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Candy Dish
From the demented mind that brought you stories in 10 Drink Minimum, Matthew Lutton has filled the bowls with junk and loaded the dishes with razor blades and cough drops with 10 new gross, scary and f*cked up tales of terror.
103 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2023
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186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 27, 2024
The stories contained in CANDY DISH will latch onto your psyche and you will not be able to forget the happenings within the pages. Each story is filled with horror you can’t begin to imagine, but Lutton paints such a vivid picture there’s no need. The stories will eat at you, make you question everyone and everything around you. If you enjoyed his first work, 10 Drink Minimum, at all…. This one will blow your mind. Definitely recommend.
November 15, 2023
This is a really good collection of ten short horror stories by Matt Lutton, though the short page count and some lingering formatting problems do not really justify the unreasonably high price I paid for the e-book (am I allowed to talk about price in a review? I hope so!)
Putting this issue aside, let's focus on the stories themselves: the writing is wonderful, the premises are original, the pacing flawless, the endings edgy, chilling, and occasionally upsetting ("Mind Yours" is one of the most nerve-racking stories I've ever experienced! I need to know what's in that bag!) All stories are highly recommended, all of them crank up the creep factor to eleven, they're pleasantly weird (and sometimes they can be savagely funny as well!), plus there are some nice Easter Eggs lying around for anyone who's read Lutton's previous work.
Four tales stood out for me: the opening story, "Be careful out there" pulls no punches - if you've ever asked yourself how a psychopath might alleviate boredom, well, here's your answer; "Small Town," a story about Halloween (or rather, its suppression), presented as a series of interviews done by a YouTuber investigator, an impressive, wildly unpredictable short story; "It's just an S," I can't praise this story highly enough - it takes a popular superhuman icon seriously and turns it on its head - this one will really give you something to think about for some time, I think it's not just a story but rather a meditation on the abuse of power; and finally, "Mind Yours," the aforementioned disturbing story that requires nerves of steel - no gore, no violence, just a darkly funny and hugely entertaining setup of a story!
I'd say Matt Lutton deserves wide recognition for his very strong grasp of the weird and the uncanny, and I for one hope he has more stories like these up his sleeve. Looking forward to his next collection!
Putting this issue aside, let's focus on the stories themselves: the writing is wonderful, the premises are original, the pacing flawless, the endings edgy, chilling, and occasionally upsetting ("Mind Yours" is one of the most nerve-racking stories I've ever experienced! I need to know what's in that bag!) All stories are highly recommended, all of them crank up the creep factor to eleven, they're pleasantly weird (and sometimes they can be savagely funny as well!), plus there are some nice Easter Eggs lying around for anyone who's read Lutton's previous work.
Four tales stood out for me: the opening story, "Be careful out there" pulls no punches - if you've ever asked yourself how a psychopath might alleviate boredom, well, here's your answer; "Small Town," a story about Halloween (or rather, its suppression), presented as a series of interviews done by a YouTuber investigator, an impressive, wildly unpredictable short story; "It's just an S," I can't praise this story highly enough - it takes a popular superhuman icon seriously and turns it on its head - this one will really give you something to think about for some time, I think it's not just a story but rather a meditation on the abuse of power; and finally, "Mind Yours," the aforementioned disturbing story that requires nerves of steel - no gore, no violence, just a darkly funny and hugely entertaining setup of a story!
I'd say Matt Lutton deserves wide recognition for his very strong grasp of the weird and the uncanny, and I for one hope he has more stories like these up his sleeve. Looking forward to his next collection!
September 28, 2023
Pretty good collection of horror stories bringing forward different aspects of the macabre. Enjoyed all the stories in it, but found particularly scary and terrifying the ones titled Be careful out there (it gave me the very sour taste of an extremely twisted mind thinking himself as being God), Gemini's loveline (that one grossed me out kinda), It's just an S (it made me think of an evil Superman😁, and I really, really loved the idea and would love to see it extended in a more complex project) and Caduceus (because of the ending mostly, I loved the ending 😁😇, he got what he deserved). Thank you for the ARC and looking forward for more!
November 4, 2023
Excellent collection of twisted creepy short stories!
February 1, 2025
This is a really good collection of ten short horror stories by Matt Lutton, though the short page count and some lingering formatting problems do not really justify the unreasonably high price I paid for the e-book (am I allowed to talk about price in a review? I hope so!).
Putting this issue aside, let's focus on the stories themselves: the writing is wonderful, the premises are original, the pacing flawless, the endings edgy, chilling, and occasionally upsetting ("Mind Yours" is one of the most nerve-racking stories I've ever experienced! I need to know what's in that bag!) All stories are highly recommended, all of them crank up the creep factor to eleven, they're pleasantly weird (and sometimes they can be savagely funny as well!), plus there are some nice Easter Eggs lying around for anyone who's read Lutton's previous work.
Four tales stood out for me: the opening story, "Be careful out there" pulls no punches - if you've ever asked yourself how a psychopath might alleviate boredom, well, here's your answer; "Small Town," a story about Halloween (or rather, its suppression), presented as a series of interviews done by a YouTuber investigator, an impressive, wildly unpredictable short story; "It's just an S," I can't praise this story highly enough - it takes a popular superhuman icon seriously and turns it on its head - this one will really give you something to think about for some time, I think it's not just a story but rather a meditation on the abuse of power; and finally, "Mind Yours," the aforementioned disturbing story that requires nerves of steel - no gore, no violence, just a darkly funny and hugely entertaining setup of a story!
I'd say Matt Lutton deserves wide recognition for his very strong grasp of the weird and the uncanny, and I for one hope he has more stories like these up his sleeve. Looking forward to his next collection!
Putting this issue aside, let's focus on the stories themselves: the writing is wonderful, the premises are original, the pacing flawless, the endings edgy, chilling, and occasionally upsetting ("Mind Yours" is one of the most nerve-racking stories I've ever experienced! I need to know what's in that bag!) All stories are highly recommended, all of them crank up the creep factor to eleven, they're pleasantly weird (and sometimes they can be savagely funny as well!), plus there are some nice Easter Eggs lying around for anyone who's read Lutton's previous work.
Four tales stood out for me: the opening story, "Be careful out there" pulls no punches - if you've ever asked yourself how a psychopath might alleviate boredom, well, here's your answer; "Small Town," a story about Halloween (or rather, its suppression), presented as a series of interviews done by a YouTuber investigator, an impressive, wildly unpredictable short story; "It's just an S," I can't praise this story highly enough - it takes a popular superhuman icon seriously and turns it on its head - this one will really give you something to think about for some time, I think it's not just a story but rather a meditation on the abuse of power; and finally, "Mind Yours," the aforementioned disturbing story that requires nerves of steel - no gore, no violence, just a darkly funny and hugely entertaining setup of a story!
I'd say Matt Lutton deserves wide recognition for his very strong grasp of the weird and the uncanny, and I for one hope he has more stories like these up his sleeve. Looking forward to his next collection!
September 8, 2024
This was absolutely so fucked up.
I need more collections like this immediately.
I didn't realize at all that this was the same author from 10 Drink minimum, now I need more
Some favorites of mine were
You have been served.
It's just an S.
Small Town.
Those were insane, all of them were wild but those two had me on the edge.
Honestly they were all so good it's hard to pick a stand out but.
4/5 Stars
Candy Dish
I need more collections like this immediately.
I didn't realize at all that this was the same author from 10 Drink minimum, now I need more
Some favorites of mine were
You have been served.
It's just an S.
Small Town.
Those were insane, all of them were wild but those two had me on the edge.
Honestly they were all so good it's hard to pick a stand out but.
4/5 Stars
Candy Dish
February 2, 2025
This was a fantastic collection of short stories that really stick with you and every one was different to the next. I loved the Halloween story and the format it was told in, done through a youtube interview kinda vibe. I also was left wondering about what was in the bag in that one story. I was glad that I didn't find these as disturbing as I was expecting to, instead they were all solid reads and I had a great time reading them!
March 7, 2025
The stories contained in CANDY DISH will latch onto your psyche and you will not be able to forget the happenings within the pages. Each story is filled with horror you can’t begin to imagine, but Lutton paints such a vivid picture there’s no need. The stories will eat at you, make you question everyone and everything around you. If you enjoyed his first work, 10 Drink Minimum, at all…. This one will blow your mind. Definitely recommend.
February 14, 2025
Candy Dish is one of the best collections I’ve read. It’s as simple as that. Matt Lutton comes up with some of the wildest story ideas, they are original and delivered with perfect pace. I read this is a buddy-read group and Matt was gracious enough to join us and provide insight after we had read the stories; it’s always fun to learn what was in the author’s head or where the story came from. I’m really looking forward to reading Matt’s other works.
I highly recommend checking it out.
I highly recommend checking it out.
August 29, 2024
This anthology is undoubtedly my top pick for 2024!!! Candy Dish by Matthew Lutton features ten gripping stories, each one more gruesome than the last. Each tale is masterfully crafted with unexpected twists, shocking moments, and jaw-dropping plot reveals. The stories that stuck out the most to me were Gemini’s Loveline (a female take on the story of Edward Drake), We the Clay (retelling of the creation story), You Have Been Served (a women gets what was coming to her), It’s Just an S (a women is selected to be a mom to a little boy that may or may not be human), and Caduceus (a young girl falls in love with a married man), all of which were exceptional.
October 4, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this awesome collection of short stories. I loved every story in this book, but my favorites were
Be Careful out There
Small Town
You've been Served
Mind Yours
Don't Take Down Your Fence
You definitely need to check out this collection when it comes out on October 13th. You won't regret it 😉
Be Careful out There
Small Town
You've been Served
Mind Yours
Don't Take Down Your Fence
You definitely need to check out this collection when it comes out on October 13th. You won't regret it 😉
January 9, 2024
Every story here is amazing and each very different. Almost all of them left me wanting more, and each one kept you reading. It was a quick read as I couldn't put this down and highly recommend you take the journey down the many paths this book leads you on!
October 14, 2023
First of all
Why you gotta do this to me? I want more 😩
My favorite story was You Have Been Served.
Caduceus slapped pretty hard too though.
Why you gotta do this to me? I want more 😩
My favorite story was You Have Been Served.
Caduceus slapped pretty hard too though.
February 18, 2024
This is a great collection of short horror stories. My favorite was Small Town, I could totally see this as a full novel. Highly recommend!!!
April 9, 2025
Stop sending me Nudes Matt Lutton! This is the last review!
I like collections and the cover for this caught my eye on day one.
Matt's writing is great. Buy it! Before he sends you pics.
I like collections and the cover for this caught my eye on day one.
Matt's writing is great. Buy it! Before he sends you pics.
September 17, 2025
Gasp!
Did I just read a short story collection that I...loved?!
I'm usually hesitant to read short story collections. In general I find a couple in the collection I like and the others will just be "okay" or I won't like at all. However, there was not a single story in this collection that I didn't love. Each and every one was so uniquely different from the last which guarantees there's something here for everyone.
Be Careful Out There:
What if your OnStar associate decided they "just want to feel like god for a while" This story was literally a nightmare of mine come to life.
Can't Complain:
A depraved individual spends a day "helping" strangers. Each decision this guy made was worse than the last, at no point in this story was I comfortable and yet I couldn't look away. This is horror done right.
Small Town:
Mysterious masks lead to untold violence. This one left me with so many questions- I'd love to see this story expanded it could made a wildly fun novella. Really enjoyed the interview excerpts.
Gemini's Loveline
Gives a whole new meaning to be close to your sibling. This one gave me a mental image that I don't think even time will be able to erase.
You Have Been Served
Makes you really question how much trust you put into those people who prepare your food.
We the Clay
Humans are the real monsters.
It's Just an S
Not the point of this story, but the head exploding splooge made me literally laugh out loud.
Mind Yours
A story of a mysterious bag with even more mysterious contents. It's like they say, curiosity killed the cat... (no cats were harmed in this story) This one reminded me of this time my off-road club was rock crawling up the side of a mountain HOURS from civilization. We came upon an abandoned back pack on the trail... after a quick debate we all decided it was best left untouched and unopened.
After reading this story I'm more sure than ever we made the correct decision.
Don't Take Down Your Fence
Holy plot twist I didn't see coming batman! I genuinely gasped.
Caduceus
This was my favorite story in the collection. A not so unrealistic dystopian world with a person that gets what's coming to them.
I'm so impressed with this collection. This was my first time reading anything by Matthew Lutton and I cannot wait to get my hands on more.
Did I just read a short story collection that I...loved?!
I'm usually hesitant to read short story collections. In general I find a couple in the collection I like and the others will just be "okay" or I won't like at all. However, there was not a single story in this collection that I didn't love. Each and every one was so uniquely different from the last which guarantees there's something here for everyone.
Be Careful Out There:
What if your OnStar associate decided they "just want to feel like god for a while" This story was literally a nightmare of mine come to life.
Can't Complain:
A depraved individual spends a day "helping" strangers. Each decision this guy made was worse than the last, at no point in this story was I comfortable and yet I couldn't look away. This is horror done right.
Small Town:
Mysterious masks lead to untold violence. This one left me with so many questions- I'd love to see this story expanded it could made a wildly fun novella. Really enjoyed the interview excerpts.
Gemini's Loveline
Gives a whole new meaning to be close to your sibling. This one gave me a mental image that I don't think even time will be able to erase.
You Have Been Served
Makes you really question how much trust you put into those people who prepare your food.
We the Clay
Humans are the real monsters.
It's Just an S
Not the point of this story, but the head exploding splooge made me literally laugh out loud.
Mind Yours
A story of a mysterious bag with even more mysterious contents. It's like they say, curiosity killed the cat... (no cats were harmed in this story) This one reminded me of this time my off-road club was rock crawling up the side of a mountain HOURS from civilization. We came upon an abandoned back pack on the trail... after a quick debate we all decided it was best left untouched and unopened.
After reading this story I'm more sure than ever we made the correct decision.
Don't Take Down Your Fence
Holy plot twist I didn't see coming batman! I genuinely gasped.
Caduceus
This was my favorite story in the collection. A not so unrealistic dystopian world with a person that gets what's coming to them.
I'm so impressed with this collection. This was my first time reading anything by Matthew Lutton and I cannot wait to get my hands on more.
November 14, 2024
Candy Dish by Matt Lutton
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
(Average of the Collection)
This was SUCH a fun collection! I had a blast with the creepy and unsettling tales.
Onto 10 Drink Minimum I go!!
Be Careful Out There -
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
That took an unexpected turn!
Can’t Complain -
🌟🌟🌟.5
Even after all the funerals, animals, lies, and delicious coffee you really can’t complain….
Small Town -
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved the way this one was written! Such a greatly unsettling story!
Geminis Love -
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
WHAT THE ACTUAL UNEXPECTED FFFFF 😂
You Have Been Warned -
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one had me feeling EVERYTHING. Confused. Intrigued. Angry. Devastated.
We The Clay -
🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a concept! I really enjoyed this short story and the ending!
It’s Just an S -
🌟🌟🌟.5
Fun and unique concept. Makes you really think.
Mind Yours -
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
I absolutely loved the imagery in this one and would love a longer story of this one!
Don’t Take Down Your Fence -
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one I should have seen coming but still came out of left field. Amazing! Masterpiece!
Caduceus -
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
HELL YES!! This was quite the finale!
January 30, 2025
Wow. Candy Dish by Matt Lutton packs quite the punch and is now one of my favorite short story collections. The story topics vary widely, allowing the reader to have something brand new to chew on with each new story. Each one is thought-provoking, creepy, intense, and sometimes heartbreaking. There is not a bad story in the group and most of them were straight up joyful to read. I cringed, I cackled, I shuddered. My favorite stories of the bunch were “It’s Just an S”, “Be Careful Out There”, “Gemini’s Loveline”, “Don’t Take Down Your Fence”, and “Caduceus”. Those 5 are half of the collection, which is a testament to how great it is. I couldn’t narrow it down further.
I’m not a normal reader of things that are considered extreme or super dark, so for anyone on the fence about it I suggest taking the plunge. It has made Lutton’s work an instant-read for me and I can’t wait to catch up with 10 Drink Minimum and The Morningstar Confession.
🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬
I’m not a normal reader of things that are considered extreme or super dark, so for anyone on the fence about it I suggest taking the plunge. It has made Lutton’s work an instant-read for me and I can’t wait to catch up with 10 Drink Minimum and The Morningstar Confession.
🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬
February 5, 2025
It is extremely rare to read a collection of stories by an author and have every single one of them be winners. However, I can honestly say that there wasn't one story in this collection that was disappointing. Not only were they good stories, but they were also exceptionally original concepts. Matt's stories took my emotions on a journey, and he just kept shocking me with bizarre twists and reveals that I never saw coming. There's pain, terror, and gore, of course. But these tales are also imbued with wit, heart, and depth. Matt also has an ability to make you care about the characters quickly, which is so very important in short stories. After reading Candy Dish and The Morningstar Confession, I am positive that Matt Lutton is going to be one to watch in the Indie Horror community. He has definitely cemented his place on my personal auto-buy list! Highly recommend!
November 30, 2024
This is the second book I've read from Matt Lutton and this was even better than the first. More sick and extreme tales are in the offering in Candy Dish. By far, my favorite was You Have Been Served.
My favorite quote in the story was found in "It's Just an S".
"People don’t want to be free. They like being told what to do. They need a King or an Emperor or a God to tell them what to do. The sad fact, Christopher, is that God may have all the power, but he doesn’t walk the earth– for whatever reason; and because he doesn’t, he can’t be everywhere and can’t save everyone."
For some reason, this quote hit hard and there's truth to it.
Overall, a great collection of stories!
My favorite quote in the story was found in "It's Just an S".
"People don’t want to be free. They like being told what to do. They need a King or an Emperor or a God to tell them what to do. The sad fact, Christopher, is that God may have all the power, but he doesn’t walk the earth– for whatever reason; and because he doesn’t, he can’t be everywhere and can’t save everyone."
For some reason, this quote hit hard and there's truth to it.
Overall, a great collection of stories!
October 22, 2024
With Halloween around the corner you might consider taking a gander inside Matt Lutton’s Candy Dish. This collection of stories is raw, gritty and has a little bit of Matt’s sick humor mixed in. And like the best candy dishes, there is a wide variety of tales so don’t be afraid to stick your hand in and feel around but be prepared for it to come away a little gooey.
I took a quick note on each story to try to determine my favorite but my top pick kept changing after reading each one so I recommend just diving right in to try all the flavors today.
I took a quick note on each story to try to determine my favorite but my top pick kept changing after reading each one so I recommend just diving right in to try all the flavors today.
February 1, 2025
This is the best short story collection I’ve read in a long time. It might be one of the best I’ve ever read, if I’m honest. Every single story was refreshingly unique and many of them kept me on my toes until the last line.
There isn’t a bad story in this one. My favorites, however, are:
Don’t Take Down Your Fence
Can’t Complain
Gemini’s Loveline
Be Careful Out There
I read this one with a small group of friends and we all agreed it’s a top tier collection. If you haven’t picked this one up yet, grab a copy. If it’s on your TBR, bump it up. You won’t regret it.
Five ghosties: 👻👻👻👻👻
There isn’t a bad story in this one. My favorites, however, are:
Don’t Take Down Your Fence
Can’t Complain
Gemini’s Loveline
Be Careful Out There
I read this one with a small group of friends and we all agreed it’s a top tier collection. If you haven’t picked this one up yet, grab a copy. If it’s on your TBR, bump it up. You won’t regret it.
Five ghosties: 👻👻👻👻👻
December 17, 2023
3.5. Short story collections are always so hit or miss for me. Most of these stories left me wanting more while a few fell a little flat. It feels impossible to rate this book as a whole because of how differently i felt about each story. Overall the author does an amazing job of writing horror and making the reader feel uncomfortable and even disgusted. Definitely felt interested enough to read some more of this authors work.
December 8, 2024
This collection was my introduction to Matthew Lutton - color me impressed. I absolutely understand why it made it into the finals of the Books of Horror Short Smack. This is a well-rounded collection and I greatly enjoyed every story. 4.5 stars
Be Careful Out There ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Can't Complain ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small Town ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Gemini's Loveline ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
You Have Been Served ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We the Clay ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
It's Just an S ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Mind Yours ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Don't Take Down Your Fence ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Caduceus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Be Careful Out There ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Can't Complain ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small Town ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Gemini's Loveline ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
You Have Been Served ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We the Clay ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
It's Just an S ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Mind Yours ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Don't Take Down Your Fence ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Caduceus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 12, 2024
Great variety of short stories. Some are hit and miss which is always the case. Managed to finish this quite quickly (for me) as I am inly really able to read on my commute to and from work. I would highly recommend this book, it is written really well and being short stories they have a great pace to them. It is the first book I have read by the author and will be picking up more!
August 26, 2024
Candy Dish has been sitting in my Kindle for a bit, and I wish I would have read it sooner. All of the stories were quite enjoyable, but my favorites were: “Small Town” and “Caduceus”. I enjoyed the writing style and was able to fly through all ten stories. Now I need to pick up Matthew Lutton’s 10 Drink Minimum.
December 6, 2024
I don’t usually care for short story collections. It’s rare to find a collection that has consistently great stories all the way through.
If it weren’t for the Books of Horror short smack competition, I’d have never picked this up. I’m so glad I did. These stories were excellent. Horrific and unexpectedly clever. Will definitely read more from this author.
If it weren’t for the Books of Horror short smack competition, I’d have never picked this up. I’m so glad I did. These stories were excellent. Horrific and unexpectedly clever. Will definitely read more from this author.
October 3, 2025
I often find that short story collections are hit or miss for me. Some can be great, leaving you wanting more. While others, despite being short, can make you feel like you don't want to continue. That's how I felt with this collection of stories. Some were brilliant, while others just didn't hit the spot for me. However, it's left me wanting to try more from this author.
December 29, 2023
An anthology of stories
The first one is just messed up and I almost put the book down after it. I am glad to say I pushed through and I'm glad I did. The rest of the stories were definitely worth it
The first one is just messed up and I almost put the book down after it. I am glad to say I pushed through and I'm glad I did. The rest of the stories were definitely worth it
January 3, 2024
I'm not a fan of short story collections, but this is most definitely the exception. Every single story is full of detail and kept my attention. My favorite of them all, is Can't Complain.
If you like a good short story collection, I recommend adding this to your TBR.
If you like a good short story collection, I recommend adding this to your TBR.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews