Dread the Dark: A Collection of Horrors

by A.C. Utter

A school field trip takes an unexpected and bloody turn. A doctor violates his oath to save the world from a monster. Parents are faced with an impossible decision, and before long, their daughter is back for her revenge. A person sleeping in a park learns why he's usually alone there at night. A man learns the hard way that curses are real. This collection of horrors has teeth, and in its gnashing will remind us why we dread the dark.

133 pages, ebook

First published April 17, 2019

Reviews

[Diana Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dread the Dark is a sharp, unsettling collection that proves A.C. Utter knows exactly how to tap into primal fear. Each story delivers its own punch, whether it’s a sudden, bloody shock or a slow, creeping sense of dread that lingers long after the final line. There’s a strong sense that no one is safe here, children, parents, doctors, or strangers passing through the night.
What makes this collection work so well is its variety. The stories range from brutal and visceral to eerie and psychologically disturbing, yet they’re all tied together by a shared darkness and moral tension. Several tales hinge on impossible choices or broken trust, giving the horror emotional weight rather than relying solely on gore.
Utter’s writing is lean and effective, with endings that often bite hardest when you least expect it. This is a collection that reminds you why shadows feel threatening and why some places feel wrong after dark. A solid pick for horror fans who enjoy short stories with teeth and consequences.

[K. Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was both terrified, and overwhelmingly drawn in to this collection of short stories, each one darker than the last. It touches on all the things that go bump in the night, from ghosts, to demons, to serial killers. I was completely enthralled every step of the way and so many left me thinking for a long time after. If you're a horror fan, grab this unique set of stories, I am certain they will be not only chilling and frightening, but will stand out from what you've read before.

[Bryan Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite the twisted collection of short stories. There's something for all horror fans from monsters to psychopaths. The stories are really well written with characters you'll love, hate, and even cheer to see killed in brutal ways. This is my second chance to read A.C. Utter, and I'm already a fan. I anticipate many more horrific moments.

[Laura Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories but rough editing on audio version. Look forward to see more from this author though.