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We Don't Talk Anymore and Other Dark Fictions
Mysterious, giant cigarettes on the side of the road. Screams in the night that rouse strangers from personal nightmares. Mysterious encounters and hard fought battles that awaken self doubt and threaten annihilation. Horror comes in many forms. Within these pages, you’ll explore cosmic horror, body horror, existential horror, ghouls, ghosts, and unrelenting beasts. Have fun, feel fear, and be thankful you don’t live in any of the worlds represented. At least, not yet.
“WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE AND OTHER DARK FICTIONS by JP Behrens is filled with tales and vignettes that are raw, charged, and gritty—all of which explores the political, religious, philosophical, and mystic through vivid storytelling, complex characters, and psychological turmoil.”
—Ai Jiang, Nebula finalist and author of LINGHUN and I AM AI
“Behrens masterfully crafts a thought provoking collection that transcends the limits of both time & genre, urging you to ask yourself what’s more frightening—demons and creatures, or the human race?”
- Jennifer Osborn, author of Intrusive Thoughts and Other Dark & Unusual Tales“Like a Twilight Zone episode from which you can’t turn away, there’s something not quite right in Behren’s universe, and that’s what makes his bizarrerie so delicious. Savor this one.”-Rebecca Rowland, White Trash & Recycled Nightmares
“WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE AND OTHER DARK FICTIONS by JP Behrens is filled with tales and vignettes that are raw, charged, and gritty—all of which explores the political, religious, philosophical, and mystic through vivid storytelling, complex characters, and psychological turmoil.”
—Ai Jiang, Nebula finalist and author of LINGHUN and I AM AI
“Behrens masterfully crafts a thought provoking collection that transcends the limits of both time & genre, urging you to ask yourself what’s more frightening—demons and creatures, or the human race?”
- Jennifer Osborn, author of Intrusive Thoughts and Other Dark & Unusual Tales“Like a Twilight Zone episode from which you can’t turn away, there’s something not quite right in Behren’s universe, and that’s what makes his bizarrerie so delicious. Savor this one.”-Rebecca Rowland, White Trash & Recycled Nightmares
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 9, 2024
From JP Behrens, the author of Portrait of a Nuclear Family, one of my all time favourite books, is a collection of old and new stories and flash fiction, that are really well written, with something for everyone, and each with a small introduction as to how that story came to be. This collection reads like the classic horror book anthologies of yesteryear, giving you a wonderfully nostalgic yet chilling feel good vibe.
With a good variety of sub-genres, these stories have lots of underlying meanings in them, thought provoking things to make you think about long after reading, to give the old brain matter a good workout, as well as making your little black heart palpitate with fear! 🖤
Standouts in this collection, for me, were, SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT, IN DEFIANCE OF BEING ALONE, and DIPLOPIA OF THE SOUL!! 🖤
As always, I will write a few words for each story….
The collection opens with THE WEB, a beautiful poem! Then moves on to..
COLOSSUS OF THE CROSSROADS…. Anthony, armed with just a few bottles of water and a copy of ‘On The Road’, sets off to travel and explore the country he plans on fighting for when he joins the military. He comes across a bizarre and slightly disturbing sculpture at the crossroads, one that sticks in his mind, unsettling not only him, but you, the reader…
Eerie and chilling.
THE FINAL STATEMENT…. James has had enough of being bullied and ignored, he can't escape it, at home or at school, so when he gets behind the podium to give his speech, he takes the opportunity to let everyone know just that! He has a message, and people are going to hear it, not when he's older…..right now! He's broken, pushed to his very limits….
Heartbreaking and powerful.
THE VOTE…. Samuel is waiting in line to vote. Nervous tension surrounds him, and for good reason. It doesn't always pay to stand up for what you believe in….
Tense, short, sharp, and shocking!
PROMISES…. Mathias is entering the woods on a mission to bring out the old witch and take her back to the village to stand trial. Magda seems happy to surrender, it all seems too easy, strange, especially once they reach the bridge and conflicting emotions and memories are brought to the surface, along with a shocking revelation, and a path that was chosen for him long ago….
CATALYST…. Van Helsing meets Friedrich Nietzsche. Helsing arrives at the University, famished but eager to deliver his speech. Afterwards the two partake in some tea and spot a man apparently sleepwalking. They follow after him, keen to see if their suspicions of something untoward are true…
A haunting tale of science, magic, and two men brought each to their own understandings.
SCIOPHOBIA…. A flash fiction piece about the fear of shadows that will certainly strike fear into you, just like a good jump scare!
SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT…. Father Loren awakens from a nightmare into the screams of reality, and in the room down the hall from him, Hell and more awaits! Despite his crisis of faith, can he help? Or has the priest, Marsh, already gotten it under control? Loren is ultimately faced with some shocking revelations!
Old Gods and new Gods collide in this insane, nightmarish tale of truths and dark enlightenment.
IN DEFIANCE OF BEING ALONE…. in a world overrun with killer mantis’, giant maggots and deadly silence, Tyler is on a terrifying journey to find Ally, a fellow survivor. On the way, he meets Daniel, his interaction with him should have raised more questions than it did, but he realises that all too late….
A terrifying look into the future.
PET,,,, we have all wondered what would happen if we found an egg, kept it warm, and let it hatch. Would whatever was inside hatch, and then on seeing us, think we were its mother? Whatever that creature? Ben's curiosity gets the better of him when the egg HE finds cracks open, and he gets the answer to that very question, a new best friend, and so much more….
IT COMES AT NIGHT…. a re-telling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, this story shows bravery and determination in the face of evil.
Mort is the runt of the litter, so he is left with menial duties and only dreams of defending the bridge one day. But, when the younglings are put at risk and he hears the screams of his brother, Mort doesn't hesitate to help. It doesn't go well and on returning to the barracks he discovers that all of his usual duties have been taken from him too. He has no other choice but to hide and wait. But he has his mind set and will defend his brother's honour, whatever it takes!
DIPLOPIA OF THE SOUL…. After electrocuting himself, Alex suddenly sees things very differently in people, their true horrific selves are exposed to him, and things will never be the same..
Like a nightmarish, bizarre, chilling, fever dream.
THINGS USED TO BE BETTER…. Julian and Edward are investigating an abandoned shopping mall, armed with just a camera, for their YouTube channel. They meet a guy called Wilson, who proceeds to bring the mall back to life with the memories of old times.
Atmospheric, fast paced and haunting.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE…. A small, near forgotten village is celebrating the arrival of its latest resident. But not for long!
Utterly chilling, in a way only small town horror can be!
WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE…. stuck together, with Death all around and closing in, makes smalltalk awkward and emotions run high..
Creepy.
ORIGIN STORY…. it's Halloween and Walter is dressed in his handmade Captain America costume, weighed down by cardboard and wool, and ripe for bullying. The air feels strange tonight, much stranger than Halloween's past! As the darkness creeps in, and the sights and sounds get more sinister, Walter realises there is really ‘nothing’ to worry about!
THE ROAD…. or the end thereof….
With a good variety of sub-genres, these stories have lots of underlying meanings in them, thought provoking things to make you think about long after reading, to give the old brain matter a good workout, as well as making your little black heart palpitate with fear! 🖤
Standouts in this collection, for me, were, SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT, IN DEFIANCE OF BEING ALONE, and DIPLOPIA OF THE SOUL!! 🖤
As always, I will write a few words for each story….
The collection opens with THE WEB, a beautiful poem! Then moves on to..
COLOSSUS OF THE CROSSROADS…. Anthony, armed with just a few bottles of water and a copy of ‘On The Road’, sets off to travel and explore the country he plans on fighting for when he joins the military. He comes across a bizarre and slightly disturbing sculpture at the crossroads, one that sticks in his mind, unsettling not only him, but you, the reader…
Eerie and chilling.
THE FINAL STATEMENT…. James has had enough of being bullied and ignored, he can't escape it, at home or at school, so when he gets behind the podium to give his speech, he takes the opportunity to let everyone know just that! He has a message, and people are going to hear it, not when he's older…..right now! He's broken, pushed to his very limits….
Heartbreaking and powerful.
THE VOTE…. Samuel is waiting in line to vote. Nervous tension surrounds him, and for good reason. It doesn't always pay to stand up for what you believe in….
Tense, short, sharp, and shocking!
PROMISES…. Mathias is entering the woods on a mission to bring out the old witch and take her back to the village to stand trial. Magda seems happy to surrender, it all seems too easy, strange, especially once they reach the bridge and conflicting emotions and memories are brought to the surface, along with a shocking revelation, and a path that was chosen for him long ago….
CATALYST…. Van Helsing meets Friedrich Nietzsche. Helsing arrives at the University, famished but eager to deliver his speech. Afterwards the two partake in some tea and spot a man apparently sleepwalking. They follow after him, keen to see if their suspicions of something untoward are true…
A haunting tale of science, magic, and two men brought each to their own understandings.
SCIOPHOBIA…. A flash fiction piece about the fear of shadows that will certainly strike fear into you, just like a good jump scare!
SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT…. Father Loren awakens from a nightmare into the screams of reality, and in the room down the hall from him, Hell and more awaits! Despite his crisis of faith, can he help? Or has the priest, Marsh, already gotten it under control? Loren is ultimately faced with some shocking revelations!
Old Gods and new Gods collide in this insane, nightmarish tale of truths and dark enlightenment.
IN DEFIANCE OF BEING ALONE…. in a world overrun with killer mantis’, giant maggots and deadly silence, Tyler is on a terrifying journey to find Ally, a fellow survivor. On the way, he meets Daniel, his interaction with him should have raised more questions than it did, but he realises that all too late….
A terrifying look into the future.
PET,,,, we have all wondered what would happen if we found an egg, kept it warm, and let it hatch. Would whatever was inside hatch, and then on seeing us, think we were its mother? Whatever that creature? Ben's curiosity gets the better of him when the egg HE finds cracks open, and he gets the answer to that very question, a new best friend, and so much more….
IT COMES AT NIGHT…. a re-telling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, this story shows bravery and determination in the face of evil.
Mort is the runt of the litter, so he is left with menial duties and only dreams of defending the bridge one day. But, when the younglings are put at risk and he hears the screams of his brother, Mort doesn't hesitate to help. It doesn't go well and on returning to the barracks he discovers that all of his usual duties have been taken from him too. He has no other choice but to hide and wait. But he has his mind set and will defend his brother's honour, whatever it takes!
DIPLOPIA OF THE SOUL…. After electrocuting himself, Alex suddenly sees things very differently in people, their true horrific selves are exposed to him, and things will never be the same..
Like a nightmarish, bizarre, chilling, fever dream.
THINGS USED TO BE BETTER…. Julian and Edward are investigating an abandoned shopping mall, armed with just a camera, for their YouTube channel. They meet a guy called Wilson, who proceeds to bring the mall back to life with the memories of old times.
Atmospheric, fast paced and haunting.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE…. A small, near forgotten village is celebrating the arrival of its latest resident. But not for long!
Utterly chilling, in a way only small town horror can be!
WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE…. stuck together, with Death all around and closing in, makes smalltalk awkward and emotions run high..
Creepy.
ORIGIN STORY…. it's Halloween and Walter is dressed in his handmade Captain America costume, weighed down by cardboard and wool, and ripe for bullying. The air feels strange tonight, much stranger than Halloween's past! As the darkness creeps in, and the sights and sounds get more sinister, Walter realises there is really ‘nothing’ to worry about!
THE ROAD…. or the end thereof….
March 4, 2024
We Don’t Talk Anymore and Other Dark Fictions by JP Behrens
Just like his exceptional best selling horror novel “Portrait of a Nuclear Family” this collection was chilling with graphic imagery in every story. I had a great time with these stories with a four star rating between the collection as a whole.
I loved that this author decided to start and end the collection with poems! I am not the biggest fan of poetry but these were both meaningful. I loved the last poem as it gave me chills. He’s an author with many gifts! My favorite stories in this collection were Promises, The Final Statement, and Screams in the night.
Just like his exceptional best selling horror novel “Portrait of a Nuclear Family” this collection was chilling with graphic imagery in every story. I had a great time with these stories with a four star rating between the collection as a whole.
I loved that this author decided to start and end the collection with poems! I am not the biggest fan of poetry but these were both meaningful. I loved the last poem as it gave me chills. He’s an author with many gifts! My favorite stories in this collection were Promises, The Final Statement, and Screams in the night.
September 5, 2025
This was a thoroughly well put together collection and I really enjoyed it. This was my first time reading a book by J.P. Behrens and as an introduction to his work I think this was great choice. I will say I really liked that the beginning and the end of the book were poems.
August 24, 2024
I am wholeheartedly convinced that JP Behrens is some kind of mind-bender because his latest work, WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE AND OTHER DARK FICTIONS, blew my mind and twisted my perception, my outlook, my view on the whole world. With this collection of dark tales, I find myself taking time to process each one after. They are thought-provoking and eerily convincing; they bend the mind. Once again, with the flick of his wrist and the tap of his fingers, Behrens has transferred a verbal MindTrip to pages and I couldn’t recommend any harder that you pick up this book, and PORTRAIT OF A NUCLEAR FAMILY, another work of his that made me question the deepest ‘truths’ on the planet. Is what’s wrong always wrong? Is it right in a different world, a different mind? I’m telling you, he is a literary wizard!
October 30, 2024
Some of these stories are great, while others there in the beginning almost made me stop reading the collection. Some stories come off a little 'preachy' like the author is trying to shove their political/world views down the reader's throat.(This could have just been the writing style of those stories) The other stories, however, were great and that is why I kept reading. The good thing about a short story collection, if you aren't liking one story skipping to the next, might bring you one worth reading.
There is a little explanation of what inspired each story prior to the story. That was an interesting touch.
There is a little explanation of what inspired each story prior to the story. That was an interesting touch.
February 6, 2024
Great cover, great title, but above all, great stories! Dark fiction without any pretense or gimmicks, just plain good storytelling by an author who has something to say. 'We Don’t Talk Anymore And Other Dark Fictions' is JP Behrens's debut short story collection, containing two poems and fifteen stories (each introduced by an Author's Note, reminiscent of the Twilight Zone episode intros.) They range from the deeply reflective to the very disturbing, touching mostly themes with a human angle and avoiding cheap scares and large-scale shenanigans. They're all horror, though some stories fulfill their intended purpose while raising serious social and political themes ("The Last Statement" on what's going on in schools and "The Vote," about what voting may mean in the future in a politically divided America), or via mashups (Nietzsche and Van Helsing starring in the "Catalyst"). There's an explicit Lovecraftian influence, though with a twist ("Screams in the Night"), a darkly humorous post-apocalyptic story ("In Defiance of Being Alone"), even a (rather sinister) ghost story ("Things Used to be Better"). My favorites were the opening story "Colossus of the Crossroads," a very atmospheric and chiiling small town story, "The Vote," "Things Used to be Better," "Diplopia of The Soul," a very creepy story about what one sees when the social masks are dropped, and the two brilliant shorts, "It Takes a Village" and "We Don't Talk Anymore." Highly recommended!
February 7, 2024
First of all, I love short story collections; they are probably my favorite thing to read, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this before its release. Many thanks to the author!
Let me tell you, this collection DELIVERS, and delivers big time!
There is a good assortment of stories in this collection so that you never feel like you are reading the same thing. All original and so, so good! While I genuinely enjoyed every story, my favorites are "Pet", "Screams In The Night" and "Sciophobia"!
"PET" recounts events when a kid finds a new "pet". Trust me, it isn't warm and cozy! In "Screams In The Night" Father Lorens battles a demon and his faith. ""Sciophobia" proves less is more. It is a one-pager but will chill your very soul.
I highly recommend this book, it has become a new favorite!
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Let me tell you, this collection DELIVERS, and delivers big time!
There is a good assortment of stories in this collection so that you never feel like you are reading the same thing. All original and so, so good! While I genuinely enjoyed every story, my favorites are "Pet", "Screams In The Night" and "Sciophobia"!
"PET" recounts events when a kid finds a new "pet". Trust me, it isn't warm and cozy! In "Screams In The Night" Father Lorens battles a demon and his faith. ""Sciophobia" proves less is more. It is a one-pager but will chill your very soul.
I highly recommend this book, it has become a new favorite!
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
February 7, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this collection of short stories! One of my favorite things about JP Behrens is his ability to end a story when he chooses to, rather than feeling like it has to be all tied up with a bow at the end for everyone to enjoy and understand. No. He has no problem with ending things in a way that makes you think about it and consider possibilities. Or sit and ponder your impending doom because a story ended in a way that makes you question your entire existence and who you are as a person. He just really writes fantastic horror. Side note: I may have gotten a little too stoned while reading a portion of this book, and I found those stories to be the best in the collection. Do with that what you will. Ha!
February 28, 2024
This was an amazing collection of several short stories, perfect for readers of dark fiction! 🖤 I love JP’s writing style and appreciated the Author’s Notes before each short story!! 🤓
My favorite stories were:
📖 Promises
📖 Screams in the Night
📖 Things Used to Be Better
📖 Origin Story
Thank you to JP Behrens for the opportunity to read this wonderful collection! 🖤
Highly recommend this short story collection!! 🙌
My favorite stories were:
📖 Promises
📖 Screams in the Night
📖 Things Used to Be Better
📖 Origin Story
Thank you to JP Behrens for the opportunity to read this wonderful collection! 🖤
Highly recommend this short story collection!! 🙌
March 1, 2024
I loved this!! Every story is entirely different and holds your attention til the very end! I think this is a brilliant anthology and anyone who is looking for a read that makes you feel a tad uneasy but also makes you really think should pick this one up on release day!
March 3, 2024
I love short story collections. I feel like it's an achievement to entice the reader with so few words, and this book delivers. Each story is different, and some left me with my mouth hanging open, and some left me wanting more! It's a great book that deserves a read!
March 22, 2025
While I wasn't entirely blown away by this collection, I will say that the entries are solid short-lived bursts of horror almost seemingly picked from a lottery of different horror subjects. I would give it a try if you enjoy multiple horror scenarios being rolled out quickly for readers to get a quick fix.
May 2, 2024
This book was like reading through unaired episodes of the Outer Limits or The Twilight Zone. Many stories having hidden meanings and some left me pondering about what if’s and if only’s. Others left me with tingles. I especially liked seeing the author, JP Behrens, describe his intention or idea about the stories. I read Behrens' first novel Portrait of a Nuclear Family and after reading his collections of short stories, I look forward to his next novel.
February 20, 2024
So I got the honor of reading Jp Behrens new book We Don't Talk Anymore And Other Dark Fictions...and let me just say that you all are in for a treat!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Step into multiple worlds where every story is guaranteed to either frighten you or leave you questioning reality. From a guy finding a gigantic cigarette while walking across the country, to a witch hunter questioning his life choices, to trolls trying to protect their young, these stories will stay with you for a long time. Whether it's a fight against a Lovecraftian horror, or friends wanting to relive their childhood in a shutup mall, each story will leave you entertained or spooked...or possibly both.
When this book comes out, I highly recommend buying it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Step into multiple worlds where every story is guaranteed to either frighten you or leave you questioning reality. From a guy finding a gigantic cigarette while walking across the country, to a witch hunter questioning his life choices, to trolls trying to protect their young, these stories will stay with you for a long time. Whether it's a fight against a Lovecraftian horror, or friends wanting to relive their childhood in a shutup mall, each story will leave you entertained or spooked...or possibly both.
When this book comes out, I highly recommend buying it.
May 21, 2024
This is a strong collection with some really chilling stories in it.
April 5, 2025
Amazing collection of short, spooky stories. My favorite, by far, is "Promises". Witchy woods, witchy people, mystery, murder, etc. I'd love to see that one become a full length novel (if it isn't yet).
February 3, 2024
Loved it! Fun short stories that made you think. Gave me some Twilight zone black mirror vibes. Really enjoyed it!
February 9, 2025
Really well written dark fiction
From the dark and hopeless to the dark and hopeful this collection takes the reader on a ride through a number of interesting scenarios. It's not too intense or visceral rather relying on subtlety and language for its depth.
From the dark and hopeless to the dark and hopeful this collection takes the reader on a ride through a number of interesting scenarios. It's not too intense or visceral rather relying on subtlety and language for its depth.
July 24, 2025
This collection of fictions made me think and feel so many things. Each tale was unique and touched on some different part of darkness in an incredible way. JP, thank you for recommending this to me when we met at Silver Scream. I wish I had gotten to this sooner.
September 21, 2024
Full review at Happy Goat Horror:
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/09/1...
There were a few stories that weren't my cup of tea in this collection but overall, I think it's pretty strong, and the stories that I did gravitate towards, I LOVED. There're some truly disturbing themes and stories here - my favourites are 'The Vote', and 'In Defiance of Being Alone'.
https://happygoathorror.com/2024/09/1...
There were a few stories that weren't my cup of tea in this collection but overall, I think it's pretty strong, and the stories that I did gravitate towards, I LOVED. There're some truly disturbing themes and stories here - my favourites are 'The Vote', and 'In Defiance of Being Alone'.
November 24, 2025
This is a fun collection. I couldn't decide on a 3 or 4. Really I think I wanted a 3.5 but went with 4.
My favorites in this collection tended towards the shortest ones. The author has to put a lot into a flash fiction tale with a modicum of words. One aspect of this book I really like was the author notes prior to each story. Getting a little origin background for the tale made them a little more interesting. That's what tips the scale from a 3 or 3.5 to 4. for me. It gives a glimpse of the author, his thought process, and influences. That makes the fiction merge with reality.
My favorites in this collection tended towards the shortest ones. The author has to put a lot into a flash fiction tale with a modicum of words. One aspect of this book I really like was the author notes prior to each story. Getting a little origin background for the tale made them a little more interesting. That's what tips the scale from a 3 or 3.5 to 4. for me. It gives a glimpse of the author, his thought process, and influences. That makes the fiction merge with reality.
February 3, 2024
What a great book of stories that will get you thinking. Each story is different and gets your attention. Some are creepy and some sad but the author has an a great writing style that will keep you engaged. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
September 29, 2024
This collection contains two publishable stories, embedded in about a half ton of crap. Behrens does weak plots, one-dimensional characters and mortally incompetent prose like a champ, spelling errors included. Got this for free, should ask for a refund anyway.
June 1, 2025
I feel the predatory chapters weren’t super necessary for most. But otherwise I enjoyed the short stories :)
March 1, 2024
A book of bite-size horrors. Some bites bigger than others but each leaves behind a little tingle. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be alone in the world? Can a monster make a good pet? Do you want to meet god?
I will be buying this in print as soon as it comes out as this cover is to beautiful to hide on a kindle.
I highly recommend this collection and wish all the best to JP who is fast becomming my absolute favourite author, please keep the stories coming.
We don’t talk anymore and other dark fictions is available for pre-order!
I will be buying this in print as soon as it comes out as this cover is to beautiful to hide on a kindle.
I highly recommend this collection and wish all the best to JP who is fast becomming my absolute favourite author, please keep the stories coming.
We don’t talk anymore and other dark fictions is available for pre-order!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews