Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories

by Michael W. Phillips Jr. (Editor), Cynthia Pelayo, Sahar Mustafah

The Second City is second to none when it comes to terror. From H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer, to the Jane Byrne Interchange at rush hour, there’s an ill wind blowing through the Windy City. In this new anthology, twenty stories by twenty authors from the Chicago area take you on a bloodcurdling tour of the best city in the world. Featuring new stories by Jotham Austin II, Bendi Barrett, Tina Jenkins Bell, Priya Chand, TJ Cimfel, R.L. Gehringer, Christopher Hawkins, Sandra Jackson-Opoku, Aleco Julius, Nick Medina, Jen Mierisch, Sahar Mustafah, Cynthia Pelayo, K.A. Roy, K. Saab, C.J. Subko, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., and Lauren Emily Whalen.

Genres: Horror

246 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling collection of short horror stories set in the Windy City. Like any compilation, it has its highs and lows: there were a few stories I found more silly than scary as well as a couple tales that just offered a rundown of Chicago real-life Chicago horrors, from H.H. Holmes to John Wayne Gacy.

But the best stories here blend a sense of this space with otherwordly vibes to unnerve the reader. Among the highlights were:

- "All You Are Is Bright and Clear" by Bendi Barrett, a creepy tale of kink meeting the curved glass of neon signs

- "Lives Matter" by Jotham Austin II, a tight story of nature terror and city teens

- "A Good Kid" by Nick Medina, which transforms the violence terrorizing many Chicago communities into something supernatural

- "The House with Blue Shutters" by Sahar Mustafah, which blends magical powers, family drama and Palestinian dispossession

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of horror stories based in Chicago, written by authors who live in Chicago or have some connection to the city. Stories include tales of ghosts, creatures, demons, angels, and more that take place in the city. Some reference well-known real-life tales from history, while others are new creations.

I liked this collection, especially in the middle and towards the end. Like any collection, don't judge it by one story; if you don't like the story you're reading, skip to the next. There are some really good stories in this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love letter told through speculative fictions writers to the city that has a history (and a present) of violence.