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In Every Dark Corner
Evil lurks IN EVERY DARK CORNER...
Horror, tragedy and comedy collide in the third diabolical collection of horror from Duncan Ralston, author of Ghostland and WOOM, featuring the stories:
Head - A hitman takes a flight with his latest victim's severed head in a bowling bag.
The Boats - A rich man takes a twisted form of revenge on the man sleeping with his wife.
Prick - A sentient appendage terrorizes an apartment complex.
The Burden - A scientist pushes much further than she should while researching a way to communicate with her father despite his debilitating disease.
The Passion of the Robertsons - A religious couple kidnap an atheist to teach him the true meaning of Christmas, no matter how hard he struggles.
Where the Monsters Live (a novella) - A father goes undercover in a sex offender colony seeking revenge on the man who abused his daughter.
Imaginary Monsters (a screenplay) - A psychologist moves to the small town of Dark Pines, where his patients' inner demons manifest as terrifying monsters in reality.
Take an unforgettable journey into a world of nightmares. But be warned... you can't unsee what you'll find in the dark.
Horror, tragedy and comedy collide in the third diabolical collection of horror from Duncan Ralston, author of Ghostland and WOOM, featuring the stories:
Head - A hitman takes a flight with his latest victim's severed head in a bowling bag.
The Boats - A rich man takes a twisted form of revenge on the man sleeping with his wife.
Prick - A sentient appendage terrorizes an apartment complex.
The Burden - A scientist pushes much further than she should while researching a way to communicate with her father despite his debilitating disease.
The Passion of the Robertsons - A religious couple kidnap an atheist to teach him the true meaning of Christmas, no matter how hard he struggles.
Where the Monsters Live (a novella) - A father goes undercover in a sex offender colony seeking revenge on the man who abused his daughter.
Imaginary Monsters (a screenplay) - A psychologist moves to the small town of Dark Pines, where his patients' inner demons manifest as terrifying monsters in reality.
Take an unforgettable journey into a world of nightmares. But be warned... you can't unsee what you'll find in the dark.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
105 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Duncan Ralston
79 books2,043 followers**CVLT: Lonely Motel Book 3 out now!!!**
**Sequel to the hit novel PUZZLE HOUSE coming Winter 2026**
Author of the cult smash-hit Woom and Ghostland and more than 15 other books that aren't the cult smash-hit Woom or Ghostland. His debut collection was blurbed positively by the legendary Jack Ketchum. His vampire novel, Pedo Island Bloodbath, was nominated for a 2024 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel. His horror-thriller Ghostland will soon be a board game from Crystal Lake Publishing.
For 10 FREE dark fiction short stories/novellas including the prequel to GHOSTLAND, "The Moving House," signed copies of Woom, bookplates and merch, please visit www.duncanralston.com.
Photo © Josh Silver 2015
**Sequel to the hit novel PUZZLE HOUSE coming Winter 2026**
Author of the cult smash-hit Woom and Ghostland and more than 15 other books that aren't the cult smash-hit Woom or Ghostland. His debut collection was blurbed positively by the legendary Jack Ketchum. His vampire novel, Pedo Island Bloodbath, was nominated for a 2024 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel. His horror-thriller Ghostland will soon be a board game from Crystal Lake Publishing.
For 10 FREE dark fiction short stories/novellas including the prequel to GHOSTLAND, "The Moving House," signed copies of Woom, bookplates and merch, please visit www.duncanralston.com.
Photo © Josh Silver 2015
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 8, 2025
This was a recollection of a shortage, short stories that are as great as they were unique. Everyone I enjoyed for a different reason. I really appreciate the insight that was given afterwards about the story history.
This was a short and easy read and was a lot of fun. It is a simple as that.
This was a short and easy read and was a lot of fun. It is a simple as that.
August 9, 2020
A little bit of entertaining horror from the twisted mind of author, Duncan Ralston, which was packed into seven short stories.
Since the stories were so short and I was able to fly through the book quick, I am not going to go into details because of spoilers. I will just give you a couple of slices of the gore pie to plop on your plate!
So here is just a taste of what is to come:
Head: A man gets on board a plane carrying a bowling bag - gee, I wonder what is inside the bag?
Boats: Revenge is sweet for a boss which at least the boss thinks so - but what happens when the tables are turned or I should say when the boat is turned?
The Burden: A daughter taking care of her father and the bond they have formed through the years. (This story was touching with compassion and love though it had more of a twilight zone twist - not a horror twist.)
If these stories have piqued your interest then go grab this book and enter the mind of Duncan Ralston as once you enter you will be looking for a door or doors to escape!
Four stars for this one.
Since the stories were so short and I was able to fly through the book quick, I am not going to go into details because of spoilers. I will just give you a couple of slices of the gore pie to plop on your plate!
So here is just a taste of what is to come:
Head: A man gets on board a plane carrying a bowling bag - gee, I wonder what is inside the bag?
Boats: Revenge is sweet for a boss which at least the boss thinks so - but what happens when the tables are turned or I should say when the boat is turned?
The Burden: A daughter taking care of her father and the bond they have formed through the years. (This story was touching with compassion and love though it had more of a twilight zone twist - not a horror twist.)
If these stories have piqued your interest then go grab this book and enter the mind of Duncan Ralston as once you enter you will be looking for a door or doors to escape!
Four stars for this one.
August 10, 2020
Can we get this show filming already?!
These short stories were each different and unique. While they were not the kind of horror I usually read, they are written really well. Imaginary Monsters is the first screenplay I think I've read. I would love to see this on the screen one day! It's totally a show I would watch. This one wasn't my favorite from Duncan Ralston. I still look forward to what he does next.
These short stories were each different and unique. While they were not the kind of horror I usually read, they are written really well. Imaginary Monsters is the first screenplay I think I've read. I would love to see this on the screen one day! It's totally a show I would watch. This one wasn't my favorite from Duncan Ralston. I still look forward to what he does next.
August 14, 2020
I have never read a story collection from one person this varied and at the same time unique. The screenplay was one of my favorite and not bc of the form but bc of the eerieness.
I also really liked that he explained each story afterwards. It put it into context for me.
I also really liked that he explained each story afterwards. It put it into context for me.
August 8, 2020
I didn’t hate this but didn’t really like it either. Mostly I wish I had my 99 cents back.
September 4, 2020
I read all the stories in this in one night saving the final one and the screenplay for weeks later. I don’t know why, I think Where the Monsters Live is one of my favorite stories out of all he’s published. I think I was hesitant to read a screenplay maybe. I have a hard time with those even though many others like them. Anyway, I’ll write a better review to this once I go back and remember all I read, but I do think this is an excellent assortment of what Duncan can write - some made me yell out loud “what the hell is this?” while others tugged at my heart strings. I also really enjoyed the afterward he put after every single story that allowed us a view into the story and the hows and whys. People who know me well know I eat that stuff up. I want to peel back the layers of fellow author’s (and creative’s) minds and see in. I want to know how a story originates and what it means to the writer.
August 2, 2020
A Must Read
Great selection of short stories. Outside the box horror. Each story is a page turner. Once you start reading you will not want to put it down.
Great selection of short stories. Outside the box horror. Each story is a page turner. Once you start reading you will not want to put it down.
September 1, 2020
Short story collections are my passion. As with any collection, not all the stories are going to wow me. Most of these stories did. Too many authors seem to get on one rhythm and stay there. I think the varied writing styles are what attracts me to his books. I really enjoyed this collection.
June 24, 2023
*I’m not going to give you the ‘what this book is about’ blurb – you can read that elsewhere.
1. I mean, this is no Gross Out (Y’all thought I was gonna say Woom, didn’t you?!), but I did really enjoy this collection. There was a great variety in both the stories and the form of the stories. There are short stories, novellas, and a screenplay all within the confines of this anthology. The stories themselves are gross, funny, serious – suffice it to say you’ll both cringe and giggle while reading.
2. I don’t want to tell you too much about the stories and ruin them for you, but 2 points:
a. ‘Head’ had some ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ vibes, but set in a more modern day and relatable situation. The end was also so cruel, but perfect.
b. ‘The Burden’ really hit me in the feels. I used to work with adults who had traumatic brain injuries and also as a CNA on a high-acuity floor of a hospital where one of our frequent fliers and favorite patients had ALS. So, this whole story really pulled at my heart.
3. I listened to the audiobook version and I really really enjoyed the narration. Again, this has no bearing on my actual review, but it’s good to know if you’re an audiobook fan!
1. I mean, this is no Gross Out (Y’all thought I was gonna say Woom, didn’t you?!), but I did really enjoy this collection. There was a great variety in both the stories and the form of the stories. There are short stories, novellas, and a screenplay all within the confines of this anthology. The stories themselves are gross, funny, serious – suffice it to say you’ll both cringe and giggle while reading.
2. I don’t want to tell you too much about the stories and ruin them for you, but 2 points:
a. ‘Head’ had some ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ vibes, but set in a more modern day and relatable situation. The end was also so cruel, but perfect.
b. ‘The Burden’ really hit me in the feels. I used to work with adults who had traumatic brain injuries and also as a CNA on a high-acuity floor of a hospital where one of our frequent fliers and favorite patients had ALS. So, this whole story really pulled at my heart.
3. I listened to the audiobook version and I really really enjoyed the narration. Again, this has no bearing on my actual review, but it’s good to know if you’re an audiobook fan!
August 2, 2020
Good times
Fun read, another well done job, Duncan. Thanks for churning out the weird for us. A much needed distraction from the horrors of 2020
Fun read, another well done job, Duncan. Thanks for churning out the weird for us. A much needed distraction from the horrors of 2020
September 28, 2022
From the author of Woom comes a collection of short stories that will have you laughing in a few parts and cringing during many others. Some of it is pretty downright bizarre, while other areas are emotional and really tug on the heart strings. With this collection of a wide range of horror tales Duncan Ralston has proven that he is without a doubt entertaining and versatile in his writing.
If you’ve read Woom (which you should!) this one is a bit tamer than that. There is still plenty of gore in the stories here, but it has a purpose. It isn’t just added in for the shock factor even though some of it is pretty shocking.
I listened to this one as an audiobook and this narrator deserves a special shout out. The character voices were distinguished and the way he flipped between a British and American accent was on point.
Huge thank you to the author for providing me the opportunity to listen to this book!
If you’ve read Woom (which you should!) this one is a bit tamer than that. There is still plenty of gore in the stories here, but it has a purpose. It isn’t just added in for the shock factor even though some of it is pretty shocking.
I listened to this one as an audiobook and this narrator deserves a special shout out. The character voices were distinguished and the way he flipped between a British and American accent was on point.
Huge thank you to the author for providing me the opportunity to listen to this book!
November 18, 2024
Another short story collection that has a lot of unique, intriguing tales to draw you in.
Admittedly, I'm a bit biased as I very much enjoy Duncan Ralston books. This was no different and overall kept me hooked. This is a wide variety of stories, some creepy, some violent, and some downright bizarre (yes, I'm talking about the sentient body part). There's a little something for everyone and the author notes at the end of each story added for some great chuckles.
The only story I didn't complete was the very last one and that's because I really, really don't enjoy reading scripts. My brain shuts down so despite loving most of his work, I just couldn't engage with that one and had to pass.
Otherwise, this is a great collection that will bring a variety of tastes to the table. Go in with an open mind and be prepared that you are walking into quite an assortment.
Admittedly, I'm a bit biased as I very much enjoy Duncan Ralston books. This was no different and overall kept me hooked. This is a wide variety of stories, some creepy, some violent, and some downright bizarre (yes, I'm talking about the sentient body part). There's a little something for everyone and the author notes at the end of each story added for some great chuckles.
The only story I didn't complete was the very last one and that's because I really, really don't enjoy reading scripts. My brain shuts down so despite loving most of his work, I just couldn't engage with that one and had to pass.
Otherwise, this is a great collection that will bring a variety of tastes to the table. Go in with an open mind and be prepared that you are walking into quite an assortment.
March 30, 2021
Great short stories
I always enjoy reading books from this author, he has a way of capturing you within them first few pages and then next minute, you've read the entire book. You get that engrossed into it you don't even realise your reading. You just seen to breath in the words and see everything in your head as though you are there. This is no exceptio, although they are short stories and don't take lo g to read you still get transfixed and before you know it, you have come to the end and time has passed . There are some good characters too which helps you get drawn into the stories. I'd definitely recommend this book and it's great for passing the time when waiting.
I always enjoy reading books from this author, he has a way of capturing you within them first few pages and then next minute, you've read the entire book. You get that engrossed into it you don't even realise your reading. You just seen to breath in the words and see everything in your head as though you are there. This is no exceptio, although they are short stories and don't take lo g to read you still get transfixed and before you know it, you have come to the end and time has passed . There are some good characters too which helps you get drawn into the stories. I'd definitely recommend this book and it's great for passing the time when waiting.
Read
August 14, 2024Duncan Ralston’s collection of short scares, In Every Dark Corner, comes with a brief bit of insight from the author after each tale, which I found especially compelling. In the book’s 276 pages, readers encounter a Poe-esque plane ride, a story of revenge, and a heart-tugging “burden.” I was not as captivated by the story of the sentient, male body part or the zealots who captured an atheist to convert him, but they might really entice a different reader. The longest tale found an under-cover father on a quest for justice for his abused girl. Concluding the collection is an entertaining screenplay starring a psychologist and his haunted patient.
October 27, 2022
Lots of fun reading in this one!
I have trouble with short stories because I always want MORE. The shorts in this book were well written & didn't leave me with that feeling. They included everything that was needed for a quick story. "Imaginary Monsters" was fun because I really enjoy reading screenplays. This one did leave me wanting more whether in screenplay or novel form. It has the bones for a much longer, fleshed out story.
I have trouble with short stories because I always want MORE. The shorts in this book were well written & didn't leave me with that feeling. They included everything that was needed for a quick story. "Imaginary Monsters" was fun because I really enjoy reading screenplays. This one did leave me wanting more whether in screenplay or novel form. It has the bones for a much longer, fleshed out story.
July 6, 2023
Another solid collection of stories from the outstanding Duncan Ralston. The two biggest stand outs for me were Prick which played out like a Troma film in my head over the top madness and Where the Monsters Live which was so dark, gritty and heartbreaking. Solid characters, solid stories, just solid all the way around.
5 severed fingers out of 5
5 severed fingers out of 5
June 4, 2024
4.5 stars because I just couldn't get into the sentient penis story. Otherwise I really enjoyed this collection. I'm not usually one for screen plays (the last story is written as a screen play). However, it was written in a way that I could easily follow it. I would absolutely read more short stories by Mr. Ralston!
October 22, 2024
Okay this maybe my second favorite Ralston book now.
I finished this one as a fun read for myself and boy was it.
My favorite story was The Passion of the Robinson's, that was absolutely unhinged, what the fuck?
Followed extremely closely by The Boats 😂.
I need more like this, and thankfully I still have more books to go by this author.
I finished this one as a fun read for myself and boy was it.
My favorite story was The Passion of the Robinson's, that was absolutely unhinged, what the fuck?
Followed extremely closely by The Boats 😂.
I need more like this, and thankfully I still have more books to go by this author.
December 15, 2020
An amazingly dark, twisted, and sometimes humorous collection of short stories! My absolute favorite was, Imaginary Monsters. I would absolutely love to see this become a full length book, or even a series!
January 19, 2021
Really enjoyable.
I really enjoyed these short horror stories, they were disturbing and creepy and each one different to the last. My favourite was the screenplay, I thought that one was great!
I really enjoyed these short horror stories, they were disturbing and creepy and each one different to the last. My favourite was the screenplay, I thought that one was great!
September 27, 2022
Love the mix of dark humour too dark and disturbing
Excellent narration that fit these stories perfectly
As a huge fan of ralstons work this is a fantastic display of his Multi talent 5stars
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Excellent narration that fit these stories perfectly
As a huge fan of ralstons work this is a fantastic display of his Multi talent 5stars
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
June 13, 2024
Not usually a fan of short story collections but these creepy tales from Duncan ("Woom") Ralston struck a fine mix of the gruesome and hilariously macabre. The authors afterwords to each tale are genuinely enlightening and entertaining.
November 22, 2022
All these short stories are amazing.
My two most favorite though are PRICK and WHERE THE MONSTERS LIVE. A must read for any Ralston fan :)
My two most favorite though are PRICK and WHERE THE MONSTERS LIVE. A must read for any Ralston fan :)
September 24, 2023
Solid 3.5, I’m not a great lover of short stories but some of these really caught my attention.
March 9, 2024
A screen play with a hint of creepiness.
June 23, 2024
I like short-stories, horror and weird ideas but this fell extremely flat for me.
July 21, 2024
These stories were pretty good. I preferred the other collections as the stories gripped me more but these are definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews