Four horror stories by four Scottish authors. This book was created so that attendees of Horror Con Scotland 2025 could get a book signed by all four authors.
Stories by David Sodergren, John McNee, Bill Davidson & Kevin J. Kennedy
Kevin J. Kennedy is a Scottish horror author known for his fast-paced storytelling, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. He is also the curator of the bestselling The Horror Collection and Classic Monsters anthology series.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
Horror Tales from Scotland is a gripping anthology that offers four horror stories, each written by a different Scottish author. This quick but enjoyable read had me hooked from start to finish. Each story pulled me into its eerie world without hesitation. Each author brought their own style to the table, showcasing the variety within the horror genre.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, as all the stories were great. Whether you're a fan of supernatural horror or psychological, there’s something here for everyone.
KJK puts together some of the best anthologies I've ever read. This collection is no exception, and I hope this series continues bringing more dark and twisted tales.
“The Scaly Wages of Sin” by Bill Davidson is a visceral story of narcissistic impulsiveness and horrifying comeuppance. There’s an unhealthy dose of underlying dark humor (mostly via clever dialogue, both internal and outward) mixed into the psychological horror, but beware the expertly crafted gut-churning elements that add a perfectly grisly punch.
“Chocolate Covered Eyeball” by John McNee is a compelling tale of filched candy, smalltown secrets, and Halloween terror. The dialogue is fantastic, the backstory riveting, and the balance between humor and horror brilliant. If you haven’t read John McNee, you really should, and this is a fine place to start.
“Crabs vs. the A.Y.T.” by Kevin J Kennedy is a fun and fast-paced smalltown horror creature feature with supremely entertaining characters and wicked flesh-eating crabs. This is an absolutely fantastic read.
“Those Damn Trees” by David Sodergren is poignant and chilling, a deep and powerful story of environmental horror and human monsters, with subtext speaking to greed, corruption, and hubris. Full of suspense, evocative characters, and gruesome implications, this one will stay with you.
Horror Tales from Scotland is an impactful and immersive reading experience, a highly recommended anthology for discerning horror aficionados.
This is a short but impactful volume, containing four (already published) horror stories by four Scottish authors: the opening story, "The Scaly Wages of Sin" is by Bill Davidson, there follow John McNee's "Chocolate Covered Eyeball" and Kevin J. Kennedy's "Crabs Vs the A.Y.T.," and the book closes with "Those Damn Trees" by David Sodergren. Scotland doesn't have a great number of horror authors, so this is quite the treat!
Kevin Kennedy initially conceived this volume as a print book for the attendees of Horror Con Scotland 2025: all four authors would be present, so everyone could get a book signed by all of them. Thankfully, he also realized that stories are meant to be read, and he decided to publish it as an ebook as well; this way people like me, who can't handle print as easily as digital, could also enjoy the stories! And enjoyed them I sure did. Indeed, there's not a dudd story in the book.
Davidson's story is a creepy crawlie tale of revenge, toxic masculinity, guilty conscience, and descent into insanity. I hate bugs, and this story has its hair-raising moments, so if you'd never read it before (I hadn't!), be prepared for some (fortunately brief) revolting scenes of insects behaving badly. McNee's darkly humorous story is, to put it in one of the character's own words, about a "Halloween candy vendetta"! If "Candyman" hadn't been used already (for entirely different purposes), the word would fit the story perfectly. Kennedy's contribution is a creature feature story I still remember having lots of laughs when reading it: it's the most Scottish of all, brimming with Scottish idioms and Scotttish attitude; it's been rightly described as "a love story to Scottish teens, weed and alcohol". (And to be clear: the crabs of the title are the crabs that go click-click-click, not the ones that make you scratch your privates.) Unmisseable! Finally, Sodergren's story blends eco-horror with sci-fi elements to come up with a very creepy story, perhaps the scariest of the volume. It pulls no punches, and has a very satisfying ending!
Overall, the book is a brilliant idea brilliantly executed. Kennedy has pulled off another winner, and if you can get this signed, you definitely should!
This was a quick read for me. It wasn't long, but even if it had been, I wouldn't have been able to put it down.
I know, I say that all the time with these anthros from KJK, but I can't help it. They are always a good read.
These are previously published, but unknown to me, sometimes I am apparently oblivious to the good stuff..
And I can't just pick one, so here we go.
"The Scaly Wages of Sin" by Bill Davidson
This absolutely made my skin crawl (heavy on the crawl), it made me itch and twitch. You could say it got under my skin in the best way possible.
This is really the horrible thing that a human can be driven to, by their own dark mind.
Can you ever really escape the consequences of your own actions, or will they always come back to haunt you.
"Chocolate Covered Eyeball" by John McNee
The title of this one got me, I am going to be honest, when it comes to short stories I don't usually pay too much attention other then a glance at the title, and then dive in, but this one, stopped me for a second to prepare. I can't lie though, if I was forced to pick a favorite, it would be this one. Halloween candy, the temptation, but maybe this is why it's best not to steal it.
I was absolutely horrified as I laughed multiple times during this quick little read, and I will be looking this author up asap.
"Crabs" by Kevin J. Kennedy
This also high on my list, but I can't look at it directly , or I get a little paranoid. A small tow that is being invaded by, well, crabs. It's not a big dea, right? crabs are small.
Nah these crabs are messed up and flesh eating, like this is more than some weird overpopulation of random crabs, these want a pound of flesh, or more.
I was amused so many times while reading, I almost forgot how really horrifying it is, especially when you have a group of drunk idiot kids right in the middle of whatever "this" is .
Can these kids survive, or will the life line of the group be snipped a little early by these crabs who seemingly cannot be stopped?
"Those Damn Trees" by David Sodergren
This one I also loved, which I know does not help, because I have loved them all, they have just been such dark stories.
This is the dark story of nature and what happens when we finally piss her off to the point of no return.
Its scary because if you think about it too hard, it becomes almost plausible, and because we know, we really have been such a bitch to nature, ruining everything we touch as a species sometimes.
How can you continue to fight against something, when you know how wrong as a people we have been towards nature, picking off "unsuspecting" to us people, but to her, just another thief, another destroyer, to carve her and her children up.
This collection, is well worth checking out, and the authors themselves as well, I know I know have a few more to add to my roster
In the realm of horror literature, Scotland has produced a wealth of talent that cultivates chilling narratives and unnerving atmospheres. Among these talented writers, an anthology titled “Horror Tales”from Scotland* emerges, showcasing the distinctive styles of four prominent authors. This collection is not only a celebration of their work but also a rare opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the macabre lore that has become synonymous with Scottish storytelling. While some tales within this anthology may seem familiar to avid readers, their inclusion in this single volume provides a unique convenience that highlights the thematic diversity and creativity of each author. Such accessibility serves to remind us that, even if we may have encountered these stories before, revisiting them can evoke fresh interpretations and deepen our appreciation for their art.
One of the notable stories within this collection is "The Scaly Wages of Sin" by Bill Davidson. This tale dives into the psyche of a man named Phillip, whose frustrations lead him to commit an unthinkable act against his wife. The horror unfolds as the undead linger, defying the finality of death and exacting a chilling form of revenge. Davidson masterfully combines elements of psychological horror with supernatural themes, creating an unsettling narrative that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The metaphorical use of insects as agents of retribution symbolizes the deep-rooted consequences of one's actions, acting as a haunting reminder that escaping one's sins is often impossible. This story captivates the reader by invoking visceral reactions and prompting introspection about the lengths to which one might go under duress.
Another remarkable entry in the anthology is "Chocolate Covered Eyeball" by John McNee. In this darkly humorous tale, the plot centers around a youth’s impulsive decision to steal candy from a seemingly innocuous store owned by an elderly man. However, the story escalates as the supernatural elements intervene, transforming a simple act of theft into a fight for survival. McNee cleverly intertwines absurdity with horror, leaving readers both amused and horrified as they navigate the tension between comedy and terror. This juxtaposition illustrates the unpredictable nature of horror, enticing readers to question how far they might go when faced with sinister forces. The vivid descriptions not only engage the imagination but also serve to critique societal norms around temptation and guilt, making it a multi-layered narrative.
In a departure from tradition, Kevin J. Kennedy’s "Crabs vs. The A.Y.T." captures the bizarre essence of small-town horror with a twist. The invasion of flesh-eating crabs serves as a unique metaphor for unforeseen dangers in mundane lives. A group of teenagers, intoxicated and disoriented, become the hapless defenders against this grotesque onslaught, shedding light on themes of youth, recklessness, and survival. Kennedy cleverly crafts tension and humor by presenting a scenario where hopelessness meets absurdity, forcing readers to confront the absurdity of their situations. This story delves into the concepts of community and resilience, transformed through an unusual monster narrative. By mixing horror with social commentary, Kennedy invites readers to reflect on their own vulnerabilities amidst chaotic circumstances.
Lastly, David Sodergren's "Those Damned Trees" introduces an environmental horror that resonates with contemporary concerns about nature's reprisal against humanity. The story paints a vivid picture of trees that come to life, attacking unsuspecting individuals and embodying an enraged Mother Nature. Sodergren effectively utilizes suspense to evoke feelings of impending doom, compelling readers to consider the fragility of human existence in the face of the natural world. As the characters grapple with their fight against these malevolent forces, the narrative serves as an allegorical exploration of human disregard for nature. The horror stems not only from the fantastical elements but also from a poignant reminder of accountability toward our environment. This clever angle emphasizes the importance of coexistence with nature, transforming fear into a thought-provoking discourse on ecological awareness.
Collectively, these stories affirm that Scottish horror possesses a vibrant and diverse landscape, inviting exploration and reflection through each chilling tale.
Four horror stories by four Scottish authors. This book was created so that attendees of Horror Con Scotland 2025 could get a book signed by all four authors.
Stories by David Sodergren, John McNee, David Williamson & Kevin J. Kennedy
Horror Tales From Scotland 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 This is such a fantastic horror anthology from 4 amazing Scottish authors! This book was created so that attendees of Horror Con Scotland 2025 could get a book signed by all four authors, and Kevin J. Kennedy brought these stories together into this amazing book!
It’s a short and fast read and I gobbled up the creepy stories quickly!! Each one is very different and I thoroughly enjoyed them all!
The stories are:
The Scaly Wages of Sin by Bill Davidson 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🦴 This one was my favorite! Chocolate Covered Eyeball by John McNee 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👁️ Crabs Vs the A.Y.T. By Kevin J. Kennedy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🦀 Those Damn Trees by David Sodergren 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌳
Thank you to Kevin J. Kennedy for a copy of this very entertaining short collection! *This book is out now and I strongly recommend it!!*
Horror Tales from Scotland, edited by Kevin J. Kennedy, is an anthology featuring four stories from Scottish authors. This was small, but mighty, with each story being very entertaining.
The Scaly Wages of Sin by Bill Davidson sets sail on a private cruise ship with a wealthy man and his wife. Read with caution if you’re squeamish about bugs and maggots, as this one gets nasty in a hurry. Chocolate Covered Eyeball by John McNee (my favorite of the bunch) shows what happens when you steal candy from a shop owner who might not be as harmless as he seems. Crabs Vs the A.Y.T by Kevin J. Kennedy was a fun story about survival and a battle to live against an unlikely enemy, and Those Damn Trees by David Sodergren was an eco horror story that shows what happens when the forest fights back.
Dope little collection. It’s four short and sweet tales from Scottish authors and the genres range from body horror to attacking crustaceans. I enjoyed all of the stories in their own right. All four were well done and had a solid storyline and ending which made them easy and fun to read. Any of the stories could easily be expanded into deeper tales, but also felt complete.
It’s always nice reading books that represent their settings well and this collection does a solid job. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of use of the classic Scottish “c u next Tuesday” insult, but I guess 15 times is still pretty fair. Two of these authors I’ve previously read and enjoyed, but I definitely need to check out more McNee and Davidson. Definitely recommend this collection to virtually anyone. The horror gets pretty visceral but isn’t too heavy.
If you are chasing a quick read, this collection of four stories might be just what you are looking for. Each tale is written by a different Scottish author and each has a very different style. Some are spooky, while others are quirky. I must admit the last one was my personal favourite but all of them were enjoyable. Got this one read on my flight from Bali to Perth. So only took about 3.5 hrs.
Kevin J. Kennedy Presents Horror Tales from Scotland is an anthology of four tales that each bring a unique level of horror to the table! In this collection, we have gore, chilling transformations, and terrifying invasions.
I received this fun collection of four Scottish authors in my email the other day. The idea in this collection is brilliant and fun. My two favorite stories were Chocolate Covered Eyeball by John McNee and Crabs v.s. A.Y.T by Kevin J Kennedy.
Horror tales from Scottland is the perfect book for me. Short fast read but well wrote and entertaining from start to finish. Each story is an epic tale that really pulls you in. This is a must have book.
A collection of 4 short stories that are all horror but in different ways and all 4 were great. Kevin J Kennedy has a unique gift of being able to put together some of the best horror collections. Great job
This audiobook/read was a delight. The narrator's performance flawlessly evoked the Scottish setting. The execution was impressive, and the four short stories by these authors again I say were impressive. I look forward to "Scotland 2.”
Featuring four tales from Scottish authors, this collection grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the very end! Gory, gross and quintessentially Scottish, these stories are all fun reads.
I enjoyed these horror shorts, I have read Kennedy's work before but not the others, may need to change that. if you enjoy the horror genre, check this book out.
What a fantastic wee collection. My favourite was Crabs vs A.Y.T. The Slang and way the boys were portrayed was exactly like how I was as a teen. Onto book 2 now!
Quality little read. 4 great stories. My favourite being “Chocolate Covered Eyeballs”. All 4 stories are written by Scottish Authors. Wide variety of stories from killer trees to killer crabs with some dodgy locals thrown into the mix. Well worth a read.
Thus was an excellent listen and contained some top quality stories. A dark visceral story from Bill Davidson, Kevin J Kennedy 'Crabs' was a bonkers crazy premise as our protagonists battle against crabs and a shortage of weed in a dystopian UK. Great humour horror blast. David Sodergren is an author I've heard alot about and his story here was a great introduction to his writing. John McNee 'Chocolate Covered Eyeballs' absolutely floored me. It's a brilliant dark horror story and definitely must be destined for a Halloween trick or treat classic. It's my favourite of this impressive collection. I'll definitely be listening to the other 'Horror Tales From...'.books, as this did not disappoint.
Had never read Bill Davidson before, and his story was great. Mcnee and Sodergen are both awesome authors I've read before. Kennedy's is more fun than the others and provides a solid punch of Scottish-ness. Considering the timeline and aim for this collection it's a slam dunk.
I found the first story very lacking, setting a.. Not great tone. But I think the book got better with every story. The narration of the audiobook was very flat though, making it a bit difficult to follow at times. No different voices to distinguish each character, nor any emotion. It's also possible the stories just didn't hit as much as they would've if I had just read this.
What scares you? Crabs...check! Maggots...check! Cockroaches...check! Maybe it's something ordinary like too much candy on Halloween or trees surrounding your house. These four stories have a bit of something for everyone!
Each story is fast-paced and full of gore, creeping horror and moments that will have you looking over your shoulder. If you enjoy short horror stories that are well-written and full of great characters, you will be sure to enjoy this collection by four great Scottish authors!
The audiobook was great and the narrator was perfect for this one. His Scottish accent was just enough without being too much for this Southern girl's ears! I highly recommend this anthology for anyone looking for a few quick, creepy stories!