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The Menu

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Here’s the Menu. Open up and pick your poison. Not that we serve poison here.The Menu offers an array of fourteen deliciously disturbing tales of dining horror from around the world. Are you ready to discover the dark secrets behind the menus and the people who serve them? these stories are not for the faint of heart or anyone with a weak stomach. From dread delivered to the door, fine dining disasters, and fright served with a side of fries, you’re about to embark on a genuinely twisted buffet that’ll satisfy and horrify. And sometimes, the ghastliest thing is not what is on the plate but who is sitting across from you.Satisfy your appetite for fright. Bon appétit!

268 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2024

3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

David B. Bond

9 books5 followers
David Bond has loved mystery and horror for as long as he can remember. A retired Floridian now living in Thailand, David spends his days pursuing his passion for writing. Crediting his co-workers for pushing him into writing his debut novel ‘The Cemetery 6: Tales of Terror,’ released in September of 2022. David puts pen to paper with his creative imagination, continuously straddling fear of the unknown and the excitement of the thrill. After writing the 2nd and 3rd installments in the series, David began focusing on new projects.
In his latest book, ‘The Coyote-A Young Detective Choo Murder Mystery’, David looks at the incredible work of police detectives from a different perspective.
When he’s not writing his next great book, David can be found with his beloved wife Annah, exploring the land of smiles, and immersing themselves in Thai culture and traditions.
David stays actively involved in his Thai community by volunteering at the local “International Committee of the Red Cross” office. He often speaks with teens at the local high school in Nan about the English Language and encourages them to follow their dreams.

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5 stars
17 (51%)
4 stars
10 (30%)
3 stars
4 (12%)
2 stars
2 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Laura .
123 reviews29 followers
February 27, 2024
David B. Bond's "The Menu" unfolds as a gripping anthology of culinary nightmares, intertwining the savory allure of food with the chilling essence of horror across various stories. From the opening tale, we are introduced to a world where delectable dishes carry sinister secrets, and seemingly ordinary meals lead to encounters with the macabre. my personal favorite is "The Health Nut." This tale mixes romance, suspense, and fury in a narrative that is both engaging and terrifying.
Bond's ability to weave such diverse elements into a cohesive and haunting collection showcases his inventive storytelling. "The Menu" becomes a banquet of fear, where food becomes the medium for tales of the macabre, making readers rethink the ordinary with a sense of dread. Bond's inventive storytelling and unique theme make "The Menu" a feast not for the stomach but for the soul, leaving readers pondering the true cost of their next meal.
Profile Image for Rainbow Goth.
384 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2024
This book has an intriguing premise that immediately caught my attention. The author has crafted a collection of short stories, each of which centered around the theme of food. I must admit, I have not come across many concepts like this before, and I found it to be quite clever and innovative.

I found that the author succeeded in keeping me engaged and entertained. However, I must confess that while some stories had me hooked from start to finish, others left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed. This is not entirely unexpected in a collection of short stories, where it is natural for some to stand out more than others.

I did notice that certain themes tended to overlap across multiple stories, leading to some repetition. Moreover, I found that while some stories had unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end, others were unfortunately a little too predictable, which was somewhat disappointing. Despite these minor criticisms, I still found the book to be an enjoyable read overall.


Many thanks to the author, publishers and Booksirens for the ARC of this book. My review is my own.
Profile Image for Hannah.
97 reviews
February 25, 2024
This book is a lot of fun, I think it’s perfect to anyone that’s new to the genre or anyone that just wants some quick, easy, and gorey fun! The book is an anthology based around a menu presented in the table of contents. Each story is based around a dish. The only other connection between the stories is the level of gore. A handful of the stories were set in scary situations or had grotesque monsters, but most of the stories rely on gore and disgusting imagery. The biggest takeaway for me was how much fun the author clearly had while writing the book, you could feel that energy in every story.

Thank you to the author, their publishing team, and BookSirens for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book!
Profile Image for Scott.
163 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2024
Collection of short horror stories related (in some way) to restaurants and food/drink items. Though some of the stories are well done, overall, the book showed a repetitiveness that overshadowed the whole thing. I understand that they all have a common theme, but even the start of the stories felt like filled in templates. Also, gore descriptors became overused.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Dobbs.
Author 9 books27 followers
April 8, 2024
I enjoyed the excellent concept a bit more than the stories, but I did mostly enjoy the stories and I think it's a good read :)
15 reviews
March 10, 2024
I liked the premise of this book being a horror fan and major foodie but I hoped for more food links to the stories. I also felt the stories could have been fleshed out a bit more for you to care about the characters. I did enjoy the dessert section, these were the best stories and it's nice to read something new and different but overall these stories could have been worked on longer. 
I would like to thank BookSirens for the free advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for E Cheong.
463 reviews18 followers
Read
March 10, 2024
DNF. No rating.
Give up after the first few stories ...
Profile Image for BookBelow.
92 reviews19 followers
February 27, 2024
David B. Bond’s “The Menu: Feast on Fear” serves up a delectable blend of horror and culinary intrigue in this sinister collection of fourteen short stories. Bond takes readers on a spine-chilling journey through various dining establishments worldwide, each known for its culinary delights, enticing drinks, and seemingly impeccable service. However, beneath the surface, there lurks an unsettling question – how well do we truly know the restaurants we frequent, the chefs who craft our meals, and the ingredients listed on the menu?

The author skillfully weaves tales that explore the darker side of dining experiences, raising questions about trust in the food industry. The collection delves into the mystery behind the scenes, prompting readers to consider the potential dangers lurking within their favorite eateries. Are the seemingly innocent delivery workers risking their safety to bring your meal, or could they pose a threat themselves?

Bond’s narrative shines through as he blends horror, bloodshed, and the supernatural into the fabric of each story. The unexpected twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, transforming familiar culinary settings into haunting landscapes of suspense and terror. The author’s ability to tap into universal fears surrounding food, delivery services, and the unknown elevates “The Menu” beyond typical horror fare.

One of the strengths of this collection lies in its diverse range of tales. From cozy local diners to high-end restaurants, Bond explores different facets of the culinary world, ensuring that each story brings a unique flavor to the overall experience. The author’s attention to detail in describing the ambiance, the people, and the gastronomic delights adds richness to the narratives, immersing readers in a world where the line between pleasure and peril is razor-thin.

The collection’s thematic exploration extends beyond the confines of traditional horror. Bond seamlessly incorporates elements of psychological suspense, making readers question their assumptions about the seemingly harmless characters and settings. This psychological depth enhances the overall impact of the stories, leaving a lingering sense of unease even after the final page is turned.

“The Menu” is a captivating and thought-provoking collection that invites readers to reevaluate their trust in the culinary world. Bond masterfully blends the everyday with the extraordinary, turning mundane experiences into nightmarish tales that resonate long after the stories conclude. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a horror aficionado, this collection offers a deliciously unsettling feast that will make you think twice before your next dining adventure.

This compelling exploration of the intersection between horror and gastronomy, serving up a buffet of chilling tales will leave readers hungry for more. Bond’s ability to infuse everyday scenarios with a sense of dread showcases his mastery of the genre, making this collection a must-read for those craving a unique blend of culinary intrigue and spine-tingling horror. Bon appétit, and brace yourself for a literary experience that will linger in your mind long after the final course.
Profile Image for Fellow Introvert.
21 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2024
Prepare yourself for a plateful of anthology stories that will send a chill down your spine. “The Menu” by David B. Bond serves up 14 of these short disturbing tales that will leave you questioning the safety of your next meal. From late night delivery bites gone wrong to sinister kitchen disasters, this collection delves deep into the darkest corners of the restaurant industry where the scariest thing might just be the person sitting across from you.

Positives:

• The ominous cover design sets the perfect tone for a horror experience, with bold imagery that is sure to grab your attention.

• The menu-style table of contents being a genius way to represent the book chapters. Looks like a real menu, and has different categories from entrees to desserts.

• The inclusion of a poem before the stories start. Gets you in the horror mood.

• The illustrations throughout the story bringing the horror such as the skulls, menus, blood, and food. Goes with the story very much.

• Each story having a descriptive food that goes with it, showing the author really thought about what food would represent the horror.

• The writing is very smooth, good storytelling.

• There are some quotes that relate to the chapter after some of the stories. Cool addition.

Neutrals:

• The decorative font with the bold capital and slashes in the font make it look more like a story about slashers or werewolves rather than the style of a food horror story.

• Some stories are predictable, but there were also some that I couldn’t have guessed at all. This makes sense with anthologies since every story is unlikely to be fully unpredictable.

Negatives:

• I know it’s a horror story, but some parts were gross in a not so horror way, but in a being taken advantage of way. Those parts seemed to just be tossed in, and didn’t feel needed. Didn’t happen often, but still a negative that should be pointed out.

How gory on a scale of 1 (meh, not even scary), to 5 (ugh, I can imagine the horror and gore, and I’m gonna throw up): Story can get a bit graphic with the gore, some aren’t as graphic, but some can be really graphic. It ranges. 1 - 5/5 depending on the story.

Should this be made into an anthology tv series? Some of them could be, but some would be too much to be seen on tv.

Which one is your favorite short story and why? The Emperor’s Noodles because it kept bringing the twist and turns.

Tip: Try not to get attached to any of the characters…

Overall Rating: 4.2/5 Knives!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Profile Image for Timea B.
75 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2024
As an avid enthusiast of horror literature, I recently had the pleasure of delving into `The Menu`, a collection of food-themed short stories that left me craving for more. With a penchant for the macabre and a taste for the unsettling, I found myself thoroughly immersed in the eerie atmospheres and gory details expertly crafted by the author.

🍔One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the unapologetic embrace of the grotesque. The inclusion of themes such as cannibalism and the use of decomposing human bodies as fertilizer added a chilling layer of horror that had me squirming in my seat with a resounding "hell yeah." It's not often that a horror book can elicit such visceral reactions, and for that, I commend the author.
🍜While some of the stories may have been somewhat predictable in their twists and turns, I found that the pacing of each narrative was impeccably executed. Despite anticipating certain outcomes, I remained thoroughly invested in the unfolding events, eagerly turning the pages to discover the gruesome fates that awaited the characters.
🥗What truly sets `The Menu` apart, however, is its innovative structure. The incorporation of a "Menu" format added an extra layer of immersion, making it feel as though I was perusing a sinister culinary selection rather than simply reading a book. This attention to detail and originality greatly enhanced my reading experience, and I applaud the author for their creativity.

To conclude, I am rating this book with 4.5 big and shiny stars🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗(oh well, or moons, seeing that I can`t find the half star emoji for the life of me). I eagerly await the author's next literary feast (feast, ha! See what I did there?)!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ronyell.
990 reviews340 followers
April 6, 2024
So, I had received another book by David B. Bond and it is called “The Menu” and I just had to immediately give this book a read, since I am a huge fan of horror anthology tales!

This book is a horror anthology that contains fourteen spooky stories about restaurants and foods in general from around the world and the horror that comes from consuming said foods.

After reading David B. Bond’s previous book “The Coyote,” I was looking forward to reading more from this author and when I received a copy of another book from the author, I was so excited to check out this book and man, I was not disappointed! This book is delightfully creepy and exciting to read through! I really loved the horror anthology format of this book since I love horror anthologies and it was fantastic reading through all of these stories that dealt with food and the horror that comes for the characters whenever they are eating these foods or whenever they go to the restaurants that served these foods and suffer a gruesome fate. This book actually reminds me a bit of the infamous children’s book series “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” which is also another horror anthology series that had some seriously creepy stories. Some of my favorite stories in this book are “The Health Nut,” “Evil Obsession,” “The Stranger” and “The Mystic Feast.”

Some readers should know that there are some gory scenes in this book that would be very uncomfortable for anyone who does not like reading books that have too much violence in them.

Overall, “The Menu” is a truly fantastic and creepy book for fans who love horror anthologies and who love reading horror stories that revolve around food. This book will definitely make you think twice about visiting restaurants again!
Profile Image for Daniela Vega.
395 reviews20 followers
March 28, 2024
We need to talk about this book! Because “The Menu” is a fascinating collection of short stories, full of chilling tales, one darker than the other, exploring topics such as terror, nightmares, supernatural stuff, trying to survive and above all how complex and macabre humans can be. The setting is very varied, from a tiny town like Merondack to the streets of Paris, always surrounded by that atmosphere of tension.

In one of the stories, we will meet Patrick, a delivery boy who, due to life's coincidences, ends up witnessing a horrifying crime scene, and struggles for survival against a monstrous creature. It truly sets the stage for the horrors yet to come, immersing us in a tale of terror and suspense.

One of my favorites was “Sweet Sisters Cafe," a dark and twisted tale of manipulation, control and madness set in the heart of Paris. What appears to be an ordinary cafe where nothing is as it seems.

I could talk about each of the short stories, but I don't want to give spoilers and I feel that this is one of those books that it is better to go into blindly and be surprised by the content, so you will enjoy it more. Trust me!

I have already read other books by the author in the past, and with this I can confirm that he masters the horror and suspense genre very well. In this collection, each story is diverse, original and with some endings that leave you in shock, you never know what horrors might await between the pages. I like the concept that they are related to food or restaurants. I highly recommend it, especially if you are a fan of the genre, this book is for you. It's one of those that you can't take away from reading it.
Profile Image for Kate Connell.
367 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2024
Not every story in this collection is created equal, some shock and surprise and others seem too predictable to scare or entertain, but overall the book is entertaining and considers supernatural and natural aspects of horror through the lens of food and the food service industry. I would recommend this to horror fanatics and foodies alike, but be forewarned that the next time you find yourself sitting down to eat, you may hesitate and inspect your plate even more than usual, you never know what's waiting for you…
Profile Image for Zimbellina.
256 reviews18 followers
February 23, 2024
The Menu is a short story collection of what can maybe called food horror. All of these stories related to food in some way. It was a solid collection with a range of interesting stories and it was quite entertaining. I enjoy food horror a lot so this was perfect for me. A couple of the stories were not as good as the others but they weren't bad, just 4 stars instead of 5.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ana S.
4 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2024
The Menu has 14 food horror stories in restaurants and settings around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the stories as The Emperor's Noodles, Bloody Burger Chef and The Stranger were my favorites. I liked that each of the stories are presented differently and several have some unexpected twists. (always like a good twist). I recommend this book to others. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me an advance copy to read.
44 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2024
What a wonderful read, such sinful little stories. I loved killer sauce, i picked the twist just before the twist was revealed. The writing is engaging, witty and just generally a great read. I lost myself in all the stories and could go back through again and again. I liked the variety of the stories and the way the chapters were laid out like an actual menu. Well done to the author

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cat Voleur.
Author 41 books48 followers
April 10, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely adored the presentation of this book. I loved the concept, and it was delivered in such a fun way that really got you ready for a gory good time with every story.

I didn't love all of the individual stories, but that's often the case with collections. I really enjoyed the ones suited to my tastes (sorry, I had to) but don't think I'll be reflecting too much on the others.
Profile Image for Natasha.
63 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2024
Each story offers a unique blend of suspense, humor, and spine-chilling twists, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a fun, yet unsettling read. With its inventive premise and memorable characters, this book delivers a truly satisfying literary feast for fans of horror fiction.
Profile Image for Joan Smith.
813 reviews21 followers
February 26, 2024
Food Glorious Food

Thank you to the Authors involved in creating this collection of stories. The stories' twist are not expected. The writing style is smooth. Several of the stories I was more interested in then others. I liked how the table of contents listed the creepy stories like you would see them on a menu starting with Appetizers. Take this culinary journey around the world in a twilight zone atmosphere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ronita.
202 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2024
Meh, nothing to write home about.
Profile Image for Becca’s Korner Shelf.
55 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I almost didn't make it through this one. Disgusting! I loved it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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