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Dark Treats: 17 Short Stories
17 mind-twisty short stories about edgy characters dealing with their bugaboos. Forget the supernatural shivers and fantasy frights, these “everyday” horrors, whether psychological or sexual or religious or extraterrestrial, will rock your sense of what’s right with the world.
Want to meet:
• A stripper with a dream — or is she dreaming?
• A contortionist obsessed with a mystery online hookup?
• A philosophical Russian hitman looking to save his soul?
• A guy who can’t get far enough away from his kind of women?
• A diabolical old priest with a practical take on the Golden Rule?
• A public relations trainee who literally gets down and dirty with corporate greed?
• A pious Edwardian lady hell bent on fixing things with her wayward lover?
• A businesswoman who learns about compassion the hard way?
• An atheist TV clown and the kid who shows him God’s wrath?
• An extragalactic fertilization specialist who’s knows his Bible?
• An ethics student tempted by God to the breaking point?
• A smooth-talking colonel who makes war sound easy?
• A young married couple with an unspeakable secret?
• A boy with the worst father figure ever?
250 pages, with story title illustrations by the author.
Want to meet:
• A stripper with a dream — or is she dreaming?
• A contortionist obsessed with a mystery online hookup?
• A philosophical Russian hitman looking to save his soul?
• A guy who can’t get far enough away from his kind of women?
• A diabolical old priest with a practical take on the Golden Rule?
• A public relations trainee who literally gets down and dirty with corporate greed?
• A pious Edwardian lady hell bent on fixing things with her wayward lover?
• A businesswoman who learns about compassion the hard way?
• An atheist TV clown and the kid who shows him God’s wrath?
• An extragalactic fertilization specialist who’s knows his Bible?
• An ethics student tempted by God to the breaking point?
• A smooth-talking colonel who makes war sound easy?
• A young married couple with an unspeakable secret?
• A boy with the worst father figure ever?
250 pages, with story title illustrations by the author.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 20, 2024
This is a collection of unnerving, uncanny and in some cases outright weird tales, each a dark little vignette all its own.
Rather than being miniature novels in terms of structure, the stories here are very varied in their form, which kept things interesting, rather like the best of TV sketch shows. Some have a twisty plot, whereas others a more like a linear sequence of events building to a dark crescendo.
Some are quite experimental, using 2nd person perspective for instance, but running through all them was a laconic, confident writing style, convincing dialogue and mischievously dark humour.
Some stories work better than others which is fine for such a varied collection. The story Reciprocity about an interaction between a dodgy bishop and his underling was deeply unnerving and brilliantly controlled and will stay with me. Budbin Dream Girl was completely demented and enormous fun.
I was very impressed overall and would like to check out the author's other stuff.
Rather than being miniature novels in terms of structure, the stories here are very varied in their form, which kept things interesting, rather like the best of TV sketch shows. Some have a twisty plot, whereas others a more like a linear sequence of events building to a dark crescendo.
Some are quite experimental, using 2nd person perspective for instance, but running through all them was a laconic, confident writing style, convincing dialogue and mischievously dark humour.
Some stories work better than others which is fine for such a varied collection. The story Reciprocity about an interaction between a dodgy bishop and his underling was deeply unnerving and brilliantly controlled and will stay with me. Budbin Dream Girl was completely demented and enormous fun.
I was very impressed overall and would like to check out the author's other stuff.
November 15, 2024
"Dark Treats" by Gregory is a fun read. The plots are wildly varied, and the stories left me hungry for more. I was eager to turn the page and start a new story.
The writing is well done. The author’s perspective reveals a passionate individual on many issues. The stories serve as windows into various scenarios and don’t hold back. They are brief yet quickly become profound. The realism is raw, so there should be warnings for readers who need trigger alerts. The stories demonstrate that many scary people surround us without help from the supernatural.
The stories touch on themes such as religion, abuse, pharmaceuticals, sex, prejudices, science fiction, women’s rights, the environment, mental illness, abortion, infertility, psychopaths, narcissism, and aliens. The Titanic disaster was a surprise. I found most of them deliciously dark. The cover brilliantly represents what awaits inside the book.
I recommend this book if you enjoy dark stories with unexpected twists and endings that leave you thinking. My favorites were “Ten Million,” “Show Time,” and “The Pickup.” The author has a brilliant imagination and a gift for storytelling.
The writing is well done. The author’s perspective reveals a passionate individual on many issues. The stories serve as windows into various scenarios and don’t hold back. They are brief yet quickly become profound. The realism is raw, so there should be warnings for readers who need trigger alerts. The stories demonstrate that many scary people surround us without help from the supernatural.
The stories touch on themes such as religion, abuse, pharmaceuticals, sex, prejudices, science fiction, women’s rights, the environment, mental illness, abortion, infertility, psychopaths, narcissism, and aliens. The Titanic disaster was a surprise. I found most of them deliciously dark. The cover brilliantly represents what awaits inside the book.
I recommend this book if you enjoy dark stories with unexpected twists and endings that leave you thinking. My favorites were “Ten Million,” “Show Time,” and “The Pickup.” The author has a brilliant imagination and a gift for storytelling.
November 11, 2024
Ray Gregory’s ‘Dark Treats’ is certainly dark, a little bit depraved, definitely twisted, somewhat disturbing but also an entertaining read. This is an eclectic mix of 17 short stories, each one very different but all brilliantly illuminating the darker side of human nature. And Gregory is not shy in exploring taboo subjects. He doesn’t leave anything off the table, covering sex, power, religion, greed, obsession and control, which are recurring themes throughout. I especially enjoyed ‘Pet Peeve’, which explores control and obsessive behaviours within a relationship and ‘Dust Devil,’ a cynical tale about corporate greed. The interplay between morality and immorality is woven throughout, and Gregory’s various characters are credible and convincing. If you like your stories to be sugar-coated, then ‘Dark Treats’ is not for you. What you will find though is an eclectic bag of tales that have been well-researched and well written and for that the author should be commended.
January 31, 2025
If you love your fiction dark, twisted, and just a little unhinged, Dark Treats by Ray Gregory is a collection you won’t want to miss. These 17 short stories aren’t about supernatural scares or cheap thrills—they dig into the real horror of human nature. You know, the kind of stuff that makes you side-eye the stranger sitting next to you on the bus. Obsession, madness, corruption, faith, and the downright bizarre—it’s all here, wrapped up in stories that are as unsettling as they are addictive.
One of the best things about this collection is how wildly different the stories feel. Some are slow burns, creeping toward an inevitable, gut-punch ending. Others hit fast with a shocking twist. And then there are the truly weird ones that make you wonder what exactly Gregory was drinking when he wrote them. The characters are just as wild—a morally conflicted hitman, a bitter Edwardian writer who weaponizes words, a PR assistant getting swallowed by corporate greed, and an atheist clown trying to make sense of life while entertaining children. (Yeah, you read that right.)
Gregory’s writing is sharp, immersive, and often laced with dark humor. He plays with different storytelling styles—some stories are traditional, while others get experimental (including one in second-person perspective). The pacing varies, but even the slower ones keep that lingering something is really wrong here tension that makes it impossible to look away.
Like any anthology, some stories hit harder than others, but even the ones that don’t completely land are still interesting. Reciprocity is a standout—a story about a shady bishop that is just chef’s kiss levels of unsettling. On the other hand, Budbin Dream Girl is completely bonkers and ridiculously fun. Some stories get into grotesque territory, others are more psychological, and a few are so strange they almost defy explanation. But they all stick with you, in the best (and worst) way possible.
Bottom line: Dark Treats is weird, dark, and a whole lot of fun. If you like stories that make you uncomfortable in the best way, this one’s for you. Just maybe don’t read it right before bed.
One of the best things about this collection is how wildly different the stories feel. Some are slow burns, creeping toward an inevitable, gut-punch ending. Others hit fast with a shocking twist. And then there are the truly weird ones that make you wonder what exactly Gregory was drinking when he wrote them. The characters are just as wild—a morally conflicted hitman, a bitter Edwardian writer who weaponizes words, a PR assistant getting swallowed by corporate greed, and an atheist clown trying to make sense of life while entertaining children. (Yeah, you read that right.)
Gregory’s writing is sharp, immersive, and often laced with dark humor. He plays with different storytelling styles—some stories are traditional, while others get experimental (including one in second-person perspective). The pacing varies, but even the slower ones keep that lingering something is really wrong here tension that makes it impossible to look away.
Like any anthology, some stories hit harder than others, but even the ones that don’t completely land are still interesting. Reciprocity is a standout—a story about a shady bishop that is just chef’s kiss levels of unsettling. On the other hand, Budbin Dream Girl is completely bonkers and ridiculously fun. Some stories get into grotesque territory, others are more psychological, and a few are so strange they almost defy explanation. But they all stick with you, in the best (and worst) way possible.
Bottom line: Dark Treats is weird, dark, and a whole lot of fun. If you like stories that make you uncomfortable in the best way, this one’s for you. Just maybe don’t read it right before bed.
October 27, 2024
This book of short stories is a dive into the twisted depths of the disturbed human psyche. Each tale peels back the layers of the mind of one individual who is twisted further, either by self, circumstances or the manipulation of other warped characters, towards an act that would be considered insane except that we have ridden along and followed the completely logical route that got us all there.
The storylines start with the unlikely and sometimes fade into the realms of dream and the surreal. PTSD, perversion, futuristic virtual-reality games, a metaphysical contortionist, and the sinking of the Titanic all play their parts. Settings are creative and vividly imagined.
Mr. Gregory is an expert writer of dialogue especially in the dialects of rural America. He brings each character to life for us with speech, actions, and above all inner thoughts. All of them slither through the throes of some dark passion, whether it be religion, sex, or power, with little attempt to escape.
Especially fascinating is the finale, the story of an evangelical atheist television clown, who we never see (no spoiler here: he is murdered on the first page) and his twelve-year-old murderer (we don’t see him till the end).
Gregory has certainly done his research, which is not always a good thing, as he often makes his point and then keeps making it in a rather preachy way.
These stories are all variations on the same theme, and each follows its path with the same clinical tone, allowing for less emotional variety and building of suspense than the reader would prefer.
A fascinating exploration of the diseased mind of humanity, best enjoyed in small doses,
The storylines start with the unlikely and sometimes fade into the realms of dream and the surreal. PTSD, perversion, futuristic virtual-reality games, a metaphysical contortionist, and the sinking of the Titanic all play their parts. Settings are creative and vividly imagined.
Mr. Gregory is an expert writer of dialogue especially in the dialects of rural America. He brings each character to life for us with speech, actions, and above all inner thoughts. All of them slither through the throes of some dark passion, whether it be religion, sex, or power, with little attempt to escape.
Especially fascinating is the finale, the story of an evangelical atheist television clown, who we never see (no spoiler here: he is murdered on the first page) and his twelve-year-old murderer (we don’t see him till the end).
Gregory has certainly done his research, which is not always a good thing, as he often makes his point and then keeps making it in a rather preachy way.
These stories are all variations on the same theme, and each follows its path with the same clinical tone, allowing for less emotional variety and building of suspense than the reader would prefer.
A fascinating exploration of the diseased mind of humanity, best enjoyed in small doses,
November 17, 2024
This stunning collection of 17 short stories delivers an unforgettable reading experience, blending everyday horrors with dark psychological depth. Far removed from supernatural thrills or fantasy frights, the stories delve into the uncomfortable and unsettling aspects of human existence. Psychological tension, sexual intrigue, religious crises, and even extraterrestrial mischief. Each tale centers around an eccentric, often morally ambiguous character who faces their personal “bugaboos” in ways that will challenge the reader’s sense of what’s right and wrong. The characters are as strange as they are unforgettable. A stripper who may not be entirely real, a contortionist with a dark side, and a Russian hitman caught in a moral quandary. There's also an Edwardian lover with a venomous pen, a woman on the edge of madness due to divine temptation, and a disillusioned young public relations trainee struggling with a corrupt world. Other unforgettable figures include a wartime colonel offering hollow pep talks, a twisted old priest, and an atheist clown trying to make sense of life while working on a children's TV show. What sets this collection apart is its ability to explore uncomfortable, often taboo subjects in a way that’s both captivating and thought-provoking. These stories don’t offer easy resolutions or comfort. Instead, they force readers to reckon with complex emotions, hidden desires, and moral ambiguity. Fans of dark, edgy fiction that goes beyond the surface will find themselves drawn into this unsettling world, where nothing is quite as it seems, and everything is up for questioning. A truly mesmerizing read that leaves a lasting impact.
November 19, 2025
Ray Gregory created something intense with Dark Treats. This collection of seventeen short stories packs a punch. I read a lot of horror fiction. This book stands out because the writing is vivid. Gregory paints scenes that stay with you. The mood is grim. It reminds me of James Herbert. You get a mix of everything here. There are murderers and aliens. There are corrupt figures and strange neighbors. It feels like a journey into the shadows. I enjoyed the variety. Every story feels distinct. You never know what is coming next. The prose is precise. It is sharp. I found myself flying through the pages. The author has talent. He knows how to build tension. The atmosphere is heavy. It pulls you in. I like that in a horror book. It is not for people who want a happy ending. It is for people who want a thrill.
"Reciprocity" was my top pick. It deals with power and trust in a way that makes you think. "The Pickup" was another solid track. It involves aliens and parenting. That one was weird but fun. Some stories feature sudden endings. I wanted more from a few of them. The conclusions felt rushed at times. But the buildup is great. The characters are interesting. They are flawed people. That makes them real. I appreciate the risk Gregory takes with taboo subjects. He does not hold back. This book is a challenge. It tests your limits. I think that is a good thing. If you like gritty tales, this is for you. I would love to see a full novel from this author. He has the skill for it. Pick this up if you want something dark. It is a unique read. You will not regret the time spent on these pages.
"Reciprocity" was my top pick. It deals with power and trust in a way that makes you think. "The Pickup" was another solid track. It involves aliens and parenting. That one was weird but fun. Some stories feature sudden endings. I wanted more from a few of them. The conclusions felt rushed at times. But the buildup is great. The characters are interesting. They are flawed people. That makes them real. I appreciate the risk Gregory takes with taboo subjects. He does not hold back. This book is a challenge. It tests your limits. I think that is a good thing. If you like gritty tales, this is for you. I would love to see a full novel from this author. He has the skill for it. Pick this up if you want something dark. It is a unique read. You will not regret the time spent on these pages.
November 5, 2024
‘Dark Treats’ is a book of 17 short stories, all with something ‘dark’ about them. There’s lots of death and depravity, with murderers, prostitutes, dodgy bishops, aliens, villains, and so on. It’s nasty in places, and makes you shudder, but clearly this is the author’s intent, so bravo. And by-and-large, the book is well edited - save for the first story, ‘Ten Million’, which ends abruptly mid-flow (without punctuation), and so is either a poor story or an editing blunder (likely the latter: note to author – check it out). Otherwise, the content is variable: some stories are so-so (more miss than hit), though others are effective and really make you wince (but this is true of ALL short story collections). Perhaps the main writerly issue is that the denouements are sometimes rushed, where the story is set up nicely, then bang, everything is over in a paragraph or two. However, the writing is invariably precise, colourful, and, in places, very good indeed, with some skilfully compiled tales. For example, ‘Reciprocity’, about an exploitative bishop, is well researched and powerful.
This book probably needs a clutch of trigger warnings (sex, violence, swearing), and is not for the meek of heart. But for those who like a challenge, it’s a good buy, and I’d like to see the author try a novel (I get a bit of a James Herbert vibe). For the right constituency: recommended.
This book probably needs a clutch of trigger warnings (sex, violence, swearing), and is not for the meek of heart. But for those who like a challenge, it’s a good buy, and I’d like to see the author try a novel (I get a bit of a James Herbert vibe). For the right constituency: recommended.
January 9, 2025
Dark Treats: 17 Short Stories by Ray Gregory is an engaging anthology that delivers exactly what it promises—mind-bending tales that explore the darker corners of human existence. Having read another one of Gregory’s collections before, I had high expectations, and I’m happy to say this book didn’t disappoint. His knack for crafting unsettling yet realistic scenarios shines through in these stories, which delve into psychological, sexual, and even extraterrestrial horrors that feel uncomfortably close to home.
Each story is a quick but impactful read, with edgy characters grappling with their personal “bugaboos” in ways that are both haunting and thought-provoking. Gregory has an uncanny ability to take ordinary situations and twist them just enough to make your skin crawl. While some stories stood out more than others, the overall collection is strong and diverse, keeping me hooked from one tale to the next. The psychological depth and unpredictability of each piece reminded me why I enjoy Gregory’s work so much.
If you’re looking for short stories that will leave you questioning your assumptions about right and wrong—and maybe even double-checking the locks at night—Dark Treats is a must-read. Fans of everyday horrors and mind-twisty narratives will find plenty to savor in this collection.
Each story is a quick but impactful read, with edgy characters grappling with their personal “bugaboos” in ways that are both haunting and thought-provoking. Gregory has an uncanny ability to take ordinary situations and twist them just enough to make your skin crawl. While some stories stood out more than others, the overall collection is strong and diverse, keeping me hooked from one tale to the next. The psychological depth and unpredictability of each piece reminded me why I enjoy Gregory’s work so much.
If you’re looking for short stories that will leave you questioning your assumptions about right and wrong—and maybe even double-checking the locks at night—Dark Treats is a must-read. Fans of everyday horrors and mind-twisty narratives will find plenty to savor in this collection.
May 17, 2025
Ray Gregory’s always skilful and unsettling cover art sets the tone for another fine box of dark treats — just don’t expect one of those identification aids to point you to the sweet strawberry, the cloying caramel or the comfortable coconut. The chocolates in this collection are dark indeed, with unpredictable fillings, and more bitter than sweet.
Seventeen ‘mind-twisty stories about edgy characters dealing with their bugaboos’ according to the author’s description. The vignettes in the box cover topics as varied as an Edwardian love knot, a decidedly dodgy priest, a kids’ TV-show clown riffing on atheism and an extra-terrestrial overlord with an original scheme to take over the earth. And that’s only four …
As always with short stories, particularly Gregory’s which are always tight and clever, it’s difficult to make granular comments without spoilers. Suffice to say, his themes range wide, including religion, science, philosophy, corporate shenanigans, revenge, moral dilemmas, families, couples, deception, sex and more. Nothing is what it seems. And there is always an unexpected sting in the tail.
I’ve mentioned the artwork — always a delight — and would also note the delight of the rich invented extra-galactic language in Miracle Mom.
Not for the faint-hearted but well written, thought-provoking and peppered with appropriately dark humour.
Seventeen ‘mind-twisty stories about edgy characters dealing with their bugaboos’ according to the author’s description. The vignettes in the box cover topics as varied as an Edwardian love knot, a decidedly dodgy priest, a kids’ TV-show clown riffing on atheism and an extra-terrestrial overlord with an original scheme to take over the earth. And that’s only four …
As always with short stories, particularly Gregory’s which are always tight and clever, it’s difficult to make granular comments without spoilers. Suffice to say, his themes range wide, including religion, science, philosophy, corporate shenanigans, revenge, moral dilemmas, families, couples, deception, sex and more. Nothing is what it seems. And there is always an unexpected sting in the tail.
I’ve mentioned the artwork — always a delight — and would also note the delight of the rich invented extra-galactic language in Miracle Mom.
Not for the faint-hearted but well written, thought-provoking and peppered with appropriately dark humour.
June 23, 2025
A feast of delightfully warped tales!
"The Pickup" stole the show with its wildly creative sci-fi twist that flips the parenting manual upside down — it’s like parenting meets intergalactic bedlam! “Uncle Jimmy’s Windmill” vied for second place with a strong showing in a similar category.
Now, on to Candy’s story and the one with the bishop — let’s just say, the pace felt a bit like a chaotic tornado. Whether it was an intentional whirlwind or not, I found myself yearning for clearer guidance as a reader.
Take, for instance, that moment when Thomas is suddenly outside after being indoors with the bishop. That next paragraph kicks off with a dramatic “Thomas ran across the lawn as screams rang...” Initially, I thought this was fallout from the earlier action, but nope — plot twist!
A simple transition line like “Moments later” or “Just before dawn” would have saved me from my detective work and reminded me that something new was happening. So, there you go, one star deducted for the head-scratching moments.
That said, this collection overall is a dark and delicious buffet of thought-provoking, twisted tales that will leave readers pondering — and possibly debating — their favorite moments long after the last page. For those who enjoy a dash of mind-bending chaos, it’s a win!
"The Pickup" stole the show with its wildly creative sci-fi twist that flips the parenting manual upside down — it’s like parenting meets intergalactic bedlam! “Uncle Jimmy’s Windmill” vied for second place with a strong showing in a similar category.
Now, on to Candy’s story and the one with the bishop — let’s just say, the pace felt a bit like a chaotic tornado. Whether it was an intentional whirlwind or not, I found myself yearning for clearer guidance as a reader.
Take, for instance, that moment when Thomas is suddenly outside after being indoors with the bishop. That next paragraph kicks off with a dramatic “Thomas ran across the lawn as screams rang...” Initially, I thought this was fallout from the earlier action, but nope — plot twist!
A simple transition line like “Moments later” or “Just before dawn” would have saved me from my detective work and reminded me that something new was happening. So, there you go, one star deducted for the head-scratching moments.
That said, this collection overall is a dark and delicious buffet of thought-provoking, twisted tales that will leave readers pondering — and possibly debating — their favorite moments long after the last page. For those who enjoy a dash of mind-bending chaos, it’s a win!
January 14, 2025
What an intriguing cover! The title certainly promises dark treats, and that is exactly what you get. The author writes well with flowing prose and strong dialogue. The diverse characters are convincing and compelling, particularly in the longer stories. There are no depths of human depravity or naive innocence off limits.
I was even more intrigued by the author's imagination. In the extraordinary short story, 'Miracle Mom', aliens interfere with human ontogeny recapitulating human phylogeny and use a human host who believes in the religious fiction of immaculate conception and who is also antiabortion. The alien dialogue is comedic.
In 'Pet Peeve', the married couple, Ted and Jenn, are strongly portrayed in a love/hate abusive relationship. The title is clever and aptly used in this short story as it ultimately relates to their pet, Cherry, in a dramatic ending.
'Budbin Dream Girl' was the highlight short story for me although it actually morphed into two stories with the same main protagonists centered on an inhibited contortionist.
All in all, these are dark treats by a talented writer. Ideal for readers of short stories who enjoy macabre touches.
I was even more intrigued by the author's imagination. In the extraordinary short story, 'Miracle Mom', aliens interfere with human ontogeny recapitulating human phylogeny and use a human host who believes in the religious fiction of immaculate conception and who is also antiabortion. The alien dialogue is comedic.
In 'Pet Peeve', the married couple, Ted and Jenn, are strongly portrayed in a love/hate abusive relationship. The title is clever and aptly used in this short story as it ultimately relates to their pet, Cherry, in a dramatic ending.
'Budbin Dream Girl' was the highlight short story for me although it actually morphed into two stories with the same main protagonists centered on an inhibited contortionist.
All in all, these are dark treats by a talented writer. Ideal for readers of short stories who enjoy macabre touches.
July 16, 2025
I read this because I like real life stories which is what the blurb sold - as opposed to fantasy or supernatural. They are generally dark, so you should keep that in mind. For example, there is one about a priest justifying and convincing a boy into pedophelia, so if that stuff disburbs you, be warned. However, the story that stuck in my mind the most was quite bizarre that I still cannot wrap my head around - about a dude on the dunny who has some weird alien-like creature come out of his arse which then consumes a female neighbour who comes to his aid. It put some grotesque visuals in my mind and it hasn't been quite the same going to the toilet since.
But my favourite was about a middle aged man who has a fascination with his teenage female neighbour and an interesting conversation about acting. She asks him to play her father in a play she wrote and is acting in for her school. It reminded me a little of one of my favourite movies, American Beauty.
All in all, some of the stories were better than others, but if you are into the dark and disturbing, then this could be for you.
But my favourite was about a middle aged man who has a fascination with his teenage female neighbour and an interesting conversation about acting. She asks him to play her father in a play she wrote and is acting in for her school. It reminded me a little of one of my favourite movies, American Beauty.
All in all, some of the stories were better than others, but if you are into the dark and disturbing, then this could be for you.
November 17, 2024
Unsettling, thought provoking, whimsical, iconoclastic—it’s all this and more. Dark treats, the short story collection by Ray Gregory, has plenty to offer for the adventurous and open-minded reader. There is a full spectrum of characters and situations: philosophers, contortionists, strippers, clown killers, hobos, an old sexual pervert of a bishop. The characters are put in unusual and even uncomfortable situations. Accolades are given for the creativity of characters and storylines, as well as packing so much depth and articulation into a shorter story format. The dialogue, particularly of the foreigners, is excellent and convincing. Sometimes the story can take a jarring turn into something completely different and unexpected, leaving the reader agog. There are plenty of twists and winds on this road. Is it the wry humor of a Chuck Pahuliuk meets the creative horror of a Clive Barker? Close enough. It’s my kind of dark humor and intrigue. It’s hoped that the author will go on creating short stories like this or even come out with a novel along similar lines.
December 1, 2024
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The first two stories were a letdown, as they relied on the trope of "it was all a dream or illusion," which was disappointing and underminea the reader's investment in the plot. Additionally, the title gave the impression that the book would deliver consistent scares, but the initial stories were relatively tame. However, the third, fourth, and fifth stories were intensely graphic and unsettling—so much so that I decided to stop reading.
The abrupt shifts in tone and level of horror made the book feel inconsistent. It jumped from dreams to illusions, to a priest, a soldier, and even aliens, making it hard to follow. The narration style also varied, with one story switching to first person unexpectedly, which added to the lack of cohesion.
That said, the author, Ray Gregory, is a skilled writer. His descriptions are vivid and bring every scene to life, but the overall execution left much to be desired. If the storytelling had been more consistent, this could have been an exceptional read. 3.5 stars.
The abrupt shifts in tone and level of horror made the book feel inconsistent. It jumped from dreams to illusions, to a priest, a soldier, and even aliens, making it hard to follow. The narration style also varied, with one story switching to first person unexpectedly, which added to the lack of cohesion.
That said, the author, Ray Gregory, is a skilled writer. His descriptions are vivid and bring every scene to life, but the overall execution left much to be desired. If the storytelling had been more consistent, this could have been an exceptional read. 3.5 stars.
November 2, 2024
Disturbingly Brilliant! Dark Treats by Ray Gregory delves into the dark obsessions of human nature. Gregory vividly portrays characters consumed by power, sex, and religion, immersing readers in creative and surreal settings in these 17 twisted tales.
With storylines that flow in and out of nightmarish realities, each tale—titles like Show Time, Colonel Pusi and Miss Perfect, Final Exam, and Miracle Mom—reveals unsettling truths within the human psyche.
From exploring PTSD and perversion to futuristic virtual-reality games and the cryptic tale of Uncle Jimmy’s Windmill, Gregory’s work offers an unflinching look into humanity's dark soul.
The writing is superb, bringing tortured characters to life with intensity and detail. While this in-depth examination of darker behaviors isn’t my usual preference, Dark Treats is fascinating and disturbingly brilliant—best enjoyed in small doses for those drawn to the shadowed layers of the mind.
With storylines that flow in and out of nightmarish realities, each tale—titles like Show Time, Colonel Pusi and Miss Perfect, Final Exam, and Miracle Mom—reveals unsettling truths within the human psyche.
From exploring PTSD and perversion to futuristic virtual-reality games and the cryptic tale of Uncle Jimmy’s Windmill, Gregory’s work offers an unflinching look into humanity's dark soul.
The writing is superb, bringing tortured characters to life with intensity and detail. While this in-depth examination of darker behaviors isn’t my usual preference, Dark Treats is fascinating and disturbingly brilliant—best enjoyed in small doses for those drawn to the shadowed layers of the mind.
November 28, 2024
Ray Gregory displays some serious talent in this collection of short stories called DARK TREATS. The genres range from gritty to satire to religious and it's in the latter that I found Gregory's strengths on full display. This author has some detailed thoughts about the nature, danger and hypocrisy of organized religion which he outlines in great detail in his stories. Though sometimes a bit preachy, these dark tales are nonetheless gripping.
For fans of Tales From The Crypt and even True Blood (his skewering of Southern preachers in the final tale is worth the price of admission), DARK TREATS will definitely make you think. I found the stories with the priests, military, and corporate shills (the Dust Devils story is particularly effective) to be the best. That's about 2/3 of the collection. The other 1/3 were too bizarre and obtuse to even get through - the alien saviour story in particular. So there are some definite highs and lows for me.
Worth your time!
For fans of Tales From The Crypt and even True Blood (his skewering of Southern preachers in the final tale is worth the price of admission), DARK TREATS will definitely make you think. I found the stories with the priests, military, and corporate shills (the Dust Devils story is particularly effective) to be the best. That's about 2/3 of the collection. The other 1/3 were too bizarre and obtuse to even get through - the alien saviour story in particular. So there are some definite highs and lows for me.
Worth your time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
Dark Treats by Ray Gregory is a rather unconventional anthology. It contains 17 dark and chilling short stories that bring to surface humans’ more sinister side and impulses. The stories, each with their own unique plot and twists, take a deep dive into a whole range of difficult and often taboo subjects, such as oppression, obsession, mental illness, or the human faith. Gregory’s writing is elaborate; it conveys a feeling of immediacy, is vivid and precise, and brings foth characters that are as morally ambiguous as they are unforgettable. The collection, admittedly, is often unsettling. Some stories are of an almost grotesque (but equally captivating) nature such as I have not experienced before. The pace varies but is generally fast, and the quality (or thought put into) of the stories seems a little bit shifting. Overall, however, the collection is an amazing pick for anyone who doesn’t shy away immersing themselves into taboos and dark plots. Highly recommend!
January 15, 2025
Dark Treats: 17 Short Stories is a compelling collection that delivers a variety of bite-sized tales, each packed with suspense, intrigue, and moments that linger in your mind long after reading. The author’s ability to craft vivid settings and create memorable characters within the confines of short stories is impressive. Each piece feels like its own world, offering unique twists and thought-provoking themes.
While the brevity of some stories left me wishing for more resolution, this also adds to the charm and mystery of the collection, inviting readers to ponder and imagine. The stories range from chilling and darkly humorous to poignant and reflective, providing something for every mood.
This is a perfect pick for readers who love short fiction and enjoy a mix of genres with a darker edge. Whether devoured in one sitting or savored slowly, Dark Treats is a collection worth exploring. A solid four stars! Better quality pictures would have also helped bump me up to 5 stars!
While the brevity of some stories left me wishing for more resolution, this also adds to the charm and mystery of the collection, inviting readers to ponder and imagine. The stories range from chilling and darkly humorous to poignant and reflective, providing something for every mood.
This is a perfect pick for readers who love short fiction and enjoy a mix of genres with a darker edge. Whether devoured in one sitting or savored slowly, Dark Treats is a collection worth exploring. A solid four stars! Better quality pictures would have also helped bump me up to 5 stars!
August 26, 2025
Dark Treats enters the minds of seriously disturbed individuals.
The story set-ups in terms of place and character are accomplished. The author shows daring taking on the topics like lecherous priests, online sex, and sadism. As is often the case with short stories the resolutions can feel abrupt. But as the cover so well illustrates, this is a sampler of the style and range of Ray Gregory.
In some tales a moral transgressor gets their componence through supernatural interventions, in others religious doubts are mixed in with alien meddling on Earth. In the battle of the sexes, women seem to be winning the war, and several stories feature castration. You might not feel the same way about a routine prostate check ever again. Gregory's disturbed characters have a one-way ticket to self-destruction and it's fun to be along for the ride. Dark Treats has a good mix of morality, satire, and gratuitous entertainment.
The story set-ups in terms of place and character are accomplished. The author shows daring taking on the topics like lecherous priests, online sex, and sadism. As is often the case with short stories the resolutions can feel abrupt. But as the cover so well illustrates, this is a sampler of the style and range of Ray Gregory.
In some tales a moral transgressor gets their componence through supernatural interventions, in others religious doubts are mixed in with alien meddling on Earth. In the battle of the sexes, women seem to be winning the war, and several stories feature castration. You might not feel the same way about a routine prostate check ever again. Gregory's disturbed characters have a one-way ticket to self-destruction and it's fun to be along for the ride. Dark Treats has a good mix of morality, satire, and gratuitous entertainment.
September 5, 2025
I think this was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but overall I felt it was entertaining, and there weren't any stories that I outright disliked. Pet Peeve was particularly dark with its depictions of domestic abuse, but the darkness kept me reading. Likewise, Reciprocity was a short, dark read, but I was glass to see the twisted bishop get his comeuppance at the end. Final Exam was one of my favourites, a humourous read about Mr Jones and his 'glorified plumbing' examination that gave me a few laughs. I liked that the stories focused on the relationships, giving more realism to the plot and characters, particularly when the themes became depraved or absurd, as a few did. I guess I found a few stories a bit contrived towards the end, in the sense that they wrapped up a bit too neatly, often to deliver a punchline to the story, I felt, and I think that this maybe sacrificed some of the darkness for me. But overall, I can't complain. It was a solid enough collection.
November 11, 2024
“Dark Treats,” by Ray Gregory is an unusual anthology of 17 stories, some of which are very disturbing. (This book has many possible triggers, so if you are susceptible to them, it is best to avoid this one.) The author describes the stories as “mind twisty short stories about edgy characters dealing with their bugaboos.” He adds that they will “rock your sense of what’s right with the world.”
Some of the tales incorporate dreams and others are a bit ambiguous. Many of the tales are chilling with twists and turns. Each story begins with an image created by the author. As with all short story collections, some of the tales are stronger and more memorable than others. A couple of tales that I found memorable were “The Answer,” which provides a possible reason for the tragic sinking of the Titanic; and “Who Killed Tippy,” which is longer than most of the other stories and concerns the murder of an evangelical atheist television clown. I found the writing to be fresh and competent, and the tales demonstrate the author’s vivid, bizarre, and diverse imagination. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy very quirky, unconventional, and yes, dark, stories.
Some of the tales incorporate dreams and others are a bit ambiguous. Many of the tales are chilling with twists and turns. Each story begins with an image created by the author. As with all short story collections, some of the tales are stronger and more memorable than others. A couple of tales that I found memorable were “The Answer,” which provides a possible reason for the tragic sinking of the Titanic; and “Who Killed Tippy,” which is longer than most of the other stories and concerns the murder of an evangelical atheist television clown. I found the writing to be fresh and competent, and the tales demonstrate the author’s vivid, bizarre, and diverse imagination. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy very quirky, unconventional, and yes, dark, stories.
November 19, 2024
Dark Treats by Ray Gregory is an anthology of 17 short stories, all with some kind of dark or depraved theme. I think short story writing requires a specific skill set to draw the reader in and keep things compelling in a tightly focused manner, and I feel that the author didn’t always achieve this in every single story in this collection. Some of the stories are compelling and twisty and “fun” in the dark sense of the word, and I did enjoy reading those ones; however, for me, the majority are less memorable and I wasn’t drawn in or invested in the outcome. There is shock value in all of them, due to the subject matter the author writes about, but for the most part it wasn’t enough to keep me invested in the characters. Trigger warnings would need to be added too, as these are x-rated stories for the most part.
February 17, 2025
With a murder investigation that keeps you interested and tech-heavy believability, Outopia is an engrossing and provocative look at virtual life. Rein delivers with a world where individuals live in a simulated reality while their bodies remain in stasis, which is why I picked this up. I enjoy a good sci-fi concept that pushes towards ethical concerns. However, the plot changes into a criminal enquiry headed by a tough but seriously flawed FBI agent as those bodies begin to come up dead. The book does a fantastic job of examining how society reacts to this technology and if it is a positive development or something darker. The protagonist, however, is the true star—imagine Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs, only older, more broken, and fervently desiring something more than just solving the case.
June 15, 2025
“Dark Treats” is one of those collections you pick up thinking you’ll read a few stories here and there, but before you know it, you’ve gone through most of them in one sitting. The stories are short enough to squeeze into spare moments, but they’re packed with atmosphere and unsettling little twists. There’s a playfulness to the way Ray Gregory writes — some stories feel like modern-day campfire tales with a dark sense of humor, while others leave a quiet unease that lingers.
Not every story hit the same level for me, but that’s part of the charm with anthologies like this. There’s a wide variety in tone, topic, and pacing — so whether you’re into psychological tension, supernatural oddities, or just stories that feel a bit “off,” there’s something to enjoy. A great pick if you’re in the mood for something quick, creepy, and clever.
Not every story hit the same level for me, but that’s part of the charm with anthologies like this. There’s a wide variety in tone, topic, and pacing — so whether you’re into psychological tension, supernatural oddities, or just stories that feel a bit “off,” there’s something to enjoy. A great pick if you’re in the mood for something quick, creepy, and clever.
June 28, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Ray Gregory and it was good. His stories are really different from anything else I’ve read. Some were confusing, but most were creepy, interesting, or just really strange in a fun way.
My three favorite stories were “Reciprocity”, “The Pickup”, and “Budbin Dream Girl.” I liked “Reciprocity” because it was about a priest doing bad stuff and it really made me think about power and trust. “The Pickup” was so weird but cool—it had aliens and parenting and was kind of funny too. “Budbin Dream Girl” was about a contortionist and had two stories in one. The characters were interesting and kind of messed up in a way that made me want to keep reading.
I wouldn’t say every story was amazing, but there were more hits than misses for me. If you like creepy stories with weird people and strange ideas, then this book will probably be fun for you too.
My three favorite stories were “Reciprocity”, “The Pickup”, and “Budbin Dream Girl.” I liked “Reciprocity” because it was about a priest doing bad stuff and it really made me think about power and trust. “The Pickup” was so weird but cool—it had aliens and parenting and was kind of funny too. “Budbin Dream Girl” was about a contortionist and had two stories in one. The characters were interesting and kind of messed up in a way that made me want to keep reading.
I wouldn’t say every story was amazing, but there were more hits than misses for me. If you like creepy stories with weird people and strange ideas, then this book will probably be fun for you too.
July 19, 2025
This is a great set of interesting and creative short stories that all have dark, disturbing undertones. These stories cover a wide range of themes: some, such as ‘Uncle Jimmy’s Windmill’ deal with more traditional horror themes of creepy objects that seem to have a will of their own, while others like ‘Ethics Class’ are on the dark side of philosophy and ask ‘what if’ questions. There are even stories for readers who like their dark tales to come with a mix of sinister science fiction, such as ‘Miracle Mom’ which has a space-age biblical twist! There’s real imagination woven into these stories which are short enough to be enjoyed in little bites as the title and cover suggest. A great read for anyone looking to be entertained in short bursts by stories that will linger and leave them thinking about the sinister themes long after they’ve put the book down.
December 8, 2024
For people who might like ambiguous and provocative stories.
These stories are anything but straight-forward or realistic. It seems the author tries to elevate the narrative to some higher artistic level, but the result is too frustratingly opaque for me, and often left me wonder "what's the point of that story?" Other stories are the exact opposite, with moralising that comes across as too overt and predictable.
The frequent and heavy sexual undertone can feel excessive and a bit self-indulgent, especially with the chapters in female POV.
These stories are anything but straight-forward or realistic. It seems the author tries to elevate the narrative to some higher artistic level, but the result is too frustratingly opaque for me, and often left me wonder "what's the point of that story?" Other stories are the exact opposite, with moralising that comes across as too overt and predictable.
The frequent and heavy sexual undertone can feel excessive and a bit self-indulgent, especially with the chapters in female POV.
January 21, 2026
Reviewing short story collections is similar to reviewing books of short form poetry. So many different bits, often not connected, so how do you do them all justice?
Simple. You don’t. Justice is overrated.
Let’s start with what I did not like: “Miracle Mom.” This story is the literary equivalent of suffering an epileptic seizure. A good thirty percent of the nouns and verbs are entirely made up words meant to describe aliens. Nope. Couldn’t even read it. I can handle the odd made up word, but here there are so many this old brain started stuttering on them like a speech synthesizer after you pour a glass of water on its circuits.
The rest of the book is short to (barely) medium length stories, running the gamut from historical to science fiction, with a wide spread in between: public relations for a big company, haunted windmills (by aliens?), ethics class embodied, gangster philosophy, atheist clowns.
Mostly okay stuff. And other than the one that shall not be mentioned, all worth-while reads.
But here’s the thing. Once upon a time, while reading an indie author, you’ll come across a real gem of a piece. Something that resonates, touches you deeply, a piece of true literature in modernity’s prosaic ocean of words. And that is “Preggers”.
Not going to give anything away. But if you can read this story and not have a tear in your eye at the end, when you realize what is going on... well, you’re not me. The closest piece I can compare this excellent story to is Stephen King’s masterpiece, “The Last Rung on the Ladder” – another one that left me speechless.
Get Gregory’s Dark Treats for this story alone. “Preggers” is more than worth the price of admission.
I cannot recommend more highly.
Simple. You don’t. Justice is overrated.
Let’s start with what I did not like: “Miracle Mom.” This story is the literary equivalent of suffering an epileptic seizure. A good thirty percent of the nouns and verbs are entirely made up words meant to describe aliens. Nope. Couldn’t even read it. I can handle the odd made up word, but here there are so many this old brain started stuttering on them like a speech synthesizer after you pour a glass of water on its circuits.
The rest of the book is short to (barely) medium length stories, running the gamut from historical to science fiction, with a wide spread in between: public relations for a big company, haunted windmills (by aliens?), ethics class embodied, gangster philosophy, atheist clowns.
Mostly okay stuff. And other than the one that shall not be mentioned, all worth-while reads.
But here’s the thing. Once upon a time, while reading an indie author, you’ll come across a real gem of a piece. Something that resonates, touches you deeply, a piece of true literature in modernity’s prosaic ocean of words. And that is “Preggers”.
Not going to give anything away. But if you can read this story and not have a tear in your eye at the end, when you realize what is going on... well, you’re not me. The closest piece I can compare this excellent story to is Stephen King’s masterpiece, “The Last Rung on the Ladder” – another one that left me speechless.
Get Gregory’s Dark Treats for this story alone. “Preggers” is more than worth the price of admission.
I cannot recommend more highly.
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