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These Evil Things We Do
He’s taken you to haunted hotels, into the lairs of dangerous creatures, and even to the end of the world. Now, master of horror Mick Garris wants to invite you along on a journey into the realm of the most terrifying thing of all: man.
From a plastic surgeon with a uniquely disturbing approach to his job to a deranged child genius obsessed with his teacher, These Evil Things We Do: The Mick Garris Collection explores mankind’s capacity for limitless evil - and how often that evil hides in plain sight. Previously only available in limited print-runs, this collection brings together four of Garris’ works for the first time in a single volume, along with a brand new novella, Free, available exclusively here.
So indulge your own inner monster and come along for these five fearsome tales of human wickedness… just don’t be tempted to commit any evil deeds of your own.
From a plastic surgeon with a uniquely disturbing approach to his job to a deranged child genius obsessed with his teacher, These Evil Things We Do: The Mick Garris Collection explores mankind’s capacity for limitless evil - and how often that evil hides in plain sight. Previously only available in limited print-runs, this collection brings together four of Garris’ works for the first time in a single volume, along with a brand new novella, Free, available exclusively here.
So indulge your own inner monster and come along for these five fearsome tales of human wickedness… just don’t be tempted to commit any evil deeds of your own.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2020
6 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Mick Garris
43 books57 followersMick Garris is a producer, director, screenwriter and novelist specializing in the horror genre. He has had his hand in dozens of films and television shows, published several works of fiction, and is perhaps best known for his long and fruitful association with author Stephen King.
Garris was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He began making home movies at the age of 12 and started working as a freelance film and music journalist while still in his teens. An avid musician, he was the lead singer of the band Horsefeathers until its demise in 1977.
Garris’ first job in the film industry was doing publicity for Avco-Embassy Pictures, where he produced “behind the scenes” documentaries for numerous genre films. This led to a stint as the host of THE FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL, a TV talk show airing on L.A.’s legendary Z Channel, in which Garris interviewed many high-profile actors and filmmakers.
His big break came when he was hired by Steven Spielberg to serve as a writer and story editor on AMAZING STORIES (1985). Spielberg asked Mick to direct an episode based on one of this stories, and he has been writing, producing, and directing ever since. This led to more work as a director on FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES (1988) and TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1989), and as the co-creator of SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1990-91). During this period, Garris also co-wrote the screenplays for *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987), THE FLY II (1989) and HOCUS POCUS (1993).
His first feature film as a director was CRITTERS 2 (1988), followed by PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990). In 1992, Garris began his association with Stephen King when he was selected to direct the author’s original screenplay for SLEEPWALKERS. Pleased with the results, King chose Garris to helm the epic mini-series based his novel, THE STAND (1994), which went on to become one of history’s most highly-rated television shows.
Garris and King followed up with a three-part TV adaptation of THE SHINING in 1997. Garris went on to direct QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY (1997), based on two stories by King and Clive Barker, VIRTUAL OBSESSION (1998), THE JUDGE (2001) and LOST IN OZ (2002). He and Stephen King reunited for RIDING THE BULLET (2004) and DESPERATION (2006).
In 2005, Garris created the Showtime anthology series MASTERS OF HORROR (2005-06), which featured contributions by him and other leading filmmakers specializing in the horror genre, including John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Landis. A spinoff anthology series followed: FEAR ITSELF (2008-09).
In 2011, Garris published his first novel: Development Hell. This was preceded by the short story collection, A Life in Cinema (2002), and followed by the novellas Snow Shadows (2013) and Tyler’s Third Act (2013). His new novel, Salome, and another novella, Ugly, will be released in 2014.
Garris returned to his roots as the Creator and Host of POST MORTEM (2010-11), a genre-themed talk show airing on FearNetHD. Recently, he produced and directed another mini-series adaptation of a Stephen King novel, BAG OF BONES (2011), and served as Executive Producer of the feature film UNBROKEN (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie.
He has directed episodes of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and its spinoff, RAVENSWOOD, and WITCHES OF EAST END, and currently has several series and features in development.
www.facebook.com/mick.garris
Garris was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He began making home movies at the age of 12 and started working as a freelance film and music journalist while still in his teens. An avid musician, he was the lead singer of the band Horsefeathers until its demise in 1977.
Garris’ first job in the film industry was doing publicity for Avco-Embassy Pictures, where he produced “behind the scenes” documentaries for numerous genre films. This led to a stint as the host of THE FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL, a TV talk show airing on L.A.’s legendary Z Channel, in which Garris interviewed many high-profile actors and filmmakers.
His big break came when he was hired by Steven Spielberg to serve as a writer and story editor on AMAZING STORIES (1985). Spielberg asked Mick to direct an episode based on one of this stories, and he has been writing, producing, and directing ever since. This led to more work as a director on FREDDY’S NIGHTMARES (1988) and TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1989), and as the co-creator of SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1990-91). During this period, Garris also co-wrote the screenplays for *BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987), THE FLY II (1989) and HOCUS POCUS (1993).
His first feature film as a director was CRITTERS 2 (1988), followed by PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990). In 1992, Garris began his association with Stephen King when he was selected to direct the author’s original screenplay for SLEEPWALKERS. Pleased with the results, King chose Garris to helm the epic mini-series based his novel, THE STAND (1994), which went on to become one of history’s most highly-rated television shows.
Garris and King followed up with a three-part TV adaptation of THE SHINING in 1997. Garris went on to direct QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY (1997), based on two stories by King and Clive Barker, VIRTUAL OBSESSION (1998), THE JUDGE (2001) and LOST IN OZ (2002). He and Stephen King reunited for RIDING THE BULLET (2004) and DESPERATION (2006).
In 2005, Garris created the Showtime anthology series MASTERS OF HORROR (2005-06), which featured contributions by him and other leading filmmakers specializing in the horror genre, including John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Landis. A spinoff anthology series followed: FEAR ITSELF (2008-09).
In 2011, Garris published his first novel: Development Hell. This was preceded by the short story collection, A Life in Cinema (2002), and followed by the novellas Snow Shadows (2013) and Tyler’s Third Act (2013). His new novel, Salome, and another novella, Ugly, will be released in 2014.
Garris returned to his roots as the Creator and Host of POST MORTEM (2010-11), a genre-themed talk show airing on FearNetHD. Recently, he produced and directed another mini-series adaptation of a Stephen King novel, BAG OF BONES (2011), and served as Executive Producer of the feature film UNBROKEN (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie.
He has directed episodes of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and its spinoff, RAVENSWOOD, and WITCHES OF EAST END, and currently has several series and features in development.
www.facebook.com/mick.garris
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 12, 2023
THESE EVIL THINGS WE DO is chock full of disgusting, weird, obsessed people. I loved every second of it.
This is a collection of novellas followed by a final short novel. Each one of them is unique:
FREE-Are there any moms out there that can honestly say they've never thought of just walking away? Maybe just jumping into their car and driving away for awhile? This is the tale of one woman who did.
UGLY-A story of a really terrible plastic surgeon. Well, he's a good surgeon, but a terrible person. And ugly people do not have the right to live, tarnishing his personal scenery.
TAYLOR'S THIRD ACT-This was my favorite novella. It was totally insane but kind of hilarious all at once. I'm pretty sure that statement won't reflect well on me, but hey: it was funny!
SNOW SHADOW-A student and a professor both fall for the same teacher. That never ends well.
SALOME- This novel was a tragic story of a marriage turned bad. But even if spouses can no longer stand each other, that doesn't mean they no longer love each other, does it? This had an excellent mystery at its core and it was fun to unravel.
Prior to being offered this ARC from Fangoria, not gonna lie: I hadn't heard of Mick Garris. I've since researched him a little bit and now I'm not sure how I've never come across his name before. I've surely come across some of his films, (now that I know they were his.) Regardless of his film work, this volume stands as evidence that the man can write a horror story. Or 5, as the case may be.
HIGHLY recommended!
*Thanks to Fangoria for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
This is a collection of novellas followed by a final short novel. Each one of them is unique:
FREE-Are there any moms out there that can honestly say they've never thought of just walking away? Maybe just jumping into their car and driving away for awhile? This is the tale of one woman who did.
UGLY-A story of a really terrible plastic surgeon. Well, he's a good surgeon, but a terrible person. And ugly people do not have the right to live, tarnishing his personal scenery.
TAYLOR'S THIRD ACT-This was my favorite novella. It was totally insane but kind of hilarious all at once. I'm pretty sure that statement won't reflect well on me, but hey: it was funny!
SNOW SHADOW-A student and a professor both fall for the same teacher. That never ends well.
SALOME- This novel was a tragic story of a marriage turned bad. But even if spouses can no longer stand each other, that doesn't mean they no longer love each other, does it? This had an excellent mystery at its core and it was fun to unravel.
Prior to being offered this ARC from Fangoria, not gonna lie: I hadn't heard of Mick Garris. I've since researched him a little bit and now I'm not sure how I've never come across his name before. I've surely come across some of his films, (now that I know they were his.) Regardless of his film work, this volume stands as evidence that the man can write a horror story. Or 5, as the case may be.
HIGHLY recommended!
*Thanks to Fangoria for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
July 10, 2020
Review originally published at Cemetery Dance
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/...
I’m going to go with total honesty and transparency by revealing that I didn’t know who Mick Garris even was when I accepted the review copy from the team at Cinestate/FANGORIA. I just read whatever they give me because it’s always entertaining; if not amazing.
After finishing the first three stories of These Evil Things We Do and feeling totally blown away by how much I had enjoyed them, I decided to look this Mick Garris guy up on Google.
Oh.
Mick Garris is kind of a big deal.
Most recently, he is the host of a popular podcast called Post Mortem which is part of FANGORIA’S family of podcasts.
He co-wrote the screenplay for Hocus Pocus and directed a slew of horror movie blockbusters and cult classics. His work for television is staggering. Like I said, he’s a big deal.
I went back and read Garris’ introduction. I often skip introductions because they can sometimes spoil even the smallest of plot details or reading experience. But I had to go back.
Books & Movies, man. That’s what Garris had to say and it was the perfect way to set up these stories.
Garris knows how to take the magic of cinema and infuse it into words on the page. I believe this is because he is capable of doing it in reverse as well: Taking words off the page and bringing them to life on screen. A special way to double down on storytelling that few people possess, but Mick Garris is one of them. I’m here for it.
These Evil Things We Do is made up of four novellas about “awful people” and a brand new novel titled Salome.
“Free” is about a woman who realizes that she is not cut out for domestic life, so she gets in her car and leaves. Bad things happen.
“Ugly” brings the reader into the mind of a talented plastic surgeon who judges people by their outward appearances. Bad things happen.
“Tyler’s Third Act” (originally published as part of the Cemetery Dance Signature Series back in 2012) reveals the savagery and desperation of the entertainment industry, and what people are willing to do for ratings. Bad things happen.
“Snow Shadows” depicts a child genius’s unhealthy obsession with his teacher. You guessed it…Bad things happen!
In all of these stories, there was a moment where either my jaw dropped open or I audibly gasped. Garris breathes life into these terribly disturbed people. I found myself buying into their motivations so strongly, I was subconsciously aligning myself with these wretched characters; rooting for them. Suddenly, an act of depravity or a natural consequence would be so revolting, I would be reminded that I was not supposed to be empathetic to the “bad guys.”
This is the power Mick Garris wields in his ability to bring complex, fictional characters into existence; they leap off the page and share their innermost dark thoughts with the reader. It’s completely intimate and frighteningly real.
The novellas prime the pump for the novel, Salome, which is a triumph of modern horror noir fiction.
It’s my recommendation that you read Salome with a stiff drink in hand, or maybe a cocktail if that’s your preference, and wait until you have the house to yourself—enough time to read this straight through. It’s cinematic enough to not need a bookmark. You’re not going to want the world to interrupt your time with the protagonist, James Turrentine. James is a writer and a lousy husband. He loved his wife, Chase, in his own way—but he hated her, too. Only when she is murdered does he realize the tragic mistakes he made in his marriage. This story is sexy, provocative, and disturbing—even strangely emotional. I absolutely loved it.
These Evil Things We Do is a solid contender for my 2020 Best of the Year.
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/...
I’m going to go with total honesty and transparency by revealing that I didn’t know who Mick Garris even was when I accepted the review copy from the team at Cinestate/FANGORIA. I just read whatever they give me because it’s always entertaining; if not amazing.
After finishing the first three stories of These Evil Things We Do and feeling totally blown away by how much I had enjoyed them, I decided to look this Mick Garris guy up on Google.
Oh.
Mick Garris is kind of a big deal.
Most recently, he is the host of a popular podcast called Post Mortem which is part of FANGORIA’S family of podcasts.
He co-wrote the screenplay for Hocus Pocus and directed a slew of horror movie blockbusters and cult classics. His work for television is staggering. Like I said, he’s a big deal.
I went back and read Garris’ introduction. I often skip introductions because they can sometimes spoil even the smallest of plot details or reading experience. But I had to go back.
Books & Movies, man. That’s what Garris had to say and it was the perfect way to set up these stories.
Garris knows how to take the magic of cinema and infuse it into words on the page. I believe this is because he is capable of doing it in reverse as well: Taking words off the page and bringing them to life on screen. A special way to double down on storytelling that few people possess, but Mick Garris is one of them. I’m here for it.
These Evil Things We Do is made up of four novellas about “awful people” and a brand new novel titled Salome.
“Free” is about a woman who realizes that she is not cut out for domestic life, so she gets in her car and leaves. Bad things happen.
“Ugly” brings the reader into the mind of a talented plastic surgeon who judges people by their outward appearances. Bad things happen.
“Tyler’s Third Act” (originally published as part of the Cemetery Dance Signature Series back in 2012) reveals the savagery and desperation of the entertainment industry, and what people are willing to do for ratings. Bad things happen.
“Snow Shadows” depicts a child genius’s unhealthy obsession with his teacher. You guessed it…Bad things happen!
In all of these stories, there was a moment where either my jaw dropped open or I audibly gasped. Garris breathes life into these terribly disturbed people. I found myself buying into their motivations so strongly, I was subconsciously aligning myself with these wretched characters; rooting for them. Suddenly, an act of depravity or a natural consequence would be so revolting, I would be reminded that I was not supposed to be empathetic to the “bad guys.”
This is the power Mick Garris wields in his ability to bring complex, fictional characters into existence; they leap off the page and share their innermost dark thoughts with the reader. It’s completely intimate and frighteningly real.
The novellas prime the pump for the novel, Salome, which is a triumph of modern horror noir fiction.
It’s my recommendation that you read Salome with a stiff drink in hand, or maybe a cocktail if that’s your preference, and wait until you have the house to yourself—enough time to read this straight through. It’s cinematic enough to not need a bookmark. You’re not going to want the world to interrupt your time with the protagonist, James Turrentine. James is a writer and a lousy husband. He loved his wife, Chase, in his own way—but he hated her, too. Only when she is murdered does he realize the tragic mistakes he made in his marriage. This story is sexy, provocative, and disturbing—even strangely emotional. I absolutely loved it.
These Evil Things We Do is a solid contender for my 2020 Best of the Year.
July 13, 2020
I've been a fan of Mick Garris movies since the 1994 ABC miniseries THE STAND. However, I'd never read much of his fiction until I picked up the Encyclopacalypse release of his A LIFE IN THE CINEMA audiobook earlier this year. THESE EVIL THINGS WE DO, like A LIFE IN THE CINEMA, is a collection. Unlike A LIFE IN THE CINEMA, this collection contains a smaller selection of works: four novellas and a novel.
Garris' famed involvement with Stephen King in film might naturally lead you to believe that he would emulate King in print. This is not the case. As Garris himself points out, he's been writing stories since age 12, before he discovered King, and has thus had plenty of time and space to develop his voice. The big thing about that voice (and the storytelling in general) that struck while reading THESE EVIL THINGS WE DO is that it feels uniquely Californian, the same way King's early work feels uniquely New England. It's not just the dialogue and the descriptions of landmarks and scenery that make it feel that way; it's the characters themselves, the way they relate to the world around them, and often the situations in which they find themselves: a plastic surgeon's slab, a famous spouse's bedroom, the desert, a private webcam, the streets of LA...
All of the above is not to say that you need to be Californian to relate to these stories (no more than you need to be from Maine to enjoy King or from Texas to get Joe Lansdale). Garris' characters, no matter the evil they do, are relatable on multiple levels.
Of the five stories contained within THESE EVIL THINGS WE DO, my favorite turned out to be "Tyler's Third Act," a tale about an entertainer who decides to make some, er, self-sacrifices to revive his washed-up career. Unfortunately, what you put out into the world, you can lose ownership of once the fans descend. Without spoilers: Tyler allows one fan to get too close.
Overall, I enjoyed this collection. Recommended for any horror fan, but particularly for fans of body horror given two of the five tales from this volume specifically revolve around it.
Garris' famed involvement with Stephen King in film might naturally lead you to believe that he would emulate King in print. This is not the case. As Garris himself points out, he's been writing stories since age 12, before he discovered King, and has thus had plenty of time and space to develop his voice. The big thing about that voice (and the storytelling in general) that struck while reading THESE EVIL THINGS WE DO is that it feels uniquely Californian, the same way King's early work feels uniquely New England. It's not just the dialogue and the descriptions of landmarks and scenery that make it feel that way; it's the characters themselves, the way they relate to the world around them, and often the situations in which they find themselves: a plastic surgeon's slab, a famous spouse's bedroom, the desert, a private webcam, the streets of LA...
All of the above is not to say that you need to be Californian to relate to these stories (no more than you need to be from Maine to enjoy King or from Texas to get Joe Lansdale). Garris' characters, no matter the evil they do, are relatable on multiple levels.
Of the five stories contained within THESE EVIL THINGS WE DO, my favorite turned out to be "Tyler's Third Act," a tale about an entertainer who decides to make some, er, self-sacrifices to revive his washed-up career. Unfortunately, what you put out into the world, you can lose ownership of once the fans descend. Without spoilers: Tyler allows one fan to get too close.
Overall, I enjoyed this collection. Recommended for any horror fan, but particularly for fans of body horror given two of the five tales from this volume specifically revolve around it.
December 20, 2020
A good compilation of lousy stories. Garris is a bad director but he is a worse writer.
September 10, 2020
Did you know that Mick Garris wrote fiction? I did. However, I’d never taken the time to read any of his work despite my love for everything he’s done for the world of horror. He’s Stephen King’s go-to guy for miniseries. He gave the world two seasons of the iconic Masters of Horror series on Showtime from 2005-2007. He wrote and directed the sheer awesomeness that is Critters 2: The Main Course (which, as we all know, is the greatest installment in that franchise). He’s in literally every horror documentary ever made; it’s like a right of classification as a horror doc that you simply must have Mick Garris in your movie. In short, the man is a legit icon of the genre.
You can read Stuart's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Stuart's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
September 4, 2020
I spent my money for this book that had good publicity but wasn't worth it: stories in common places, simple, not recommended.
July 5, 2020
Upon beginning the first story in this book, I feared where the story was going to go and that I couldn't emotionally handle it so me being me I jumped ahead and tried to skip the story but my kindle (never trust an e-reader, eh?) brought me to the last few pages in the story and my blood froze and I started bawling. I thought about the story for days afterwards.
This is the power of Mick Garris and his words.
Mick's writing is like a scabbed over wound that you can't help but pick at because it itches or hurts but then the blood always comes. I assure you I know that is a weird comparison but for me it is fitting. Every story in this book just shines a light on how vile humanity can be and that above all, humanity is most inhumane.
This is the power of Mick Garris and his words.
Mick's writing is like a scabbed over wound that you can't help but pick at because it itches or hurts but then the blood always comes. I assure you I know that is a weird comparison but for me it is fitting. Every story in this book just shines a light on how vile humanity can be and that above all, humanity is most inhumane.
December 30, 2020
Disappointing
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews