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Unsettled Score: A Mixtape of Arthouse Horror
In this 14-track collection, Shirley Jackson Award nominee Rebecca Rowland riffs on classic rock to deliver stories that slide from nostalgic to nightmarish. "Rock of Ages" drops college roommates into an apocalyptic food shortage with brutal consequences, while "Season of the Witch" follows a girl whose past refuses to stay buried. "Paper in Fire," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Crash Course in Brain Surgery" explore vengeance, obsession, and the terrifying ways women rewrite their own myths. From dating disasters to haunted homes and twisted families, Rowland turns everyday life into a dark, unforgettable playlist you'll want to replay--if you dare.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2026
About the author
Rebecca Rowland
50 books299 followersPraised by Rue Morgue Magazine as a “dark fiction talent who deftly wed[s] hardcore horror and true, affecting pathos,” Rebecca Rowland is a Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author and a Bram Stoker Award-nominated editor. She is co-founder of the Literary Nasties, awards given annually to the best in transgressive and misfit fiction. Cemetery Dance stated that her fiction “reeks of The Twilight Zone in all the best ways” and that she is “easily one of the best short story writers today.”
She is an Active member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers, and having lived in Massachusetts for most of her life, she chooses to set most of her fiction there. Despite earning graduate degrees in English, Education, and Information Science, she miraculously managed to pay off her student loans before retirement and/or death. In her spare time, she pets her cats, eats cheese, and drinks vodka, though not necessarily in that order.
She is represented by CW Literary Agency.
She is an Active member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers, and having lived in Massachusetts for most of her life, she chooses to set most of her fiction there. Despite earning graduate degrees in English, Education, and Information Science, she miraculously managed to pay off her student loans before retirement and/or death. In her spare time, she pets her cats, eats cheese, and drinks vodka, though not necessarily in that order.
She is represented by CW Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review in the April 2026 issue of Booklist and on the blog: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2026/04...
Three Words That Describe This Book: music/album frame, extremely unsettling, horrible but sympathetic main characters
13 tracks (14 actually)
Visceral. Writing draws you in immediately.
The musical frame is fun, the story titles will give readers an ear worm– on purpose. That part is fun, but then the things that happen in these stories are awful. The reader must reckon with that and it enhances the unease– makes everything even more awful, unsettling. And it makes it all feel more real as a result.
Like a great album there is a hidden track
Musical titles. Music is part of many stories. It is the music of the 80s and 90s mostly
Twists. Rowland keeps you on your toes. But also the way she tells a story has a rhythm– like a great album.
Humans AND supernatural monsters. Some threats human, some supernatural, all monsters
Plays with your emotions and very psychological– the MCs are awful, many criminals, killers, very flawed at least. And yet, with each story, reader is drawn in and attaches to that MC. It is shocking when they betray us and yet, we liked the reading experience.
And then it repeats– like songs on the same album– each is distinct but together they are united. As a reader you know better but get the horrible twist over and over again. Nothing ends up well here. The first story sets that tone– it is the longest– and it never lets up.
Rock of Ages Longest– sets the weird, unsettling, and uncomfortable tone both in what happens and how Rowland tells a story.
Shortest are best.
Favs:
Crash Course in Brain Surgery– a “coven” of women, all friends, who want to feel younger. The last one in their group to try to snare a younger man. Human monsters
Wolf Like Me– an inmate’s letter to a long time Boston Globe reporter Human monster but not who you think
Mrs Robinson– the best one probably. Human monster but man does it sneak up on you!
Turn Me Loose– a great evil doll story
Critically acclaimed already– look for more from Rowland.
A great choice for fans of stories with charming but flawed protagonists – Philip Fracassi,
Human Monsters by Hartmann and Saywers and Screams from the Dark by Datlow
Three Words That Describe This Book: music/album frame, extremely unsettling, horrible but sympathetic main characters
13 tracks (14 actually)
Visceral. Writing draws you in immediately.
The musical frame is fun, the story titles will give readers an ear worm– on purpose. That part is fun, but then the things that happen in these stories are awful. The reader must reckon with that and it enhances the unease– makes everything even more awful, unsettling. And it makes it all feel more real as a result.
Like a great album there is a hidden track
Musical titles. Music is part of many stories. It is the music of the 80s and 90s mostly
Twists. Rowland keeps you on your toes. But also the way she tells a story has a rhythm– like a great album.
Humans AND supernatural monsters. Some threats human, some supernatural, all monsters
Plays with your emotions and very psychological– the MCs are awful, many criminals, killers, very flawed at least. And yet, with each story, reader is drawn in and attaches to that MC. It is shocking when they betray us and yet, we liked the reading experience.
And then it repeats– like songs on the same album– each is distinct but together they are united. As a reader you know better but get the horrible twist over and over again. Nothing ends up well here. The first story sets that tone– it is the longest– and it never lets up.
Rock of Ages Longest– sets the weird, unsettling, and uncomfortable tone both in what happens and how Rowland tells a story.
Shortest are best.
Favs:
Crash Course in Brain Surgery– a “coven” of women, all friends, who want to feel younger. The last one in their group to try to snare a younger man. Human monsters
Wolf Like Me– an inmate’s letter to a long time Boston Globe reporter Human monster but not who you think
Mrs Robinson– the best one probably. Human monster but man does it sneak up on you!
Turn Me Loose– a great evil doll story
Critically acclaimed already– look for more from Rowland.
A great choice for fans of stories with charming but flawed protagonists – Philip Fracassi,
Human Monsters by Hartmann and Saywers and Screams from the Dark by Datlow
June 1, 2026
Unsettled Score is a deeply cutting, unnerving collection that utilizes the structure of a mixtape of classic rock songs to draw the reader in with familiarity before pulling the rug out from under us completely. Each story is named after an existing track, carefully curated into a playlist from hell. They are distinct in tone and subject, yet unified by a creeping sense of dread and inevitability. Rowland's strength is how she weaponizes that feeling of nostalgia. The musical references are quickly recognizable and create a rhythm that feels ALMOST comforting at first, but that feeling soon begins to crack. Her stories dig into obsession, revenge, and the quiet ways people justify their worst impulses. The horror is as psychological as it is visceral. Even when there are supernatural elements implemented, they are often secondary to the damage the people inflict on each other. The cyclical nature of this collection is particularly notable. Stick with me here. Much like an album you simply cannot stop replaying, the stories build on one another thematically, leading us into the turns but still incredibly impactful with the landing. Rowland has a true talent for crafting deeply flawed, sometimes straight up reprehensible characters who nonetheless pull you into their orbits, making each revelation hit that much harder. Standouts like "Mrs. Robinson" (yes, much like THAT Mrs. Robinson but oh so much worse) and "Crash Course in Brain Surgery" (a wickedly witchy tale) showcase her ability to blend intimacy with brutality, and the shorter pieces deliver quick and cutting shocks. By the end, Unsettled Score leaves you with this uneasy and terrifying realization that the real monsters aren't hiding in the margins, they are center stage and you have been listening to them all along. Thank you so much to Rebecca for mailing me an ARC. This collection is platinum in my heart. Please, horror fans, do not miss this one. You can pick it up when it publishes June 1st, 2026 from Lethe Press!
June 18, 2026
Whiplash Ethos: UNSETTLED SCORE, by Rebecca Rowland
Rebecca Rowland’s writing surpasses the cliché of operating like a switchblade (the cutting edge of which is often smeared with gory adornments); still, she exercises her stories with a whiplash ethos.
UNSETTLED SCORE: A MIXTAPE OF ARTHOUSE HORROR, contains twelve tracks (plus a primo hidden ditty), the sonic quality of which ranges from jarring, fugue-like numbers (“Crazy On You”), to snake-strike hits (“Doing It to Death”), to compositions with more a Ambrose-Bierce convention (“Better By You, Better Than Me”).
Owing to the authenticity of her subjects’ interactions, Rowland lulls readers into a false sense of security: she illustrates narratives that are initially subdued and familiar, before springing her “listeners” into situations that are not only relentlessly vicious, but horrifically resonant.
Rebecca Rowland’s writing surpasses the cliché of operating like a switchblade (the cutting edge of which is often smeared with gory adornments); still, she exercises her stories with a whiplash ethos.
UNSETTLED SCORE: A MIXTAPE OF ARTHOUSE HORROR, contains twelve tracks (plus a primo hidden ditty), the sonic quality of which ranges from jarring, fugue-like numbers (“Crazy On You”), to snake-strike hits (“Doing It to Death”), to compositions with more a Ambrose-Bierce convention (“Better By You, Better Than Me”).
Owing to the authenticity of her subjects’ interactions, Rowland lulls readers into a false sense of security: she illustrates narratives that are initially subdued and familiar, before springing her “listeners” into situations that are not only relentlessly vicious, but horrifically resonant.
May 1, 2026
Rowland hits it out of the park again with another collection of odd tales sure to not only creep you out, but also make you think. I love that about her stories - each one is full of layers just waiting to be unpacked. My specific faves from the collection are “Wolf Like Me” (which ends with quite the unexpected twist) and “Mrs. Robinson” (which left me feeling like I had read a short story the caliber of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates or “All the Way in Flagstaff, Arizona” by Richard Bausch)
Although I loved her novel Eminence Front, Rowland has really emerged as a master of the short story. I truly adore all her collections and can’t wait to see what other horrors she will pen.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book!
Although I loved her novel Eminence Front, Rowland has really emerged as a master of the short story. I truly adore all her collections and can’t wait to see what other horrors she will pen.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Listen, people. This collection is MONSTROUSLY GOOD. Like, getthehelloutahere good. Like, Help. My heart. good.
These 13 horror short stories (plus a hidden track) are handled by a master at the top of her form. Each word perfectly placed. Each character deftly drawn with a fine, light hand.
The theme is revenge, getting mine, I’m hurt and so shall you. My absolute favorites were Season of the Witch and Wolf Like Me. But ask me an hour from now and I may say Crash Course on Brain Surgery and Mrs Robinson.
Well crafted, emotionally sticky, these stories make the bitter goblin that hides on my dark heart absolutely gleeful.
I want to hug Rebecca while I chuckle darkly, hehehehehehehe.
So so so so good.
These 13 horror short stories (plus a hidden track) are handled by a master at the top of her form. Each word perfectly placed. Each character deftly drawn with a fine, light hand.
The theme is revenge, getting mine, I’m hurt and so shall you. My absolute favorites were Season of the Witch and Wolf Like Me. But ask me an hour from now and I may say Crash Course on Brain Surgery and Mrs Robinson.
Well crafted, emotionally sticky, these stories make the bitter goblin that hides on my dark heart absolutely gleeful.
I want to hug Rebecca while I chuckle darkly, hehehehehehehe.
So so so so good.
June 19, 2026
Rebecca Rowland's horror anthology Unsettled Score is exactly that, unsettling. Presented as a mixtape, the book's got nervous laughter inducing, hand over mouth moments aplenty. Most importantly, while there is a healthy dose of the supernatural, the work is strongest when reminding readers that the most terrifying monsters of all are people themselves.
Horror often comes in two flavors: deliciously gory & violent and fade to black, turning the reader's imagination against them. In Unsettled Score, you experience the power of an author not only fearless enough, but talented enough, to do both (and scarily well!). Simply put, Rebecca Rowland is a badass.
Horror often comes in two flavors: deliciously gory & violent and fade to black, turning the reader's imagination against them. In Unsettled Score, you experience the power of an author not only fearless enough, but talented enough, to do both (and scarily well!). Simply put, Rebecca Rowland is a badass.
June 11, 2026
You know those books that leave you staring at the wall after you finish them? This was one of those for me. It completely blew me away!
I genuinely think this is the best short story collection I’ve ever read. Every story brought something different and I loved every single one of them. I’m still struggling to find the words for how much I loved it.
5 stars. No notes. Just a very strong recommendation that you pick this one up. And make sure you listen to the Spotify playlist that goes along with it too!
I genuinely think this is the best short story collection I’ve ever read. Every story brought something different and I loved every single one of them. I’m still struggling to find the words for how much I loved it.
5 stars. No notes. Just a very strong recommendation that you pick this one up. And make sure you listen to the Spotify playlist that goes along with it too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! It's not often that every story in a collection is SO GOOD, but these are! I loved every single one of them, but my favorites are "Rock of Ages," "Season of the Witch," and "Mrs Robinson." There is something for everyone within these pages - the stories cover a wide range of tropes and types of characters, and the tales range from spooky to downright terrifying. These are the kind of tales that stick with you long after reading that last page!
August 9, 2026
DNF
I didn't finish. I made it through 5 stories. The author likes to use a technique where she jumps around in her stories and I find it very hard to follow what's going on. I have seen this done before in full novels but I just don't think it works well in a short story because there isn't enough time to come out of the confusion. Since I wasn't enjoying the stories I decided to give up on the rest of them.
I didn't finish. I made it through 5 stories. The author likes to use a technique where she jumps around in her stories and I find it very hard to follow what's going on. I have seen this done before in full novels but I just don't think it works well in a short story because there isn't enough time to come out of the confusion. Since I wasn't enjoying the stories I decided to give up on the rest of them.
June 15, 2026
Rebecca Rowland does it again! Another amazing horror collection from the Shirley Jackson finalist. My highlights include 'Rock of Ages', '2 Minutes to Midnight', 'Mrs. Robinson', and 'Turn Me Loose'.
July 7, 2026
Unsettled Score is a collection of 13 horror short stories with a hidden track. Each one inspired by a classic rock song! Let me tell you, every story had me on the edge of my seat.
I’m not usually one to enjoy short stories, but WOW. I was blown away with Rebecca’s writing. Rebecca has a way of pulling you in, keeping you guessing until the very end, and leaving you wanting more. This was my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be my last.
A few of my favorites were “Wolf Like Me,” “Take the Money and Run,” and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.”
I’m not usually one to enjoy short stories, but WOW. I was blown away with Rebecca’s writing. Rebecca has a way of pulling you in, keeping you guessing until the very end, and leaving you wanting more. This was my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be my last.
A few of my favorites were “Wolf Like Me,” “Take the Money and Run,” and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.”
June 9, 2026
Do you love short stories? Look no further than UNSETTLED SCORE, the new story collection by Rebecca Rowland.
UNSETTLED SCORE is a mixtape of horror stories, all with ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s songs for the titles. It’s a fun touch to a really fun, but dark, collection.
Many of the stories in this collection feature human horrors but there are plenty of supernatural horrors here too. What seriously impressed me the most was how Rowland is able to take you along for a ride with a character who you can’t look away from even as they are doing the worst things you can imagine. To say this collection digs into the dark psyche of human beings is an understatement. And she does it all in a way that never feels gratuitous.
It’s really difficult for me to choose favorites but I loved the opening novella, Rock of Ages. Highlights for me were Wolf Like Me, Mrs. Robinson, and Season of the Witch. I loved this book!
Thank you to the author and Lethe Press for sending me an ARC for review!
UNSETTLED SCORE is a mixtape of horror stories, all with ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s songs for the titles. It’s a fun touch to a really fun, but dark, collection.
Many of the stories in this collection feature human horrors but there are plenty of supernatural horrors here too. What seriously impressed me the most was how Rowland is able to take you along for a ride with a character who you can’t look away from even as they are doing the worst things you can imagine. To say this collection digs into the dark psyche of human beings is an understatement. And she does it all in a way that never feels gratuitous.
It’s really difficult for me to choose favorites but I loved the opening novella, Rock of Ages. Highlights for me were Wolf Like Me, Mrs. Robinson, and Season of the Witch. I loved this book!
Thank you to the author and Lethe Press for sending me an ARC for review!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews