Horror Library, Volume 9

by Eric J. Guignard (Editor), Garick Cooke

The +Horror Library+ anthologies are internationally praised as a groundbreaking source of contemporary horror short fiction stories--relevant to the moment and stunning in impact--from leading authors of the macabre and darkly imaginative.

Filled with Fears and Fantasy. Death and Dark Dreams. Monsters and Mayhem. Literary Vision and Wonder. Each volume of the +Horror Library+ series is packed with heart-pounding thrills and creepy contemplations as to what truly lurks among the shadows of the world(s) we live in.

Containing 30 all-original stories, read Volume 9 in this ongoing anthology series, and then continue with the other volumes.

Shamble no longer through the banal humdrum of normalcy, but ENTER THE HORROR LIBRARY!

Included within Volume 9:

-  In "Head Over Heels," a sentient unicycle enacts long-sought revenge against those who have wronged it.

-  In "Eyes Without Their Lids," a couple with no memory of their prior lives, awaken in a doorless room and in full sight of a camera that watches all they do.

-  In "False Witness," a man whose life was saved by a mysterious voice finds himself in the midst of a worse fate.

-  . . . and more!

-  Also including a special guest-artist's gallery of Michael A. Livolsi!

Genres: Horror, Adult

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

ERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer, editor, and anthologist of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), won the Shirley Jackson Award, and been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award and International Thriller Writers Award for his works of dark and speculative fiction.

He has over 150 stories appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.

He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).

He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.

His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).

Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.

Reviews

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror Library, Volume 9 is another impressive anthology from Dark Moon Books with Eric J. Guignard at the helm as editor. He has an eye, (or the ears?), for unique, distinctive and diverse voices in dark fiction.

This anthology is packed solid with 30 stories and a section of artwork by Michael Livolsi; the artwork from the disturbing cover was created by Alexander Nazolkin. What horror lover can resist this cover?

I made notes as I was reading, but I have so many! The stories by Brian Evenson, L.H. Michael, and Poppy Z. Brite were top notch and Ana Nelson’s story Head Over Heels had me giggling maniacally and I love when that happens. Kernel of the Flesh by Dare Segun Falowo horrified me as did Michael Kelly’s entry The Seller of Cast off Destinies, Yeah, think about that title for a minute. Colin Leonard’s It Moves On was a delightful fit of weirdness and A Deeper Nothing by Dexter McLeod was a cosmic, drowning experience.

There are plenty of well known names in the horror world included in this TOC but what is special about these Horror Library Volumes is the mixture of big names with others you may not be as familiar with, and I enjoy that so much. When I was younger I would check out these types of anthologies from the library, write down the authors of the stories I liked and then I tried to read their books. Actually, I still do that today, and I know I will be seeking out some of the authors that I have mentioned here.

This was a solid collection of dark fiction, followed by some super cool artwork, and topped off with that arresting cover. How could you go wrong?!

Highly recommended!

*ARC from publisher

[Danielle (Danni) Vinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology of horror short fiction. Out of 30 stories, only 5 didn't work for me. The stories are varied and very well-curated, with some brilliant, and original, pieces. I'm very curious about the other volumes in this series and look forward to reading them. Thank you, Eric.
As always, my favourites...

~Third Floor Windows by LH Michael
(one of the most original stories I have ever read)
~Headlights by Mercedes M. Yardley
(Boris Sparkles)
~Mask Off by K. C. Griffith
(YIKES!)
~Kernel of the Flesh by Dare Segun Falowo
(glorious)
~In the Evening Red by Brian Evenson
(astonishing)
~Baghdad, 1259 by Tanvir Ahmed
~I Send You A Kiss by Rex Burrows
~The Luckiest Man by Gina Easton
~The Drowning Kind by Jennifer Lesh Fleck

[David Agranoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric and Dark Moon books are consistent. Like Death, Taxes, and quality short horror fiction. Eric didn’t start this series, and I'm not even sure with which volume he took over, but I know he has been the editor for the last couple of editions.

One thing you can bank on is that the stories will be excellent, dark, and from diverse sources. Guignard has experience doing international anthologies, and as an active member of HWA, he is able to pull authors from around the world. One thing I noticed right away was a couple of very exciting names in this line-up.

Brian Evenson (who I think is the best living short story author), Poppy Z. Brite, Bentley Little, and Delilah S. Dawson. It was also nice to see So-Cal locals in Jo Kaplan and KC Grifant. For long-time horror-heads, the appearance of Brite and Little is “no way” inducing.
30 stories and about 300 pages, will tell you many of the stories are short, but they all provide a serious punch.

Highlights for me include Eyes without Lids by Jo Kaplan, which got me even more excited for her Clash Books title Midnight Muse. This story is a creepy story about a who wakes up a captive. The mood and setting of this short but powerful story completely hooked me. Found You by Poppy Z. Brite was a quick, evocative tale that reminds fans of this classic author why they are so beloved.

Bentley Little’s Before His Time is a fun little Hollywood tale, and Evenson’s tale is about Opera and it was great, although I felt I might have been missing knowledge that might have helped it. Delilah S. Dawson’s story does the most with the shortest word-count in that sense it reminded me of RC Matheson (his story Red Shortest most effective horror story ever). Grifant’s Mask-off had a traditional Tales of the Crypt feel to me.

Some stories didn’t hook me as strongly, but I only skipped a couple stories whose tone didn’t catch me. +Horror Library+ is a series that continues to be the mark of high quality. Those of you who want more markets for short horror fiction…if you want a place to find new authors, and you want a market, you gotta support it, buy short horror.

[Lisa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror Library, Volume 9 is a phenomenal volume in the +Horror Library+ anthology series and an incredible reading experience. This magnificently compiled anthology has 30 original stories ranging from disturbing to chilling, from the dark fiction of “Bagdad, 1259” by Tanvir Ahmed to the impactful horror of Dave Segun Falowo’s “Kernel of the Flesh.”

With so many stories, styles, and subgenres, one would be hard pressed to choose favorites. R.E. Rule’s “Afterimage” is an excellent surreal supernatural tale with an evocative protagonist and deeply poignant subtext. Poppy Z. Brite’s occultish “Found You” is both chilling and wrenching. And Charles Wilkinson’s “Accounting for Eternity” is an absolutely unnerving tale that not so subtly speaks to societal ageism.

Oh, but there’s so much more. “Absolute Power” by Henry Herz is a brilliant and intensely disturbing future-esque story in the tradition of Orwell’s 1984, and it delivers a lingering gut punch. “Mask Off” by KC Grifant is a dark, compelling tale of an artist’s obsession, which is generally a fascinating theme anyway, and this one does not disappoint.

And let’s not forget the guest artist gallery. Following the stories is the exquisite artwork of Michael A. Livolsi. His piece Forest Terror II: No Turning Back particularly spoke to me. I love the detail, movement, and expression in these pieces.

I have touched on but a fraction of the offerings inside. Horror Library, Volume 9 is, as the title implies, a little library unto itself, with 30 wonderful and unique stories, author bios, and a gallery of art, all in one volume. This is absolutely a shelf-worthy read, and the physical book is a beautiful addition to my shelves, but it’s a must-have, must-read in any format.

A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2026/02/03/horror-library-volume-9/

[Mother Suspiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

+HORROR LIBRARY+ Vol 9 is an absolutely stellar anthology that will enthrall, terrify, & haunt you. Eric J. Guignard has assembled an astonishing array of truly superior, stunning Horror that exemplifies the best the genre offers. Not one bad story; my highest recommendation!

[Ian Welke · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much collected in this one book. There is a great variety of horror fiction and the art gallery in the end of the book is worth the purchase price in itself. With so many great stories and so much art this is great bang for the buck.

[Carson Buckingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror Library, Volume 9 is a lovely anthology of dark horror with stories spanning the genre. This would be a great book to curl up with while riding out frigid, wintry weather…or extreme summer heat…or…oh, let’s face it, this is a great book to read anytime. Eric Guignard, anthologist extraordinaire, has done it again, with his adept story choices and beautiful layout. There are some big names in horror in this book, along with names that may not be as familiar…yet. Since there are 30 stories in this book, rather than mention each one of them, I shall highlight the ones I liked best.

“Afterimage” by R. E. Rule – When someone dies, an artifact or image shows up and must be disposed of by the ‘aftertaker.’ But when one aftertaker thinks too much about what he’s doing…well, let’s just say that it creates some unusual problems.

“Third Floor Windows” by LH Michael – Whoever heard of bars on second and third floor windows? Well, maybe they’re there for a good reason for them…

“The Second Candlestick” by Nigel Brown – A chilling story of a verger, a church, and two horrific candlesticks.

“False Witness” by Charlie Hughes – A slight Final Destination vibe, in that two kids escaped the death that was fated for them—but were they really saved? And could it be for a purpose worse than the death they escaped?

“Eyes Without Their Lids” by Jo Kaplan – People in a locked room without windows or doors do not remember how they got there.

“Before His Time” by Bentley Little – Dying actors saved and brought back by one of the greatest of them all—but there are consequences for this and changes that occur to those whose futures are all used up.

“The Luckiest Man” by Gina Easton – A paramedic thwarts a suicide attempt and comes to regret it—for the rest of his life.

“Accounting for Eternity” by Charles Wilkinson – Mr. Timmis’ tax returns are overdue, his accounting firm, which is suddenly unreachable, has been taken over by a different set of accountants, and the new group will only deal with clientele above the age of 70. Hmmm.

“In the Evening Red” by Brian Evenson – A concert in Prague takes a decidedly strange turn.

“Elizabeth By the Pea Patch” by J. Edward Gregal – A dystopian, extremely tightly-written story about a man’s pursuit of a monster—but not for the reasons you might think. This was my favorite story in the book. Brilliantly done.

“It Moves On” by Colin Leonard – Something strange comes over the local park, and you don’t want to be in there after 9:00 PM.

“Dear Good, Kind Soul” by Delilah S. Dawson – A mother gives up her baby to a childless woman desperate for motherhood, but all is not what it seems. Great twist at the end!

“A Deeper Nothing” by Dexter McLeod – A hit man gets a new lease on life from some pretty disturbing clients.

“Headlights” by Mercedes M. Yardley – A woman with a life-long imaginary friend who will never…ever…leave her.

“I Send You a Kiss” by Rex Burrows – A diner owner in a tiny, nowhere town gets some new neighbors who inherit a house with a legendary pumpkin patch. They don’t know a thing about pumpkins, but are about to find out.

“Absolute Power” by Henry Herz – A newspaperwoman meets a whistleblower and uncovers a momentous evil that a sinister auto manufacturer is trying to hide…by any means necessary.

“Merlin’s Vicious Trick” by Trevor James Zaple – An old tack shop in a dying town is remodeled into a brand-new movie theater practically overnight. Great revenge story.

And there is a bonus section that follows the stories with horror artwork by Michael A. Livolsi. Skillfully, imaginatively done and worth a look.

All in all, this is a book you’ll want in your horror library. It is scary, while at the same time, thought-provoking, and because of that, the stories will stay with you long after you close the book. Horror Library, Volume 9 is unforgettable.

5 out of 5 stars.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was one helluva thick and creepy anthology, thirty stories of high-quality literary horror, brimming with eerie atmosphere, delicious ambiguity, and weird endings! The authors include several easily recognizable names (Poppy Z. Brite, Bentley Little, Brian Evenson, Mercedes M. Yardley, Jo Kaplan), contributing fascinating short tales of about ten pages each, pushing hard for emotional impact and existential dread. Thanks to the experienced hand of the editor, Eric J. Guignard, this massive volume of chilling narrative snapshots does not at all overwhelm the reader; on the contrary, the editor has picked just those stories that set the right tone and gel perfectly together. I really liked the overall vibe, and the quality of writing was extraordinary.

The tales I enjoyed most were, well, many: the truly creepy opening story, "Afterimage" by R.E. Rule, an original take on hauntings and how to remove them; "Baghdad, 1259" by Tanvir Ahmed, a medieval horror tale following right after, quite unsettling; "Found You" by Poppy Z. Brite - wow, a really moody story of a ritual gone wrong; "Third-Floor Windows" by LH Michael, an absolutely brilliant take on liminal horror with strong urban themes; "Before His Time" by Bentley Little, the most original tale in the volume (for me), a disturbing glimpse into the mythology of cinema offered through a miracle story unlike any I'd read before; "The Luckiest Man" by Gina Easton - a truly disturbing story of heroism and unending nightmares; "In the Evening Red" by Brian Evenson, my second favorite story in the anthology, a triumph of subtlety and insinuation, transforming a visit to the opera into a dark and grim experience; "The Seller of Cast-Off Destinies" by Michael Kelly, a dark fantasy tale whose title says it all;"Dear Good, Kind Soul" by Delilah s. Dawson, my third favorite story, absolutely brilliant, a spin on the changeling theme but with a twist; "Mask Off" by KC Grifant, a disturbing dive into a mind slowly going insane in order to get the perfect shot; "Headlights" by Mercedes M. Yardley, a terrific spin on the trope of the imaginary friend, my fourth favorite story; "I Send You a Kiss" by Rex Borrow, a surprisingly impactful Halloween story, with a bit of gore; and "You Know How This Will End" by Nicholas Jay, a well-crafted tale of homophobia and the cost of being seen!

To be clear: these horror stories offer little explanation, most of them avoiding it altogether, the authors preferring to go for compelling stopping points which achieve lingering trepidation and unreasoning fear, or just convey a spooky feel. If that's your thing, or you're just too busy to commit to longer works, I highly recommend it!

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short horror stories and I have been a fan of Horror Library for quite a while. I have not read them all, but I have enjoyed every volume that I have read, including the newly released Volume 9.

This latest anthology includes the stunning artwork of Michael A. Livolsi along with 30 exemplary tales of disquiet and unease to make you uncomfortable and fill you with dread.

Just a few of my favorites were :

Afterimage by R. E. Rule is about an unusual clean up job, the description of which evokes empathy and disgust at the same time.

Found You by Poppy Z. Brite -Where grief and ritual collide, the supernatural follows.

Third Floor Windows by LH Michael -A psychiatrist learns too late that sometimes you should believe in your patient and not assume that facts are delusions.

Dumb Insolence by J.L. Rifkin -The downstairs maid gets revenge for having been mistreated.

The Edge of the Earth by Iain Rowan -A bored salesman dissatisfied with his life, and a fisherman with a secret to share, walk into a bar...

Before His Time by Bentley Little -A son with a father on hospice care takes him to visit a healer.

The Luckiest Man by Gina Easton -No good deed goes unpunished in this haunting tale of a paramedic who saves a burning man.

Head Over Heels by Ana Nelson -A man, a wedding, and a sentient unicycle bring bloody mayhem and dark humor.

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer Lash Fleck -A mother-daughter trip to the seaside while one is losing her memories and the other revisits a memory she pushed aside.

The Hearing Booth by Tom Johnstone -A mobile hearing test may also judge your character.

It Moves On by Colin Leonard -It's not unusual to spend time in a public park after a job loss, so why is the park suddenly subject to closing hours and padlocked gates?

At this point, I feel like I am naming the entire table of contents as my favorite stories, so I will just stop here and say there's really not a bad one in the mix. If you like weird fiction that leads you down dark paths, you will love this anthology.

5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Eric J. Guignard and Dark Moon Books for the paperback.

[Garick Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per usual for this series, Volume 9 is handsomely produced, with suitably horrific cover art by Alexander Nazolkin, and black-and-white interior artwork by Michael A. Livolsi. Most of the stories are short, ten pages or less, which makes a nice length for reading in your spare time. Some heavyweights of the genre are represented here, led by Bentley Little and Poppy Z. Brite. (Little has, I believe, contributed to every volume of Horror Library--an enviable record.) Stories run the gamut from medieval to contemporary, and from the moody to the truly ghastly. It's interesting to me that there seem to be quite a few authors from the UK in this volume. Hopefully that means Horror Library is being read widely on both sides of the pond.

A few random thoughts:

"Baghdad, 1259" by Tanvir Ahmed. I enjoyed this one not least for the historical setting, in the aftermath of the sacking of Baghdad by the Mongol il-khan Hulagu.

"False Witness" by Charlie Hughes. This is one of the truly ghastly ones, concerning daemons and the eminent End Times.

"In the Evening Red" by Brian Evenson. In contrast, a moodier piece that achieves through implication rather than explicit imagery.

I won't discuss my own contribution ("Jane") except to say that I'm SO PROUD to be a part of this series again!

Kudos to everyone involved, and a big thanks to our esteemed editor, Eric J. Guignard.

[Scott Guyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story anthologies are always a gamble. The possibility of an uneven selection always looms, like a hulking menace in the dark. In the hands of a skilled editor, though, that menace stays in the shadows and readers are allowed to enjoy the variety of worlds and voices. Eric J. Guignard is that editor and this is that collection. I can't say that I liked every story equally, but I can say that every one lingered in my mind. Many gave me chills, which is what you want from a horror anthology after all. Perhaps more interesting to me, as a professor and a student of literature, so many of these stories offer room for discussion and analysis. If you want pure entertainment, that is here. If you want to have your brain tickled into thinking after the chills are gone, that is here as well.

[Valerie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful variety of writing styles and subjects, with the common thread being the dark weirdness of them all. More often than not the ending was not tied in a neat bow, but instead lingered in the mind, subject to each reader's interpretation. Each story was short enough to be read in one sitting. It's too hard to name a favorite. Suffice it to say, these are powerful and powerfully written stories. Well worth your time. Highly recommend.

[Jen Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This anthology has something for everyone! The lineup of contributing authors is absolutely stellar, and no matter what your favorite tropes are, you can find them within these stories. My favorites were Poppy Z Brite's "Found You" (so weird and wonderful!), Joe Kaplan 's "Eyes Without A Face," and KC Grifant's "Mask Off."

[Sarah Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! RTC

[Beverly Parypinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is full of creepy stories perfect for anyone who loves horror.