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Diabolica Britannica: A Dark Isles Horror Compendium
Horror anthology with proceeds to the UK's National Health Service.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 20, 2020
DIABOLICA BRITANNICA is an anthology of stories put together to benefit COVID19 research in the U.K. When one of the authors contacted me about reviewing the book, I jumped on the chance, (and then I bought a copy too.) These tales do not have a connecting theme, but damn! This was a great bunch of stories.
Among my favorites were:
The Conductor by Arthur M. Harper: A man is waiting on the platform just before the midnight hour when the conductor appears. I'm not saying any more about it, but I LOVED this tale!
Footsteps by Janine Pipe: Just...wow! Loved this short tale complete with its prologue. I have a fondness for stories that start off going in one direction and then end in a completely different one. Bravo!
The Flow by Tim Lebbon: This author's tales are always good, but The Flow was EXTRA good because of the themes involved-domestic violence being one of them.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis: I love folk horror tales or stories where local rituals are followed. It's time to harvest and some rituals are still in place in those small, dark, farming towns.
Linger by John Leonard: This one is part of Leonard's Dead Boxes Archive. The tale itself is an age old one in the horror genre: A man inherits a house/mansion from a man he never met. These types of stories are excellent when done well and this one definitely is.
The Hole by Sarah Budd. It's always hard on the children when a widowed parent remarries. This one made me chuckle because it was so dark. (I'm obviously a terrible person.)
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K. Tanner. Where did this author come from? WOW, this story was super fun and sick all at once. A seemingly normal woman is having problems tearing herself away from her book. To the point of not working, not shopping, not eating. Hehehe, that's all I'm going to say. This was my favorite story of the collection.
With a formidable introduction by the legendary Ramsey Campbell, this anthology is sure to please and all proceeds go to to Covid research in the U.K. It's a win-win situation!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/325ZMgW
*I was provided an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. Then I bought my own copy as well.*
Among my favorites were:
The Conductor by Arthur M. Harper: A man is waiting on the platform just before the midnight hour when the conductor appears. I'm not saying any more about it, but I LOVED this tale!
Footsteps by Janine Pipe: Just...wow! Loved this short tale complete with its prologue. I have a fondness for stories that start off going in one direction and then end in a completely different one. Bravo!
The Flow by Tim Lebbon: This author's tales are always good, but The Flow was EXTRA good because of the themes involved-domestic violence being one of them.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis: I love folk horror tales or stories where local rituals are followed. It's time to harvest and some rituals are still in place in those small, dark, farming towns.
Linger by John Leonard: This one is part of Leonard's Dead Boxes Archive. The tale itself is an age old one in the horror genre: A man inherits a house/mansion from a man he never met. These types of stories are excellent when done well and this one definitely is.
The Hole by Sarah Budd. It's always hard on the children when a widowed parent remarries. This one made me chuckle because it was so dark. (I'm obviously a terrible person.)
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K. Tanner. Where did this author come from? WOW, this story was super fun and sick all at once. A seemingly normal woman is having problems tearing herself away from her book. To the point of not working, not shopping, not eating. Hehehe, that's all I'm going to say. This was my favorite story of the collection.
With a formidable introduction by the legendary Ramsey Campbell, this anthology is sure to please and all proceeds go to to Covid research in the U.K. It's a win-win situation!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/325ZMgW
*I was provided an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. Then I bought my own copy as well.*
August 9, 2020
One of the spookiest anthologies I've read in a long time. As an American, I find British horror dripping with unseen terrors and rich with history. The stories contained within these pages brought me back to my early days consuming everything ever written by Phil Rickman and James Herbert. The only thing I wish I could have changed was that I read it in summer. Would have been a perfect read in October!!!
July 20, 2020
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
One thing that’s become evident with the onset of the novel coronavirus is the generosity and large hearts within the horror community. From authors offering up free ebooks so that people can have a healthy distraction while not worrying about financial constraints, to fundraisers and charitable anthologies. ‘Diabolica Britannica: A Dark Isles Horror Compendium‘ falls into the charitable anthologies category. (All profits are going to NHS Charities). The brainchild of dark fiction author, Keith Anthony Baird, Anthony Baird has collected together some of the UK’s best. We get a great cross-section of up and comers to tried and true vet’s in this anthology, which I think makes it all the stronger.
What I liked: You can’t really start off an anthology any stronger than having a living legend, and one of the nicest members in the horror world out there, Ramsey Campbell provide a foreword. Campbell did a brilliant job of providing a historical look at dark fiction coming from such a small island country, before giving us some insight into each story. From there, we get an incredibly strong opening story with Catherine McCarthy’s ‘Carreg Samson.’ I don’t believe I’ve read McCarthy’s work before, but no matter, I’ll be looking for more of her work either way. ‘Tourist Traps‘ by Christopher Henderson provided a stunningly chilly look at the common walking tour, and then Beverley Lee absolutely knocked it out of the park with her horrific ‘The Secret of Westport Fell.’ Arthur M. Harper had a tough job following Lee’s story, but his contribution, ‘The Conductor‘ suffered no setbacks, instead pushing the pedal further towards the floor. This was a really fast, dark tale.
But not to worry. Sitting at the halfway point, Baird ensured that the TOC wasn’t about to let up. Instead ‘Footsteps‘ by Janine Pipe delivered a novel’s worth of grotesque in a short story, which included a prologue, body and epilogue. I think this will be the story many folks talk about years later from this anthology. It’s really well done, but will also make every single person cringe while reading it. Kudos. Tim Lebbon’s ‘The Flow‘ & Stephanie Ellis’ ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter‘ offer us two great stories, which then leads us into five of the absolute best groupings of stories I’ve read in some time. ‘Linger‘ by John F. Leonard adds some new quirks to his Scaeth Mythos (with a cheeky Bledbrooke easter egg tossed in), Alyson Faye’s ‘Song of the Moor‘ was so beautiful, while also brutal (stay away from that water!), and Keith Anthony Baird offered up the single best thing I’ve read from him. His story ‘Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost‘ starts with a past incident before barreling back and forth. Well done. ‘The Hole‘ by Sarah J. Budd proves why she’s one of the best authors out there. I knew what was going to possibly happen but afterwards… jesus. Left me crushed. Morgan K. Tanner’s depraved ‘Scripted in Shadows‘ was a fantastic look at a book wrapping its hooks into an unsuspecting soul. ‘The Coven‘ by Sarah E. England delivered a story that was a fun read, and from the title you should know just what you’re getting into.
The bookend to this anthology is Adam L.G. Nevill’s surprisingly topical story ‘Call the Name‘ which itself is a reprint. We get thrown into the watery deep end with an extinction event occurring and the discovery of… well, give it a read! Nevill never disappoints.
Each and every story really delivers a great look at just why the Dark Isles always produces some truly amazing horror.
What I didn’t like: It’s a minor thing, but I think I would’ve liked a bit of a thematic tie in through the stories. While each story is solid on its own, I went in thinking it was either going to be all devil related or pandemic related. Not really an issue, but if you’re snagging this, keep that in mind.
Why you should buy it: Well, stunning stories from the best of the UK’s current crop plus all proceeds going to charity – bingo. Otherwise, if you love anthologies, this one is really well done and should be in every horror lovers library.
One thing that’s become evident with the onset of the novel coronavirus is the generosity and large hearts within the horror community. From authors offering up free ebooks so that people can have a healthy distraction while not worrying about financial constraints, to fundraisers and charitable anthologies. ‘Diabolica Britannica: A Dark Isles Horror Compendium‘ falls into the charitable anthologies category. (All profits are going to NHS Charities). The brainchild of dark fiction author, Keith Anthony Baird, Anthony Baird has collected together some of the UK’s best. We get a great cross-section of up and comers to tried and true vet’s in this anthology, which I think makes it all the stronger.
What I liked: You can’t really start off an anthology any stronger than having a living legend, and one of the nicest members in the horror world out there, Ramsey Campbell provide a foreword. Campbell did a brilliant job of providing a historical look at dark fiction coming from such a small island country, before giving us some insight into each story. From there, we get an incredibly strong opening story with Catherine McCarthy’s ‘Carreg Samson.’ I don’t believe I’ve read McCarthy’s work before, but no matter, I’ll be looking for more of her work either way. ‘Tourist Traps‘ by Christopher Henderson provided a stunningly chilly look at the common walking tour, and then Beverley Lee absolutely knocked it out of the park with her horrific ‘The Secret of Westport Fell.’ Arthur M. Harper had a tough job following Lee’s story, but his contribution, ‘The Conductor‘ suffered no setbacks, instead pushing the pedal further towards the floor. This was a really fast, dark tale.
But not to worry. Sitting at the halfway point, Baird ensured that the TOC wasn’t about to let up. Instead ‘Footsteps‘ by Janine Pipe delivered a novel’s worth of grotesque in a short story, which included a prologue, body and epilogue. I think this will be the story many folks talk about years later from this anthology. It’s really well done, but will also make every single person cringe while reading it. Kudos. Tim Lebbon’s ‘The Flow‘ & Stephanie Ellis’ ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter‘ offer us two great stories, which then leads us into five of the absolute best groupings of stories I’ve read in some time. ‘Linger‘ by John F. Leonard adds some new quirks to his Scaeth Mythos (with a cheeky Bledbrooke easter egg tossed in), Alyson Faye’s ‘Song of the Moor‘ was so beautiful, while also brutal (stay away from that water!), and Keith Anthony Baird offered up the single best thing I’ve read from him. His story ‘Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost‘ starts with a past incident before barreling back and forth. Well done. ‘The Hole‘ by Sarah J. Budd proves why she’s one of the best authors out there. I knew what was going to possibly happen but afterwards… jesus. Left me crushed. Morgan K. Tanner’s depraved ‘Scripted in Shadows‘ was a fantastic look at a book wrapping its hooks into an unsuspecting soul. ‘The Coven‘ by Sarah E. England delivered a story that was a fun read, and from the title you should know just what you’re getting into.
The bookend to this anthology is Adam L.G. Nevill’s surprisingly topical story ‘Call the Name‘ which itself is a reprint. We get thrown into the watery deep end with an extinction event occurring and the discovery of… well, give it a read! Nevill never disappoints.
Each and every story really delivers a great look at just why the Dark Isles always produces some truly amazing horror.
What I didn’t like: It’s a minor thing, but I think I would’ve liked a bit of a thematic tie in through the stories. While each story is solid on its own, I went in thinking it was either going to be all devil related or pandemic related. Not really an issue, but if you’re snagging this, keep that in mind.
Why you should buy it: Well, stunning stories from the best of the UK’s current crop plus all proceeds going to charity – bingo. Otherwise, if you love anthologies, this one is really well done and should be in every horror lovers library.
September 3, 2020
How the hell do I write this review?
Diabolica Britannica is quite frankly everything that is good about the horror fiction genre neatly compacted in a kick ass anthology. The genre is producing some of the best fiction out there at the moment and it’s getting harder to get scared and shocked but this awesome work of art packs a swift punch to jugular. A Dark Isles Compendium instantly took me to the freezing and rugged coastline of the Scottish highlands, the brutal streets of London and the isolating manor houses watching your every move, so it can make theirs!
As much as I love the genre, sometimes, the titles don’t jump out at you and the synopsis just sounds the same. There’s names you automatically trust, you know that you are going to be in safe hands. Pick up this book and you are going to be reacquainted with old friends and new outstanding voices that will quite frankly knock your socks off! So, what are you going to get when you dive into Diabolica Britannica? A new wave of British horror, genuine characters that evoke a wide spectrum of emotions and plots of intricately weaved that you aren’t sure if you want to stay in the story or crawl away kicking and screaming!
The opening story is a doozy! Catherine McCarthy hits us straight in the feels with her Story Carreg Samson. Ever sat and thought about how simpler our childhoods were? Lack of social media, no internet and no mobile phones. It’s about being more Intune with your environment rather than destroying it at a rate that is frighteningly irreversible. It’s a truly realistic horror story. This story was love at first sight for me. A plot that drew blood, a raw truth.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee stood out for me. Set in what I assume is in the Victorian era – the atmosphere is palpitatingly claustrophobic. A woman who has got to the point in her life where she hasn’t married. She arrives at Westport Fell to care for her dying aunt. This story is haunting…so haunting I’m surprised I didn’t have fog pouring out of my kindle. We’ve come across stories like this before, so what made the difference? The author did. Beverley Lee’s writing is so utterly flawless that words spill out into the void and scramble for supremacy.
Diabolica Britannica wouldn’t have been complete without a werewolf story and boy can Janine Pipe deliver on the monster horror. Footsteps…the title doesn’t instantly strike fear in the heart of its readers, but it is a sinister undertone in an atmosphere of dread and panic. Another author that can set a scene and it impregnate it in your psyche and it takes root and makes itself at home. The safety of home and a locked door is a faded memory. My eyes grew to the size of saucers and I’m not ashamed to say that I had a few WTF moments. A heavy and intense read that will make monster lovers extremely happy!
Linger by John F Leonard gave me my long anticipated haunted house story. A different literary voice that knew exactly what I wanted and delivered it with every fibre of his being. It’s the perfect pretext at examining the human condition and how it has a predispotion to greed and literally nothing will stand in their way of achieving their goals. The ending felt like being in a snow storm with no jacket on – try as you might to fight against the oncoming freeze, it will get into your bones and chill you!
Diabolica Britannica is the very best in British horror. There is not one bad story contained within. Be prepared to be transported into a world of horrific situations and spellbinding atmosphere. Powerfully visceral with razor sharp narratives.
Authors can be found at – Diabolica Britannica
Thanks to Keith and all the contributing authors for the work they’ve put in in putting this compendium together and donating all proceeds going to the NHS in the wake of covid – 19.
Diabolica Britannica is quite frankly everything that is good about the horror fiction genre neatly compacted in a kick ass anthology. The genre is producing some of the best fiction out there at the moment and it’s getting harder to get scared and shocked but this awesome work of art packs a swift punch to jugular. A Dark Isles Compendium instantly took me to the freezing and rugged coastline of the Scottish highlands, the brutal streets of London and the isolating manor houses watching your every move, so it can make theirs!
As much as I love the genre, sometimes, the titles don’t jump out at you and the synopsis just sounds the same. There’s names you automatically trust, you know that you are going to be in safe hands. Pick up this book and you are going to be reacquainted with old friends and new outstanding voices that will quite frankly knock your socks off! So, what are you going to get when you dive into Diabolica Britannica? A new wave of British horror, genuine characters that evoke a wide spectrum of emotions and plots of intricately weaved that you aren’t sure if you want to stay in the story or crawl away kicking and screaming!
The opening story is a doozy! Catherine McCarthy hits us straight in the feels with her Story Carreg Samson. Ever sat and thought about how simpler our childhoods were? Lack of social media, no internet and no mobile phones. It’s about being more Intune with your environment rather than destroying it at a rate that is frighteningly irreversible. It’s a truly realistic horror story. This story was love at first sight for me. A plot that drew blood, a raw truth.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee stood out for me. Set in what I assume is in the Victorian era – the atmosphere is palpitatingly claustrophobic. A woman who has got to the point in her life where she hasn’t married. She arrives at Westport Fell to care for her dying aunt. This story is haunting…so haunting I’m surprised I didn’t have fog pouring out of my kindle. We’ve come across stories like this before, so what made the difference? The author did. Beverley Lee’s writing is so utterly flawless that words spill out into the void and scramble for supremacy.
Diabolica Britannica wouldn’t have been complete without a werewolf story and boy can Janine Pipe deliver on the monster horror. Footsteps…the title doesn’t instantly strike fear in the heart of its readers, but it is a sinister undertone in an atmosphere of dread and panic. Another author that can set a scene and it impregnate it in your psyche and it takes root and makes itself at home. The safety of home and a locked door is a faded memory. My eyes grew to the size of saucers and I’m not ashamed to say that I had a few WTF moments. A heavy and intense read that will make monster lovers extremely happy!
Linger by John F Leonard gave me my long anticipated haunted house story. A different literary voice that knew exactly what I wanted and delivered it with every fibre of his being. It’s the perfect pretext at examining the human condition and how it has a predispotion to greed and literally nothing will stand in their way of achieving their goals. The ending felt like being in a snow storm with no jacket on – try as you might to fight against the oncoming freeze, it will get into your bones and chill you!
Diabolica Britannica is the very best in British horror. There is not one bad story contained within. Be prepared to be transported into a world of horrific situations and spellbinding atmosphere. Powerfully visceral with razor sharp narratives.
Authors can be found at – Diabolica Britannica
Thanks to Keith and all the contributing authors for the work they’ve put in in putting this compendium together and donating all proceeds going to the NHS in the wake of covid – 19.
August 18, 2020
Diabolica Britannica is a great collection of short stories. While there is a great variety in the tales told here, they all have a great sense of place
Carreg Samson – Catherine McCarthy
This atmospheric opening does a great job of establishing the importance in place in the anthology. It feels significant in terms of its scope, with the narrative voice recalling a distant age (as such, it makes for an effective bookend to match similar ideas in Nevill’s closing story). The affection between the narrator, the titular Carreg Samson – a cromlech, a megalithic tomb – and the girl feel genuine, making the tragedy to come all the more palpable.
Tourist Traps – Christopher Henderson
A young man on a ghost walk that avoids all the regular tourist traps - this one is well-constructed with a range of well-drawn characters that add to the piece. It builds up to its ending well, with plenty of clues having been dropped leading to a satisfying, understated ending.
The Secret of Westport Fell – Beverly Lee
Echoes of the gothic in Lee’s tale. It captures that distant age well. It has all of the tropes you’d expect, nervous carriage-drivers and plenty of warnings of what to avoid, and yet the narrator is drawn in nonetheless. Very effective.
The Conductor – Arthur M Harper
This is among my favourites. The sinister feeling created by the conductor is very well done. The timeframe is short, and the confusion of the narrator is understandable, even as clues are left to understand what’s really going on.
Footsteps – Janine Pipe
A really enjoyable piece. Very fast paced with plenty of action, and a touch revolting at times too. The characters are convincing, but the true stat of the piece is the antagonist.
The Flow – Tim Lebbon
Really great premise with this one. A lost village is reclaimed from the water, forcing a former resident to revisit to make sure no one discovers what was left behind. A real sense of sadness for the character.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter – Stephanie Ellis
Another one of my favourites. It plays with folk rituals in a really entertaining way.
Linger – John F Leonard
This one was really cool too. I liked the way the mysteries of the house unfolded. Eddie as a character isn’t particularly likeable, which made how this turns out very satisfying.
Song of the Moor – Alison Faye
Eva is a great character in this story, and the moors really come alive. At times I felt for Luke as he scrabbled around in the opening parts of the story. It’s one that gets stranger as it progresses to it’s satisfying conclusion.
Walked a Pale Horse on a Celtic Frost – Keith Anthony Baird
Another story with a powerful female presence in Larissa, and another one which draws in elements of folk horror and tradition well. The 14th century opening does a great job of setting the atmosphere.
The Hole – Sarah J Budd
A sad and intriguing story. Very quickly I felt sorry for the position Lucy was in, following the death of her mother and her father finding a new partner, complete with horrible children. This is then augmented with the intrigue of the mysterious hole.
Scripted in Shadows – Morgan K Tanner
This is a really novel idea for a story… (sorry) What happens when you get a book that you won’t let anything stop you from reading? It’s gruesome, and it’s engaging.
The Coven – Sarah E England
A family mystery that continues to unravel with every page. Elements of witchcraft are woven into the tale well. I really liked the use of the poppets in the story – they seemed very sinister. A rather abrupt but appropriate ending.
Call the Name – Adam LG Nevill
A much longer piece than the others in the collection. It’s really given time to develop, and it benefits from that depth. It’s kind of a Lovecraftian horror/ eco-terror, but coupled with they we’re gone a narrator that we can’t entirely trust.
All in all, a very successful collection for a very good cause. Well done to all involved in the creation of it. I now have a number of new authors I’ll be keeping an eye on too.
Carreg Samson – Catherine McCarthy
This atmospheric opening does a great job of establishing the importance in place in the anthology. It feels significant in terms of its scope, with the narrative voice recalling a distant age (as such, it makes for an effective bookend to match similar ideas in Nevill’s closing story). The affection between the narrator, the titular Carreg Samson – a cromlech, a megalithic tomb – and the girl feel genuine, making the tragedy to come all the more palpable.
Tourist Traps – Christopher Henderson
A young man on a ghost walk that avoids all the regular tourist traps - this one is well-constructed with a range of well-drawn characters that add to the piece. It builds up to its ending well, with plenty of clues having been dropped leading to a satisfying, understated ending.
The Secret of Westport Fell – Beverly Lee
Echoes of the gothic in Lee’s tale. It captures that distant age well. It has all of the tropes you’d expect, nervous carriage-drivers and plenty of warnings of what to avoid, and yet the narrator is drawn in nonetheless. Very effective.
The Conductor – Arthur M Harper
This is among my favourites. The sinister feeling created by the conductor is very well done. The timeframe is short, and the confusion of the narrator is understandable, even as clues are left to understand what’s really going on.
Footsteps – Janine Pipe
A really enjoyable piece. Very fast paced with plenty of action, and a touch revolting at times too. The characters are convincing, but the true stat of the piece is the antagonist.
The Flow – Tim Lebbon
Really great premise with this one. A lost village is reclaimed from the water, forcing a former resident to revisit to make sure no one discovers what was left behind. A real sense of sadness for the character.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter – Stephanie Ellis
Another one of my favourites. It plays with folk rituals in a really entertaining way.
Linger – John F Leonard
This one was really cool too. I liked the way the mysteries of the house unfolded. Eddie as a character isn’t particularly likeable, which made how this turns out very satisfying.
Song of the Moor – Alison Faye
Eva is a great character in this story, and the moors really come alive. At times I felt for Luke as he scrabbled around in the opening parts of the story. It’s one that gets stranger as it progresses to it’s satisfying conclusion.
Walked a Pale Horse on a Celtic Frost – Keith Anthony Baird
Another story with a powerful female presence in Larissa, and another one which draws in elements of folk horror and tradition well. The 14th century opening does a great job of setting the atmosphere.
The Hole – Sarah J Budd
A sad and intriguing story. Very quickly I felt sorry for the position Lucy was in, following the death of her mother and her father finding a new partner, complete with horrible children. This is then augmented with the intrigue of the mysterious hole.
Scripted in Shadows – Morgan K Tanner
This is a really novel idea for a story… (sorry) What happens when you get a book that you won’t let anything stop you from reading? It’s gruesome, and it’s engaging.
The Coven – Sarah E England
A family mystery that continues to unravel with every page. Elements of witchcraft are woven into the tale well. I really liked the use of the poppets in the story – they seemed very sinister. A rather abrupt but appropriate ending.
Call the Name – Adam LG Nevill
A much longer piece than the others in the collection. It’s really given time to develop, and it benefits from that depth. It’s kind of a Lovecraftian horror/ eco-terror, but coupled with they we’re gone a narrator that we can’t entirely trust.
All in all, a very successful collection for a very good cause. Well done to all involved in the creation of it. I now have a number of new authors I’ll be keeping an eye on too.
August 11, 2020
We used to buy albums for a particular song or songs, often lifting the turntable arm to skip over those “album songs” that we felt were just added as fillers to round out the requisite number of songs for the album.
There were notable exceptions, though. Sgt. Pepper’s comes to mind, as does Dark Side of the Moon, albums we’d just run right through, pausing only to flip the disc on the turntable.
Diabolica Britannica is an anthology that brings those exceptions to mind, a collection of skilled authors bringing the best of the craft to the book. There are no fillers in this book, just a steady progression from one good tale to the next. That these talented authors have contributed this quality work for a charitable cause speaks volumes about them as people, while their tales do the same for them as authors.
This is a very rare win-win. You buy this book and add to the contributions to benefit the NHS, and when you sit down to read it, you’re rewarded by the enjoyment awaiting you between the covers.
That leaves me with only one question. If you don’t have this yet, what on earth are you waiting for?
There were notable exceptions, though. Sgt. Pepper’s comes to mind, as does Dark Side of the Moon, albums we’d just run right through, pausing only to flip the disc on the turntable.
Diabolica Britannica is an anthology that brings those exceptions to mind, a collection of skilled authors bringing the best of the craft to the book. There are no fillers in this book, just a steady progression from one good tale to the next. That these talented authors have contributed this quality work for a charitable cause speaks volumes about them as people, while their tales do the same for them as authors.
This is a very rare win-win. You buy this book and add to the contributions to benefit the NHS, and when you sit down to read it, you’re rewarded by the enjoyment awaiting you between the covers.
That leaves me with only one question. If you don’t have this yet, what on earth are you waiting for?
August 7, 2020
This is pretty much a five star review - but with a couple of stories that didn’t do it for me, it’s hard to give it a five star review for an anthology - it’s very rare I give an anthology five stars.
This is a diabolical collection and introduced me to some amazing new voices I’d not read before - that’s why I love anthologies - the new mixing with the established and in some cases the new writers blowing well established writers out of the water - some of my favourite stories were Carreg Samson, The Secret of Westport Fell, The Conductor, Footsteps, The Flow, Scripted in Shadows and The Hole.
Full review will be appearing on STORGY and I’ll update this when finished - I’ll also be doing a video review on my YouTube channel too (where each story will get some airtime!)
This is a diabolical collection and introduced me to some amazing new voices I’d not read before - that’s why I love anthologies - the new mixing with the established and in some cases the new writers blowing well established writers out of the water - some of my favourite stories were Carreg Samson, The Secret of Westport Fell, The Conductor, Footsteps, The Flow, Scripted in Shadows and The Hole.
Full review will be appearing on STORGY and I’ll update this when finished - I’ll also be doing a video review on my YouTube channel too (where each story will get some airtime!)
May 29, 2021
I got this because one of my favorite authors is in it, Catherine McCarthy. Her story was outstanding and there are a few more good ones too. A couple, I wasn't keen on, they just didn't grab me but that's just down to personal taste. Every story was very well written and cleverly thought out and I did enjoy them all. A really decent anthology
August 17, 2020
I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this book!
What a talented group of writers, each with their own flare for horror.
I love how the book started with Catherine McCarthy's hauntingly beautiful story. It set the tone and left me wanting to read more. I'm definitely going to hunt down McCarthy's stories and devour them in the future.
My other favorites include Beverley Lee's delightfully gothic story which gave hints to a beloved lore that I absolutely love.
Arthur M Harper's "The Conductor" gave me the creeps and reminded me of Lovecraft's psychological horror. You better keep an eye on him!
And lastly Adam L G Nevill's story left a sour taste in my mouth but with hope that our future will never turn out like that in his story.
It's for a good cause, so if you enjoy both keeping the NHS alive and horror, you should buy and read this anthology!
What a talented group of writers, each with their own flare for horror.
I love how the book started with Catherine McCarthy's hauntingly beautiful story. It set the tone and left me wanting to read more. I'm definitely going to hunt down McCarthy's stories and devour them in the future.
My other favorites include Beverley Lee's delightfully gothic story which gave hints to a beloved lore that I absolutely love.
Arthur M Harper's "The Conductor" gave me the creeps and reminded me of Lovecraft's psychological horror. You better keep an eye on him!
And lastly Adam L G Nevill's story left a sour taste in my mouth but with hope that our future will never turn out like that in his story.
It's for a good cause, so if you enjoy both keeping the NHS alive and horror, you should buy and read this anthology!
August 3, 2020
I'm a sucker for settings and this anthology feels so very British with such places as the moors, villages, London town, and the English seaside. Thematically, expect traditional horror staples including folklore, witchcraft and Gothic mansions. There's also a thoughtful introduction by Ramsey Campbell, no less.
July 28, 2020
Al tratarse de 14 voces distintas nos encontramos con una mezcla de estilos, enfoques y recursos literarios muy diversos. Mientras algunos autores apuestan por un lenguaje simple, criaturas o eventos clásicos, otros se vuelan la barda trayendo a la vida escenarios y criaturas mitológicas que al menos yo no conocía.
En estos relatos también abundan la melancolía y la brutalidad humana, retratadas en un conjunto de personajes que pese a desarrollarse en unas cuántas páginas, despiertan interrogantes tan elementales y difíciles como ¿hasta dónde somos capaces de llegar cuando creemos que no sufriremos consecuencias?
Si buscas historias con onda spooky y hasta reflexiva, te recomiendo esta antología. Además, todo lo recaudado de sus ventas será destinado a NHS charities. Sin duda, mis historias favoritas fueron estas:
🔸The conductor - Arthur M Harper
🔸The hole - Sarah J Budd
🔸Linger - John F Leonard
🔸Footsteps - Janine Pipe
🔸Scripted in shadows - Morgan K Tanner
En estos relatos también abundan la melancolía y la brutalidad humana, retratadas en un conjunto de personajes que pese a desarrollarse en unas cuántas páginas, despiertan interrogantes tan elementales y difíciles como ¿hasta dónde somos capaces de llegar cuando creemos que no sufriremos consecuencias?
Si buscas historias con onda spooky y hasta reflexiva, te recomiendo esta antología. Además, todo lo recaudado de sus ventas será destinado a NHS charities. Sin duda, mis historias favoritas fueron estas:
🔸The conductor - Arthur M Harper
🔸The hole - Sarah J Budd
🔸Linger - John F Leonard
🔸Footsteps - Janine Pipe
🔸Scripted in shadows - Morgan K Tanner
August 1, 2020
Overall, this is an anthology that not only serves its noble purpose well, it also delivers for the reader. As charity projects go, there is a consistent level of quality that ultimately respects both the great institution that is the NHS, the people who work within it, and the people who depend upon it.
Full British Fantasy Society review available here:
http://www.britishfantasysociety.org/...
Full British Fantasy Society review available here:
http://www.britishfantasysociety.org/...
July 16, 2020
Some really good stuff in this collection. I will have to check some of these authors out.
September 2, 2020
Well I must say, Diabolica Britannia really hit the spot. I used to read a lot of horror and seem to have unintentionally drifted away from the genre (no idea why) in the past few years so it was wonderful to return to my reading roots with an anthology of short horror stories. What's even more brilliant about this book is that proceeds are donated to researching Covid 19 so it's a no brainer for me!
Somehow, Britain and its gothic history and sites of mystery and natural beauty seems to provide the most hauntingly beautiful settings for true horror stories. The Foreward provides an insight into this and how horror and Britain are intrinsically linked throughout history.
The opening story really moved me in various ways and remains one of my strong favourites (although I love them all). The message I took away from this is that people are the bad guys – self destructing and spoiling the beautiful land we live on and unfortunately good ones ultimately suffer for this too. It was hard to dislike a figure that has no malice or intent - just purpose.
The Hole has a heart-breaking story but chilling atmosphere and that one really choked me up as well as giving me the goose bumps whilst reading.
A variety of horror genres are reflected in this anthology including folklore, gothic and the paranormal but they are all unique and refreshingly different.
I loved reading this anthology and highly recommend it to horror fans. Great when you only have a short amount of time as each story is no more than 20 minutes. But...heed my warning and don’t read them too close to sleep time - you may not be able to get them out of your mind.
Somehow, Britain and its gothic history and sites of mystery and natural beauty seems to provide the most hauntingly beautiful settings for true horror stories. The Foreward provides an insight into this and how horror and Britain are intrinsically linked throughout history.
The opening story really moved me in various ways and remains one of my strong favourites (although I love them all). The message I took away from this is that people are the bad guys – self destructing and spoiling the beautiful land we live on and unfortunately good ones ultimately suffer for this too. It was hard to dislike a figure that has no malice or intent - just purpose.
The Hole has a heart-breaking story but chilling atmosphere and that one really choked me up as well as giving me the goose bumps whilst reading.
A variety of horror genres are reflected in this anthology including folklore, gothic and the paranormal but they are all unique and refreshingly different.
I loved reading this anthology and highly recommend it to horror fans. Great when you only have a short amount of time as each story is no more than 20 minutes. But...heed my warning and don’t read them too close to sleep time - you may not be able to get them out of your mind.
August 3, 2020
I'm delighted to see that this anthology, for such a good cause, is still doing well on Amazon. At just £2.99 or $3.77 (or equivalent, depending on where you are), everyone should purchase a copy!
Keith Baird, whose project this is and who published the book, has brought together a fine group of horror authors to bring you a selection of stories, all very different. I expected there to be a theme running through, to bring all the stories together as one, but they actually cover the wide range of the horror genre as a whole, so there's something for everyone. As with any such collection, some stand out more than others, though of course this is largely a matter of personal taste.
My favourites are the first and last:
Carreg Samson by Catherine McCarthy
About an ancient stone, all that it has seen over millennia, and the dark 'It' that counters man's greed and destruction of the earth. Loved every word.
Call The Name by Adam L. G. Nevill
Another story about the destruction of the earth by man, set forty years in the future - fabulous.
Others that stood out for me:
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee
A superbly atmospheric story set in the 19th century, about a young woman who, failing to find a husband, goes to live in the back of a dark, misty beyond to tend her ailing aunt.
We Plough The Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis
Eerie, sinister traditions in a remote village that doesn't want anyone to leave...
Linger by John F Leonard
A man is bequeathed a mansion by his father, who he has never met, and discovers it might be more of a curse than a gift. What lurks behind that hidden door?
Even if the purpose of its publication didn't make it a 'must buy', it's worth getting for these five stories alone. 😈 😱
Keith Baird, whose project this is and who published the book, has brought together a fine group of horror authors to bring you a selection of stories, all very different. I expected there to be a theme running through, to bring all the stories together as one, but they actually cover the wide range of the horror genre as a whole, so there's something for everyone. As with any such collection, some stand out more than others, though of course this is largely a matter of personal taste.
My favourites are the first and last:
Carreg Samson by Catherine McCarthy
About an ancient stone, all that it has seen over millennia, and the dark 'It' that counters man's greed and destruction of the earth. Loved every word.
Call The Name by Adam L. G. Nevill
Another story about the destruction of the earth by man, set forty years in the future - fabulous.
Others that stood out for me:
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee
A superbly atmospheric story set in the 19th century, about a young woman who, failing to find a husband, goes to live in the back of a dark, misty beyond to tend her ailing aunt.
We Plough The Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis
Eerie, sinister traditions in a remote village that doesn't want anyone to leave...
Linger by John F Leonard
A man is bequeathed a mansion by his father, who he has never met, and discovers it might be more of a curse than a gift. What lurks behind that hidden door?
Even if the purpose of its publication didn't make it a 'must buy', it's worth getting for these five stories alone. 😈 😱
Read
August 2, 2020***Extract from Erebushorror.com***
Horror maestro Ramsey Campbell provides a foreword, giving us an insight into what kind of terror the subsequent pages contain. From there the anthology starts with a hard-hitting tale from Catherine McCarthy and ups the pace with every story from there on! Now, ordinarily we’d focus on the stories that stand out from the rest. Yet, each one is genuinely as good as the last! From beautifully descriptive narratives, to tense, nail biting tales, Diabolica Britannica has it all. Whether you’re a blood and gore ghoul, purveyor of the paranormal or just love a good old fashioned Lovecraftian prose, this anthology is for you!
Overrall, the Diabolica Britannica is a great read for any horror fan. Not only that, but you can also bask in the knowledge that you’re contributing to a worthy cause!
Horror maestro Ramsey Campbell provides a foreword, giving us an insight into what kind of terror the subsequent pages contain. From there the anthology starts with a hard-hitting tale from Catherine McCarthy and ups the pace with every story from there on! Now, ordinarily we’d focus on the stories that stand out from the rest. Yet, each one is genuinely as good as the last! From beautifully descriptive narratives, to tense, nail biting tales, Diabolica Britannica has it all. Whether you’re a blood and gore ghoul, purveyor of the paranormal or just love a good old fashioned Lovecraftian prose, this anthology is for you!
Overrall, the Diabolica Britannica is a great read for any horror fan. Not only that, but you can also bask in the knowledge that you’re contributing to a worthy cause!
July 29, 2020
A cracking collection in aid of a superb cause. The quality of the stories within is consistent, with some absolute stand-outs amongst them. I would have given this 5 stars but felt a couple of stories lacked polish. Nevill's apocalyptic finale will haunt you - be warned!
September 8, 2020
4 stars--I really liked it. I've starred the stories I particularly enjoyed.
Carreg Samson by Catherine McCarthy: A standing stone observes (and narrates) the end of the world. A sorrowful, wistful story--with lots of gore.
Tourist Traps by Christopher Henderson: This is one of those stories where you can see what's coming, and you know it's gonna be bad, but all you can do is keep reading. Great title, great characterization and sense of atmosphere, and clever use of mythology--but kind of mean-spirited.
*The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee: Short but effective gothic tale. Great atmosphere and build-up.
The Conductor by Arthur M. Harper: Revenge story with a twist.
Footsteps by Janine Pipe: I didn't care for this one; it read like a teenage boy wrote it. Just not to my taste!
The Flow by Tim Lebbon: Well written, with a creepy ending.
*We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis: Incredible! Folk-horror made personal.
*Linger by John F. Leonard: Also incredible. I loved the description of the house with the artwork/mirrors.
Song of the Moor by Alyson Faye: A solid monster story about the old ways being replaced by the new.
*Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost by Keith Anthony Baird: Loved it. Five brilliant stars. Folk horror with some really awful/great gore.
The Hole by Sarah J. Budd: Sad but effective tale about loss and loneliness, with a witchcraft twist and a touch of cosmic horror.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K. Tanner: Super gory! Super enjoyable. A cautionary tale about the dangers of buying mysterious books in charity shops.
The Coven by Sarah E. England: A surprisingly upbeat and happy tale of witchcraft. Probably as a preemptive apology for the last story...
*Call the Name by Adam L. G. Nevill: Devastating. There are two horrors in this story: the great old one who's waking at last, and the human-created ecological destruction of the earth in the near future. Really, really good--the best thing I've read by Nevill. (Loved the narrator.) But also so sad--because it's based in reality.
Carreg Samson by Catherine McCarthy: A standing stone observes (and narrates) the end of the world. A sorrowful, wistful story--with lots of gore.
Tourist Traps by Christopher Henderson: This is one of those stories where you can see what's coming, and you know it's gonna be bad, but all you can do is keep reading. Great title, great characterization and sense of atmosphere, and clever use of mythology--but kind of mean-spirited.
*The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee: Short but effective gothic tale. Great atmosphere and build-up.
The Conductor by Arthur M. Harper: Revenge story with a twist.
Footsteps by Janine Pipe: I didn't care for this one; it read like a teenage boy wrote it. Just not to my taste!
The Flow by Tim Lebbon: Well written, with a creepy ending.
*We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis: Incredible! Folk-horror made personal.
*Linger by John F. Leonard: Also incredible. I loved the description of the house with the artwork/mirrors.
Song of the Moor by Alyson Faye: A solid monster story about the old ways being replaced by the new.
*Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost by Keith Anthony Baird: Loved it. Five brilliant stars. Folk horror with some really awful/great gore.
The Hole by Sarah J. Budd: Sad but effective tale about loss and loneliness, with a witchcraft twist and a touch of cosmic horror.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K. Tanner: Super gory! Super enjoyable. A cautionary tale about the dangers of buying mysterious books in charity shops.
The Coven by Sarah E. England: A surprisingly upbeat and happy tale of witchcraft. Probably as a preemptive apology for the last story...
*Call the Name by Adam L. G. Nevill: Devastating. There are two horrors in this story: the great old one who's waking at last, and the human-created ecological destruction of the earth in the near future. Really, really good--the best thing I've read by Nevill. (Loved the narrator.) But also so sad--because it's based in reality.
Read
July 10, 2022Brilliant collection for a wonderful cause. I was beyond excited when I picked this up and it didn't disappoint!
As with all anthologies, some stories resonated better with me than others, but the upside (as always) is that what might not have been my cup of tea - might be yours.
To note a few of my highlights:
'Carreg Samson' by Catherine McCarthy, for me, is everything I'd want in a horror tale. Atmospheric, beautiful prose, nearing on enchanting, to then be cut through with a brutal undertone and message - all of it coming together to form a perfect opening for what is coming.
'The Secret of Westport Fell' by Beverley Lee was a stunning piece, placing us right in the thick of a disturbing environment, feeling nervous and helpless as the plot unfolds.
Sarah J Budd's piece 'The Hole' pulled up instant empathy with me for the main. In addition to the bizarre discovery they make, and the bittersweet conclusion - it made an excellent story.
Finally, 'Scripted in Shadows' by Morgan K Tanner was a welcome gem that did not shy away from the gorier aspects of the genre.
These are just a few of my favourite picks, but as I say, this by no means the rest don't have their own qualities I enjoyed. If you haven't already - pick this up. There's something in here for every fan of the genre and, to boot, supports a valuable service we cannot take for granted.
As with all anthologies, some stories resonated better with me than others, but the upside (as always) is that what might not have been my cup of tea - might be yours.
To note a few of my highlights:
'Carreg Samson' by Catherine McCarthy, for me, is everything I'd want in a horror tale. Atmospheric, beautiful prose, nearing on enchanting, to then be cut through with a brutal undertone and message - all of it coming together to form a perfect opening for what is coming.
'The Secret of Westport Fell' by Beverley Lee was a stunning piece, placing us right in the thick of a disturbing environment, feeling nervous and helpless as the plot unfolds.
Sarah J Budd's piece 'The Hole' pulled up instant empathy with me for the main. In addition to the bizarre discovery they make, and the bittersweet conclusion - it made an excellent story.
Finally, 'Scripted in Shadows' by Morgan K Tanner was a welcome gem that did not shy away from the gorier aspects of the genre.
These are just a few of my favourite picks, but as I say, this by no means the rest don't have their own qualities I enjoyed. If you haven't already - pick this up. There's something in here for every fan of the genre and, to boot, supports a valuable service we cannot take for granted.
September 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of the darkest corners of the British Isles. The title and the cover are perfect for the folk, Gothic and cosmic horror stories that await within. The table of contents boasts a line up of established names alongside up-and-coming writers, and the collection is remarkably consistent in tone and quality.
I liked all the stories - indeed, there were no weak entries - but I'd like to call out a handful of author friends. It was a real treat to read their contributions and see them shine so brightly in such good company.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis - I'm a huge fan of Steph's writing and it's always a treat to settle down with one of her folk horrors. We Plough the Fields was no exception. This story, with its early references to 'outsiders', the 'Plough Witches', 'Reaper's Hill' and 'The Three' was packed with chills and thrills from the opening, and didn't let up until the village folk had been made to sacrifice that which they hold most dear. Atmospheric and devastating.
Song of the Moor by Alyson Faye - I loved this tale, with its setting on the Yorkshire moors, the spooky late-night treasure hunt, and of course the many-faced folkloric monster. The clues were all there but I couldn't quite see how the story was going to end until the blood started to flow. "Something wriggled out of her hair line..." - fantastic stuff.
The Hole by S J Budd - is a simple idea that's wonderfully realised. The characters were utterly believable, and Budd does a fantastic job of exploring the horrors of their relationships long before the children discovered the titular 'hole'. By then, I was so invested in this tale, I wanted to shout at the page and tell the characters to stop. It's a credit to Budd that the ending was surprising and nuanced, and remained true to the characters she'd developed in the story.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan Tanner - I was utterly seduced by the opening of this tale, which described a young woman captivated by a favourite book. Anyone who loves reading will be able to relate. Of course, this being a horror story by Morgan Tanner, things get dark quickly and violently, and the ending was shocking - exactly as Tanner intended, I'm sure.
This collection is a treat to be savoured, and with the evenings drawing in now that autumn is in the air, there's surely no better time to peek within its pages.
I liked all the stories - indeed, there were no weak entries - but I'd like to call out a handful of author friends. It was a real treat to read their contributions and see them shine so brightly in such good company.
We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Stephanie Ellis - I'm a huge fan of Steph's writing and it's always a treat to settle down with one of her folk horrors. We Plough the Fields was no exception. This story, with its early references to 'outsiders', the 'Plough Witches', 'Reaper's Hill' and 'The Three' was packed with chills and thrills from the opening, and didn't let up until the village folk had been made to sacrifice that which they hold most dear. Atmospheric and devastating.
Song of the Moor by Alyson Faye - I loved this tale, with its setting on the Yorkshire moors, the spooky late-night treasure hunt, and of course the many-faced folkloric monster. The clues were all there but I couldn't quite see how the story was going to end until the blood started to flow. "Something wriggled out of her hair line..." - fantastic stuff.
The Hole by S J Budd - is a simple idea that's wonderfully realised. The characters were utterly believable, and Budd does a fantastic job of exploring the horrors of their relationships long before the children discovered the titular 'hole'. By then, I was so invested in this tale, I wanted to shout at the page and tell the characters to stop. It's a credit to Budd that the ending was surprising and nuanced, and remained true to the characters she'd developed in the story.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan Tanner - I was utterly seduced by the opening of this tale, which described a young woman captivated by a favourite book. Anyone who loves reading will be able to relate. Of course, this being a horror story by Morgan Tanner, things get dark quickly and violently, and the ending was shocking - exactly as Tanner intended, I'm sure.
This collection is a treat to be savoured, and with the evenings drawing in now that autumn is in the air, there's surely no better time to peek within its pages.
September 4, 2020
One of the shining lights of this whole pandemic craziness has been the willingness of authors and other artists to contribute their work for free, either for public enjoyment at a time when many people are living with reduced income, or for charity anthologies to help out causes that are still in desperate need of assistance. One of the most striking to come my way this summer was Diabolica Britannica: A Dark Isles Horror Compendium. First of all, I utterly dig that title – it strikes a Gothic, commanding note, like we should refer to it simply as “The Diabolica” which, I think I’ll start doing and see if it catches on. The Diabolica is edited by Keith Anthony Baird, who also contributes a dark and delicious story, and boasts a TOC of some of Britain’s brightest horror stars, with all proceeds to benefit the UK’s National Health Service to help with the COVID 19 crisis. I’m not certain if there was a guiding theme for the anthology, as there’s a wide range of subject matter and tone covered between its pages, but the stories are woven together beautifully and make for an overall perfect horror experience. The great Ramsey Campbell wrote an introduction for The Diabolica, in which he took time to note what he enjoyed about each story, and it’s almost impossible not to do the same. Each story I read stood out in its own way, and each deserves the benefit of an individual mention.
The first story is "Carreg Samson", a Welsh folkloric tale by Catherine McCarthy. It’s a strong choice for the opening, written in sweeping, dark historical tones. We’re drawn immediately into the mind of an ancient being, with a view and memory of centuries that has now found a focal point in the present. I’m a big fan of folklore horror and McCarthy strikes just the right note of ancient, earthly and inevitable horror. Following hard on McCarthy’s heels is "Tourist Traps" by Christopher Henderson, which takes us into a more modern mindset. It’s atmospheric, and I could sympathize with young Ben’s desire to delve into the real ghostly history of London. Henderson makes excellent use of the bloody history of the Tower of London, adding creepy touches of legend and deliciously disturbing imagery just before ending on the right note.
Next up is Beverly Lee’s "The Secret of Westport Fell", with the perfect Gothic opening on a misty, forlorn lane. Lee’s masterful hand builds a brushstroke setting, with excellent pacing and plenty of creepy elements to make her readers snuggle into warm sweaters. This was another story that hit just the right note at the end – one thing that impressed me so much about this anthology was how well the writers wielded their craft of short fiction. The fourth story in the lineup transports us back to a more modern setting again in Arthur M. Harper’s "The Conductor". I loved the subtle, bone-deep creep invoked by Harper’s descriptions of the lonely, rain swept train station and the utter, stomach turning wrongness of his Conductor. And in Janine Pipe’s "Footsteps", we pivot once again, this time into a forest setting, with a theme of blood and carnage throughout. Pipe has a fun, tongue in cheek twist to her blood letting, and her story added a light but vicious streak to the whole.
Pipe’s story is followed by a contribution from Tim Lebbon, entitled "The Flow". There’s a moody, quiet horror here, making use of my flat out favorite setting: a flooded town. There is something so intrinsically creepy about a lost, abandoned village covered in water and Lebbon makes the most of it. Another strong voice in the mix is Stephanie Ellis with "We Plough the Fields and Scatter". Ellis’s contribution shines with her atmospheric take on lost folklore, a seasonal return to the old ways with fantastic witchy elements.
"Linger" by John F. Leonard, gives us an interesting twist on the haunted house story we’ve been craving. The subtitle of A Tale of Art and Abomination from the Dead Boxes Archive gives an intriguing glimpse into what’s in store, though I’d be surprised if you guessed the depths of the story before you arrived there. There’s definitely something off about Eddie’s sudden inheritance, but like us, he’s too invested in the answer to turn back before it’s too late. Next, Alyson Faye gives us an eerie water tale with "Song of the Moor", a creepy, folkloric and feminine creature feature. Definitely hit a lot of high notes for me, and I loved the overall tone and story arc here.
Faye’s story is followed by an excellent look into archaic and historical horror from Keith Anthony Baird, with "Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost". Leading with a swift, moody flashback and then taking us into a modern anthropological search, Baird’s story sets a scholarly tone which is quickly overtaken by the diabolical. A bit of history, a bit of Gothic, a bit of witchy, and a touch of From Dusk Til Dawn. Sarah J. Budd comes next with a bleak look at adolescent horror in "The Hole". Aside from the larger horror reveal in this story, which was creepy enough in its own right, Budd impressed me with her ability to paint a picture of the more mundane, but even less escapable horror that her protagonist’s life had become. I really felt for Lucy’s predicament, and that’s a high hurdle to jump in short fiction.
Morgan K. Tanner is next with his story "Scripted in Shadows". This one is inventive, different, and bloody, which from everything I’ve heard, is signature to Tanner’s work. I love the inclusion of all the gory elements, and honestly, who hasn’t felt homicidal when their reading gets interrupted? Sarah E. England takes over next, whisking us back to small town horror with "The Coven". I loved the dual story lines in England's tale, the development of the setting and the main character, Lucy. Great witchy elements without being at all predictable, this was one I’d love to read an expanded version of.
Tying up this strong anthology is "Call the Name", an excellent blend of environmental horror with cosmic elements from the masterful Adam L.G. Nevill. The exploration of the line of madness that follows all the women of Cleo’s family, their Cassandra-like fate as the secrets of the universe open to them, and the scholarly way they face their doom made for gripping entertainment.
Though originally a summer release, which garnered much well-deserved attention, it’s my opinion that The Diabolica is custom made for our descent into autumn and spooky season. Covering every favorite facet of horror, putting fresh and excellent spins on the best tropes and inventing all new ones, this is one of the strongest anthologies I’ve come across. Baird did an excellent job curating this one, and if you’re looking to sample some new favorite authors to love, this one is perfect for you. Five strong stars.
The first story is "Carreg Samson", a Welsh folkloric tale by Catherine McCarthy. It’s a strong choice for the opening, written in sweeping, dark historical tones. We’re drawn immediately into the mind of an ancient being, with a view and memory of centuries that has now found a focal point in the present. I’m a big fan of folklore horror and McCarthy strikes just the right note of ancient, earthly and inevitable horror. Following hard on McCarthy’s heels is "Tourist Traps" by Christopher Henderson, which takes us into a more modern mindset. It’s atmospheric, and I could sympathize with young Ben’s desire to delve into the real ghostly history of London. Henderson makes excellent use of the bloody history of the Tower of London, adding creepy touches of legend and deliciously disturbing imagery just before ending on the right note.
Next up is Beverly Lee’s "The Secret of Westport Fell", with the perfect Gothic opening on a misty, forlorn lane. Lee’s masterful hand builds a brushstroke setting, with excellent pacing and plenty of creepy elements to make her readers snuggle into warm sweaters. This was another story that hit just the right note at the end – one thing that impressed me so much about this anthology was how well the writers wielded their craft of short fiction. The fourth story in the lineup transports us back to a more modern setting again in Arthur M. Harper’s "The Conductor". I loved the subtle, bone-deep creep invoked by Harper’s descriptions of the lonely, rain swept train station and the utter, stomach turning wrongness of his Conductor. And in Janine Pipe’s "Footsteps", we pivot once again, this time into a forest setting, with a theme of blood and carnage throughout. Pipe has a fun, tongue in cheek twist to her blood letting, and her story added a light but vicious streak to the whole.
Pipe’s story is followed by a contribution from Tim Lebbon, entitled "The Flow". There’s a moody, quiet horror here, making use of my flat out favorite setting: a flooded town. There is something so intrinsically creepy about a lost, abandoned village covered in water and Lebbon makes the most of it. Another strong voice in the mix is Stephanie Ellis with "We Plough the Fields and Scatter". Ellis’s contribution shines with her atmospheric take on lost folklore, a seasonal return to the old ways with fantastic witchy elements.
"Linger" by John F. Leonard, gives us an interesting twist on the haunted house story we’ve been craving. The subtitle of A Tale of Art and Abomination from the Dead Boxes Archive gives an intriguing glimpse into what’s in store, though I’d be surprised if you guessed the depths of the story before you arrived there. There’s definitely something off about Eddie’s sudden inheritance, but like us, he’s too invested in the answer to turn back before it’s too late. Next, Alyson Faye gives us an eerie water tale with "Song of the Moor", a creepy, folkloric and feminine creature feature. Definitely hit a lot of high notes for me, and I loved the overall tone and story arc here.
Faye’s story is followed by an excellent look into archaic and historical horror from Keith Anthony Baird, with "Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost". Leading with a swift, moody flashback and then taking us into a modern anthropological search, Baird’s story sets a scholarly tone which is quickly overtaken by the diabolical. A bit of history, a bit of Gothic, a bit of witchy, and a touch of From Dusk Til Dawn. Sarah J. Budd comes next with a bleak look at adolescent horror in "The Hole". Aside from the larger horror reveal in this story, which was creepy enough in its own right, Budd impressed me with her ability to paint a picture of the more mundane, but even less escapable horror that her protagonist’s life had become. I really felt for Lucy’s predicament, and that’s a high hurdle to jump in short fiction.
Morgan K. Tanner is next with his story "Scripted in Shadows". This one is inventive, different, and bloody, which from everything I’ve heard, is signature to Tanner’s work. I love the inclusion of all the gory elements, and honestly, who hasn’t felt homicidal when their reading gets interrupted? Sarah E. England takes over next, whisking us back to small town horror with "The Coven". I loved the dual story lines in England's tale, the development of the setting and the main character, Lucy. Great witchy elements without being at all predictable, this was one I’d love to read an expanded version of.
Tying up this strong anthology is "Call the Name", an excellent blend of environmental horror with cosmic elements from the masterful Adam L.G. Nevill. The exploration of the line of madness that follows all the women of Cleo’s family, their Cassandra-like fate as the secrets of the universe open to them, and the scholarly way they face their doom made for gripping entertainment.
Though originally a summer release, which garnered much well-deserved attention, it’s my opinion that The Diabolica is custom made for our descent into autumn and spooky season. Covering every favorite facet of horror, putting fresh and excellent spins on the best tropes and inventing all new ones, this is one of the strongest anthologies I’ve come across. Baird did an excellent job curating this one, and if you’re looking to sample some new favorite authors to love, this one is perfect for you. Five strong stars.
August 16, 2020
What a stellar collection of atmospheric English horror. Going in, I was familiar with a few authors who (as usual) did not disappoint. And I got the chance to read some that have been on my list for awhile. Spooky indeed. Each writer conjures up his/her unique recipe for the diabolical. Blood and gore are optional here, proving that sometimes the mysterious and unseen are the most terrifying...
August 14, 2020
Review to come!
March 5, 2022
Absolutely brilliant collection of short stories. Some authors that I’d not considered before, but will be looking to read in the future!
July 25, 2020
Amazing! Review to come soon!
September 5, 2020
Diabolica Britannica is a collection of 14 British horror stories, with an introduction written by Ramsey Campbell. It was compiled by Keith Anthony Baird, who has also contributed a short story. The fact that all the stories celebrate British horror makes it even more apt that all profits support the NHS and COVID-19 research.
The stories take you from Cornwall and Devon, to Tower Hill in London, all the way up to Cumbria. There's also a mix of horror genres so there's something to suit all tastes, including fast-paced action, werewolves, vampires and gothic horror.
Here are some of my personal favourite stories from the collection:
- Carreg Samson by Catherine McCarthy.
This story is told from the point of view of a statue in Pembrokeshire, which has stood for over 5,000 years. He talks of the horrors of mankind and the damage we inflict on the planet, such as the Industrial Revolution and the "plastic plague". The tone of voice and writing style was amazing and it's the perfect story to start this collection, as well as a reminder of the damage we are doing to the world.
- The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee.
Flora Jameson tells this story from her point of view. She is 27 and unmarried. As punishment for rejecting a marriage proposal, she has been sent to Seafell House to care for her aunt, who is sick and dying. This story is reminiscent of traditional gothic horror stories and was absolutely chilling — it gave me shivers!
- The Conductor by Arthur M Harper.
This story is told from the point of view of Gary, and it sucked me in straight away. He has just been dumped by his girlfriend, Alison, and fled to the nearest train station. There, he finds himself being watched by a mysterious train conductor. The writing is fantastic with some evocative imagery. One of my favourites was "The conductor's outline is like a letter, lovingly crafted in black ink, but destroyed by a spilled drinking glass." The story is fast-paced and I was sucked in straight away!
- Footsteps by Janine Pipe.
You can't have a horror anthology without a good werewolf tale. This one is focused on a group of young women who decide to go camping overnight in Dorset, despite reports of people going missing in the area. It's fast-paced and more of a traditional horror story, but I loved its twist on the usual werewolf tale.
- Linger by John F Leonard.
Edward has just inherited a large manor house and has become a millionaire after his father passed away. He never met him and can't believe his luck. To receive his fortune, he must spend six months at the house. This is a chilling and unexpected twist on the traditional inheritance trope! I really enjoyed it and it was utterly terrifying. It mentions that it is set in a 'post-Outbreak world', making it feel particularly modern!
Diabolica Britannica is a fantastic celebration of British horror. All 14 stories were thrilling and engaging reads, and with a mix of styles, you're sure to find a few favourites in this collection. It's the perfect read as we start to look towards autumn and Halloween. And, with profits going towards the NHS, there's really no excuse not to buy a copy!
The stories take you from Cornwall and Devon, to Tower Hill in London, all the way up to Cumbria. There's also a mix of horror genres so there's something to suit all tastes, including fast-paced action, werewolves, vampires and gothic horror.
Here are some of my personal favourite stories from the collection:
- Carreg Samson by Catherine McCarthy.
This story is told from the point of view of a statue in Pembrokeshire, which has stood for over 5,000 years. He talks of the horrors of mankind and the damage we inflict on the planet, such as the Industrial Revolution and the "plastic plague". The tone of voice and writing style was amazing and it's the perfect story to start this collection, as well as a reminder of the damage we are doing to the world.
- The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee.
Flora Jameson tells this story from her point of view. She is 27 and unmarried. As punishment for rejecting a marriage proposal, she has been sent to Seafell House to care for her aunt, who is sick and dying. This story is reminiscent of traditional gothic horror stories and was absolutely chilling — it gave me shivers!
- The Conductor by Arthur M Harper.
This story is told from the point of view of Gary, and it sucked me in straight away. He has just been dumped by his girlfriend, Alison, and fled to the nearest train station. There, he finds himself being watched by a mysterious train conductor. The writing is fantastic with some evocative imagery. One of my favourites was "The conductor's outline is like a letter, lovingly crafted in black ink, but destroyed by a spilled drinking glass." The story is fast-paced and I was sucked in straight away!
- Footsteps by Janine Pipe.
You can't have a horror anthology without a good werewolf tale. This one is focused on a group of young women who decide to go camping overnight in Dorset, despite reports of people going missing in the area. It's fast-paced and more of a traditional horror story, but I loved its twist on the usual werewolf tale.
- Linger by John F Leonard.
Edward has just inherited a large manor house and has become a millionaire after his father passed away. He never met him and can't believe his luck. To receive his fortune, he must spend six months at the house. This is a chilling and unexpected twist on the traditional inheritance trope! I really enjoyed it and it was utterly terrifying. It mentions that it is set in a 'post-Outbreak world', making it feel particularly modern!
Diabolica Britannica is a fantastic celebration of British horror. All 14 stories were thrilling and engaging reads, and with a mix of styles, you're sure to find a few favourites in this collection. It's the perfect read as we start to look towards autumn and Halloween. And, with profits going towards the NHS, there's really no excuse not to buy a copy!
September 3, 2020
I love short stories and I don’t read them often enough, particularly horror, and I saw that Diabolica Britannica was all for a good cause, with all profits going to fund the NHS' efforts COVID-19 research, so I thought why not.
What I loved was the variety of British horror that was in Diabolica Britannica, from monsters to folklore inspired tales to psychological horror and so much more. Another thing I loved was I now have a whole host of new authors I want to read.
Each story may have only been short but they were creepy, chilling and utterly captivating! Of course there were a few stand outs for me:
Tourist Traps by Christopher Henderson, is a story about a boy who is obsessed with ghost hunting, so much so he takes a ghost tour of London and gets more than he’s bargained for.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee, was an atmospheric historical story about a young woman sent to look after her ailing aunt and ends up taking in a young girl she finds wandering in the cold.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K Tanner, is a blood soaked story about a mysterious and murderous book.
The Coven by Sarah E England is about a woman who returns to the town she was born in to find out why her family was forced to flee the country.
I could go on but I’d think I’d be boring you with this review soon!
Diabolica Britannica is packed to the brim with talented authors and a must if you love horror.
What I loved was the variety of British horror that was in Diabolica Britannica, from monsters to folklore inspired tales to psychological horror and so much more. Another thing I loved was I now have a whole host of new authors I want to read.
Each story may have only been short but they were creepy, chilling and utterly captivating! Of course there were a few stand outs for me:
Tourist Traps by Christopher Henderson, is a story about a boy who is obsessed with ghost hunting, so much so he takes a ghost tour of London and gets more than he’s bargained for.
The Secret of Westport Fell by Beverley Lee, was an atmospheric historical story about a young woman sent to look after her ailing aunt and ends up taking in a young girl she finds wandering in the cold.
Scripted in Shadows by Morgan K Tanner, is a blood soaked story about a mysterious and murderous book.
The Coven by Sarah E England is about a woman who returns to the town she was born in to find out why her family was forced to flee the country.
I could go on but I’d think I’d be boring you with this review soon!
Diabolica Britannica is packed to the brim with talented authors and a must if you love horror.
August 15, 2020
I’m not usually one for horror, as I’m a scaredy cat, but this was a terrific collection of short stories that sent shivers up my spine. And all for a great cause in the NHS! I’d recommend buying this book because it’s a cracker and it’s helping the NHS.
August 26, 2020
Rating 3.5
I always struggle with anthologies. They're such wonderful selections of different authors, but it's because of this that you can't love them all equally, isn't it? (Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you're likely to love every single story in a collection of so many different voices.) I really enjoyed some of the stories while other didn't work for me, but I do think that's normal with anthologies *shrugs*
If you love horror, then you *will* find new favourite authors in this, and I strongly recommend it. It's a great selection of many different styles and 'levels' of horror, so even if you're a coward like me you'll be fine. And with proceeds going to the NHS, there's really no reason not to try it!
I always struggle with anthologies. They're such wonderful selections of different authors, but it's because of this that you can't love them all equally, isn't it? (Maybe it's just me, but I don't think you're likely to love every single story in a collection of so many different voices.) I really enjoyed some of the stories while other didn't work for me, but I do think that's normal with anthologies *shrugs*
If you love horror, then you *will* find new favourite authors in this, and I strongly recommend it. It's a great selection of many different styles and 'levels' of horror, so even if you're a coward like me you'll be fine. And with proceeds going to the NHS, there's really no reason not to try it!
February 27, 2021
4.5/5.0 Stars
DIABOLICA BRITANNICA is an anthology of fourteen dark tales from the dark isles.
My Favorites Are:
‘CARREG SAMSON’ - BY CATHERINE MCCARTHY
‘’I am Carreg Samson, cromlech of Cwm Badau, Pembrokeshire. For five millennia I have stood on this spot.[…] Think of me as a lookout post. I watch and I listen, as do thousands of my brethren the world over. We are stewards of the earth.’’
‘’Her grief awoke in me a sense of caring that I did not think possible. You see, until knowing her I was not even sentient. Unthinking, unfeeling, devoid of emotion. But this girl brought me to life.’’
‘TOURIST TRAPS’ - BY CHRISTOPHER HENDERSON – THAT WAS GOOD!
‘You stand in London’s most haunted spot. You will never find this tale recorded in books, nor will other tours ever lead you here. What took place beneath this claustrophobic roof was so evil, so malevolent, so inexplicable, that its very existence was hidden from the world.’
‘THE SECRET OF WESTPORT FELL’ - BY BEVERLEY LEE – LOVE THE ENDING!
‘’This is as far as I go. And God knows it’s half a mile too long.’’
‘’Could you not take me into the village at least?’ she asked, wishing she could fall into the simpering prettiness of Clara, her younger sister.’
‘’Wild horses wouldn’t drag me any further, Miss. And mine know the score.’ He waved his arm at the two bay mares shivering in their harnesses.’
‘’She wanted to ask what he meant but it was obvious he was going to leave her here, and she was in no mood for folklore and superstition.’
‘THE FLOW’ - BY TIM LEBBON
‘She’d spent over twenty years of her life in the little village, most of them happy, the last few much less so, and she’d walked these hillsides many times before. She knew them well. Knew the sweeps and slopes, the streams and small ravines. The places to hide.’
‘WE PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER’ - BY STEPHANIE ELLIS
‘They appeared at dusk. Six phantom shapes against the dead winter skyline. Not ghosts though. These were real, filled with blood - oh, so much blood.’
‘LINGER’ – BY JOHN F LEONARD
‘Edward wasn’t overly bothered. His father had joined his mother in the sweet hereafter. This time, the bequest was more than an in-arrears mortgage on an ex-council house and a pile of mouldy paperbacks. A hell of a lot more.’
‘SONG OF THE MOOR’ - BY ALYSON FAYE
‘Ilkley Moor held a hoard of caches. He’d been surprised though when Eva had suggested the idea to him, then texted the coordinates and instructions. His prize - the key to her cottage.’
‘I love games, Luke, don’t you? All sorts of games,’ she’d said.’’
‘WALKED A PALE HORSE ON CELTIC FROST’ - BY KEITH ANTHONY BAIRD – LOVE IT!
‘Firelight from the already burning homes lured a watcher from the woods. Locals had spurned her for as long as she could remember, and so this day held a poignant rapture she savoured.’
‘THE HOLE’ - BY SARAH J BUDD
‘Books were a portal for her, once opened she would slip away from her surroundings and be transported somewhere else. Away from the death of her mother. But today of all days she had left her book back at the chalet.’
‘SCRIPTED IN SHADOWS’ - BY MORGAN K TANNER – LOVE IT!
‘Looking back at her discovery, it was really more like the book had found her. The curious nothingness of the tome had first attracted her. It was like nothing she'd ever seen before but at the same time looked like a thousand other old books. A mysterious aura emanated from it, enticing her to make it hers.’
‘CALL THE NAME‘ - BY ADAM L. G. NEVILL
‘She has no doubt now that it will finish the destruction initiated by the burning of coal on an industrial scale. Mankind has obliviously, yet fastidiously, spent its last two hundred years waking an angry parent.’
‘New voices now sang through the wind, rain and relentless tides, and in dreams that required a lifetime of interpretation. But every shriek in her nightmares foretells far greater horrors, yet to be endured.’
Thank you so much, John F Leonard, for providing me an eBook of DIABOLICA BRITANNICA in the request for an honest review.
DIABOLICA BRITANNICA is an anthology of fourteen dark tales from the dark isles.
My Favorites Are:
‘CARREG SAMSON’ - BY CATHERINE MCCARTHY
‘’I am Carreg Samson, cromlech of Cwm Badau, Pembrokeshire. For five millennia I have stood on this spot.[…] Think of me as a lookout post. I watch and I listen, as do thousands of my brethren the world over. We are stewards of the earth.’’
‘’Her grief awoke in me a sense of caring that I did not think possible. You see, until knowing her I was not even sentient. Unthinking, unfeeling, devoid of emotion. But this girl brought me to life.’’
‘TOURIST TRAPS’ - BY CHRISTOPHER HENDERSON – THAT WAS GOOD!
‘You stand in London’s most haunted spot. You will never find this tale recorded in books, nor will other tours ever lead you here. What took place beneath this claustrophobic roof was so evil, so malevolent, so inexplicable, that its very existence was hidden from the world.’
‘THE SECRET OF WESTPORT FELL’ - BY BEVERLEY LEE – LOVE THE ENDING!
‘’This is as far as I go. And God knows it’s half a mile too long.’’
‘’Could you not take me into the village at least?’ she asked, wishing she could fall into the simpering prettiness of Clara, her younger sister.’
‘’Wild horses wouldn’t drag me any further, Miss. And mine know the score.’ He waved his arm at the two bay mares shivering in their harnesses.’
‘’She wanted to ask what he meant but it was obvious he was going to leave her here, and she was in no mood for folklore and superstition.’
‘THE FLOW’ - BY TIM LEBBON
‘She’d spent over twenty years of her life in the little village, most of them happy, the last few much less so, and she’d walked these hillsides many times before. She knew them well. Knew the sweeps and slopes, the streams and small ravines. The places to hide.’
‘WE PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER’ - BY STEPHANIE ELLIS
‘They appeared at dusk. Six phantom shapes against the dead winter skyline. Not ghosts though. These were real, filled with blood - oh, so much blood.’
‘LINGER’ – BY JOHN F LEONARD
‘Edward wasn’t overly bothered. His father had joined his mother in the sweet hereafter. This time, the bequest was more than an in-arrears mortgage on an ex-council house and a pile of mouldy paperbacks. A hell of a lot more.’
‘SONG OF THE MOOR’ - BY ALYSON FAYE
‘Ilkley Moor held a hoard of caches. He’d been surprised though when Eva had suggested the idea to him, then texted the coordinates and instructions. His prize - the key to her cottage.’
‘I love games, Luke, don’t you? All sorts of games,’ she’d said.’’
‘WALKED A PALE HORSE ON CELTIC FROST’ - BY KEITH ANTHONY BAIRD – LOVE IT!
‘Firelight from the already burning homes lured a watcher from the woods. Locals had spurned her for as long as she could remember, and so this day held a poignant rapture she savoured.’
‘THE HOLE’ - BY SARAH J BUDD
‘Books were a portal for her, once opened she would slip away from her surroundings and be transported somewhere else. Away from the death of her mother. But today of all days she had left her book back at the chalet.’
‘SCRIPTED IN SHADOWS’ - BY MORGAN K TANNER – LOVE IT!
‘Looking back at her discovery, it was really more like the book had found her. The curious nothingness of the tome had first attracted her. It was like nothing she'd ever seen before but at the same time looked like a thousand other old books. A mysterious aura emanated from it, enticing her to make it hers.’
‘CALL THE NAME‘ - BY ADAM L. G. NEVILL
‘She has no doubt now that it will finish the destruction initiated by the burning of coal on an industrial scale. Mankind has obliviously, yet fastidiously, spent its last two hundred years waking an angry parent.’
‘New voices now sang through the wind, rain and relentless tides, and in dreams that required a lifetime of interpretation. But every shriek in her nightmares foretells far greater horrors, yet to be endured.’
Thank you so much, John F Leonard, for providing me an eBook of DIABOLICA BRITANNICA in the request for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews