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Raw Blood and Nerve: For Freakish Frights on Feverish Nights
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2026
About the author
Alex Grass
6 books247 followersAlex Grass was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 17, 2026
Loved the stories!
Review of advance copy received from Author
💀 ROBIN’S REVIEW: THE AUTOPSY OF RAW BLOOD AND NERVE
Raw Blood and Nerve: For Freakish Frights on Feverish Nights
by Alex Grass, David Halpert, Jordan Zachary, Shan Powell, Cristina Mîrzoi, Gator Martinez, M. Kellermeyer, Zary Fekete and Guy de Maupassant
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
🪦 THE BODY
This book opens the door, invites you inside, and then immediately starts doing things that would make a normal person leave.
Fortunately, horror readers have never been known for good judgment.
Raw Blood and Nerve is a collection of strange, bloody, unsettling little trips into places I probably should not have enjoyed visiting nearly as much as I did.
The stories are wildly different from each other, but they share one important quality.
Something is always wrong.
Sometimes very, very wrong.
And apparently that is exactly how I like my fiction.
🔪 FIRST INCISION
One of the things I liked most is how quickly these stories establish their own particular flavor of trouble.
There is no waiting around for thirty pages while everyone discusses the weather.
We have places to go.
People to traumatize.
Questionable things to discover.
Some stories creep up quietly, while others seem perfectly happy to grab you by the face and announce that subtlety has left the building.
I respect both approaches.
Especially when one of them manages to make a medical procedure significantly more horrifying than it already is.
🩸 THE AUTOPSY
Anthologies can be risky because eventually you usually hit that one story where your attention quietly wanders off to see what is happening on Facebook.
That did not happen much here.
There is enough variety in style, setting, and type of horror that each story feels like its own unpleasant little surprise.
We get psychological breakdowns, bodily destruction, bizarre supernatural situations, grim humor, and some truly questionable religious imagery.
And then there are the rats.
I am not explaining the rats.
If I had to experience that particular descent into nonsense without warning, so do you.
🫀 STILL HAD A PULSE
What really worked for me was that underneath all the blood and general bad behavior, several of these stories actually have something emotional going on.
Rude.
I came here for horror, not feelings.
A few of them manage to make you care about the person involved before everything starts sliding toward disaster, which naturally makes the horrible parts much more effective.
There are also some genuinely funny moments scattered through the collection.
Not cheerful funny.
More the kind where you laugh and then briefly reconsider what kind of person you have become.
Perfectly healthy.
🦴 WHAT BROKE
As with any collection, I liked some stories more than others.
That is less criticism and more the basic law of anthologies.
A couple lingered with me longer, while others were quick bites of weirdness before moving along to the next disaster.
But nothing felt like the exact same nightmare wearing a different hat.
The shift into the classic material near the end is also noticeably different in style, although the accompanying discussion of Guy de Maupassant and his fascination with unstable perception, obsession, isolation, and the uncertainty between madness and the supernatural makes its inclusion make sense.
☠️ CAUSE OF DEATH
Raw Blood and Nerve is nasty, strange, funny in places it probably should not be, and full of the sort of stories that make you close the book and stare into space for a second.
Exactly what I want from a horror collection.
There is enough variety here that you never really know what fresh nightmare is coming next.
You just know somebody is probably about to have an absolutely terrible day.
And I will apparently continue enjoying that from the safety of my chair like the well-adjusted person I clearly am.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Raw Blood and Nerve: For Freakish Frights on Feverish Nights
by Alex Grass, David Halpert, Jordan Zachary, Shan Powell, Cristina Mîrzoi, Gator Martinez, M. Kellermeyer, Zary Fekete and Guy de Maupassant
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀
🪦 THE BODY
This book opens the door, invites you inside, and then immediately starts doing things that would make a normal person leave.
Fortunately, horror readers have never been known for good judgment.
Raw Blood and Nerve is a collection of strange, bloody, unsettling little trips into places I probably should not have enjoyed visiting nearly as much as I did.
The stories are wildly different from each other, but they share one important quality.
Something is always wrong.
Sometimes very, very wrong.
And apparently that is exactly how I like my fiction.
🔪 FIRST INCISION
One of the things I liked most is how quickly these stories establish their own particular flavor of trouble.
There is no waiting around for thirty pages while everyone discusses the weather.
We have places to go.
People to traumatize.
Questionable things to discover.
Some stories creep up quietly, while others seem perfectly happy to grab you by the face and announce that subtlety has left the building.
I respect both approaches.
Especially when one of them manages to make a medical procedure significantly more horrifying than it already is.
🩸 THE AUTOPSY
Anthologies can be risky because eventually you usually hit that one story where your attention quietly wanders off to see what is happening on Facebook.
That did not happen much here.
There is enough variety in style, setting, and type of horror that each story feels like its own unpleasant little surprise.
We get psychological breakdowns, bodily destruction, bizarre supernatural situations, grim humor, and some truly questionable religious imagery.
And then there are the rats.
I am not explaining the rats.
If I had to experience that particular descent into nonsense without warning, so do you.
🫀 STILL HAD A PULSE
What really worked for me was that underneath all the blood and general bad behavior, several of these stories actually have something emotional going on.
Rude.
I came here for horror, not feelings.
A few of them manage to make you care about the person involved before everything starts sliding toward disaster, which naturally makes the horrible parts much more effective.
There are also some genuinely funny moments scattered through the collection.
Not cheerful funny.
More the kind where you laugh and then briefly reconsider what kind of person you have become.
Perfectly healthy.
🦴 WHAT BROKE
As with any collection, I liked some stories more than others.
That is less criticism and more the basic law of anthologies.
A couple lingered with me longer, while others were quick bites of weirdness before moving along to the next disaster.
But nothing felt like the exact same nightmare wearing a different hat.
The shift into the classic material near the end is also noticeably different in style, although the accompanying discussion of Guy de Maupassant and his fascination with unstable perception, obsession, isolation, and the uncertainty between madness and the supernatural makes its inclusion make sense.
☠️ CAUSE OF DEATH
Raw Blood and Nerve is nasty, strange, funny in places it probably should not be, and full of the sort of stories that make you close the book and stare into space for a second.
Exactly what I want from a horror collection.
There is enough variety here that you never really know what fresh nightmare is coming next.
You just know somebody is probably about to have an absolutely terrible day.
And I will apparently continue enjoying that from the safety of my chair like the well-adjusted person I clearly am.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
September 15, 2026
Anything that has Alex Grass’ name on it is an instant read for me. This anthology is no exception. It covers a wide variety of fantastic stories by authors that are new to me. Each author brings their own exceptional voice to the anthology. This anthology is one of the best I have ever read. Alex Grass does a phenomenal job finding the perfect stories. I can’t pick a favorite, there are too many good ones!
I’m sharing a quick look into each story below.
In the story Road Trip by David Halpert, a man is finally getting the MRI he has been waiting for. I was not expecting that ending! For those who love those unexpected twists in a story, this is for you! A fantastic story. David Halpert writes smoothly and clearly.
Somnia by Jordan Zachary is about a student in college who has trouble with sleeping. After 48 hours of no sleep, he begins to hallucinate. Boy, does this take a turn for the worst! Definitely in my top favorites.
In The Vanishing by Shantell Powell, things are starting to vanish. It starts with gasoline. Nobody can explain what is happening and why. A one-of-a-kind story that I absolutely LOVE. This is one that will have me thinking about it for months.
From the Horse's Mouth by Alex Grass is about a black horse that follows a boy throughout his life. A really cool story. Kind of like having a ghost follow you all your life, hovering in the background, watching you. Grass is one of my favorite authors, I always enjoy his stories.
The story Euphemia by Christina Mirzou is another unique story that is dark and dreary. Euphemia lives in a desolate town and we spend the day with her. All is not what it seems for Euphemia. I loved this one, too. Definitely an author I need to read more of.
In Turnpike Jack by Gator Martinez, a state trooper meets Turnpike Jack one night while on patrol. The state trooper is in for a sweet treat meeting this dude. While this story is a common trope, it is well written and entertaining nonetheless. Fantastic writing.
Faith and Blood by Zary Feket is about a young man trying to sell bibles. I found this one to be too religious for me to fully enjoy. It is a well written story, it just wasn’t for me. Highly recommended for those that love religious horror.
Mother of Monsters by Guy de Maupassant. This is an original story by Maupassant, an author I’m not familiar with. de Maupassant is a writer from the early 1800s, but don’t let that deter you from checking out this story. It’s a fantastic piece of literature. I really enjoyed it.
Last but not least, is an essay detailing the life and writing history of Guy de Maupassant. Written by English professor Michael Grant Kellermeyer, we are taken down memory lane and learn the history of de Maupassant. Fantastically written and informative in an entertainment style.
I am excited for all of you to read this anthology. Every story is remarkable in its own way, written by talented writers. Not only is Alex Grass a fantastic author, he did a fabulous job editing these stories. An anthology that you will never forget.
I’m sharing a quick look into each story below.
In the story Road Trip by David Halpert, a man is finally getting the MRI he has been waiting for. I was not expecting that ending! For those who love those unexpected twists in a story, this is for you! A fantastic story. David Halpert writes smoothly and clearly.
Somnia by Jordan Zachary is about a student in college who has trouble with sleeping. After 48 hours of no sleep, he begins to hallucinate. Boy, does this take a turn for the worst! Definitely in my top favorites.
In The Vanishing by Shantell Powell, things are starting to vanish. It starts with gasoline. Nobody can explain what is happening and why. A one-of-a-kind story that I absolutely LOVE. This is one that will have me thinking about it for months.
From the Horse's Mouth by Alex Grass is about a black horse that follows a boy throughout his life. A really cool story. Kind of like having a ghost follow you all your life, hovering in the background, watching you. Grass is one of my favorite authors, I always enjoy his stories.
The story Euphemia by Christina Mirzou is another unique story that is dark and dreary. Euphemia lives in a desolate town and we spend the day with her. All is not what it seems for Euphemia. I loved this one, too. Definitely an author I need to read more of.
In Turnpike Jack by Gator Martinez, a state trooper meets Turnpike Jack one night while on patrol. The state trooper is in for a sweet treat meeting this dude. While this story is a common trope, it is well written and entertaining nonetheless. Fantastic writing.
Faith and Blood by Zary Feket is about a young man trying to sell bibles. I found this one to be too religious for me to fully enjoy. It is a well written story, it just wasn’t for me. Highly recommended for those that love religious horror.
Mother of Monsters by Guy de Maupassant. This is an original story by Maupassant, an author I’m not familiar with. de Maupassant is a writer from the early 1800s, but don’t let that deter you from checking out this story. It’s a fantastic piece of literature. I really enjoyed it.
Last but not least, is an essay detailing the life and writing history of Guy de Maupassant. Written by English professor Michael Grant Kellermeyer, we are taken down memory lane and learn the history of de Maupassant. Fantastically written and informative in an entertainment style.
I am excited for all of you to read this anthology. Every story is remarkable in its own way, written by talented writers. Not only is Alex Grass a fantastic author, he did a fabulous job editing these stories. An anthology that you will never forget.
September 18, 2026
A special thank you to Alex Grass for my review copy.
This anthology of short stories and mixed media was a quick read, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys dark, melancholic horror.
The themes of death, grief, loss, loneliness, and the deprivation of happiness are pregnant in Raw Blood and Nerve.
Sandwiched between the stories are the images Alex found, and remind me of pulp horror nostalgia. My favorites being: Ghoulsler 666, Keep Your Fangs Clean, A Nasty Novelette, and "No. This is poison."
Speaking of favorites, of the stories mine were Euphemia, Turnpike Jack, and Faith and Blood.
For a full breakdown:
Road Trip: Loved this story. I felt I could relate but I can't say more without ruining the story. Body horror: Rated 10/10!
Somnia: You can guess by the name I can relate to this one as well. But also, this story is great for any current or alumni college student. We all have been there staying up late to finish those papers. And the rats definitely gave me a good laugh.
The Vanishing: I can't imagine hating your job during a pandemic of any kind, especially during an economic crisis!
From the Horse's Mouth: I loved the evolution of the main character and the black stallions relationship.
"...a brother and sister who never married (each other or anyone else)."
Euphemia: This was definitely my favorite story. I felt like I was reading a Shirley Jackson novel. Absolutely loved this one.
"They were dumb livestock slowly moving through purgatory, never reaching the slaughterhouse."
"Mirrors were objects of vanity and beauty. Euphemia and Berta were neither vain or beautiful."
"...the church was too cold for the parishioners, too cold even for God."
Turnpike Jack: This was another favorite. What happens when an urban legend becomes reality? Read it and find out!
Faith and Blood: I also loved this one. This is perfect for any fans of the movie Heretic.
Mother of Monsters: Blurry line of pitying Mother of Monsters, or being angered by what she does and how she funds her life.
This anthology of short stories and mixed media was a quick read, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys dark, melancholic horror.
The themes of death, grief, loss, loneliness, and the deprivation of happiness are pregnant in Raw Blood and Nerve.
Sandwiched between the stories are the images Alex found, and remind me of pulp horror nostalgia. My favorites being: Ghoulsler 666, Keep Your Fangs Clean, A Nasty Novelette, and "No. This is poison."
Speaking of favorites, of the stories mine were Euphemia, Turnpike Jack, and Faith and Blood.
For a full breakdown:
Road Trip: Loved this story. I felt I could relate but I can't say more without ruining the story. Body horror: Rated 10/10!
Somnia: You can guess by the name I can relate to this one as well. But also, this story is great for any current or alumni college student. We all have been there staying up late to finish those papers. And the rats definitely gave me a good laugh.
The Vanishing: I can't imagine hating your job during a pandemic of any kind, especially during an economic crisis!
From the Horse's Mouth: I loved the evolution of the main character and the black stallions relationship.
"...a brother and sister who never married (each other or anyone else)."
Euphemia: This was definitely my favorite story. I felt like I was reading a Shirley Jackson novel. Absolutely loved this one.
"They were dumb livestock slowly moving through purgatory, never reaching the slaughterhouse."
"Mirrors were objects of vanity and beauty. Euphemia and Berta were neither vain or beautiful."
"...the church was too cold for the parishioners, too cold even for God."
Turnpike Jack: This was another favorite. What happens when an urban legend becomes reality? Read it and find out!
Faith and Blood: I also loved this one. This is perfect for any fans of the movie Heretic.
Mother of Monsters: Blurry line of pitying Mother of Monsters, or being angered by what she does and how she funds her life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclosure: I received an ARC of the book from the editor, Alex Grass.
Raw Blood and Nerve is not only a collection of very well written and disturbing horror stories, but also of commercial ads altered to reflect the horror theme.
There are a total of seven original stories from seven different authors (six of whom I’m unfamiliar with), including Mr. Glass, plus a classic tale from Guy de Maupassant. Every single story is a knockout in its own right, but I especially loved the editor’s story “from the horse’s mouth” (no capitals in the title), a remarkably creepy tale of a boy’s encounter with a demonic horse. Another creeper outer is Faith & Blood by Zary Fekete, a slow burner of a yarn about a Bible selling youngster making the rounds in his historically Puritanical town with an awful religious history.
I truly loved reading this quite remarkable anthology. Highly recommended.
Raw Blood and Nerve is not only a collection of very well written and disturbing horror stories, but also of commercial ads altered to reflect the horror theme.
There are a total of seven original stories from seven different authors (six of whom I’m unfamiliar with), including Mr. Glass, plus a classic tale from Guy de Maupassant. Every single story is a knockout in its own right, but I especially loved the editor’s story “from the horse’s mouth” (no capitals in the title), a remarkably creepy tale of a boy’s encounter with a demonic horse. Another creeper outer is Faith & Blood by Zary Fekete, a slow burner of a yarn about a Bible selling youngster making the rounds in his historically Puritanical town with an awful religious history.
I truly loved reading this quite remarkable anthology. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2026
I was given an ARC of this anthology and I could NOT put it down. I had a hard time choosing a favorite between them all, but I found the Maupassant essay so fascinating.
This anthology includes stories by David Halpert, Jordan Zachary, Shantell Powell, Alex Grass (author of Infernal Tramps), Cristina Mîrzoi, and Gator Martine.
It also features a novelette by Zary Fekete and the story "Mother of Monsters" by the one and only Guy de Maupassant. "Mother of Monsters" is followed by an essay on Maupassant written by M. Grant Kellermeyer.
I cannot wait for future volumes to come out, this one absolutely exceeded my expectations.
This anthology includes stories by David Halpert, Jordan Zachary, Shantell Powell, Alex Grass (author of Infernal Tramps), Cristina Mîrzoi, and Gator Martine.
It also features a novelette by Zary Fekete and the story "Mother of Monsters" by the one and only Guy de Maupassant. "Mother of Monsters" is followed by an essay on Maupassant written by M. Grant Kellermeyer.
I cannot wait for future volumes to come out, this one absolutely exceeded my expectations.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews