was, however, wanting to read something from those three authors. King's story was a great way to begin this collection and each story following was very enjoyable for the most part. I was not impressed with the final story from Straub though, but it was a minor blip in a great collection of stories.
4.5/5 stars for this for me. Would have been 5/5 if not for the one story I didn't like.
4.5/5 stars for this for me. Would have been 5/5 if not for the one story I didn't like.
December 13, 2014
This book is a celebration of 25 years of Cemetery Dance Magazine. This collection includes writers that have been significant contributors to the magazine's short story content. Stephen King, Peter Straub, Clive Barker...and so on. I enjoyed these stories for what they were intended for. They are not heavily focused on character development or plot devices because they are "short" stories. I enjoyed the stories and this short book of short stories do what they were intended to do. If you are looking for fun, short pieces of fiction that weigh in on the horrific side - this is for you. Mostly read by yours truly for the Stephen King short "Summer Thunder" which was, in my humble opinion, another winner for the king.
June 17, 2018
Я не фанатка жанру жахів і, взагалі, здається, не читала раніше нікого, окрім Кінга. Цю збірку купила скоріше під настрій - і була приємно здивована.
Всі оповідання об'єднує атмосферність - влучна, яскрава стилістика авторів, яка затягує читача до історій.
Звичайно, деякі оповідання кращі, а деякі гірші. Більш за все мені сподобалась "Миттєва вічність" Фримана - у наш час війна лякає значно сильніше, ніж будь-які загадкові істоти. Інший фаворит - "Одиночний політ" Еда Гормана про двох смертельно хворих старих, які вирішують додати сенсу тому часу, який у них залишився.
Історія "У кімнаті", навпаки, залишила після себе більше запитань, а "Збірка оповідань Фредді Протеро" має гарну ідею, але читати її занадто складно.
В цілому, ця книга - чудовий вдалий зразок антології.
Всі оповідання об'єднує атмосферність - влучна, яскрава стилістика авторів, яка затягує читача до історій.
Звичайно, деякі оповідання кращі, а деякі гірші. Більш за все мені сподобалась "Миттєва вічність" Фримана - у наш час війна лякає значно сильніше, ніж будь-які загадкові істоти. Інший фаворит - "Одиночний політ" Еда Гормана про двох смертельно хворих старих, які вирішують додати сенсу тому часу, який у них залишився.
Історія "У кімнаті", навпаки, залишила після себе більше запитань, а "Збірка оповідань Фредді Протеро" має гарну ідею, але читати її занадто складно.
В цілому, ця книга - чудовий вдалий зразок антології.
October 28, 2015
Стивен Кинг "Летний гром" 5/5
Норман Патридж "Цвет крови" 3/5
Джек Кетчам "Вестерн с мертвецами" 1/5
Брайен Джеймс Фримен "Мгновенная вечность" 5/5
Бентли Литтл "В комнате" 1/5
Эд Горман "Одиночный полет" 4/5
Рональд Келли "Сортир" 5/5
Стив Резник "Зеваха" 1/5
Клайв Баркер "Куколка" 5/5
Собрание рассказов Фредди Протеро, с предисловием Терлесса Магнуссена, кандидата филологических наук -/-
В целом осталась довольна, странные истории. Мрачные. Не все я поняла, те что получили 1 из 5 мне показались незаконченными и немного бессмысленными, хотя не могу отнять, все равно жутковатые :D Требую продолжения "Сортира" - "Сортир -2" xDDDD
Норман Патридж "Цвет крови" 3/5
Джек Кетчам "Вестерн с мертвецами" 1/5
Брайен Джеймс Фримен "Мгновенная вечность" 5/5
Бентли Литтл "В комнате" 1/5
Эд Горман "Одиночный полет" 4/5
Рональд Келли "Сортир" 5/5
Стив Резник "Зеваха" 1/5
Клайв Баркер "Куколка" 5/5
Собрание рассказов Фредди Протеро, с предисловием Терлесса Магнуссена, кандидата филологических наук -/-
В целом осталась довольна, странные истории. Мрачные. Не все я поняла, те что получили 1 из 5 мне показались незаконченными и немного бессмысленными, хотя не могу отнять, все равно жутковатые :D Требую продолжения "Сортира" - "Сортир -2" xDDDD
April 2, 2015
I've always been a horror fan and have heard tons of references to Cemetery Dance with the utmost reverence so I was very excited to read this. Maybe this should be 3 stars but I had trouble finding the will to finish it. I'm really glad I made it to Flying Solo though, that made the whole experience worth it, but it cannot carry the whole book. I can't really give any details of what bothered me about this anthology, there just seemed to be a real lack of passion and the whole thing isn't memorable.
January 12, 2014
TURN DOWN THE LIGHTS, is a short anthology that demonstrate Cemetery Dance's skills and know-how to gather famous names to their projects. By putting together short stories that are, in turns, psychological or horrific, the only disappointment regarding TURN DOWN THE LIGHTS is that one devours it too quickly.
We can only wish Cemetery Dance a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and ask them to do not stop treating us with such delightful projects for at least the next 25 years!
We can only wish Cemetery Dance a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and ask them to do not stop treating us with such delightful projects for at least the next 25 years!
January 6, 2014
Really nice collection honoring 25 years of 'Cemetery Dance'. I guess it proves I'm a Stephen King homer since his melancholy apocalypse story, "Summer Thunder", was my favorite. Ed Gorman's "Flying Solo", about two terminally-ill retirees helping others who can't help themselves ran a close second.
April 9, 2016
Hmm, I picked this up thinking it had some promise...I mean look at the authors included! I'm feeling slightly let down. There are some decent stories in here though and the others were just meh. Time to move on to better, scarier things!
October 24, 2022
Wow men of the 80s and 90s could not write women characters to save their damn lives. A few interesting stories, but the cringe I felt reading about “young women’s pink tipped breasts” and masturbating with old timey dildos outweighed any story.
January 21, 2014
Great mix of stories. Huge fan of cemetery dance's work over the years!
March 19, 2014
I bought this book for the previously unpublished Stephen King story. It turned out to be mediocre, but the rest of the stories were really good. Expensive book though.
June 17, 2017
Book of Short Stories from the first Cemetary Dance publication. There are some good ones, some meh and a couple of them were huh? (I just didn't get it). Enjoyable quick read.
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