Eulogies III

by Christopher Jones (Editor), Nanci Kalanta (Editor), Tony Tremblay (Editor)

An anthology that includes stories by some of the most original voices in horror.

Nothing so commonplace as a werewolf or zombie lurks within these pages. No, on offer here is an altogether more complex assortment of evils… and a sampling of humans who battle, retreat, suffer and are changed.

Genres: Horror, Anthologies

264 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Evans Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near perfect collection. Buy it now.

5 great big stars from me.

EULOGIES III is a home run derby of horror, with only a solitary miffed shot for me and a couple others that went deep but didn't quite make it into the stands.

I highly recommend this book to any lover of short-form (10—15 page on average) horror fiction. I can't imagine anyone not getting their money's worth (and then some) with this collection, as it's a veritable master-class in the art of short horror fiction.

Beautiful book, love the Keith Minnion art themed with each story it precedes. Not a fan of ragged-right margins, but I'll deal.

Got a little panicked when I started reading the first story, THE STORM by David Morrell, and realized I'd already read it in his collection BLACK EVENING. Good story for sure, but a reprint.

Thankfully, the rest of the collection is recently copyrighted.

I Loved Tim Curran's playfully lyrical MR. MUMBLETY-PEG. Fans of Gregor Xane's THE RIGGLE TWINS should like this one quite a bit.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS, by Violet LeVoit: I fully expected to hate this one, because it looked gimmicky as hell. Instead, I was blown away by the sheer force of its utter awesomeness. Think Douglas Adam gone very dark, and you're in the right neighborhood. Everyone should read this story frequently, and that's probably not a joke. LeVoit is a new-to-me writer, and I will be exploring more of her work.

HATE ME AFIRE, by Thomas Sullivan. Almost-but-not-quite overwritten, Sullivan's story reads like a fairy tale once told in a dream. Unique, dense and satisfying.

THE MOUTH, by Ray Garton. Cute little story. Not much to it, but fun while it lasted.

IN HELL, AN EYE, by Gemma Files. I failed to connect with this story on any level whatsoever, something I haven't experienced in years. Seemed out of sync with the rest of the collection so far. Still scratching my head on this one.

MORGENSTERN'S LAST ACT, by Bracken MacLeod. My first time reading MacLeod, an author I've been intending to try out for a while. This tale was nicely told and rather enjoyable, and I look forward to exploring more of his work in the future.

ONE LAST DROP OF BLOOD TO REMEMBER ME BY, by Matt Moore. Holy crap! This story was a revelation on several different levels, and is written by an author with some serious chops on display. Employing a fairly unique dual-POV, first-person present narrative structure, the tale keeps the reader off-kilter as the plot slowly reveals itself, strategically dropping just enough clues along the way to subtly pull the reader into its web. Take note of the skilled usage of staccato prose to invoke tension during a critical scene. The only thing that prevents this story from being a mini-masterclass in the art of the short story was a needlessly exposition-heavy conclusion, but you can be sure Matt Moore is solidly on my radar going forward.

FLY AWAY HOME, by Elizabeth Massie. I've not read a lot by Elizabeth Massie, but what I've read, I've liked. I didn't dislike this story as it was well-written and set a mood nicely, but I didn't find it to be particularly satisfying, either.

THE HOLE TO CHINA, by John Everson. Not the twisted shock-fest I expected, rather a sweet fantasy about a sad little boy with a shovel. Very nice.

SHE SITS AND SMILES, by Chet Williamson. Beautifully written tale. I really enjoyed the initial concept, not bad as-is but personally think it could've been taken to a different conclusion with superior results. Enjoyable and thought-provoking fiction.

CARRY ON, CARRION, by Paula D. Ashe. I'd argue that six pages is too short a length for a story to fit in well with the rest of the pieces in this collection. This selection works reasonably well as a mood piece, but the narrative is too slight to become much else. Struck me as a repurposed writing assignment for some reason, a bit overwritten but shows promise as seed for a revised and expanded tale.

ONE POSSIBLE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME, by Brian Hodge. I love short stories that distill a tale that could have taken an entire novel to tell down to its essence, and pack an entire world and storyline into a crisp 30 to 40 pages. That's exactly what Brian Hodge has done here, and it's the perfect way to end this stellar collection.

[Frank Errington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy

First there was Eulogies: A Horror World Yearbook 2005, then two years ago, HW Press gave us Eulogies II: Tales From the Cellar, and now comes Eulogies III from editors Christopher Jones, Nanci Kalanta & Tony Tremblay.

The effort here is to shy away from the common tropes used in horror. There are no zombies, no vampires or werewolves, in this new anthology, just a wide variety of stories to make you think and perhaps to haunt your dreams.

The result, for me, was somewhat mixed, although I can't say I totally enjoyed every story, there were enough to make Eulogies III a worthwhile read.

Among my favorites in this collection were David Morrell's, "The Storm." What seems to be a familiar tale takes some unexpected twists and turns resulting in an exciting and satisfying story of a father who tries desperately to save his family from a very strange storm.

"Mr. Mumblety-Peg," from the always entertaining Tim Curran, goes for the jugular when a man who's been known by many names over the years, goes head to head with a mother's love.

Bracken MacLeod contributes a terrific little story about a carnival sideshow that features a psychic surgeon in "Morgenstern's Last Act." I always love a good sideshow story.

Turning the creep factor all the way up to 11 is Chet Williamson with "She Sits and Smiles," an imaginative and entertaining story set in a nursing home.

There were more I really liked, but that should be more than enough to whet your appetite. Although, I didn't care for every story, that doesn't mean you won't love them all. Just like I don't care for brussel sprouts, you may love them. Really, someone must love them

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful interior illustrations from Keith Minnion, one for each story. A very nice touch.

Eulogies III is available now from HW Press in both paperback and e-book formats.

Recommended.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eulogies III, edited by Christopher Jones, Nanci Kalanta, and Tony Tremblay, is a solid anthology showcasing a diverse selection and range of horror writers. With solid entries from well-known writers like Elizabeth Massie, Chet Williamson, and John Everson, as well as impressive efforts from less familiar names, this book is sure to please the most discriminating of dark fiction fans.
Among my favorites were "The Storm" by David Morrell, about a family guy who gets on the bad side of a rainmaker with disastrous results. Violet DeVoit's "Terms and Conditions" was excellent in both its humor and cynicism as it laid out the horrors of life (I have long suspected that I must have signed a contract just like this before birth). "Morganstern's Last Act" by Bracken MacLeod was a creepy carnie story about a magician who can perform miracles of the darkest sort. And "One Last Drop of Blood to Remember Me By," Matt Moore's contribution, was a haunting tale about the price of youth and immortality.

There were many more fabulous stories in this collection. I'd highly recommend it for those who are not the squeamish sort.

[Kyle Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to review an anthology. They could have a bunch of stories that are mediocre, with a few gems, or they could all be excellent with a few stinkers that just get in your head so much that you end up putting the book down.

Eulogies III was easy for me to review, despite my previous comments. I found the collection to be eclectic, which is a word I'm probably going to end up using a lot in this review, so strap in.

There is no discernible theme to Eulogies III; no 'these are all zombie stories'(Thank Christ) and no 'these stories are all about second order of vanity'. This is both helps and hinders the antho, and here is what I mean by that: It helps the antho by allowing for a myriad of stories from differing voices and backgrounds to come together and play around in their brain-bones and pull out the hidden, nasty little things they've not had the chance to put out there. Unique is the word of the day in that respect. It hinders the antho for the very same reason. If you saw this book on a shelf, would you think that all the stories were about funerals and death from the title? Today's audiences are used to having things laid out for them in neat little packages; being spoon-fed, if you will. Putting together an antho like this is risky in this market because of that, in my opinion.

On to the real importance of the review: the stories themselves. See, this is where I find the most difficulty reviewing collections. I feel that my calling out specific stories/authors it may lead you, the prospective reader, to decide to skim, or worse, skip over the tales that I, or other reviewers, do not mention.

I will then, simply state this: the overwhelming majority of these stories are NOT BORING! I feel that this is THE worst sin a writer can commit. It is a writer's job to tell a story, yes, but it is also their job to entertain. A writer should make you feel something when you read their work. Be it exhilaration, anger, sadness, or joy, you should feel something concrete enough to form an opinion, even if you hate the story. Boredom and indifference are the things that a reader should never, ever feel when reading a story.

Eulogies III did not bore me. I can think of two stories that I was indifferent to, which I will not call out here, as I am leaving it up to you, the reader of this review, to make up your own mind should you choose to take the Nestea Plunge and pick up Eulogies III.

No. You do not have to read Eulogies I and II to enjoy Eulogies III, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't give them a chance.

All in all, Eulogies III is perfect for existing fans of the series, a solid jumping on point for newbies and anyone who is in the indie horror scene, which you should be as there are tons of solid writers out there, churning out tales left and right.

[Hal Bodner · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no question as to whether or not EULOGIES III is an impressive piece of work. Clearly, whenever an editor assembles such talented writers the likes of David Morrell, Ray Garton, Elizabeth Massie, Brian Hodge and Chet Williamson, the reader can expect some real treats. This volume is no exception.

Unfortunately, since the anthology doesn't purport to have any specific theme, the best I can do is to mention some of what I felt to be the highlights of the collection, as well as the very few pieces that left me either dissatisfied or confused.

Matt Moore has given us a very odd but intriguing Fountain of Youth story by way of "One Last Drop of Blood to Remember Me By". And "She Sits and Smiles" is one of Chet Williamson's more disturbing stories; Williamson has managed to create a very unique serial killer and to write a story that will make many readers squirm in their chairs while reading it.

Other stand-out stories include Elizabeth Massie's fresh take on the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in "Fly Away Home" and John Everson's charming and moving tale of a young boy's attempt to escape his troubled home life by digging "The Hole to China."

Of all the stories, I think my favorite may be Brian Hodge's "One Possible Shape of Things to Come", a get-under-your-skin creepy tale of how the world might slowly end simply because every child in it stands in the corner and, for no reason, simply dies.

On the down side, I felt that Violet Le Voit's contribution was a rather trite and far too precious attempt to Make a Statement. And I found Gemma Files "In Hell, An Eye" to be confusing and contrived.

But on the whole, the rest of the stories are solidly written, interesting, and almost universally exhibit a creative freshness. Moreover, this volume provides an opportunity for those readers new to the genre to sample a nice selection of different authors, some of whom have been working in the field for years. And if you're already a fan of short horror fiction, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[Roger A Seavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not read any of the books in the " Eulogy " series you are missing out on a real treat. Nancy Kalanta, Christopher Jones and Tony Tremblay have once again produced an outstanding collection. I strongly suggest that you pick up this book and give it a try you won't be dissappointed.

I liked the fact that this anthology had no particular theme. Reading a dozen Vampire, Werewolf or Zombie stories is not my cup of tea. I like variety and " Eulogies III has it in spades. However, with variety you will excellent stories and some that you may say are lacking, this collection contains both.

Being a weather nut " The Storm " by David Morrell was one of my favorites. As the father in this story learns the hardway when it comes to bad luck " sometimes it doesn't just rain it pours ".

The next time you should happen to visit a nursing home and see a sweet little old lady sitting there and smiling as people go in and out haul out this book and read " She Sits and Smiles " by Chet williams. You will never look at them the same way again.

Bracken Macleod, added further proof as if any was needed, as to why he is writer on the rise. " Morganstern's Last Act " is about the worst sort of magician and the lengths to which desperate people will go to save themselves.

Tim Curran's " Mr. Mumblety-Peg " show that not even hell can stand in the way of true faith and a mothers pure love for her children.

Ray Garton's " The mouth " was to me the most disturbing story in the book. Will a child's unwavering love for her family lead her to commit a truly heinous crime? Read it and find out.

Although these five stories were my favorite they all were pretty good. A couple of the stories really didn't excite me and that was basically because they were't my style. This is an excellent book and definitely worth picking up and reading.

[Tomasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up. Many stories here feel stale beyond their years - as if the anthology was compiled in the late 1990's, even. Weird, that. Not many stand out among that lot (Gemma Files is always a sure bet, and Violet LeVoit was a nice surprise, but even Brian Hodge turned in a story where the characters were fine, but the plot felt like something made direct to video). Oh well.

[Mommacat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, there were a couple of stinkers. But, the rest! Oh, those...like Brian Hodge - moved this to my favorites shelf.

[Bill Borre]

"The Hole To China" by John Everson - Jeremy wants to dig a hole in his backyard to China to avoid his parent's fighting. The spirit of a murdered next door neighbor grants him his wish.

"One Last Drop Of Blood To Remember Me By" by Matt Moore - The protagonist murders people in the house as it extends her lifespan.

"Terms And Conditions" by Violet LeVoit - This story is written as a EULA for life.

"Mr. Mumblety-Peg" by Tim Curran - wc
"Hate Me Afire" by Thomas Sullivan - wc