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The Five Senses of Horror
Hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste: Our impressions of the world are formed by our five senses, and so too are our fears, our imaginations, and our captivation in reading fiction stories that embrace these senses. Whether hearing the song of infernal caverns, tasting the erotic kiss of treachery, or smelling the lush fragrance of a fiend, enclosed within this anthology are fifteen horror and dark fantasy tales that will quicken the beat of fear, sweeten the flavor of wonder, sharpen the spike of thrills, and otherwise brighten the marvel of storytelling that is found resonant!
Editor Eric J. Guignard and psychologist Jessica Bayliss, PhD also include companion discourse throughout, offering academic and literary insight as well as psychological commentary examining the physiology of our senses, why each of our senses are engaged by dark fiction stories, and how it all inspires writers to continually churn out ideas in uncommon and invigorating ways.
Featuring stunning interior illustrations by Nils Bross, and including fiction short stories by such world-renowned authors as John Farris, Ramsey Campbell, Poppy Z. Brite, Darrell Schweitzer, and Richard Christian Matheson, amongst others. Intended for readers, writers, and students alike, explore THE FIVE SENSES OF HORROR!
Table of Contents includes:
“Preface: The Five Senses of Horror” by Eric J. Guignard
“Introduction: Why Do Horror Stories Work? The Psychobiology of Horror” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“Thoughts About the Sense of Touch” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“Heading Home” by Ramsey Campbell
“Soft” by Darrell Schweitzer
“Feel the Noise” by Lisa Morton
“Thoughts About the Sense of Hearing” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“In the Cave of the Delicate Singers” by Lucy Taylor
“Sounds” by Kathryn Ptacek
“Malleus, Incus, Stapes” by Sarah Totton
“Thoughts About the Sense of Taste” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood” by Poppy Z. Brite
“Cassilago’s Wife” by Sarah Singleton
“Sweet Subtleties” by Lisa L. Hannett
“Thoughts About the Sense of Sight” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“The Beholder” by Richard Christian Matheson
“In the Porches of My Ears” by Norman Prentiss
“The Impression of Craig Shee” by David McGroarty
“Thoughts About the Sense of Smell” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“Shem-el-Nessim: An Inspiration in Perfume” by Chris Bell
“The Scent” by John F.D. Taff
“The Odor of Violets” by John Farris
“Understanding and Incorporating the Five Human Senses into Modern Horror Short Fiction Writing” by Eric J. Guignard
“Afterword: Sensation and Perception” by K. H. Vaughan, PhD
“Suggested Academic Reading for Further Study”
“A Brief Reading List of Modern Fiction Short Stories with Relation to the Senses (1940–2015)”
Editor Eric J. Guignard and psychologist Jessica Bayliss, PhD also include companion discourse throughout, offering academic and literary insight as well as psychological commentary examining the physiology of our senses, why each of our senses are engaged by dark fiction stories, and how it all inspires writers to continually churn out ideas in uncommon and invigorating ways.
Featuring stunning interior illustrations by Nils Bross, and including fiction short stories by such world-renowned authors as John Farris, Ramsey Campbell, Poppy Z. Brite, Darrell Schweitzer, and Richard Christian Matheson, amongst others. Intended for readers, writers, and students alike, explore THE FIVE SENSES OF HORROR!
Table of Contents includes:
“Preface: The Five Senses of Horror” by Eric J. Guignard
“Introduction: Why Do Horror Stories Work? The Psychobiology of Horror” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“Thoughts About the Sense of Touch” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“Heading Home” by Ramsey Campbell
“Soft” by Darrell Schweitzer
“Feel the Noise” by Lisa Morton
“Thoughts About the Sense of Hearing” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“In the Cave of the Delicate Singers” by Lucy Taylor
“Sounds” by Kathryn Ptacek
“Malleus, Incus, Stapes” by Sarah Totton
“Thoughts About the Sense of Taste” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood” by Poppy Z. Brite
“Cassilago’s Wife” by Sarah Singleton
“Sweet Subtleties” by Lisa L. Hannett
“Thoughts About the Sense of Sight” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“The Beholder” by Richard Christian Matheson
“In the Porches of My Ears” by Norman Prentiss
“The Impression of Craig Shee” by David McGroarty
“Thoughts About the Sense of Smell” by Jessica Bayliss, PhD
“Shem-el-Nessim: An Inspiration in Perfume” by Chris Bell
“The Scent” by John F.D. Taff
“The Odor of Violets” by John Farris
“Understanding and Incorporating the Five Human Senses into Modern Horror Short Fiction Writing” by Eric J. Guignard
“Afterword: Sensation and Perception” by K. H. Vaughan, PhD
“Suggested Academic Reading for Further Study”
“A Brief Reading List of Modern Fiction Short Stories with Relation to the Senses (1940–2015)”
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
310 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2018
4 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Eric J. Guignard
189 books526 followersERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), won the Shirley Jackson Award, and been a finalist for the World Fantasy Award and International Thriller Writers Award for his works of dark and speculative fiction.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 7, 2018
I may be a bit biased b/c I am a contributor to this book, but these are some great horror stories! And this anthology, dreamed up by editor Eric J. Guignard, also contains gorgeous illustrations by artist Nils Bross and six non-fiction essays on the psychobiology of horror as it pertains to the senses. So, if you like a little science with your scary, this book is for you!
September 15, 2018
When I read the list of authors in this anthology my expectations for it were astronomic. Happily I can say it lived up to those expectations. Additionally I think the use of a nonfiction short essay by a Psychologist introducing the stories in each Sense was inspired. And along similar lines I thought it was great to include a list of additional reading, both fiction and nonfiction at the end. Well done.
July 18, 2018
This is the craziest anthology I've ever read, and I mean that as the highest of praise. The stories are amazing, and they're meaningful, because they tie in to the human brain and our senses. The PhD psychologist gives excellent commentary throughout, and there's academic critique and artwork, and all kinds of other things. I feel smarter after reading this, a more learned person. And more entertained.
July 24, 2018
***Full review to come*** but let me just say immediately, this book is extraordinary
July 13, 2018
Ambitious as it is interesting. Never read an anthology book like this before. Learned a crazy amount of interesting information about the brain and fiction stories, along with inclusion of some of the best fiction!
July 25, 2018
Wonderful and unique anthology bridging horror short fiction and literary and psychological analysis. Hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste, all written and discussed in terms of fiction and in real-world brain studies. What a breath of fresh air this book is! Illuminating and meaningful. Looks great too. Wonderful artwork and a nice addition to my anthology library. Plus some of my favorite authors are in here! Ramsey Campbell and Poppy Z Brite I’ve read for decades. Some new names too, Im now a fan of. (This ebook was provided to me for a review)
October 2, 2018
As a writer of psychological horror, I had to buy this book the moment it came out. Not only does it contain cutting-edge cognitive science, it features excellent examples of how 16 talented horror writers focused on various senses to create superb stories. My favorites are David McGroarty's "The Impression of Craig Shee", Lisa Morton's "Feel the Noise", and John Farris' "The Odor of Violets". But all of the stories are outstanding. Well worth the read.
December 20, 2018
Way wicked fun book packed with awesome and well written short stories. All of the authors have incredible talent and flair using the senses as an immediate part of their tales.
February 21, 2019
The Five Senses of Horror is an intellectual orgasm for the horror connoisseur. It takes you on a journey of the five senses with engrossing short stories prefaced by analytical scientific commentary.
The foreplay starts with the elegant and visually titillating cover. This visual stimulation is perpetuated by the captivating artwork sprinkled throughout the book. The next part of the experience begins with an enlightening preface by Eric J Guignard, and is followed by an introduction on the psychobiology of horror from Jessica Bayliss, PhD. Turn the page to immerse your senses in the stimulating journey of this conceptually brilliant collection.
The book is divided into sections, with a separate section for each of the five senses. Each of these has creative, thought-provoking art representing the respective sense, a brief analysis of that sense as it pertains to the horror experience, and three short stories focused on that sense. The flow is simply amazing, the journey enthralling. And if you are left wanting just a little more, there is a section of additional material at the end to lead you on your own literary sensory journey.
Whether or not you agree with all of the conclusions of the scientific commentaries, there is no denying the stimulating experience of the analytical process provided. And if you are not in the mood for the intellectual foreplay, well that’s fine. Read the stories! The collection of stories is incredible in and of itself. I found “Sounds” by Kathryn Ptacek to be particularly impactful. Then there is the horrifying read “His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood” by Poppy Z Brite. Another story of note is the classically constructed tale “Shem-El-Nessim: An Inspiration in Perfume” by Chris Bell. You will have your own favorites.
I would like to note here that a few of the stories deal with the neurological condition known as Synesthesia, which I found wonderfully fascinating!
Read it for the in-depth analysis of the psychobiology of experiencing horror literature with the five senses.
Read it for the excellent collection of stories.
Read it.
The foreplay starts with the elegant and visually titillating cover. This visual stimulation is perpetuated by the captivating artwork sprinkled throughout the book. The next part of the experience begins with an enlightening preface by Eric J Guignard, and is followed by an introduction on the psychobiology of horror from Jessica Bayliss, PhD. Turn the page to immerse your senses in the stimulating journey of this conceptually brilliant collection.
The book is divided into sections, with a separate section for each of the five senses. Each of these has creative, thought-provoking art representing the respective sense, a brief analysis of that sense as it pertains to the horror experience, and three short stories focused on that sense. The flow is simply amazing, the journey enthralling. And if you are left wanting just a little more, there is a section of additional material at the end to lead you on your own literary sensory journey.
Whether or not you agree with all of the conclusions of the scientific commentaries, there is no denying the stimulating experience of the analytical process provided. And if you are not in the mood for the intellectual foreplay, well that’s fine. Read the stories! The collection of stories is incredible in and of itself. I found “Sounds” by Kathryn Ptacek to be particularly impactful. Then there is the horrifying read “His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood” by Poppy Z Brite. Another story of note is the classically constructed tale “Shem-El-Nessim: An Inspiration in Perfume” by Chris Bell. You will have your own favorites.
I would like to note here that a few of the stories deal with the neurological condition known as Synesthesia, which I found wonderfully fascinating!
Read it for the in-depth analysis of the psychobiology of experiencing horror literature with the five senses.
Read it for the excellent collection of stories.
Read it.
December 17, 2020
Wowwwww! From Dark Moon Books comes The Five Senses of Horror, edited by Eric J. Guignard. I read it slowly to savor every story. This anthology organizes its stories into sections, each dedicated to one of the senses. There are several powerhouse authors in here, as well as psychological commentary on how our human senses play a vital role in the fiction we read. Filled with excellent illustrations by Nils Bross, this is a work that had much thought put into it. With Dark Moon Books you know you will not only be reading unique work, you will also gain some expert knowledge in the science behind meaningful literature. I will highlight my favorite stories from each sense below.
Touch – Soft by Darrell Schweitzer
A man unhappy with his current marriage begins to reflect back on the early days of his love with his wife. “Soft” is the word that comes to mind, and thus begins his night of shaping his wife into what he wants her to be. As Eric discussed in his foreword to the story, everyone wishes they could shape some aspect of a loved one into the person they want them to be, the narrator of the story, Richard, takes this too far, and must deal with the creation he’s made.
Hearing- In the Cave of the Delicate Singers by Lucy Taylor
I think I’m a sucker for any story that takes place in a cave. A woman named Karyn is on a rescue mission in the Brotterling Cave in Kentucky. This is a cave that is known to have caused some tragedy in the past. People that enter this cave have become homicidal or suicidal. The main character has a form of synesthesia, in which she can feel sound waves. This is a vibrantly written story, as well as claustrophobic, where madness is sure to take place, only how long will Karyn continue before she succumbs to the music completely.
Taste – His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood by Poppy Z. Brite
My favorite story in the entire collection is from Poppy Z. Brite. Eric describes this story as playing on all the senses, and he is totally correct. This is a story about two friends and lovers, Louis and Howard, who are bored of the life they are living. Practically dead inside, they go to endless lengths to live out their macabre fantasies. This story takes place in New Orleans, as do most of Brite’s works. Romantically written, but also graphically horrific, this story, once read, will live in your memory for a long time. I’ve never drank Wormwood, but after reading this story, I’m pretty sure I can taste it.
Sight – The Beholder by Richard Christian Matheson
Like something from the Twilight Zone, Matheson writes about a woman who receives unique, and beautiful paints from a the owner of an art gallery. She brings them home to create her work, and her inspiration comes to her in the middle of the night. As she paints, the world around her seems to come alive. As the worlds merge, the reader realizes the intention of the art dealer, to truly capture the art. Aside from the actual painting sounding lovely, I could definitely visualize this room in the night, with the moon shining, the leaves blowing, it was truly dreamlike.
Smell – The Odor of Violets by John Farris
John Farris is another excellent writer. In this tale, a has-been writer, Jack Mayo, accepts the draft of a novel from one of his fans, David Hallowell who seems to be very ill. That night, the smell of violets fills Mayo’s room. He reads the story, which is excellent; a masterpiece. Hallowell finishes the novel and soon dies. Mayo assured Hallowell he would see to the novel getting published. What he didn’t tell him was that he would publish it under his own name, giving him the sought after comeback he’s been wishing for…
This is a very unique anthology that I would recommend for the reader who wants more out of their horror. The afterwards included are also a nice touch, as well as 75 more titles that appeal greatly to the reader’s senses.
Touch – Soft by Darrell Schweitzer
A man unhappy with his current marriage begins to reflect back on the early days of his love with his wife. “Soft” is the word that comes to mind, and thus begins his night of shaping his wife into what he wants her to be. As Eric discussed in his foreword to the story, everyone wishes they could shape some aspect of a loved one into the person they want them to be, the narrator of the story, Richard, takes this too far, and must deal with the creation he’s made.
Hearing- In the Cave of the Delicate Singers by Lucy Taylor
I think I’m a sucker for any story that takes place in a cave. A woman named Karyn is on a rescue mission in the Brotterling Cave in Kentucky. This is a cave that is known to have caused some tragedy in the past. People that enter this cave have become homicidal or suicidal. The main character has a form of synesthesia, in which she can feel sound waves. This is a vibrantly written story, as well as claustrophobic, where madness is sure to take place, only how long will Karyn continue before she succumbs to the music completely.
Taste – His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood by Poppy Z. Brite
My favorite story in the entire collection is from Poppy Z. Brite. Eric describes this story as playing on all the senses, and he is totally correct. This is a story about two friends and lovers, Louis and Howard, who are bored of the life they are living. Practically dead inside, they go to endless lengths to live out their macabre fantasies. This story takes place in New Orleans, as do most of Brite’s works. Romantically written, but also graphically horrific, this story, once read, will live in your memory for a long time. I’ve never drank Wormwood, but after reading this story, I’m pretty sure I can taste it.
Sight – The Beholder by Richard Christian Matheson
Like something from the Twilight Zone, Matheson writes about a woman who receives unique, and beautiful paints from a the owner of an art gallery. She brings them home to create her work, and her inspiration comes to her in the middle of the night. As she paints, the world around her seems to come alive. As the worlds merge, the reader realizes the intention of the art dealer, to truly capture the art. Aside from the actual painting sounding lovely, I could definitely visualize this room in the night, with the moon shining, the leaves blowing, it was truly dreamlike.
Smell – The Odor of Violets by John Farris
John Farris is another excellent writer. In this tale, a has-been writer, Jack Mayo, accepts the draft of a novel from one of his fans, David Hallowell who seems to be very ill. That night, the smell of violets fills Mayo’s room. He reads the story, which is excellent; a masterpiece. Hallowell finishes the novel and soon dies. Mayo assured Hallowell he would see to the novel getting published. What he didn’t tell him was that he would publish it under his own name, giving him the sought after comeback he’s been wishing for…
This is a very unique anthology that I would recommend for the reader who wants more out of their horror. The afterwards included are also a nice touch, as well as 75 more titles that appeal greatly to the reader’s senses.
July 24, 2018
4.5 stars
July 9, 2021
I love horror. I especially love what I suppose you could call old-fashioned horror. I don't need blood and guts and sex and profanity to make a story good for me. I grew up reading the old Gothic classics. I was curled up in bed with a dim lamp and a copy of Poe when I was in middle school.
And because of all that, I loved THIS book. There's so much to enjoy here. I love to read nonfiction, especially when it relates to fear or the supernatural or the horror genre, so the psychological essays on why and how certain things relating to the different senses were of great interest to me.
I love good writing, good storytelling, and each of the tales in this book offer both. This is intellectual horror, a more refined and less bloody but satisfyingly terrible form of storytelling, and I am here for that all day, every day.
This collection contains fifteen stories, three for each of the five senses. The stories range from fantastical to unnerving to downright gruesome. There are no bad stories here. Editor and compiler Eric J. Guignard knows his stuff when it comes to works of horror and has selected an astoundingly excellent lineup for this book.
And because of all that, I loved THIS book. There's so much to enjoy here. I love to read nonfiction, especially when it relates to fear or the supernatural or the horror genre, so the psychological essays on why and how certain things relating to the different senses were of great interest to me.
I love good writing, good storytelling, and each of the tales in this book offer both. This is intellectual horror, a more refined and less bloody but satisfyingly terrible form of storytelling, and I am here for that all day, every day.
This collection contains fifteen stories, three for each of the five senses. The stories range from fantastical to unnerving to downright gruesome. There are no bad stories here. Editor and compiler Eric J. Guignard knows his stuff when it comes to works of horror and has selected an astoundingly excellent lineup for this book.
July 19, 2021
Fascinating anthology of short stories (horror and dark fantasy) with tie-in commentary onto the relation of the 5 human senses. Beautifully illustrated, and thoughtful academic asides. Just unexpectedly deep and well done all throughout. Looking forward to seeing editor Eric J. Guignard’s next work!
September 21, 2025
9,2 A thoroughly entertaining and even enlightening collection of short horror stories that all have something to do with one (or more) of the five senses: touch, hearing, sight, taste and smell. They are selected from a wide range of modern horror literature and range from literary experiments in style and description, to well plotted and thought out descents into terror. Even though some of the stories were not to my taste (e.g. due to a to me not satisfactory ending or a bit too obtuse of a plot) were well written and at least evocative. I myself prefer plot over vibes, so I liked the more traditional stories a bit more, but that is entirely a matter of taste. The essays by psychologists about the psychobiology and neuropsychology of our senses, the way our sensory apparatus is linked to our fear and disgust and how reading about an experience can lead to similar sensations added to my appreciation. The thoughts on the difference between sense and perception and the way our brains add to our sensations (can we truly, really trust what we see and feel) were akin to a bit of psychological horror in themselves. These essays also contain advice for authors on incorporating sensory experiences in their fiction (though the advice for me as a quite experienced author could have been a little deeper).
The collection opened with 'Heading home' by Ramsey Campbell, that was fairly short and saved its shock to the last. The ending read like the final image of a Junji Ito-comic, and had the same effect on me as a reader ...
'In the Cave of the Delicate Singers' by Lucy Tailer was tailored to my tastes - well writen exploration of underground caves, effective characterisation and a growing tension. I was really gripped by this story and while its conclusion was obvious in hindsight it could not have ended any other way ...
As someone who is quite sensitive to sounds myself the story 'Sounds' by Kathryn Ptacek came very close ... I felt the discomfort of the protagonist almost physically ...
'His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood' by Poppy Z. Brite was lush in its descriptions of decadence and even though I read about the sordid downfall of two shockingly depraved pleasure seekers, it felt like a smooth dark beer, rich in taste and flowing down my throat ...
'Sweet Subtleties' by Lisa L. Hannett was also well written with mouth watering descriptions of chocolate and candy - why is it that the section on taste delivered the best written stories?
I expected a more twisty conclusion to 'The Impression of Craig Shee' by David McGroarty, but instead I got a more introspective ending. But the central edifice of Craig Shee and its effect on people were well realised.
'Shem-el-Nessim': An Inspiration in Perfume' by Chris Bell was a great story of obsession.
The closing story of the collection, 'The Odor of Violets' was another highlight of the book for me - as it is about an author getting a manuscript from a fan and discovering it's better than anything he himself could have written.
All in all recommended to horror fans - especially those who want to know why they think some things they read are scary ... It all has to do with mirror neurons apparently.
The collection opened with 'Heading home' by Ramsey Campbell, that was fairly short and saved its shock to the last. The ending read like the final image of a Junji Ito-comic, and had the same effect on me as a reader ...
'In the Cave of the Delicate Singers' by Lucy Tailer was tailored to my tastes - well writen exploration of underground caves, effective characterisation and a growing tension. I was really gripped by this story and while its conclusion was obvious in hindsight it could not have ended any other way ...
As someone who is quite sensitive to sounds myself the story 'Sounds' by Kathryn Ptacek came very close ... I felt the discomfort of the protagonist almost physically ...
'His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood' by Poppy Z. Brite was lush in its descriptions of decadence and even though I read about the sordid downfall of two shockingly depraved pleasure seekers, it felt like a smooth dark beer, rich in taste and flowing down my throat ...
'Sweet Subtleties' by Lisa L. Hannett was also well written with mouth watering descriptions of chocolate and candy - why is it that the section on taste delivered the best written stories?
I expected a more twisty conclusion to 'The Impression of Craig Shee' by David McGroarty, but instead I got a more introspective ending. But the central edifice of Craig Shee and its effect on people were well realised.
'Shem-el-Nessim': An Inspiration in Perfume' by Chris Bell was a great story of obsession.
The closing story of the collection, 'The Odor of Violets' was another highlight of the book for me - as it is about an author getting a manuscript from a fan and discovering it's better than anything he himself could have written.
All in all recommended to horror fans - especially those who want to know why they think some things they read are scary ... It all has to do with mirror neurons apparently.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews