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Scribner Horror 2: Four Horror Novels by Joshua Scribner
Eleven O'clock Fright
Shortly after the death of his wife, Dr. Kurt Snaber packs up and moves to a new state to start over. Unfortunately, he brings with him the disembodied voices of his overbearing mother and dead wife. On the advice of a friend, he turns to meditation to silence the unwelcome voices. Little does he know that while meditating he’ll witness something that will change his life forever or that it will return every night at 11:00 o’clock.
Fear's Child
After teenager Maddy Crandale assaults the captain of the cheerleaders, her parents move her to the country, where there’s no trouble for Maddy to find. But trouble finds Maddy. Animals stalk her. She dreams that she’s someone else. Odd fears arise. With both parents caught up in their own weirdness, can this problem child defeat a strange menace alone, or will it take what it came for?
Never Fear Again
Mark Lions, age 14, lives his life with crippling anxiety, until one day his family moves to a country home and that anxiety lifts like a bad dream upon waking up. Something in their new home has caused this, and it’s not alone. The Lions have been drawn into something they cannot resist and a battle they might not survive.
A Haunting Beauty
Strange things are happening in the Becker's new home. Noises come from the attic. Stevie Becker speaks of infidelity, but only in her sleep. Roony Becker finds himself both tempted and injured by sexual indiscretions. It seems something has come for them, something both wicked and beautiful, something far beyond normal reality. Can they resist its temptations? Will they survive its attacks?
Shortly after the death of his wife, Dr. Kurt Snaber packs up and moves to a new state to start over. Unfortunately, he brings with him the disembodied voices of his overbearing mother and dead wife. On the advice of a friend, he turns to meditation to silence the unwelcome voices. Little does he know that while meditating he’ll witness something that will change his life forever or that it will return every night at 11:00 o’clock.
Fear's Child
After teenager Maddy Crandale assaults the captain of the cheerleaders, her parents move her to the country, where there’s no trouble for Maddy to find. But trouble finds Maddy. Animals stalk her. She dreams that she’s someone else. Odd fears arise. With both parents caught up in their own weirdness, can this problem child defeat a strange menace alone, or will it take what it came for?
Never Fear Again
Mark Lions, age 14, lives his life with crippling anxiety, until one day his family moves to a country home and that anxiety lifts like a bad dream upon waking up. Something in their new home has caused this, and it’s not alone. The Lions have been drawn into something they cannot resist and a battle they might not survive.
A Haunting Beauty
Strange things are happening in the Becker's new home. Noises come from the attic. Stevie Becker speaks of infidelity, but only in her sleep. Roony Becker finds himself both tempted and injured by sexual indiscretions. It seems something has come for them, something both wicked and beautiful, something far beyond normal reality. Can they resist its temptations? Will they survive its attacks?
471 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2015
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Scribner
476 books35 followersJoshua Scribner is the author of the novels Mantis Nights, The Coma Lights and Nescata. His fiction won both second and fifth place in the 2008 Whispering Spirits Flash Fiction contest. Up to date information on his work can be found at joshuascribner.com. Joshua currently lives in Michigan with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 9, 2024
Scribner has created another fantastic collection that had me hooked from the start. As a big fan of Scribner's work, I went into this with high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed.
Eleven O'clock Fright: This one kicks things off with Dr. Kurt Snaber trying to escape the voices of his dead wife and overbearing mother. He takes up meditation to find some peace, but instead, he starts witnessing something creepy every night at 11. The way the tension builds is just brilliant, and it left me feeling genuinely unsettled.
Fear's Child: Maddy Crandale’s story is my favorite in the collection. Maddy’s family moves to the countryside to escape her rebellious antics, but weird things start happening. The mix of psychological and supernatural horror kept me on the edge of my seat. Maddy’s journey is intense and gripping, and I couldn’t put it down.
Never Fear Again: This story about Mark Lions, a boy who suddenly loses his anxiety after moving to a new home, only to face something even more terrifying, is a real page-turner. Scribner does an amazing job depicting Mark’s transformation and the horrors that follow. It’s thought-provoking and creepy in all the right ways.
A Haunting Beauty: The Becker family’s descent into madness in their new home is another highlight. The story of temptation and infidelity adds a complex layer to the horror. It’s both seductive and terrifying, making for a compelling read from start to finish.
What I love about Scribner’s writing is how he develops his characters and settings so well. The theme of unsettling new beginnings and creeping supernatural unease ties all the stories together perfectly. Some might find the pacing a bit slow, but for me, it added to the suspense and dread. Each story has its own unique twist and keeps you hooked. If you’re into horror that’s both psychological and supernatural, this book is definitely worth a read.
Eleven O'clock Fright: This one kicks things off with Dr. Kurt Snaber trying to escape the voices of his dead wife and overbearing mother. He takes up meditation to find some peace, but instead, he starts witnessing something creepy every night at 11. The way the tension builds is just brilliant, and it left me feeling genuinely unsettled.
Fear's Child: Maddy Crandale’s story is my favorite in the collection. Maddy’s family moves to the countryside to escape her rebellious antics, but weird things start happening. The mix of psychological and supernatural horror kept me on the edge of my seat. Maddy’s journey is intense and gripping, and I couldn’t put it down.
Never Fear Again: This story about Mark Lions, a boy who suddenly loses his anxiety after moving to a new home, only to face something even more terrifying, is a real page-turner. Scribner does an amazing job depicting Mark’s transformation and the horrors that follow. It’s thought-provoking and creepy in all the right ways.
A Haunting Beauty: The Becker family’s descent into madness in their new home is another highlight. The story of temptation and infidelity adds a complex layer to the horror. It’s both seductive and terrifying, making for a compelling read from start to finish.
What I love about Scribner’s writing is how he develops his characters and settings so well. The theme of unsettling new beginnings and creeping supernatural unease ties all the stories together perfectly. Some might find the pacing a bit slow, but for me, it added to the suspense and dread. Each story has its own unique twist and keeps you hooked. If you’re into horror that’s both psychological and supernatural, this book is definitely worth a read.
October 26, 2025
Joshua Scribner’s “Scribner Horror 2” is an anthology of four horror novellas. Each story is anchored by the motif of a new beginning, only to have the characters’ hopes twisted into nightmares.
From a mathematician delving into meditation and the supernatural in “Eleven O’Clock Fright,” to the teenage protagonist of “Fear’s Child” grappling with dread, Scribner’s talent for blurring the line between reality and horror is evident throughout. The gradual ramping up of tension, described in several reviews, pulls readers into worlds where everyday fears and supernatural threats overlap, making for relatable and truly creepy storytelling.
This is not my first Scribner book, and the same type of mistakes are present here as they were in the previous book of his I read. The pacing is not the greatest, with the author going into unnecessarily long narratives, and the stories could have benefited from editing to clean up the repetitive and often unnecessary filler sentences. I found myself skimming over some of the longer paragraphs that seemed to hold information that wasn’t necessary to move the story along. Also, the presence of typos was distracting at times. The sex scenes in “Eleven O’clock Fright” were gratuitous and awkward, and the constant italics for one of the characters’ inner thoughts were overdone in “Fear’s Child”.
What stands out is Scribner’s commitment to character development. He patiently builds each character’s inner world, allowing readers to inhabit their anxieties and hopes. Rather than relying on shock or gore, he creates suspense that becomes almost unbearable, a hallmark of effective horror writing.
Overall, it’s an intriguing collection of stories. If you’re drawn to psychological drama or supernatural stories, this collection might be for you.
From a mathematician delving into meditation and the supernatural in “Eleven O’Clock Fright,” to the teenage protagonist of “Fear’s Child” grappling with dread, Scribner’s talent for blurring the line between reality and horror is evident throughout. The gradual ramping up of tension, described in several reviews, pulls readers into worlds where everyday fears and supernatural threats overlap, making for relatable and truly creepy storytelling.
This is not my first Scribner book, and the same type of mistakes are present here as they were in the previous book of his I read. The pacing is not the greatest, with the author going into unnecessarily long narratives, and the stories could have benefited from editing to clean up the repetitive and often unnecessary filler sentences. I found myself skimming over some of the longer paragraphs that seemed to hold information that wasn’t necessary to move the story along. Also, the presence of typos was distracting at times. The sex scenes in “Eleven O’clock Fright” were gratuitous and awkward, and the constant italics for one of the characters’ inner thoughts were overdone in “Fear’s Child”.
What stands out is Scribner’s commitment to character development. He patiently builds each character’s inner world, allowing readers to inhabit their anxieties and hopes. Rather than relying on shock or gore, he creates suspense that becomes almost unbearable, a hallmark of effective horror writing.
Overall, it’s an intriguing collection of stories. If you’re drawn to psychological drama or supernatural stories, this collection might be for you.
September 12, 2024
Horror A+
As a fan of both psychological and supernatural horror, this collection hit all the right notes for me. I found that each of the four stories presents a unique twist on the theme of fresh starts gone wrong, and Scribner – who seems to excel in this genre - does an impressive job of creating suspense that slowly builds until it becomes almost unbearable – which is a good thing for horror novels.
I was particularly taken by Eleven O'clock Fright, where Dr. Kurt Snaber's attempt to escape his past through meditation only drags him deeper into a supernatural nightmare. I liked the way Scribner blends the ordinary with the otherworldly; this had me hooked. Also I liked Fear’s Child as it pulled me in with its portrayal of teenage angst twisted into something far darker – also a good thing in horror jargon, and I appreciated how Maddy's struggles felt both relatable and terrifying.
Then I also enjoyed Never Fear Again; as it was another standout, where young Mark's crippling anxiety lifts mysteriously after moving into a new home. I felt excitement reading into the gradual shift from relief to dread; this was executed perfectly, and I found myself rooting for Mark while dreading the outcome. Finally, I loved A Haunting Beauty as it delivered on its title. I appreciated how it did well combining themes of temptation, infidelity, and unseen horrors in a way that felt fresh and gripping.
Overall, I am grateful to Scribner's knack for crafting characters you care about while leading them down increasingly dark paths – again a good thing in horror lingo. This collection is a great pick for anyone who enjoys a slow burn and horrow bursts.
As a fan of both psychological and supernatural horror, this collection hit all the right notes for me. I found that each of the four stories presents a unique twist on the theme of fresh starts gone wrong, and Scribner – who seems to excel in this genre - does an impressive job of creating suspense that slowly builds until it becomes almost unbearable – which is a good thing for horror novels.
I was particularly taken by Eleven O'clock Fright, where Dr. Kurt Snaber's attempt to escape his past through meditation only drags him deeper into a supernatural nightmare. I liked the way Scribner blends the ordinary with the otherworldly; this had me hooked. Also I liked Fear’s Child as it pulled me in with its portrayal of teenage angst twisted into something far darker – also a good thing in horror jargon, and I appreciated how Maddy's struggles felt both relatable and terrifying.
Then I also enjoyed Never Fear Again; as it was another standout, where young Mark's crippling anxiety lifts mysteriously after moving into a new home. I felt excitement reading into the gradual shift from relief to dread; this was executed perfectly, and I found myself rooting for Mark while dreading the outcome. Finally, I loved A Haunting Beauty as it delivered on its title. I appreciated how it did well combining themes of temptation, infidelity, and unseen horrors in a way that felt fresh and gripping.
Overall, I am grateful to Scribner's knack for crafting characters you care about while leading them down increasingly dark paths – again a good thing in horror lingo. This collection is a great pick for anyone who enjoys a slow burn and horrow bursts.
November 4, 2025
Just read the first volume of this series a few days ago. Thought each story got better than the last, so figured I would give this one a shot. Let’s keep this spoiler free and give my general take on each story.
Eleven O’clock Fright: An interesting premise that nails the landing. Much better start than the first story of volume one, so it got my hopes up that they would all be better.
Fear’s Child: Meh. Another interesting premise but doesn’t land nearly as well. Still decent enough, mind you. Just kind of a disappointment after the starter.
Never Fear Again: I remember very little of this story. It left that little an impression. The dark force was another interesting take on horror, but the execution (mostly the writing and bland characters) just did not do it for me.
A Haunting Beauty: Mildly interesting but ruined by a very predictable “twist” ending. I remember the characters more strongly than the previous story, which is bad because they were unlikable.
So long story short, I found this volume to be the opposite of the first one. It got progressively less interesting. That said, I would not call any of the stories bad excluding the finale. I went back to check the dates of publication, thinking perhaps the order they were (presumably) written could shed some light on my feelings. Nope. This is just a case of not striking gold every time, which given the 100 or so short stories the author claims, seems right. Volume 2 clearly holds some of the duds.
Will I give the next volume a shot? Yeah. I enjoyed the good stories enough that I have hope there are more such gems to be found.
Eleven O’clock Fright: An interesting premise that nails the landing. Much better start than the first story of volume one, so it got my hopes up that they would all be better.
Fear’s Child: Meh. Another interesting premise but doesn’t land nearly as well. Still decent enough, mind you. Just kind of a disappointment after the starter.
Never Fear Again: I remember very little of this story. It left that little an impression. The dark force was another interesting take on horror, but the execution (mostly the writing and bland characters) just did not do it for me.
A Haunting Beauty: Mildly interesting but ruined by a very predictable “twist” ending. I remember the characters more strongly than the previous story, which is bad because they were unlikable.
So long story short, I found this volume to be the opposite of the first one. It got progressively less interesting. That said, I would not call any of the stories bad excluding the finale. I went back to check the dates of publication, thinking perhaps the order they were (presumably) written could shed some light on my feelings. Nope. This is just a case of not striking gold every time, which given the 100 or so short stories the author claims, seems right. Volume 2 clearly holds some of the duds.
Will I give the next volume a shot? Yeah. I enjoyed the good stories enough that I have hope there are more such gems to be found.
March 8, 2025
scribner horror 2 is exactly what i was hoping for—a collection of four uniquely terrifying stories that balance psychological horror with supernatural chills. joshua scribner has a knack for creeping dread, slowly pulling you into his characters' lives before unleashing the terror.
"eleven o’clock fright" starts things off with a deeply unsettling premise—a widowed doctor trying to escape his past through meditation, only to witness something terrifying every night at exactly 11:00. the tension in this one is next level. then there's "fear’s child," which might be my favorite. maddy, a rebellious teen, moves to the country, only to find that something sinister has been waiting for her. it's a perfect blend of psychological and supernatural horror, keeping you on edge the whole time.
"never fear again" takes a totally different approach, following a 14-year-old boy whose anxiety vanishes when his family moves—except the force responsible for his relief has a price. and finally, "a haunting beauty" delivers a slow-burning horror laced with temptation and psychological torment as a family faces a seductive yet deadly entity in their new home.
scribner's writing is immersive, and while some might find the pacing slow, i think it works perfectly for building dread. my only minor critique is that a couple of the endings felt abrupt—but that just left me wanting more. if you love horror that gets under your skin and lingers long after you close the book, this collection is a must-read.
"eleven o’clock fright" starts things off with a deeply unsettling premise—a widowed doctor trying to escape his past through meditation, only to witness something terrifying every night at exactly 11:00. the tension in this one is next level. then there's "fear’s child," which might be my favorite. maddy, a rebellious teen, moves to the country, only to find that something sinister has been waiting for her. it's a perfect blend of psychological and supernatural horror, keeping you on edge the whole time.
"never fear again" takes a totally different approach, following a 14-year-old boy whose anxiety vanishes when his family moves—except the force responsible for his relief has a price. and finally, "a haunting beauty" delivers a slow-burning horror laced with temptation and psychological torment as a family faces a seductive yet deadly entity in their new home.
scribner's writing is immersive, and while some might find the pacing slow, i think it works perfectly for building dread. my only minor critique is that a couple of the endings felt abrupt—but that just left me wanting more. if you love horror that gets under your skin and lingers long after you close the book, this collection is a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
A Chilling Trip Through the Supernatural
“Scribner's 'Horror 2” four short-storie horror collection delivers a satisfying dose of chilling thrills. While the stories vary in their specific focus, a common thread of unsettling new beginnings and the creeping unease of the supernatural weaves through each tale. While the author's deliberate pacing and focus on character development are strengths, they can also feel somewhat slow at times. The gradual build-up to the gruesome scenes left me eager to skip ahead to the climax. However, this approach does contribute to the well-rounded characters and immersive settings. “Horror 2” is a gripping and unsettling read for fans of the genre. Scribner’s ability to create a sense of dread and suspense is undeniable. While the slow build-up might not be for everyone, those like me who appreciate a more meticulous approach to horror, will find much to enjoy in this chilling collection. Unfortunately, a few typos marred my reading experience. While not overly intrusive, these minor errors occasionally pulled out of the narrative a few times. It's unfortunate that a bit more editing wasn't done to polish these tales. If you're looking for a collection of stories that will keep you up at night, 'Horror 2' is well worth checking out. Just be prepared for a few bumps in the road.
“Scribner's 'Horror 2” four short-storie horror collection delivers a satisfying dose of chilling thrills. While the stories vary in their specific focus, a common thread of unsettling new beginnings and the creeping unease of the supernatural weaves through each tale. While the author's deliberate pacing and focus on character development are strengths, they can also feel somewhat slow at times. The gradual build-up to the gruesome scenes left me eager to skip ahead to the climax. However, this approach does contribute to the well-rounded characters and immersive settings. “Horror 2” is a gripping and unsettling read for fans of the genre. Scribner’s ability to create a sense of dread and suspense is undeniable. While the slow build-up might not be for everyone, those like me who appreciate a more meticulous approach to horror, will find much to enjoy in this chilling collection. Unfortunately, a few typos marred my reading experience. While not overly intrusive, these minor errors occasionally pulled out of the narrative a few times. It's unfortunate that a bit more editing wasn't done to polish these tales. If you're looking for a collection of stories that will keep you up at night, 'Horror 2' is well worth checking out. Just be prepared for a few bumps in the road.
September 30, 2024
Chilling collection of horror stories that offers a deep dive into the world of supernatural terror. It contains four distinct stories, each exploring different aspects of human fear while sharing a common theme of new beginnings gone wrong. Inside the book, there are tales of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. From a grieving doctor haunted by mysterious visions to a troubled teenager confronting strange phenomena in the countryside, each story builds tension gradually, keeping you on edge. The collection also includes a young boy's unsettling freedom from anxiety and a family's struggle against a seductive yet dangerous force in their new home. The stories blend psychological and supernatural elements, creating a rich tapestry of fear that will appeal to horror enthusiasts. The writing style is vivid, direct, and accessible, making it easy for beginners to follow while still providing enough depth to satisfy more experienced readers. Some may find the pacing slow at times, but this approach allows for strong character development and helps build a sense of dread. The book's mature themes and occasional graphic content make it primarily suitable for adult readers. Overall, it offers a good introduction to contemporary horror fiction, ideal for those looking to explore the genre's darker corners.
November 16, 2024
Eleven O’Clock Fright follows Dr. Kurt Snaber, a man haunted by the voices of his dead wife and mother. Seeking peace, he tries meditation, but it leads to an even deeper mystery as he begins witnessing bizarre events every night at 11:00. Fear's Child centers on Maddy Crandale, a troubled teen who, after a violent outburst, moves to the countryside. There, she faces strange occurrences and dangerous creatures. Never Fear Again tells the story of Mark Lions, a 14-year-old whose severe anxiety fades in a new home, but sinister forces soon take its place. Lastly, A Haunting Beauty follows the Becker family, who experience eerie, seductive supernatural forces in their new house. All four tales weave psychological horror with supernatural elements, exploring fear, the unknown, and the boundaries of reality. The characters are drawn into terrifying situations where they must confront both their inner demons and the external forces threatening them. Each story offers chilling suspense, unexpected twists, and a blend of horror, mystery, and the paranormal. If you love stories that keep you up at night, these tales will pull you into a world where nothing is as it seems. The eerie, supernatural elements in these stories will keep readers on edge, as the line between reality and nightmare blurs.
November 19, 2024
This is four books in one each over a hundred pages each. A great value for money purchase.
Each story is diverse and takes on a mystery and suspense element. Starting with Eleven O'clock Fright that follows Kurt, a Maths professor whose wife has died under mysterious circumstances. He moves to another town but is haunted by the experience. Something is not quite right along with Kurt’s ability to lose himself inside books, especially one that has been leant to him by a professor friend at his previous university he used to work. All this leads to an intriguing build up in the story to its climax.
Along with two other varied stories the book concludes with A Haunting Beauty which was my favourite of the four. Characters were strong with, again, mysterious voices and creepy goings on, and the best had definitely been left to last. A great way to finish the book.
Each story offers its unique blend of mystery and horror that provides superb plot lines and stories that keep the reader engaged. It took me a little while to get into the story as I found the author had a unique writing style and took some time to connect too. Story and plot would get a four star, but my connection with the writing style brought it down to three stars for me.
However it is definitely great horror tales that held enough intrigue to make this book a great read.
Each story is diverse and takes on a mystery and suspense element. Starting with Eleven O'clock Fright that follows Kurt, a Maths professor whose wife has died under mysterious circumstances. He moves to another town but is haunted by the experience. Something is not quite right along with Kurt’s ability to lose himself inside books, especially one that has been leant to him by a professor friend at his previous university he used to work. All this leads to an intriguing build up in the story to its climax.
Along with two other varied stories the book concludes with A Haunting Beauty which was my favourite of the four. Characters were strong with, again, mysterious voices and creepy goings on, and the best had definitely been left to last. A great way to finish the book.
Each story offers its unique blend of mystery and horror that provides superb plot lines and stories that keep the reader engaged. It took me a little while to get into the story as I found the author had a unique writing style and took some time to connect too. Story and plot would get a four star, but my connection with the writing style brought it down to three stars for me.
However it is definitely great horror tales that held enough intrigue to make this book a great read.
February 9, 2025
Gripping stories with atmosphere and depth, ‘Scribner Horror 2’, Four Horror Stories by Joshua Scribner, has plenty of variety and curiosities.
This was an Amazon Unlimited buy. It’s worth your time, particularly if you have this subscription. The collection is lengthy, so it might take some time to get through all the stories.
The stories feature different themes and characters in the spirit of a thriller or suspense. For instance, the first two stories start in a similar way with a relocation spurred by a misfortune or dramatic catalyst, such as murder, or assault. Throughout the works, the author succeeds in creating an engrossing atmosphere for the characters to act in. The Oklahoma setting makes recurring appearance, as does Denny’s, and other themes like meditation. Generally the characters feel real and believable. It was particularly interesting to follow the family dynamic and different character perspectives in 'Fear's Child,' which was my favorite. It offers plenty of character growth for the protagonist, as well as poignant prose, particularly at the beginning of the work. At times, I felt that certain plot lines could have been pushed more to elevate things and add suspense. But overall, these stories present a commendable effort and addition to the other Scribner horror anthologies.
This was an Amazon Unlimited buy. It’s worth your time, particularly if you have this subscription. The collection is lengthy, so it might take some time to get through all the stories.
The stories feature different themes and characters in the spirit of a thriller or suspense. For instance, the first two stories start in a similar way with a relocation spurred by a misfortune or dramatic catalyst, such as murder, or assault. Throughout the works, the author succeeds in creating an engrossing atmosphere for the characters to act in. The Oklahoma setting makes recurring appearance, as does Denny’s, and other themes like meditation. Generally the characters feel real and believable. It was particularly interesting to follow the family dynamic and different character perspectives in 'Fear's Child,' which was my favorite. It offers plenty of character growth for the protagonist, as well as poignant prose, particularly at the beginning of the work. At times, I felt that certain plot lines could have been pushed more to elevate things and add suspense. But overall, these stories present a commendable effort and addition to the other Scribner horror anthologies.
January 4, 2026
Utterly disappointing
I will first start off by saying that I have read a few pieces of this author's work. I wanted to give him another chance because I thought maybe he had a couple stories that were not fleshed out completely. I wanted to believe there might be a way he could redeem himself. That he could somehow surprise me. Instead, the joke was on me. This book is a compilation of horror stories. The first story is my least favourite. It took me awhile to get through them all, because I found myself being pulled away by the repetitiveness of sentences, lack of editing and because at times, I felt like words were simply being strung together in order to fill the page. There were descriptions of sex scenes in every single story, that didn't seem relevant at all. The stories were long and the pace was like watching paint dry. I frankly became bored very early on. I gave it three stars though because I believe that with more attention to detail, using a story outline and some proper editing, that there is a chance at redemption for this author. I truly hope that this author will take this criticism and the criticism of others and actually start caring about what he's putting out, because unfortunately this seems more like a case of trying to pump out as many books as possible, not giving much care as to the quality of the work.
I will first start off by saying that I have read a few pieces of this author's work. I wanted to give him another chance because I thought maybe he had a couple stories that were not fleshed out completely. I wanted to believe there might be a way he could redeem himself. That he could somehow surprise me. Instead, the joke was on me. This book is a compilation of horror stories. The first story is my least favourite. It took me awhile to get through them all, because I found myself being pulled away by the repetitiveness of sentences, lack of editing and because at times, I felt like words were simply being strung together in order to fill the page. There were descriptions of sex scenes in every single story, that didn't seem relevant at all. The stories were long and the pace was like watching paint dry. I frankly became bored very early on. I gave it three stars though because I believe that with more attention to detail, using a story outline and some proper editing, that there is a chance at redemption for this author. I truly hope that this author will take this criticism and the criticism of others and actually start caring about what he's putting out, because unfortunately this seems more like a case of trying to pump out as many books as possible, not giving much care as to the quality of the work.
October 13, 2024
These four horror stories have a flavor reminiscent of Stephen King. Scribner is gritty and raw in describing the characters. He made me become invested quickly. The first and fourth stories in this collection were my favorite. I was repeatedly drawn back to pick the book up again.
The first one had me get up and turn the hallway light on. Horror is hard to do, and Scribner has a talent for it. Without spoilers, these stories are unpredictable, and one has quite a twist.
Book One quickly had me rooting for Kurt Snaber and Heidi. The gradual increase in tension regarding their looming threat was flawless.
Roland Lions, “Rooney,” was an adorable character. I supported his relationship with Kim, and it was surprising when the paranormal threat was finally disclosed.
The one bump and missing star in this book is the editing. Several typos detracted from the story. Missing a word in sentences made me pause and reread the sentence to make sense. Scribner could benefit from a proofreader, which the stories deserve.
The book has mature themes, which I enjoyed. It caters to adults, and in a landscape filled with juvenile writing, encountering Scribner’s work was a breath of fresh air. I recommend this book. You may need a light on!
The first one had me get up and turn the hallway light on. Horror is hard to do, and Scribner has a talent for it. Without spoilers, these stories are unpredictable, and one has quite a twist.
Book One quickly had me rooting for Kurt Snaber and Heidi. The gradual increase in tension regarding their looming threat was flawless.
Roland Lions, “Rooney,” was an adorable character. I supported his relationship with Kim, and it was surprising when the paranormal threat was finally disclosed.
The one bump and missing star in this book is the editing. Several typos detracted from the story. Missing a word in sentences made me pause and reread the sentence to make sense. Scribner could benefit from a proofreader, which the stories deserve.
The book has mature themes, which I enjoyed. It caters to adults, and in a landscape filled with juvenile writing, encountering Scribner’s work was a breath of fresh air. I recommend this book. You may need a light on!
November 29, 2024
Joshua Scribner's Scribner Horror 2 is a thrilling collection of four horror novellas that dive deep into the terror lurking in the shadows of everyday life. Each story offers a unique, spine-chilling premise, filled with supernatural forces that test the boundaries of reality.
In Eleven O'clock Fright, Dr. Kurt Snaber’s struggle with haunting voices sets a tense, psychological tone, while Fear's Child introduces a sinister force stalking a troubled teen in the countryside. Never Fear Again taps into the universal fear of anxiety, only to twist it into something far more insidious, while A Haunting Beauty explores the seductive and dangerous nature of a supernatural entity.
Scribner's writing shines in creating atmosphere and tension, with each story unraveling slowly, pulling the reader deeper into the horror. However, at times, the pacing can feel a little uneven, particularly in the longer stories, where the buildup sometimes outweighs the payoff. While the characters are intriguing, some of their reactions to the horrors they face could use more development.
Overall, Scribner Horror 2 is a solid collection for horror lovers, offering creepy atmospheres and unsettling twists that will leave you looking over your shoulder.
In Eleven O'clock Fright, Dr. Kurt Snaber’s struggle with haunting voices sets a tense, psychological tone, while Fear's Child introduces a sinister force stalking a troubled teen in the countryside. Never Fear Again taps into the universal fear of anxiety, only to twist it into something far more insidious, while A Haunting Beauty explores the seductive and dangerous nature of a supernatural entity.
Scribner's writing shines in creating atmosphere and tension, with each story unraveling slowly, pulling the reader deeper into the horror. However, at times, the pacing can feel a little uneven, particularly in the longer stories, where the buildup sometimes outweighs the payoff. While the characters are intriguing, some of their reactions to the horrors they face could use more development.
Overall, Scribner Horror 2 is a solid collection for horror lovers, offering creepy atmospheres and unsettling twists that will leave you looking over your shoulder.
January 17, 2025
This was the second set of horror novels by Joshua Scribner that I’ve read, and they were just as good as the first. I really enjoy the way that the characters in these novels are first introduced before strange things start happening to them, giving the reader a chance to get drawn into their inner world and family drama, and really care what happens to them when the horror factor gets ramped up. I particularly enjoyed Fear’s Child, and Never Fear Again in this collection. They both featured families that moved to remote locations where odd things started happening, and while Maddy in Fear’s Child started off spiky, unpleasant and with a major attitude problem, she had a great character arc where she became protective of her baby sister and went to great lengths to keep her safe (I won’t spoil the ending by saying whether she did or not, but it was a great twist!). Nate and Mark in Never Fear Again had a really interesting storyline as stepbrothers with very different personalities, and this was a really good setup for the family drama that followed with the ghost who tried to separate Ronald and Mark from Nate and his mother (again I won’t spoil it by saying too much, but the burning girl was a fascinating hook that drew me right in!).
October 27, 2025
A Chilling Quartet of Psychological and Supernatural Horror
Joshua Scribner’s Scribner Horror: Four Horror Novels is a dark, cerebral descent into the intersection of fear, obsession, and the human mind. Combining four standalone stories—Seed, The Coma Lights, Fear and Repulsion, and Nescata—this collection delivers a blend of psychological dread and supernatural menace that feels fresh and disturbingly intimate.
Each novel explores different shades of terror: from apocalyptic hallucinations and trauma-fueled visions to paranormal forces tied to guilt and memory. Scribner writes with a slow, deliberate intensity, weaving philosophical themes through vividly unsettling imagery. His horror doesn’t rely on cheap shocks—it creeps in through atmosphere and character, often blurring the line between psychological unraveling and otherworldly intrusion.
What sets Scribner apart is his emphasis on the mind as both the weapon and the victim. Every protagonist faces an internal battle as much as an external one, and the resulting ambiguity makes the stories linger long after you’ve finished.
Intelligent, haunting, and deeply original — this is horror for readers who crave tension, thought, and the unnerving sense that the real terror lives inside us.
Joshua Scribner’s Scribner Horror: Four Horror Novels is a dark, cerebral descent into the intersection of fear, obsession, and the human mind. Combining four standalone stories—Seed, The Coma Lights, Fear and Repulsion, and Nescata—this collection delivers a blend of psychological dread and supernatural menace that feels fresh and disturbingly intimate.
Each novel explores different shades of terror: from apocalyptic hallucinations and trauma-fueled visions to paranormal forces tied to guilt and memory. Scribner writes with a slow, deliberate intensity, weaving philosophical themes through vividly unsettling imagery. His horror doesn’t rely on cheap shocks—it creeps in through atmosphere and character, often blurring the line between psychological unraveling and otherworldly intrusion.
What sets Scribner apart is his emphasis on the mind as both the weapon and the victim. Every protagonist faces an internal battle as much as an external one, and the resulting ambiguity makes the stories linger long after you’ve finished.
Intelligent, haunting, and deeply original — this is horror for readers who crave tension, thought, and the unnerving sense that the real terror lives inside us.
October 28, 2025
For readers who appreciate complex, non-linear horror built on psychological and systemic breakdown, this anthology is a rich find. As someone who writes about technical systems, I find Scribner’s work fascinating because it treats the human mind as a complex, vulnerable operating system prone to catastrophic corruption.
The novellas present distinct debugging challenges: Seed dives into the psyche's horrific depths to fight a mind-based global battle; The Coma Lights requires solving a puzzle where physical trauma is tied to glowing, prophetic visions—forcing the protagonist to find the vital connection linking these disparate outputs. Fear and Repulsion serves as a chilling warning against implementing unauthorized patches and ignoring system safety protocols, resulting in catastrophic, unintended consequences. Finally, Nescata examines an environmental corruption where a return to a hometown acts as a recursive call, triggering vivid hallucinations and forcing the protagonist to solve a series of peculiar deaths.
This collection is a taut, unsettling exploration of how unseen connections and logic failures govern our reality, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy horror with a complex, internal mechanism that goes far beyond surface scares.
The novellas present distinct debugging challenges: Seed dives into the psyche's horrific depths to fight a mind-based global battle; The Coma Lights requires solving a puzzle where physical trauma is tied to glowing, prophetic visions—forcing the protagonist to find the vital connection linking these disparate outputs. Fear and Repulsion serves as a chilling warning against implementing unauthorized patches and ignoring system safety protocols, resulting in catastrophic, unintended consequences. Finally, Nescata examines an environmental corruption where a return to a hometown acts as a recursive call, triggering vivid hallucinations and forcing the protagonist to solve a series of peculiar deaths.
This collection is a taut, unsettling exploration of how unseen connections and logic failures govern our reality, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy horror with a complex, internal mechanism that goes far beyond surface scares.
December 9, 2025
This is a set of four, supernatural horror stories. They aren't tied together so you do not need to read them in any particular order. Actually, the first story (11 O'clock Fright) was my least favorite and I would suggest reading the other ones first. The characters and premise in this story were good but it was slow and had far too much unnecessary and repetitive description of every, single time the main character started meditating. There were also unrelated sex scenes, which were actually written quite well but just felt out of place. I would give this one a 3-star.
The third story (Never Fear Again) was decent but not earth shattering. I'd probably give it a 3.5.
The second and fourth stories were my favorite. And I would rate both 5, which is why I gave this book 4 overall. If you like true horror, the fourth one (A Haunting Beauty) had the greatest horror aspects and gory details. It also contained sex scenes but these fit the story really well. And the author is quite good at doing sex scenes so they weren't cheesy.
While the book is called Scribner Horror, I would say the stories ranged from supernatural mystery to erotic horror in their themes. Overall, suggested.
The third story (Never Fear Again) was decent but not earth shattering. I'd probably give it a 3.5.
The second and fourth stories were my favorite. And I would rate both 5, which is why I gave this book 4 overall. If you like true horror, the fourth one (A Haunting Beauty) had the greatest horror aspects and gory details. It also contained sex scenes but these fit the story really well. And the author is quite good at doing sex scenes so they weren't cheesy.
While the book is called Scribner Horror, I would say the stories ranged from supernatural mystery to erotic horror in their themes. Overall, suggested.
June 10, 2024
My favourite story was the second called Fear's Child. It introduces us to Maddy Crandale, a teenager whose rebellious nature forces her family to relocate to the countryside. However, the change of scenery does little to quell the strange happenings that follow her. The story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with supernatural occurrences, creating an atmosphere of constant dread. Maddy's journey is both harrowing and compelling, as she faces off against a mysterious menace that preys on her vulnerabilities. The tension builds to a thrilling climax, making it impossible to put down. Overall, the book is a stellar collection that showcases the author's ability to craft engaging and unsettling tales. Each story is unique, yet they all share a common thread of psychological depth and supernatural horror. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles are portrayed with authenticity and emotional resonance. This book is a treasure trove for horror enthusiasts, offering a rich and varied reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended!
June 30, 2024
This collection of four short horror novels by Scribner might be just the ticket for some readers.
Of course, each novel functions as a separate entity, with different characters, settings, ideas, et cetera, but there indeed seemed to be a pattern connecting the novels together. Generally each novel begins with a description of a character with slightly odd habits or behaviors, and we take off from there onto a romp of minimalist prose with plenty of clean, well structured, and "hard knocks-"style writing. Personally, I could have done without the expletives and thought that there was too much exposition, but some people like that. There is a lot of inner-monologue via italicized font, of which I am not a huge fan. The ideas, settings, and broadly juvenile themes did not interest me much, but, if someone were into capturing a contemporary, TV-like experience through a book, then this might just hit home. Again, there were also one too many buff dudes and sexual scenes for me, but, if that were one's thing, then this, again, might be just the ticket. Overall, this is just not my kind of horror, but I can imagine that this would be the right find for some.
Of course, each novel functions as a separate entity, with different characters, settings, ideas, et cetera, but there indeed seemed to be a pattern connecting the novels together. Generally each novel begins with a description of a character with slightly odd habits or behaviors, and we take off from there onto a romp of minimalist prose with plenty of clean, well structured, and "hard knocks-"style writing. Personally, I could have done without the expletives and thought that there was too much exposition, but some people like that. There is a lot of inner-monologue via italicized font, of which I am not a huge fan. The ideas, settings, and broadly juvenile themes did not interest me much, but, if someone were into capturing a contemporary, TV-like experience through a book, then this might just hit home. Again, there were also one too many buff dudes and sexual scenes for me, but, if that were one's thing, then this, again, might be just the ticket. Overall, this is just not my kind of horror, but I can imagine that this would be the right find for some.
October 25, 2024
Eerie Tales That Will Keep You Up at Night!
Eleven O'Clock Fright and the other stories in this collection pull you right into spine-chilling situations that are both surreal and relatable. Each story takes ordinary people—grieving spouses, troubled teens, anxious kids—and throws them into an unsettling twist of supernatural encounters and deep-seated fears. The blend of suspense and psychological horror is well-executed, though a few stories feel like they wrap up a bit too quickly, leaving some loose ends. Still, the characters' raw emotions and the haunting atmospheres make for a compelling read. Perfect for those who like their scares with a side of introspection. This collection is perfect for those who appreciate horror that digs deeper than mere scares, making it an engaging read that lingers long after the final page. Some narratives could benefit from more fleshed-out conclusions, the overarching themes of confronting personal demons through haunting experiences resonate powerfully. This collection is perfect for those who appreciate horror that digs deeper than mere scares, making it an engaging read that lingers long after the final page.
Eleven O'Clock Fright and the other stories in this collection pull you right into spine-chilling situations that are both surreal and relatable. Each story takes ordinary people—grieving spouses, troubled teens, anxious kids—and throws them into an unsettling twist of supernatural encounters and deep-seated fears. The blend of suspense and psychological horror is well-executed, though a few stories feel like they wrap up a bit too quickly, leaving some loose ends. Still, the characters' raw emotions and the haunting atmospheres make for a compelling read. Perfect for those who like their scares with a side of introspection. This collection is perfect for those who appreciate horror that digs deeper than mere scares, making it an engaging read that lingers long after the final page. Some narratives could benefit from more fleshed-out conclusions, the overarching themes of confronting personal demons through haunting experiences resonate powerfully. This collection is perfect for those who appreciate horror that digs deeper than mere scares, making it an engaging read that lingers long after the final page.
June 27, 2024
Scribner Horror 2 is the second anthology of horror that I’ve read by this author and this one didn’t disappoint. The first story submerses a widowed mathematician into the supernatural world of ghouls through meditation. The second story deals with extreme teenage angst in a natural setting but with a supernatural approach. Mark is a young man coming of age but suffering from severe anxiety. That all changes when his family moves into a new house. But is the new house haunted? Roony, a powerlifter/body builder, got his new place for a song, but what are those sounds in the attic? There’s a common theme in all four stories: a new home, a fresh start, a supernatural experience. Scriber’s style is a slow build to the gruesome scenes and sometimes this had me skipping pages to get to the exciting parts but it also results in well-developed characters and stage-setting. I wish the stories had been edited a little better as I found more than a few typos that pulled me out of the narrative. Great for horror fans.
August 4, 2024
Joshua Scribner's "Horror 2" offers a collection of four contemporary horror stories that deliver a chilling dose of the supernatural. Each story is unique in its narrative and characters, but centres around the overriding theme of unsettling new beginnings and the growing unease of an initially indistinct, creeping terror. The author's deliberate pacing and focus on character development before reaching the climax can feel somewhat slow at times, but I found all four stories ultimately satisfying in their execution. I would recommend these for a more adult audience due to the language and sexuality.
All of the stories held my interest,, but my favourite of the four was “A Haunting Beauty” about a power lifter who encounters strange sounds from his attic, while dealing with themes of skin-deep beauty, temptation and infidelity. With strong character development and a creepy atmosphere, this one had me hooked.
If you enjoy a slow-build, but ultimately chilling, anthology of horror stories, then this is for you.
All of the stories held my interest,, but my favourite of the four was “A Haunting Beauty” about a power lifter who encounters strange sounds from his attic, while dealing with themes of skin-deep beauty, temptation and infidelity. With strong character development and a creepy atmosphere, this one had me hooked.
If you enjoy a slow-build, but ultimately chilling, anthology of horror stories, then this is for you.
November 23, 2024
This is another fantastic collection from Joshua Scribner. The first story, Eleven O Clock Fright, is a horror trope which has always resonated with me. There is something about grief and the compounding terror of being haunted that is truly horrifying. Scribner puts a twist on this at the end, and left its mark on me in its unsettling build up.
Fear’s Child was the one which I enjoyed the most, which was surprising as I didn’t think it would from reading the description. It has a dark undertone throughout and plays upon anxiety, a very human feeling felt by many, and I felt comforted at first by Mark’s situation. I think this plays into the idea that anxiety, whilst unpleasant, is something we are meant to feel when there is danger or a threat around.
The other two stories, Fears Child and A Haunting Beauty, had a more supernatural horror element to them, which I also enjoyed. But the very human connection of the other two was what stood out to me. This collection can be enjoyed by any fan of the horror genre.
Fear’s Child was the one which I enjoyed the most, which was surprising as I didn’t think it would from reading the description. It has a dark undertone throughout and plays upon anxiety, a very human feeling felt by many, and I felt comforted at first by Mark’s situation. I think this plays into the idea that anxiety, whilst unpleasant, is something we are meant to feel when there is danger or a threat around.
The other two stories, Fears Child and A Haunting Beauty, had a more supernatural horror element to them, which I also enjoyed. But the very human connection of the other two was what stood out to me. This collection can be enjoyed by any fan of the horror genre.
December 2, 2024
I'm a horror fan and One standout story in "Scribner Horror 2: Four Horror Novels" is "Fear's Child," which follows Maddy Crandale, a troubled teen who moves to the countryside seeking a fresh start. As she grapples with her inner demons, strange and unsettling occurrences begin to unfold, creating a perfect blend of psychological and supernatural horror. Maddy's intense journey keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it hard to put the book down.
While "Fear's Child" is particularly gripping, the other stories in the collection are equally entertaining. "Eleven O'clock Fright" dives into the chilling experiences of Dr. Kurt Snaber, "Never Fear Again" explores the eerie transformation of Mark Lions, and "A Haunting Beauty" reveals the dark secrets haunting the Becker family. Each story offers its own unique thrills and chills, ensuring that every tale captivates and engages horror fans. Overall, this collection is a fantastic read that delivers suspenseful and haunting narratives from start to finish, making it a must-have for any horror lover!
While "Fear's Child" is particularly gripping, the other stories in the collection are equally entertaining. "Eleven O'clock Fright" dives into the chilling experiences of Dr. Kurt Snaber, "Never Fear Again" explores the eerie transformation of Mark Lions, and "A Haunting Beauty" reveals the dark secrets haunting the Becker family. Each story offers its own unique thrills and chills, ensuring that every tale captivates and engages horror fans. Overall, this collection is a fantastic read that delivers suspenseful and haunting narratives from start to finish, making it a must-have for any horror lover!
April 23, 2025
3.5 / 5, if I could.
The stories range from decent to pretty good. I'd say the first story is the weakest, like a 3-star on its own, the second and fourth are the best with 4 stars, and the third is a 3-star but better than the first, so 3.5 on average. The best overall is the second story, because the personal drama is as interesting as the supernatural things going on. The first story (the weakest, imo) has a good hook, wondering if the main character really did kill his wife or not, and it even has an interesting resolution, but I never felt like I got a good read on how much he regrets what happened. There's also a LOT of a sexual content that does not feel thematically tied to what is happening (in other words, the sex stuff is not really that important to the story), to the point that I would consider it half-horror, half-erotica. If you're a genre reader, I think you'll be satisfied, but the overall quality of your experience might improve if you skip the first story, or at least don't read it first.
The stories range from decent to pretty good. I'd say the first story is the weakest, like a 3-star on its own, the second and fourth are the best with 4 stars, and the third is a 3-star but better than the first, so 3.5 on average. The best overall is the second story, because the personal drama is as interesting as the supernatural things going on. The first story (the weakest, imo) has a good hook, wondering if the main character really did kill his wife or not, and it even has an interesting resolution, but I never felt like I got a good read on how much he regrets what happened. There's also a LOT of a sexual content that does not feel thematically tied to what is happening (in other words, the sex stuff is not really that important to the story), to the point that I would consider it half-horror, half-erotica. If you're a genre reader, I think you'll be satisfied, but the overall quality of your experience might improve if you skip the first story, or at least don't read it first.
July 20, 2024
These four horror stories by Joshua Scribner are guaranteed to hook you from the opening paragraph, but I warn you. They are scary and intense. The characters feel real because they are flawed and capable of bad decisions. The stories themselves are fast-paced, and there are no friendly ghosts to be found.
I found the stories were a little similar, with a theme of people moving and finding an entity already living in the house they chose. This has become sort of a cliché in horror writing. I also felt the sex was overdone.
Other than these things, I think Scribner has a good feel for telling an interesting story. His writing is clean and without a lot of excess detail. He gets you into the story right away, and you end up wanting things to work out well for the characters. However, Scriber is writing horror stories, not fairy tales.
If you love this kind of horror tale, you won’t be disappointed with these four stories.
I found the stories were a little similar, with a theme of people moving and finding an entity already living in the house they chose. This has become sort of a cliché in horror writing. I also felt the sex was overdone.
Other than these things, I think Scribner has a good feel for telling an interesting story. His writing is clean and without a lot of excess detail. He gets you into the story right away, and you end up wanting things to work out well for the characters. However, Scriber is writing horror stories, not fairy tales.
If you love this kind of horror tale, you won’t be disappointed with these four stories.
October 4, 2024
Admittedly, I do think the covers of these stories leave a little something to be desired, but don’t be put off - these stories are well written psychological horrors which put you in the mind of some ‘interesting’ characters. Much like his first collection of horror novels, Scribner has a way of writing engaging, visceral, well-paced, witty and sometimes charged psychosexual stories which creep up on the reader. His writing often explores the grey area between delusion and reality in a way that elucidates his unsavoury characters. The build up of suspense, particularly in ‘Eleven O'clock Fright’, is masterfully done. The four stories are of a good length - not overstaying their welcome and providing great value for money. One warning to any sensitive or prudish readers though: these stories are not for you and do contain some graphic content (thankfully never written in a cringey way which could befall a lesser writer), so be warned.
December 3, 2024
This is a fantastic collection of horror stories! Each one is unique in its own way and hooks you the second you start reading. The author does a great job of building suspense, establishing solid characters, and setting the scene for the reader. The blend of mystery, physiological horror, and the supernatural makes this series absolutely perfect for any fan of the horror genre. Every single story portrays a new type of fear, whether it be the uncertainty of new beginnings or haunting memories from the past. I especially like how “Never Fears Again” is based around anxiety and encapsulates it in a truly terrifying and sinister way. “Eleven O’clock fright” is truly unsettling and focuses on trying to escape the process of grief, only to be met with a supernatural force even more terrifying. Overall, this collection is a must-read that you won’t want to miss out on. I would highly recommend it!
December 17, 2024
I just finished reading the book that is called “Scribner Horror 2: Four Horror Novels by Joshua Scribner”. This is a pretty good follow up to a book Joshua Scribner wrote that is called "Scribner Horror 1". This book is a collection of four stories that show off the authors ability to write in the horror genre. While I feel that the stories are not that scary when you read them, in that they didn’t cause me any nightmares, I still feel that they do fall into the horror category. The stories featured out of body experiences, a ghostly figure, ghouls, a vampire, spirit possession of animal and a dead body as well as other things and events that I believe fall in the horror mix of things. The stories were fairly well written and moved at a decent pace, though it seemed to slow at different points and I enjoyed reading them. I think there are going to be a lot of people who like reading this book.
March 11, 2025
Good Horror
Joshua Scribner provides four novellas under one cover, each worthy in its own right. Eerie and macabre, each story tells a distinctly different story. My personal favorite is the second, Fear’s Child. Eleven O’Clock Fright is a close second. The heroine is immersed in a difficult family situation, complicated by a heavy dose of teen-aged angst. The author puts you right in her head, feeling her fears and joys as if they were your own.
Though the story lines are excellent, what really struck me was Scribner’s patient style. He does not rush the stories, allowing them to unfold with a natural cadence. He does not over-sensationalize or rely on blood and guts for your thrills. Instead, he tells the stories as if you were living them.
If you are looking for a set of pallet cleansers between 900 page tomes, this book is for you. I personally read all four in a row and expect I will be re-reading them in the future. Definite 5 star work!
Joshua Scribner provides four novellas under one cover, each worthy in its own right. Eerie and macabre, each story tells a distinctly different story. My personal favorite is the second, Fear’s Child. Eleven O’Clock Fright is a close second. The heroine is immersed in a difficult family situation, complicated by a heavy dose of teen-aged angst. The author puts you right in her head, feeling her fears and joys as if they were your own.
Though the story lines are excellent, what really struck me was Scribner’s patient style. He does not rush the stories, allowing them to unfold with a natural cadence. He does not over-sensationalize or rely on blood and guts for your thrills. Instead, he tells the stories as if you were living them.
If you are looking for a set of pallet cleansers between 900 page tomes, this book is for you. I personally read all four in a row and expect I will be re-reading them in the future. Definite 5 star work!
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