Road Kill: Texas Horror by Texas Writers 9

by Bret McCormick, Mario E. Martinez, Aimee Trask

Road Texas Horror by Texas Writers, Vol. 9 is packed with harrowing depredations, grim manifestations and terrifying implications.

Suggesting this historic anthology is just a regional horror collection is like calling Frankenstein's monster a simple misstep in medical technology. Road Kill is no longer just an annual anthology of horror stories. It's a serial collection of some of the most serious voices in Lone Star literature. It's a chronicle of Texas terror, and Vol. 9 is eerie, edgy and feral. It will haunt you long after its first reading. It's as fine a selection of horror fiction as you'll find today. It's alive!

With stories of exceptional horror Mario E. Martinez, L.H. Phillips, Lucas Strough, Aimee Trask, Armando Sangre, W.R. Theiss, C.W. Stevenson, Jae Mazer, M.E. Splawn, Kathleen Kent, Andrew Kozma, Julie Aaron, Robert Stahl, William Jensen, Todd Elliott, Lewis B. Smith, Derek Austin Johnson, Juan Perez, Bev Vincent, Lawrence Buentello, Bret McCormick

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2024

Reviews

[Elford Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the strongest volume yet. There's definitely a more literary approach to these stories, and that only adds a darker, more tragic angle to the horrors in this volume. Highly recommend.

[pastiesandpages - Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this disturbing collection of psychological & menacing horrors.

21 stories. An (*) indicates my favourites.

Promises, Promises by Mario E. Martinez - Suicide pact surprise
To Cimmaron City and Points Beyond by L.H. Phillips - young girl's imaginary world could be real
Toadflax by Lucas Strough - mysterious box and armageddon (*)
Internal Rhyme by Aimee Trask - accidental murder, poetry and the Jabberwocky
Fine Leather by Armando Sangre - gonna shed my skin
The Pumpkin Man by W.R. Theiss - curse of immortality (*)
Feral by C.W. Stevenson - Hog attack
Garden Dirt and Hill Country Wine by Jae Mazer - Granny Bea knitting/insane mother?/baby dying?/visions of HORROR (*)
The Thing On Falling Star Hill by M.E. Splawn - Immortality and pain
Last of the Kilgore Boohags by Kathleen Kent - horror plumbing!
The Man Becomes The Door by Andrew Kozma - 'There is no door' - haunted apartment (*)
Valentine by Julie Aaron - female serial killer's hunt
The Moon, the Fields and the Mysteries of the Eternal Grove by Robert Stahl - cult at a LGBTQ themed camp (*)
Civilized Homes by William Jensen - inherited house horror
Gold of the Ancians by Todd Elliott - a mexican curse, don't let El Peon see you (*)
What Was It? by Lewis B Smith - Creature horror
Cuckoo Cocoon by Derek Austin Johnson - freaky child?/alien? - 'I can't find my mom' (*)
Noche De El Chupacabras by Juan Perez - short poetry piece
Hank and the Scorpion by Bev Vincent - Real or manifested scorpion? (*)
House of Hearts by Lawrence Buentello - mysterious house
Railroad Bill Rides The Bus by Bret McCormick - Papa Legba, voodoo vibes

A couple of stories didn't work for me but it would be mean to single them out and it's very much personal taste.
A strong collection of horror served up Texas style!

Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the review copy.

[Marianne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road Kill: Texas Horror by Texas Writers, Vol. 9 brings an unfiltered, spine-tingling slice of Texas horror straight to your hands, proving that the Lone Star State is more than cattle and cowboy hats—it's a breeding ground for some of the most potent, inventive horror writing around. This volume isn’t just another horror collection; it’s a testament to the dark artistry of Texas writers who blend eerie folklore with deeply unsettling themes, keeping the spirit of classic horror alive in the present day.

Each story resonates with a chilling familiarity, transforming everyday Texas landscapes into breeding grounds for the uncanny and the monstrous. The writers, a powerhouse lineup featuring Mario E. Martinez, L.H. Phillips, and others, don’t shy away from visceral terror and psychological unease. From W.R. Theiss’s haunting prose to the unnerving dread crafted by Jae Mazer, every entry explores horror’s ability to unsettle and surprise in ways you never saw coming.

As a cohesive anthology, Road Kill goes beyond the usual; it’s not simply about scares but also about the relentless hold Texas itself has on its writers. The rawness, the grit, the atmosphere—this collection draws you into its unsettling world, leaving a lasting imprint. It’s a visceral reminder that horror, at its best, doesn’t end when the book closes. This anthology may indeed have a heartbeat of its own, and as you turn each page, you’ll feel it thrum with the pulse of terror deeply embedded in Texas soil.

[Carola Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Road Kill: Texas Horror by Texas Writers 9" is a gritty, atmospheric ride through the darkest corners of Texas. This collection hits the mark with a fantastic variety of voices, each story digging into the heart of terror in ways that feel both fresh and unsettling. The writers capture a landscape that’s as much a character as any of the chilling protagonists, grounding the horror in a sense of place that feels so uniquely Texan. From desert highways to ghostly encounters in small towns, every story here is filled with suspense and rich details.

If you're a fan of horror that stays with you long after the pages close, this collection is well worth the read.

[Coffee Book Couch by Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is more than just horror; it’s a cultural exploration cloaked in shadows.

Each story brings a distinct voice and atmosphere, from the haunting landscapes of rural Texas to the psychological intricacies of terror. The anthology’s strong regional tone adds a layer of authenticity, making the horrors feel all too real.


A gripping read for those who appreciate horror as a literary craft.

[Kristy Kloster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road Kill 9 takes Texas horror to an unsettling level. The stories hit fast and hard, each with its own signature twist. It’s refreshing to see horror that dives into supernatural scares and psychological freak-outs alike, all anchored in that raw, atmospheric Texas setting. The book’s pace is relentless, so be prepared for a ride that leaves you looking over your shoulder.

[CHenry Roi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journeying through these tales felt like an off-the-beaten-path tour of Texas's darker corners. Each story unveils a hidden facet of the state, making it a thrilling expedition for the adventurous reader.

[Criminal Venture Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anthology subtly underscores the raw and untamed aspects of nature, reflecting the unpredictable forces we often overlook. It's a haunting reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and the environment.

[Roy Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story in this collection resonates like a haunting melody, with rhythms that ebb and flow, creating a symphony of suspense. The shorts harmonize beautifully, leaving lingering notes of intrigue.

[Tyler Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG dis book is sooo scary! I culdnt put it down. The storiez r super intense n creepy. Def a must-read!