A Little Sorrowed Talk

by Brian Keene

Grandmaster Award-winner Brian Keene's newest short story collection examines happiness and grief, love and hate, youth and age, and the darkness thriving in the gulf between them. A criminal decides to kill himself by getting healthy. The survivors of the zombie apocalypse find out there's something worse than being dead or living dead. An author's meta-fictional story brings disastrous results. A father discovers that the space between him and his child may be otherworldly. An antediluvian barbarian and a modern-day ex-Amish occultist face off against the same enemy. Your dreams. Your fears. Your hopes. Your regrets. In the hands of Brian Keene, all of them are just...A LITTLE SORROWED TALK.

Genres: Horror

168 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

BRIAN KEENE writes novels, comic books, short fiction, and occasional journalism for money. He is the author of over forty books, mostly in the horror, crime, and dark fantasy genres. His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s novels have been translated into German, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Taiwanese, and many more. In addition to his own original work, Keene has written for media properties such as Doctor Who, Hellboy, Masters of the Universe, and Superman.

Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.

Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.

Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.

The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A LITTLE SORROWED TALK by Brian Keene is a signed, limited, exclusive edition published by Thunderstorm Books for Night Worms (SEP. 2019) These stories have been collected in this paperback edition and won't be published like this again. Many of the stories could only be read on Keene's PATREON or in super, duper fancy editions only Keene's elite fans have. We are so honored and grateful to Keene for sharing these stories with our Worms.

RUNNING FREE- I originally read this one in WELCOME TO THE SHOW anthology published by Crystal Lake.
INTERSECTIONALITY- a terrifying look at what divides us instead of what brings us together.
THE THREE BEARS- some of these stories are from Keene's collected universe and has the potential to not be inclusive to new fans. From the story notes, this is from his Lost Level universe. I enjoy Brian's storytelling, so I was intrigued.
*****THE OTHER- Maybe my favorite story in the collection--starts off sweet, ends in horror.
MR. ONION- With the context of knowing the real-life incident of Brian Keene getting burned severely--this story is all the more intense. One of my friends spent a long time in the burn unit with flesh-eating disease and he said it was like listening to the screams of hell--the patients suffering burns and loss of skin. Horrifying.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY- I love how some of these stories feel like snippets from a larger picture. A big narrative. This was Keene's forte (Zombies)
BLACK SUNRISE- A man remembers a dark season of his soul when he was in the military. (made me sad)
****SEMEDI (co-written with J. F. Gonzalez) this was a great story. I always love stories involving negotiators in the middle of a crisis--someone about to jump or holding people in a hostage situation. I love the calm, psychological tactics negotiators can use. This story was one that Gonzales started and Keene finished (after Gonzales passed). I love the voodoo/black magic
HALLOWEEN IN CAYUGA CREEK--a fun Halloween story. I need to remember it when the season rolls around.
THROUGH MIRRORS DARKLY--again, a story from Keene's broader universe and two characters from other novels. I love dark fantasy.
BECAUSE YOU ASKED-- ewwwww
NO SLEEP IN BROOKLYN- From Keene's "Rising" universe, which has only ever been published in a "super expensive edition" and is part of the zombie apocalypse series I need to read BIG TIME!! Okay, I'm buying THE RISING as soon as I can!!
*THE SEALING OF EDEN- I will say that this story and the next two felt more like inside information and maybe a side trip into bizarro/weirdo fiction which is always touch and go for me.
*THE TELOS OF THE THIRTEEN-
*THE BALLAD OF KOKE AND PEPSEE
*****THE NIGHT I MET JOHN MAITLIN- Brian Keene might be venturing into Western and I'm here for it. I LOVE WESTERNS. More of this, please!!
FEAR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW- a metafiction story and you must read the story notes on this one!
STORY NOTES

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story collection was my introduction to Brian Keene, and I was surprised at just how good this was. I mean, I didn't really expect to find myself too invested in these stories as I kind of wanted to sink my teeth into a more substantial full length novel, but man, these things packed a hell of a punch. Sure there were a couple stories that I didn't enjoy at all, but besides those two, the rest of them were a ton of fun. Looking forward to digging in deeper with this author.

[Richard Bankey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few great stories, a few Okay stories, and a few duds. 3.25 🌟

[Wintry Monsters Press]

I read a story here and there from collections, so they take me a while to finish. This message is just a placeholder with story notes (as I go) so that the book doesn't remain on my Currently Reading list for months on end, taunting me.

Stories I've read so far:
Running Free - 4/5
Intersectionality - 4/5

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection! I haven’t read any of the author’s other books or stories, so his writing was new to me. I usually feel mixed on short story collections, but this one was packed with a ton of excellent scenes and scenarios. I’m excited to check out some of his other work.

[Jacque Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Nightworms member. Such an excellent read. Very pleased with this author and looking forward to reading more from him.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this in my #Nightworm subscription and really enjoyed it. It's very rare when I read short story collections.

It's something I hope to read more in the future.