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Widowmakers: A Benefit Anthology of Dark Fiction
widowmaker [wid-oh-may-ker]
noun
1. A thing with the potential to kill men.
2. A dead branch caught precariously high in a tree which may fall on a person below.
3. Nick "The Widowmaker" Bullman, a disfigured ex-wrestler, protagonist of Ugly as Sin by James Newman
4. A dark fiction anthology of prodigious size; large enough to use as a doorstop... or crush a man's skull.
A few months ago one of our own, James Newman, was severely injured in a freak accident. He's known universally in the horror fiction community as a truly great guy, and, when the news broke of the incident there was no shortage of people who wanted to help. Inside the pages of this collection, you will find tales that are lighthearted mixed in with stories that will fuel your nightmares, each one with the potential to be a WIDOWMAKER.
noun
1. A thing with the potential to kill men.
2. A dead branch caught precariously high in a tree which may fall on a person below.
3. Nick "The Widowmaker" Bullman, a disfigured ex-wrestler, protagonist of Ugly as Sin by James Newman
4. A dark fiction anthology of prodigious size; large enough to use as a doorstop... or crush a man's skull.
A few months ago one of our own, James Newman, was severely injured in a freak accident. He's known universally in the horror fiction community as a truly great guy, and, when the news broke of the incident there was no shortage of people who wanted to help. Inside the pages of this collection, you will find tales that are lighthearted mixed in with stories that will fuel your nightmares, each one with the potential to be a WIDOWMAKER.
809 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2014
16 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Pete Kahle
16 books131 followersI have been an avid reader of a wide variety of genre fiction since first reading 'SALEM'S LOT when I was 10 years old. After talking about writing my own novels for over three decades, I finally kicked myself in the ass and began putting down the stories that have been living in my head.
My first novel, THE SPECIMEN, was released through CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing in April 2014.
I am currently writing BLOOD MOTHER, a stand-alone vampiric novel - without vampires - due out in the spring of 2016. On the horizon is THE ABOMINATION, Book 2 in the Riders Saga, and most likely a 3rd book in the series with the tentative title of THE HORSEMEN.
Recently, I organized and edited WIDOWMAKERS, an anthology of dark fiction and poetry to help fellow author James Newman in a time of need.
Now that the dark closet in my subconscious has been opened, the monsters are clamoring to come out for a visit.
Many other novels will follow.
My first novel, THE SPECIMEN, was released through CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing in April 2014.
I am currently writing BLOOD MOTHER, a stand-alone vampiric novel - without vampires - due out in the spring of 2016. On the horizon is THE ABOMINATION, Book 2 in the Riders Saga, and most likely a 3rd book in the series with the tentative title of THE HORSEMEN.
Recently, I organized and edited WIDOWMAKERS, an anthology of dark fiction and poetry to help fellow author James Newman in a time of need.
Now that the dark closet in my subconscious has been opened, the monsters are clamoring to come out for a visit.
Many other novels will follow.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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November 15, 2016Updated 14NOV2016:
I'll probably be working my way through this behemoth for years to come and will leave reviews of individual stories as I go, not necessarily in order.
As I'm a contributor to this anthology, I'm not going to rate stories but rather comment on them.
Death to Trees! - Jeff Strand: Not so much a story as an amusing trifle, and a fitting way to kick off the anthology.
Conversations Kill - Tim Waggoner: Very well written short story with an interesting premise that kept me engaged and guessing. The final reveal wasn't all I had hoped for, but overall a satisfying story.
Molting - Robert Essig: A nice slice of body horror delivered with finesse.
Baptism - Kit Powers: A small but potent dose of weirdness.
A Church in the Middle of Nowhere - Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason: A rather unusual tale, simultaneously familiar and strange. This reads like a fever dream, and that's a compliment. I wish it had been longer, but it works quite fine as is.
I'll probably be working my way through this behemoth for years to come and will leave reviews of individual stories as I go, not necessarily in order.
As I'm a contributor to this anthology, I'm not going to rate stories but rather comment on them.
Death to Trees! - Jeff Strand: Not so much a story as an amusing trifle, and a fitting way to kick off the anthology.
Conversations Kill - Tim Waggoner: Very well written short story with an interesting premise that kept me engaged and guessing. The final reveal wasn't all I had hoped for, but overall a satisfying story.
Molting - Robert Essig: A nice slice of body horror delivered with finesse.
Baptism - Kit Powers: A small but potent dose of weirdness.
A Church in the Middle of Nowhere - Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason: A rather unusual tale, simultaneously familiar and strange. This reads like a fever dream, and that's a compliment. I wish it had been longer, but it works quite fine as is.
September 29, 2014
What can I say about this beautiful, bodacious beast of a book?
I haven't been this impressed with an anthology since Kirby McCauley's DARK FORCES.
800+ pages
47 stories
Something for every taste, and not a single sour apple in the basket.
Tales gathered together from the best in the genre, from the old guard to the young guns.
This is the anthology by which all others will be measured, one that will please every horror fan, and have you filling your shelves with the works of the authors you discovered, or rediscovered, within it's pages.
And then you'll fill a shelf with the works of James Newman.....because anyone who could inspire such an incredible response is obviously someone you'll want to get to know.
Highest possible recommendation.
I haven't been this impressed with an anthology since Kirby McCauley's DARK FORCES.
800+ pages
47 stories
Something for every taste, and not a single sour apple in the basket.
Tales gathered together from the best in the genre, from the old guard to the young guns.
This is the anthology by which all others will be measured, one that will please every horror fan, and have you filling your shelves with the works of the authors you discovered, or rediscovered, within it's pages.
And then you'll fill a shelf with the works of James Newman.....because anyone who could inspire such an incredible response is obviously someone you'll want to get to know.
Highest possible recommendation.
October 18, 2014
The best word I can use to describe this anthology of dark fiction would be unexpected. There are surprises at every turn. These stories aren't all meant to induce full-blown terror; some of them will creep up on you quietly. Those types of stories tend to be my favorites.
All the stories were good, but these were the ones that stood out to me the most:
Evergreen
Gorgeous descriptive language depicting nature's beauty (with a twist).
Hearts in Reverse
Humans and monsters live side by side in a semi-post apocalyptic world not completely unlike our own. An interesting take on the 'monster' genre depicting the many depths of human emotion - discrimination, fear, unconditional love.
She Called Him Sky
This story reads like a twisted fairy tale, unexpectedly poignant & poetic.
Our Lady of Sloth and Scarlet Ivory
This story had me intrigued as the background of the story was slowly revealed. It explores the psychological & physical effects of a woman's prolonged captivity. Harrowing and resonant.
Dead Gods
This caught my attention and had me intrigued throughout. Magical realism with a slow descent into darkness, and then out of it. The story kept turning and twisting into something completely unexpected and I really enjoyed it.
ArborEATum
A sinister story steeped in religious symbolism & fanaticism. Could not stop turning the pages!
Overall this was a highly enjoyable anthology that I highly recommend!
All the stories were good, but these were the ones that stood out to me the most:
Evergreen
Gorgeous descriptive language depicting nature's beauty (with a twist).
Hearts in Reverse
Humans and monsters live side by side in a semi-post apocalyptic world not completely unlike our own. An interesting take on the 'monster' genre depicting the many depths of human emotion - discrimination, fear, unconditional love.
She Called Him Sky
This story reads like a twisted fairy tale, unexpectedly poignant & poetic.
Our Lady of Sloth and Scarlet Ivory
This story had me intrigued as the background of the story was slowly revealed. It explores the psychological & physical effects of a woman's prolonged captivity. Harrowing and resonant.
Dead Gods
This caught my attention and had me intrigued throughout. Magical realism with a slow descent into darkness, and then out of it. The story kept turning and twisting into something completely unexpected and I really enjoyed it.
ArborEATum
A sinister story steeped in religious symbolism & fanaticism. Could not stop turning the pages!
Overall this was a highly enjoyable anthology that I highly recommend!
October 22, 2014
I'm really glad I was reading the electronic version of this book; the print version would crush a reader's legs! Story after story, 47 in all, and most were good to very-good. There are a few that are outstanding, and a few that left me feeling "meh", but overall a good anthology to read for the season. Additionally, the proceeds of the sales of this book benefit a well-liked author of this genre. That alone was enough for me to buy the book.
November 15, 2014
Normally I like to give a little bit of depth to my reviews telling a little about the story and what it is like. To attempt to do that with this anthology would mean a review that would be longer than some novels I've read recently.
Putting it quite simply, you will not see another book like this for a very long time, if ever. It's a benefit anthology for James Newman. He had a fight with a tree earlier this year and lost. Quite dramatically. Given the fact that he is known as one of the nicest horror authors you could ever meet, some of his buddies got together and submitted stories and poems to fill this book with the proceeds going to James to help with medical expenses.
And fill it they did! Over 800 pages with 47 stories, all by different authors make this one brick of a book and one that will stay with you for a very long time. We are talking about the best in the business in horror and dark fiction all in one place giving you the reading experience of your life.
It would be unfair of me to try and single out specific stories as being better than others because there aren't any. Every word written in this book will thrill you and scare you till your heart's content. If you like horror and dark fiction then this is a must buy for your shelf. Or at least put it on a table cause it might cause your shelf to sag a bit.
Congratulations also must go to Pete Kahle for pulling this together and editing it in such a fantastic way.
This book is a masterpiece. 15 stars!
Putting it quite simply, you will not see another book like this for a very long time, if ever. It's a benefit anthology for James Newman. He had a fight with a tree earlier this year and lost. Quite dramatically. Given the fact that he is known as one of the nicest horror authors you could ever meet, some of his buddies got together and submitted stories and poems to fill this book with the proceeds going to James to help with medical expenses.
And fill it they did! Over 800 pages with 47 stories, all by different authors make this one brick of a book and one that will stay with you for a very long time. We are talking about the best in the business in horror and dark fiction all in one place giving you the reading experience of your life.
It would be unfair of me to try and single out specific stories as being better than others because there aren't any. Every word written in this book will thrill you and scare you till your heart's content. If you like horror and dark fiction then this is a must buy for your shelf. Or at least put it on a table cause it might cause your shelf to sag a bit.
Congratulations also must go to Pete Kahle for pulling this together and editing it in such a fantastic way.
This book is a masterpiece. 15 stars!
October 3, 2014
I have enjoyed all the stories in this collection and there are a few standouts. I particularly enjoyed Dead Gods by James Moore and AborEATum by Evans Light.
A great collection that I highly recommend to all horror lovers out there!
A great collection that I highly recommend to all horror lovers out there!
November 11, 2014
I do not really understand all the glowing reviews this anthology has received. I really wanted to like it given that some of the proceeds go to helping an author, whose name I currently blank on, recover from injuries sustained from a falling tree branch. (Which sounds sort of like I am making this up a I review, but I am not and the guy seems sweet enough and it was more like a tree-sized branch, so it was no joke.) Unfortunately, I thought it was basically terrible. I am a huge fan of short stories and read anthologies like there is no tomorrow, so I expect to have to take some bad to read some good, but here the bad far outweighs the occasional average. There are one or two decent tales here, so I will bump this up a star, but overall finishing this became an ordeal. Sorry author dude, I wish you well, I think your friends are sweet to put this together, but I'll pass.
December 11, 2014
The stories in this collection range from a couple of pages to many pages. I think I skipped 2 stories, at the most. That left a lot more to read! If you love horror stories & are looking from some short reading material I'd recommend this book highly. For the most part the shorter bits were the best. Have written down every author whose story I liked that was not already on my 'to read' list.
October 10, 2014
Really creepy,
This one was good because there were so many, I definitely got my money's worth.
I have to say this was the second anthology one of the stories I had read first as a stand alone, then in another audio collection before I found it here. There's a good reason it's been published so much, ArborEATum,by Evans Light,
is so unique,to epitomize the hypocrisy and realistic attitude of the self righteous. The christian readers might find it in their nightmares. Remember this is my personal review, keep an open mind, don't let me dissuade you from purchasing ,all comes out well in the end.
The others were quite well written and several had new themes, with surprise endings. I'd highly recommend it for mature readers especially.
This one was good because there were so many, I definitely got my money's worth.
I have to say this was the second anthology one of the stories I had read first as a stand alone, then in another audio collection before I found it here. There's a good reason it's been published so much, ArborEATum,by Evans Light,
is so unique,to epitomize the hypocrisy and realistic attitude of the self righteous. The christian readers might find it in their nightmares. Remember this is my personal review, keep an open mind, don't let me dissuade you from purchasing ,all comes out well in the end.
The others were quite well written and several had new themes, with surprise endings. I'd highly recommend it for mature readers especially.
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"The Lurker" by Gary Fry - wc
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"She Called Him Sky" by Mercedes M. Yardley - wc
"Hazel’s Twin" by Tracy L. Carbone - Hazel has a premonition while lying on the surgery table that will separate her from her conjoined sister Rosie that Rosie will go on to be a serial killer after the separation attempting to use her victim's body parts to replace what she lost.
"Santa’s Little Spy" by Mark Allan Gunnells - Fran pushes her husband down the stairs to collect his life insurance but when she places on Elf on the Shelf doll on the mantle for her daughter Beth the little girl begins to speak to the toy as though it were her dead father.
"The Kid in the Werewolf Mask" by Tom Martin - A child buys a werewolf mask and attacks her parents. She thinks that she is just scaring them but the story describes their gory deaths so it's up to the reader to decide if this is just a child's fantasy or actually occurred.
"A Church in the Middle of Nowhere" by Michelle Garza & Melissa Lason - Celia is kidnapped by an old man who abducts women to be his wives in a pocket dimension after carving the year that he takes them into their foreheads.
"Gram Knows" by Glen Krisch - Eleven year old Bobby receives a letter begging for help written by Evie, a fourteen year old girl impregnated by her father and locked in the basement with her grandmother.
"Collateral Casualties" by Maurice Broaddus - Two aspiring drug dealers break into a school where once stood a Civil War hospital and encounter the ghosts of the amputee surgeon and his nurse.
"Fear of Fish" by Elizabeth Massie - The protagonist must come to terms with his memory of when his father took his mother out to the deep hole by the cabin and fed her to the creature within.
"Burls" by Norman Prentiss - Kenneth is touring Muir Woods when he notices that burls on trees also infect deer and are likely going to infest his body as well.
"Sperare Victor" by Tim Marquitz - The narrator must decide must what to do with the granddaughter of the man who murdered his family.
"Ever Green" by Pete Kahle - This story reads like a kind of horror version of DC's Swamp Thing and Abagail Arcane.
"Molting" by Robert Essig - Carter discovers that his girlfriend Amy has shed her skin to reveal scales beneath.
"Baptism" by Kit Power - A man drowns his daughter in a bathtub after she is possessed by an unclean spirit.
"Deafening Silence" by Mir Plemmons - This story examines how an apocalyptic setting effects a deaf person.
"Peggy Sang the Blues" by Jenny Orosel - Peggy discovers that she can capture souls by singing.
"Medicine Man" by Donn Gash - Richard is violated by a lunatic impersonating a physician.
"Splinterette" by John Palisano - This story describes a sexual relationship with a dryad.
"Vegetarians Don’t Bite" by Jack Bantry - A postman eats a dog that bites him.
"Moonshine" by Brett Williams - A werewolf stalks two moonshiners.
"The Lurker" by Gary Fry - wc
"Things Happen Here After Dark" by Sheri White - wc
"She Called Him Sky" by Mercedes M. Yardley - wc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews