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Unquiet Guests
A house is more than just a place to lay your head at night.
Sometimes, the walls remember.
Gathering ten modern masters of the strange and unsettling, Unquiet Guests sets fire to the blueprints and reimagines the haunted house from the foundations up.
From dreamlike visions of an abandoned future mansion to a sentient building grown tired of its owners, these rooms echo with whispers of the disenfranchised and the lost.
Featuring stories by Chuck Palahniuk, Grady Hendrix, Kirsty Logan, Will Maclean, Irenosen Okojie, Alison Moore, Matthew Holness, Claire Fuller, Clay McLeod Chapman, and Ally Wilkes.
Sometimes, the walls remember.
Gathering ten modern masters of the strange and unsettling, Unquiet Guests sets fire to the blueprints and reimagines the haunted house from the foundations up.
From dreamlike visions of an abandoned future mansion to a sentient building grown tired of its owners, these rooms echo with whispers of the disenfranchised and the lost.
Featuring stories by Chuck Palahniuk, Grady Hendrix, Kirsty Logan, Will Maclean, Irenosen Okojie, Alison Moore, Matthew Holness, Claire Fuller, Clay McLeod Chapman, and Ally Wilkes.
Audible Audio
First published October 30, 2025
25 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Palahniuk
172 books132k followersWritten in stolen moments under truck chassis and on park benches to a soundtrack of The Downward Spiral and Pablo Honey, Fight Club came into existence. The adaptation of Fight Club was a flop at the box office, but achieved cult status on DVD. The film’s popularity drove sales of the novel. Chuck put out two novels in 1999, Survivor and Invisible Monsters. Choke, published in 2001, became Chuck’s first New York Times bestseller. Chuck’s work has always been infused with personal experience, and his next novel, Lullaby, was no exception. Chuck credits writing Lullaby with helping him cope with the tragic death of his father. Diary and the non-fiction guide to Portland, Fugitives and Refugees, were released in 2003. While on the road in support of Diary, Chuck began reading a short story entitled 'Guts,' which would eventually become part of the novel Haunted.
In the years that followed, he continued to write, publishing the bestselling Rant, Snuff, Pygmy, Tell-All, a 'remix' of Invisible Monsters, Damned, and most recently, Doomed.
Chuck also enjoys giving back to his fans, and teaching the art of storytelling has been an important part of that. In 2004, Chuck began submitting essays to ChuckPalahniuk.net on the craft of writing. These were 'How To' pieces, straight out of Chuck's personal bag of tricks, based on the tenants of minimalism he learned from Tom Spanbauer. Every month, a “Homework Assignment” would accompany the lesson, so Workshop members could apply what they had learned. (all 36 of these essays can currently be found on The Cult's sister-site, LitReactor.com).
Then, in 2009, Chuck increased his involvement by committing to read and review a selection of fan-written stories each month. The best stories are currently set to be published in Burnt Tongues, a forthcoming anthology, with an introduction written by Chuck himself.
His next novel, Beautiful You, is due out in October 2014.
In the years that followed, he continued to write, publishing the bestselling Rant, Snuff, Pygmy, Tell-All, a 'remix' of Invisible Monsters, Damned, and most recently, Doomed.
Chuck also enjoys giving back to his fans, and teaching the art of storytelling has been an important part of that. In 2004, Chuck began submitting essays to ChuckPalahniuk.net on the craft of writing. These were 'How To' pieces, straight out of Chuck's personal bag of tricks, based on the tenants of minimalism he learned from Tom Spanbauer. Every month, a “Homework Assignment” would accompany the lesson, so Workshop members could apply what they had learned. (all 36 of these essays can currently be found on The Cult's sister-site, LitReactor.com).
Then, in 2009, Chuck increased his involvement by committing to read and review a selection of fan-written stories each month. The best stories are currently set to be published in Burnt Tongues, a forthcoming anthology, with an introduction written by Chuck himself.
His next novel, Beautiful You, is due out in October 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 6, 2026
(4.0 Stars - some good, some not as good, all of them were above average)
Grady Hendrix - I am the House - This was very good… Unique 5 stars!
Claire Fuller - Another Land Beneath - This was decent
Will Maclean - The Toll - Seemed to go nowhere. Slightly boring but had potential
Clay McLeod Chapman - Deep Clean - This was interesting and fun
Kirsty Logan - Lapse - I thought this was a good story
Matthew Holness - Tearaways - Not bad, but I don't feel like I was invested in the story.
Ally Wilkes - The Collector's House - This felt unfinished, but the writing was good
Irenosen Okojie - Rocheen - This was excellent
Alison Moore - It's Dinnertime - I really liked this one but didn't quite love the ending
Chuck Palahniuk - Custodian - Palahniuk is a master! Great story.
Grady Hendrix - I am the House - This was very good… Unique 5 stars!
Claire Fuller - Another Land Beneath - This was decent
Will Maclean - The Toll - Seemed to go nowhere. Slightly boring but had potential
Clay McLeod Chapman - Deep Clean - This was interesting and fun
Kirsty Logan - Lapse - I thought this was a good story
Matthew Holness - Tearaways - Not bad, but I don't feel like I was invested in the story.
Ally Wilkes - The Collector's House - This felt unfinished, but the writing was good
Irenosen Okojie - Rocheen - This was excellent
Alison Moore - It's Dinnertime - I really liked this one but didn't quite love the ending
Chuck Palahniuk - Custodian - Palahniuk is a master! Great story.
January 6, 2026
It’s always hard to rate a short story collection because there’s always going to be stories that work better for you than others, I think overall this collection gets a 3.5 from me.
So these are the ones that I enjoyed:
I Am The House by Grady Hendrix: The house must protect itself from the mess and chaos the children bring. 4 stars
Deep Clean by Clay McCleod Chapman: Cleaners that clean and feed and clean the house. 4 stars
Lapse by Kirsty Logan: felt like Our Wives Under the Sea! 4 stars
So these are the ones that I enjoyed:
I Am The House by Grady Hendrix: The house must protect itself from the mess and chaos the children bring. 4 stars
Deep Clean by Clay McCleod Chapman: Cleaners that clean and feed and clean the house. 4 stars
Lapse by Kirsty Logan: felt like Our Wives Under the Sea! 4 stars
November 18, 2025
I feel a bit harsh only giving a 2 star but didn’t rate many of the stories. I even skipped two as I didn’t like their writing style. It felt like some authors were trying a bit to too hard with their ghost story. Not really scary at all.
The only two that I thought were good were ‘Deep Clean’ by Clay McLeod Chapman and ‘Tearaway’ by Matthew Holness. I am the House’ by Grady Hendrix was okay too.
It’s a shame that I’ll not be keeping it as it’s a beautiful copy.
The only two that I thought were good were ‘Deep Clean’ by Clay McLeod Chapman and ‘Tearaway’ by Matthew Holness. I am the House’ by Grady Hendrix was okay too.
It’s a shame that I’ll not be keeping it as it’s a beautiful copy.
October 24, 2025
An absolute treat of a horror story collection with ten very different stories using the idea of a haunted house and not delivering the usual. Very unsettling and just a damn good read
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
December 17, 2025
Each individual style bright something frighteningly chilling, I will be revisiting these every spooky season
January 11, 2026
An easy, cozy horror read. There were a couple that were meh, but mostly pretty good! Deep Clean was my fave!
January 12, 2026
A great collection of shorts. Only one here which wasn't on the money for me. High quality across the board.
November 5, 2025
Unquiet Guests Review – Reframing the Haunted House Story
To gain a fresh perspective on the haunted house story is a challenging thing to do in arguably one of the most popular tropes in horror, but this anthology manages to do it. With a variety of authors from different writing styles - from gothic (Maclean) to more camp (Hendrix) and downright quirky (Chapman), there will be hands down something in this collection for everyone. There's also nothing better I love than reading a book where the perspective is switched up.
I wish I could make this a longer review as there is so much to unpack, so I’ll leave short summaries of some of the stories below. If I had to pick one favourite (which is extremely hard), it would be Chapman’s "Deep Clean", as I just love the stamp he is having on horror and think he has his own distinct style which I just love.
Grady Hendrix – I Am the House
The POV of the house haunting the resident - a refreshing take and not something I’ve read before. We often hear how the resident of the house is the one being haunted, and it’s the house that’s needed in this situation. However, we never think that the house needs the resident too.
Will Maclean – The Toll
A group of investors visit their new project for a few days and discover a door which won’t open. I thought it was interesting how this one played out and really left me wanting more. After they tried to expose the house, it exposed them... I think this house definitely had a sense of humour. I need to read more by this author asap!
Clay McLeod Chapman – Deep Clean
Speed E Cleaners go to clean a modern Airbnb one day, and something doesn’t seem right after the stains keep reappearing…
My fave! Love the idea of the cleaner keeping the house alive, and Clay’s writing is always a dream to read. Could also be a commentary on working and capitalism as a whole - touches on the digital age and how nothing is face-to-face anymore. Plays with time while also having some great visceral moments.
Matthew Holness – Tearaways
Two old friends visit their old abandoned school before it gets demolished, and it brings up some old issues. The exploration of trauma and abuse, was done well.
Irenosen Okojie – Rosheen
A powerful story about a young woman trying to chase her lost father on a farm, from Ireland to Norfolk. Racial and generational trauma uncovering Norfolk's dark history, which embarrassingly, I haven’t read much of before (i've read books like this set in the US). Very refreshing and insightful perspective, I really am intrigued by this author.
Alison Moore – It’s Dinner Time
About a woman who escapes her abusive relationship by relocating, and she gets back her power. With a twist... I really liked this one and found it quite original.
Chuck Palahniuk
Cool concept for a short story (shortest one in the bunch) about a haunted dollhouse.
Overall Thoughts
There were only two stories I didn’t really gel with, but I very much enjoyed the variety of houses and authors. I really recommend this collection - best collection I’ve read so far this year, hands down.
To gain a fresh perspective on the haunted house story is a challenging thing to do in arguably one of the most popular tropes in horror, but this anthology manages to do it. With a variety of authors from different writing styles - from gothic (Maclean) to more camp (Hendrix) and downright quirky (Chapman), there will be hands down something in this collection for everyone. There's also nothing better I love than reading a book where the perspective is switched up.
I wish I could make this a longer review as there is so much to unpack, so I’ll leave short summaries of some of the stories below. If I had to pick one favourite (which is extremely hard), it would be Chapman’s "Deep Clean", as I just love the stamp he is having on horror and think he has his own distinct style which I just love.
Grady Hendrix – I Am the House
The POV of the house haunting the resident - a refreshing take and not something I’ve read before. We often hear how the resident of the house is the one being haunted, and it’s the house that’s needed in this situation. However, we never think that the house needs the resident too.
Will Maclean – The Toll
A group of investors visit their new project for a few days and discover a door which won’t open. I thought it was interesting how this one played out and really left me wanting more. After they tried to expose the house, it exposed them... I think this house definitely had a sense of humour. I need to read more by this author asap!
Clay McLeod Chapman – Deep Clean
Speed E Cleaners go to clean a modern Airbnb one day, and something doesn’t seem right after the stains keep reappearing…
My fave! Love the idea of the cleaner keeping the house alive, and Clay’s writing is always a dream to read. Could also be a commentary on working and capitalism as a whole - touches on the digital age and how nothing is face-to-face anymore. Plays with time while also having some great visceral moments.
Matthew Holness – Tearaways
Two old friends visit their old abandoned school before it gets demolished, and it brings up some old issues. The exploration of trauma and abuse, was done well.
Irenosen Okojie – Rosheen
A powerful story about a young woman trying to chase her lost father on a farm, from Ireland to Norfolk. Racial and generational trauma uncovering Norfolk's dark history, which embarrassingly, I haven’t read much of before (i've read books like this set in the US). Very refreshing and insightful perspective, I really am intrigued by this author.
Alison Moore – It’s Dinner Time
About a woman who escapes her abusive relationship by relocating, and she gets back her power. With a twist... I really liked this one and found it quite original.
Chuck Palahniuk
Cool concept for a short story (shortest one in the bunch) about a haunted dollhouse.
Overall Thoughts
There were only two stories I didn’t really gel with, but I very much enjoyed the variety of houses and authors. I really recommend this collection - best collection I’ve read so far this year, hands down.
December 5, 2025
2.4/5 stars overall.
1. I Am the House ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Grady Hendrix, my man, you've done it again)
2. A Land Beneath ⭐⭐ (not sure what the point was)
3. The Toll ⭐⭐ (felt like all the bad/boring parts of Barbarian (2022))
4. Deep Clean ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (girl, get out!!!!! this was so genuinely terrifying)
5. Lapse ⭐⭐⭐ (well-written, but felt a bit lofty and unclear)
6. Tearaways - DNF
7. The Collector's House ⭐ (oh, so now the white English woman is going to preach to us... this felt like a really, really bad British version of Rebecca Roanhorse's "White Hills," which wasn't that good to begin with)
8. Rosheen ⭐ (what you might get if you wrote down various themes and motifs from 'Silence of the Lambs,' dropped them in a hat, and then pulled them out at random while you were writing)
9. It's Dinnertime ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (my only critique is that the ghost stuff didn't really come in until the very end, which made it feel like this could have been an excellent first act of a novel rather if the author expanded it a bit, rather than just a short story)
10. Custodian ⭐ (very tired and overdone premise, and definitely a weak story to close on; I also didn't like the second-person narration, but that's a personal preference more than anything)
1. I Am the House ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Grady Hendrix, my man, you've done it again)
2. A Land Beneath ⭐⭐ (not sure what the point was)
3. The Toll ⭐⭐ (felt like all the bad/boring parts of Barbarian (2022))
4. Deep Clean ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (girl, get out!!!!! this was so genuinely terrifying)
5. Lapse ⭐⭐⭐ (well-written, but felt a bit lofty and unclear)
6. Tearaways - DNF
7. The Collector's House ⭐ (oh, so now the white English woman is going to preach to us... this felt like a really, really bad British version of Rebecca Roanhorse's "White Hills," which wasn't that good to begin with)
8. Rosheen ⭐ (what you might get if you wrote down various themes and motifs from 'Silence of the Lambs,' dropped them in a hat, and then pulled them out at random while you were writing)
9. It's Dinnertime ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (my only critique is that the ghost stuff didn't really come in until the very end, which made it feel like this could have been an excellent first act of a novel rather if the author expanded it a bit, rather than just a short story)
10. Custodian ⭐ (very tired and overdone premise, and definitely a weak story to close on; I also didn't like the second-person narration, but that's a personal preference more than anything)
November 18, 2025
It’s hard to rate a short story collection because there’s so many different things going on inside one small book. Overall I enjoyed it, it was very interesting to see how so many writers attacked the same topic, with some ideas I wouldn’t have thought of (very much enjoyed Grady Hendrix’s story from the houses POV, describing people in ‘house’ terms i.e. small sheds = kids, long shingles = long hair).
It’s notoriously hard to give a horror story a satisfactory ending, and also hard to write a satisfying short story, so some of these were pleasing and disappointing at the same time, but if you’re a true horror fan you’ll just enjoy interacting with the stories and ideas presented to you, even if you don’t actively ‘like’ them all. I’ll definitely be thinking about some of these for a while to come.
As usual the best thing about a short story collection is I now have a list of authors whose books I will be checking out.
It’s notoriously hard to give a horror story a satisfactory ending, and also hard to write a satisfying short story, so some of these were pleasing and disappointing at the same time, but if you’re a true horror fan you’ll just enjoy interacting with the stories and ideas presented to you, even if you don’t actively ‘like’ them all. I’ll definitely be thinking about some of these for a while to come.
As usual the best thing about a short story collection is I now have a list of authors whose books I will be checking out.
November 19, 2025
This collection of haunted-house short stories, collated and edited by Dan Coxon, is an atmospheric delight and is also an absolutely beautifully designed physical book.
The collection manages to deliver ten fresh, unique spins on the haunted house trope, and every story held my attention and kept me guessing. My favourites include the fantastic opener - I am the House - by Grady Hendrix, which does exactly what its title says it does, and gives a house's point of view of being inhabited over the years, and does this exceptionally well, Another Land Beneath by Claire Fuller - had to re-read this one but when the penny dropped, so did my jaw, It's Dinnertime by Alison Moore - love Moore's distinct voice, always, and the closing story by Chuck Palahniuk, Custodian - classic freaky Palahniuk weirdness!
A great read, five easy stars. Loved it!
The collection manages to deliver ten fresh, unique spins on the haunted house trope, and every story held my attention and kept me guessing. My favourites include the fantastic opener - I am the House - by Grady Hendrix, which does exactly what its title says it does, and gives a house's point of view of being inhabited over the years, and does this exceptionally well, Another Land Beneath by Claire Fuller - had to re-read this one but when the penny dropped, so did my jaw, It's Dinnertime by Alison Moore - love Moore's distinct voice, always, and the closing story by Chuck Palahniuk, Custodian - classic freaky Palahniuk weirdness!
A great read, five easy stars. Loved it!
December 2, 2025
"What we need is to get the hell out of this house..."
Dan Coxon has collected ten unique stories on the haunted house trope. The authors have taken an individual approach in changing the way in which the reader experiences these tales.
Featured are:
"I am the House" - Grady Hendrix
"Another Land Beneath" - Claire Fuller
"The Toll" - Will Maclean
"Deep Clean" - Clay McLeod Chapman
"Lapse" - Kirsty Logan
"Tearaways" - Matthew Holness
"The Collector's House" - Ally Wilkes
"Rosheen" - Irenosen Okojie
"It's Dinnertime" - Alison Moore
"Custodian" - Chuck Palahniuk
A few of these were unsettling because the way in which the stories were told, some had me pausing before I moved on and others were interesting yet dark.
I enjoyed reading these stories, many have stuck with me and if anything they make me want to read more by these authors.
Dan Coxon has collected ten unique stories on the haunted house trope. The authors have taken an individual approach in changing the way in which the reader experiences these tales.
Featured are:
"I am the House" - Grady Hendrix
"Another Land Beneath" - Claire Fuller
"The Toll" - Will Maclean
"Deep Clean" - Clay McLeod Chapman
"Lapse" - Kirsty Logan
"Tearaways" - Matthew Holness
"The Collector's House" - Ally Wilkes
"Rosheen" - Irenosen Okojie
"It's Dinnertime" - Alison Moore
"Custodian" - Chuck Palahniuk
A few of these were unsettling because the way in which the stories were told, some had me pausing before I moved on and others were interesting yet dark.
I enjoyed reading these stories, many have stuck with me and if anything they make me want to read more by these authors.
January 2, 2026
A short story collection is often a mixed bag, but at least this one is stunning! I loved the premise - haunted houses are my favourite - and this book has a solid list of authors, most of whom I've read and enjoyed in the past. The introduction by Dan Coxon is brilliant - he deffo got me at Disneyland Paris and Phantom Manor! I've found that I enjoyed the writing more than the actual stories, which is a bit weird; or I liked the beginning/premise, but not the execution. I really liked how different and similar some stories were to one another. The best, in my opinion, were tales by Ally Wilkes, Claire Fuller, Alison Moore and Will Maclean.
January 16, 2026
I do love a good anthology of creepy short stories, and this fit the bill! While not every story was a homerun, there were enough winners to satisfy my pickiness. I don't like scary stories that end vaguely where the reader is still left wondering (I am looking at you Stephen King), and there were a few of these in here (Deep Clean, Lapse, The Toll) that I would have loved another chapter or two to wrap things up. But then there were a few gems that were sooo satisfying (I am the House and It's Dinnertime particularly).
If you like a creepy story with a good little twist, you will enjoy this collection.
If you like a creepy story with a good little twist, you will enjoy this collection.
January 22, 2026
A beautiful book and a lot of variation as to whether I found the stories to be interesting haunted house stories or not. I wasn't surprised to like Grady Hendrix's take the most (told from the perspective of the house, with the house understanding things on a house level rather than a human one) as I always enjoy his concepts. Clay McLeod Chapman's story of cleaners in a fancy house was also great haunted house horror. It was cool to see Chuck Palahniuk's (very) short story. Some of the others either felt unfinished or just didn't feel like they were saying much about the concept of the haunted house, which was really what I wanted as someone who is really interested in the concept.
December 3, 2025
I listened to the audio version of this book.
"I am The House" by Grady Hendrix and narrated by Jenn Lee - 5 stars, no notes. 😍
"Deep Clean" by Clay McLeod Chapman and narrated by Lynette R. Freeman. - 5 stars. This is a good story catapulted to greatness by the incredible narration of Lynette R. Freeman. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The other stories were also clever, especially "The Custodian" by Chuck Palahniuk. I was totally invested in a couple of the stories until the end, when they fell flat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of stories. I highly recommend the audio version.
"I am The House" by Grady Hendrix and narrated by Jenn Lee - 5 stars, no notes. 😍
"Deep Clean" by Clay McLeod Chapman and narrated by Lynette R. Freeman. - 5 stars. This is a good story catapulted to greatness by the incredible narration of Lynette R. Freeman. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The other stories were also clever, especially "The Custodian" by Chuck Palahniuk. I was totally invested in a couple of the stories until the end, when they fell flat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of stories. I highly recommend the audio version.
December 11, 2025
it’s hard to rate a collection of stories but i would give it a 3.5 overall. i love how unique & imaginative these stories were and i had a great time reading them. the stories i enjoyed the most were “I am the House”, “Lapse”, “The Collectors House”, “Rosheen”, and “It’s Dinnertime”. if i had to pick a favorite it would definitely be “Lapse” as it reminded me of Private Rites by Julia Armfield (off putting sapphics in a climate apocalypse). thank you to dead ink for gifting me this copy!!! :)
January 10, 2026
I don't normally enjoy short story collections. I only liked three stories in this collection, but it was enough that I wish that there were more stories to choose from!
I am the House - Man oh man, this was so creative and different! Truly, a haunted house. My favorite story of of the entire group. I would love to see this as a movie!
Deep Clean - This one was so sad!!
The Custodian - Proper weird and creepy.
I am the House - Man oh man, this was so creative and different! Truly, a haunted house. My favorite story of of the entire group. I would love to see this as a movie!
Deep Clean - This one was so sad!!
The Custodian - Proper weird and creepy.
January 1, 2026
The first short story in this book where you are listening to the houses point of view… In this horror story… Is so entirely creative and botched. The rest of the stories were good… The first one was great! Will read again.
January 5, 2026
A great, eclectic anthology with no weak links. Standouts include Matthew Holness' tale of middle aged men haunted by the cruelty of their old school teachers and Alison Moore's powerful, darkly comic account of an abused woman's attempt at escape.
November 5, 2025
Average rating overall: 3.25 ⭐
Highlights:
It’s Dinnertime - Alison Moore
Deep Clean - Clay McLeod Chapman
Custodian - Chuck Palahniuk (who is suprised)
The Collector’s House - Ally Wilkes
Highlights:
It’s Dinnertime - Alison Moore
Deep Clean - Clay McLeod Chapman
Custodian - Chuck Palahniuk (who is suprised)
The Collector’s House - Ally Wilkes
November 19, 2025
An absolute gem
November 23, 2025
Meh. Hit or miss. Some stories were great. Some were boring.
December 15, 2025
I really only cared for 3 or 4 of the stories. Definitely disappointing.
Read
December 29, 2025I can never give stars to anthologies. Some 5star stories (Mr Hendrix of course). Some 3 stars. Some 4 stars.
January 8, 2026
Most of the stories were highly forgettable.
January 13, 2026
Disappointing (to me) short story collection
January 17, 2026
So disappointed, they were all pretty forgettable. Would have liked to own a physical copy of this beautiful edition but alas.
Read
January 23, 2026DNF-ed early on. It's a collection of short stories that are well written & reinforced - horror is not really my genre. lol.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews