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Digest: Ten Short Stories by Convicted & Plausible People-Eaters
I've tracked down ten authors who have, at some point, participated in the act of cannibalism. I've collected one short story from each writer and combined them here for your amusement and observation. Isaac Cone presents “Margaritaville”, Jimmy Buffet’s hit song reinterpreted as a southern gothic. Sandeyu Yamamoto writes “Antiquing” about a family with a rare type of OCD where they haunt the object they most obsessed over. John Doe submits “Jesus Christ Meets the Chupacabra” which is exactly what it sounds like. Arsenio Alonso adds “A Vacancy in Staffordshire” about a team of researchers hunting for black-eyed kids in the British wilderness. Greige Wagner contributes “The Life & Times of a Rockefeller Pregnancy Zombie” about a girl who is hypnotized by the New World Order to feel unfathomable pain unless she uses her every egg for procreation. Mago Schlecter's brings us “Ring the Belles”, a mix between historical fiction and a slasher where the villain only kills the teenaged daughters of slave-owners in the Antebellum South. Cassius Crown surrenders "Zooland” about a cursed town where everyone is reduced to their id at night becoming either vicious wolves or delicious deer. Bonny Bride sends “Glee-Maiden”, a story about a woman seeking to make it in the male-dominated field of killer clowning. Matthew Hoga pens “Comorbidity”, the story of two different plagues of zombie with wildly different styles that collide in the ruins of Zhengzhou, China. Joss Iger authors “Six O’s”, the most light-hearted of the bunch, about a man who can only orgasm six more times before he can never do it again. I share these stories in hopes of emphasizing the unique voices oft ignored in favor of traditional masticators.
- GenresShort StoriesHorror
356 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2020
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Evan Witmer
7 books35 followersEvan Witmer (he/him) is a six-foot-three Gemini thriving in the vibrant city of Buffalo, New York. By day, he's at the forefront of innovation, navigating the realm of technology commercialization for SUNY. Evan is not your conventional representative of the bipolar and bisexual community, but he embraces his unique journey with authenticity and pride.
Evan is best known for his short story collections Pages from the Pizza Crows and Digest: Ten Short Stories by Convicted & Plausible People-Eaters, as well as his slice-of-life millennial kaiju novel Tall People.
For a glimpse into his creative world, follow him on TikTok @authorevanwitmer, Insta @author_evan_witmer, or explore his website at www.oddfiction.com.
Published in journals:
“Capitulism”, published in Bewildering Stories, issue 1035, March 2024 (http://www.bewilderingstories.com/iss...)
“And Men Make Dogs”, published in AZE Journal Vol 6, Issue 3: Deconstructing Love Part 1 (https://azejournal.com/article/2024/4...)
"Diva's Razor", published in Afterpast in March 2025 (https://www.theafterpastreview.com/ma...)
Evan is best known for his short story collections Pages from the Pizza Crows and Digest: Ten Short Stories by Convicted & Plausible People-Eaters, as well as his slice-of-life millennial kaiju novel Tall People.
For a glimpse into his creative world, follow him on TikTok @authorevanwitmer, Insta @author_evan_witmer, or explore his website at www.oddfiction.com.
Published in journals:
“Capitulism”, published in Bewildering Stories, issue 1035, March 2024 (http://www.bewilderingstories.com/iss...)
“And Men Make Dogs”, published in AZE Journal Vol 6, Issue 3: Deconstructing Love Part 1 (https://azejournal.com/article/2024/4...)
"Diva's Razor", published in Afterpast in March 2025 (https://www.theafterpastreview.com/ma...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 14, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this! An absolutely amazing take on the idea of the cannibal and one of the more unique collections I've read in some time. Surprises around a lot of corners and I loved each one!
May 27, 2021
TRIGGER WARNING - Everything
I was sent a free copy of this novel from the author, and I was very intrigued to read it. This is a horror collection, of ten short stories written by cannibals. These stories aren't for the faint of heart or someone who is easily offended. They all differ in quality and enjoyment, but there are a handful of stories that I quite liked. At the start of each story, Evan has a profile about the specific individual, which details their crimes and how he got in contact with them in the first place.
I would only recommend them to reader who like novels which are very unusual, as it's very quirky.
I was sent a free copy of this novel from the author, and I was very intrigued to read it. This is a horror collection, of ten short stories written by cannibals. These stories aren't for the faint of heart or someone who is easily offended. They all differ in quality and enjoyment, but there are a handful of stories that I quite liked. At the start of each story, Evan has a profile about the specific individual, which details their crimes and how he got in contact with them in the first place.
I would only recommend them to reader who like novels which are very unusual, as it's very quirky.
September 7, 2021
This collection of cannibalistic stories and weird tales was really unique.
This is a collection of ten short stories written by people who have indulged in cannibalism. Prior to each story is a short profile of the author, a bit about their story (their history) and I found this helpful when reading the story they submitted. It gave the story a little more context.
Every chapter we are quickly introduced to a story about a cannibal and get a glimpse into their case. After that we get a weird fiction short story that at times can be really trippy.
If what you are looking for are disturbing stories and weird tales that push beyond the barriers of your imagination, this might be exactly what you are looking for.
This is a collection of ten short stories written by people who have indulged in cannibalism. Prior to each story is a short profile of the author, a bit about their story (their history) and I found this helpful when reading the story they submitted. It gave the story a little more context.
Every chapter we are quickly introduced to a story about a cannibal and get a glimpse into their case. After that we get a weird fiction short story that at times can be really trippy.
If what you are looking for are disturbing stories and weird tales that push beyond the barriers of your imagination, this might be exactly what you are looking for.
March 3, 2021
I was sent a paperback copy of this book by the author Evan Witmer in exchange for an honest review. I also have a review video on my YouTube channel of this book.
This is a collection of ten short stories written by people who have indulged in cannibalism. Prior to each story is a short profile of the author, a bit about their story (their history) and I found this helpful when reading the story they submitted. It gave the story a little more context.
I found one story a little too graphic in physical descriptions for my liking but was able to plow through in order to give a fair review of this book. That story was titled Comorbidity. Now, I am not one for zombie books, movies or games but if that is your thing then said the story would be right up your alley so don't let me dissuade you. You will also find some adult language in this book (not overly much but some) but then this book is not marketed to children and, as adults, I am sure you have heard all of these words before if not said them yourself on occasion.
I tried to choose one favourite story but found I couldn't limit it to just one. I have two that I really enjoyed. They are titled Zooland and Antiquing. In Zooland there was a twist at the end that I did not see coming but thoroughly enjoyed. In Antiquing I found the family drama totally believable and it added an extra layer to the story being told.
On the whole, I enjoyed these stories and found the places Evan's imagination takes the reader to be fascinating, yes even when dealing with a subject such as this. Several of the stories have stayed with me since completing the reading. This book will sit on my shelves next to his other book Pages From The Pizza Crows for future re-reads.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Odd Fiction. Please consider checking out Evan's other book Pages From The Pizza Crows too - both can be found on Amazon. :)
This is a collection of ten short stories written by people who have indulged in cannibalism. Prior to each story is a short profile of the author, a bit about their story (their history) and I found this helpful when reading the story they submitted. It gave the story a little more context.
I found one story a little too graphic in physical descriptions for my liking but was able to plow through in order to give a fair review of this book. That story was titled Comorbidity. Now, I am not one for zombie books, movies or games but if that is your thing then said the story would be right up your alley so don't let me dissuade you. You will also find some adult language in this book (not overly much but some) but then this book is not marketed to children and, as adults, I am sure you have heard all of these words before if not said them yourself on occasion.
I tried to choose one favourite story but found I couldn't limit it to just one. I have two that I really enjoyed. They are titled Zooland and Antiquing. In Zooland there was a twist at the end that I did not see coming but thoroughly enjoyed. In Antiquing I found the family drama totally believable and it added an extra layer to the story being told.
On the whole, I enjoyed these stories and found the places Evan's imagination takes the reader to be fascinating, yes even when dealing with a subject such as this. Several of the stories have stayed with me since completing the reading. This book will sit on my shelves next to his other book Pages From The Pizza Crows for future re-reads.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Odd Fiction. Please consider checking out Evan's other book Pages From The Pizza Crows too - both can be found on Amazon. :)
June 15, 2021
The author made a commendable effort in gathering the authors who are cannibals, and he made it to a point to unravel what is inside their minds. This book has been my companion for almost three months after a long day of studying in a University, and these unique stories gives me the chance to escape from my reality. I was like a little child again reading fairytale short stories before bedtime but now, I have it in a different genre that requires me to involve an open mindset to understand why these things happen. I just cannot believe that there are people who can stomach devouring human flesh but I completely understand how some did it for survival like Joss Iger and Sandeyu Yamamoto. Through their stories, I saw that one thing they have in common is that they center in something ominous that will eventually happen. My two favorite stories in this book is Antiquing and Zooland, because of the fantasy vibe that they give. It is like I get a glimpse of Twighlight and Beauty and the Beast movie respectively but in a whole different narrative.
January 17, 2026
You can see my overall thoughts below, but if you take one thing away: Comorbidity. Wild ride, well written, and an absolutely fantastic concept and execution. Read that one.
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Digest is a collection that captures something special. I quite like Evan’s writing, and I’ve been lucky enough to beta read a few things for him recently. Having read those and now this, I can see the places he’s grown as an author while maintaining his particular brand of storytelling.
Some of the stories within this collection fell short for me, but the profiles were a stand out. I loved the concise nature of the qualifying ‘reason’, and yet each one was an absolutely baller primer as we headed into the story. Even if I didn’t care for the story, the profile made me want to read it to experience that author’s work.
Margaritaville - 2
Comorbidity - 5. 10. 100.
Jesus Christ Meets the Chupacabra - 4
A Vacancy in Staffordshire - 2
The Life & Times of a Rockefeller Pregnancy Zombie - 3
Ring the Belles - 4
Zooland - 3
Glee-Maiden - 2
Antiquing - 3
Six O’s - 2
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Digest is a collection that captures something special. I quite like Evan’s writing, and I’ve been lucky enough to beta read a few things for him recently. Having read those and now this, I can see the places he’s grown as an author while maintaining his particular brand of storytelling.
Some of the stories within this collection fell short for me, but the profiles were a stand out. I loved the concise nature of the qualifying ‘reason’, and yet each one was an absolutely baller primer as we headed into the story. Even if I didn’t care for the story, the profile made me want to read it to experience that author’s work.
Margaritaville - 2
Comorbidity - 5. 10. 100.
Jesus Christ Meets the Chupacabra - 4
A Vacancy in Staffordshire - 2
The Life & Times of a Rockefeller Pregnancy Zombie - 3
Ring the Belles - 4
Zooland - 3
Glee-Maiden - 2
Antiquing - 3
Six O’s - 2
July 22, 2022
It triggered the hell out of me and I loved it.
Let me start out with what it's not. This novel is not for the faint of heart. If you're triggered easily, have a weak stomach, or have no tolerance for GORE you probably don't want to start here.
Delightfully Twisted is what you are about to read. This author does a fabulous job of putting you in the driver's seat of a cannibal's mind. Why would you want to sit there you might ask? A better question is why wouldn't you want to.
Life is usually fairly predictable and boring that's why we read books in the first place. If you can't escape into something totally outside of your comfort zone why even bother to try to escape at all.
I really want to put a bunch of spoilers in here but let me end it by saying there are 10 stories from multiple points of view, and when you are done you will be left twisted.
Oh....... and you'll love the puppy.
Let me start out with what it's not. This novel is not for the faint of heart. If you're triggered easily, have a weak stomach, or have no tolerance for GORE you probably don't want to start here.
Delightfully Twisted is what you are about to read. This author does a fabulous job of putting you in the driver's seat of a cannibal's mind. Why would you want to sit there you might ask? A better question is why wouldn't you want to.
Life is usually fairly predictable and boring that's why we read books in the first place. If you can't escape into something totally outside of your comfort zone why even bother to try to escape at all.
I really want to put a bunch of spoilers in here but let me end it by saying there are 10 stories from multiple points of view, and when you are done you will be left twisted.
Oh....... and you'll love the puppy.
September 15, 2024
Thank you to Evan Witmer for the free pdf version of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The first thing that drew me in from this was the cover and title. From my reading of Pizza Crow, I know Witmer's short stories are always a treat where you never know what to expect. However, I enjoyed Pizza Crow a bit more than these, which were a bit darker. My favorites from this collection were on the back end, with Antiquing, Glee-Maiden, and Jesus Christ Meets the Chupacabra. My least favorite was The Life & Times of a Rockefeller Pregnancy Zombie, which was uncomfortable, and seemed to be just added in for shock value. Really, that short story was the one that kind of changed my opinion on this collection.
I will say that Witmer's creativity is always unmatched, and I enjoyed the exploration of what it means to be a cannibal, as well as the overarching theme of cannibalistic profiles.
The first thing that drew me in from this was the cover and title. From my reading of Pizza Crow, I know Witmer's short stories are always a treat where you never know what to expect. However, I enjoyed Pizza Crow a bit more than these, which were a bit darker. My favorites from this collection were on the back end, with Antiquing, Glee-Maiden, and Jesus Christ Meets the Chupacabra. My least favorite was The Life & Times of a Rockefeller Pregnancy Zombie, which was uncomfortable, and seemed to be just added in for shock value. Really, that short story was the one that kind of changed my opinion on this collection.
I will say that Witmer's creativity is always unmatched, and I enjoyed the exploration of what it means to be a cannibal, as well as the overarching theme of cannibalistic profiles.
March 31, 2021
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the ebook for an honest review.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The premise is that 10 cannibals provided 10 short stories. We get a brief profile of each cannibal. For some, I wanted more of their story and was disappointed just to get a few chapters. The stories are bizarre and weird and really stuck with me. I read a lot and this book stood out and will be one I'll remember.
The book does suffer from an abundance of similes and adverbs. Also, apparently everyone "sneers" when they talk to each other. Those few things were a bit distracting, which is what knocked it down to 4 stars for me, but minimal (especially compared to some issues that I've found in books).
Definitely worth giving a read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The premise is that 10 cannibals provided 10 short stories. We get a brief profile of each cannibal. For some, I wanted more of their story and was disappointed just to get a few chapters. The stories are bizarre and weird and really stuck with me. I read a lot and this book stood out and will be one I'll remember.
The book does suffer from an abundance of similes and adverbs. Also, apparently everyone "sneers" when they talk to each other. Those few things were a bit distracting, which is what knocked it down to 4 stars for me, but minimal (especially compared to some issues that I've found in books).
Definitely worth giving a read.
June 14, 2023
I knew when I first laid my eyes on this book on tiktok that I had to read it. Every single story had a common theme in it being finding one’s self without any inhibitions. There was a story that was definitely heart warming (“Jesus Christ meets the chupacabra”) I think my favorite was “Comorbidity” I feel if I seen that as a short film or even a full length film that I would be entranced and have to watch it over and over. I feel like this would be a book that would show how to world is without any judgement and feel like everyone should read this book. Between zombies, government brainwashing, lycanthropes, family curses and clowns, this is a book for everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
I have never read such a strange book. *This is a compliment as it comes from a strange person :) This reminded me of The Twilight Zone, Tales From the Crypt, and Dark Mirrors all mushed up while still maintaining its uniqueness. Some stories I loved and some I didn’t, but they were all interesting. I loved when it got dark and gory. Especially the parts where I would cringe and be like oh yeah he went there. (Zombies getting shot through their an*s, haunted antiques prone to incest.. etc) I think if he ever puts out a stand alone solo story it will be an instant purchase for me.
February 8, 2022
I received a free copy of the ebook for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this short story collection.
I thought the premise was really original and interesting. The profiles for the plausible cannibals were just as, if not more enjoyable than the stories themselves. Each story was unique and differed from the rest, they were all original and quirky. The cannibal profiles helped to give context to the stories as well as helping to bring them together to feel more cohesive as a book.
Very different and interesting.
I think i'll have to read the rest of this author's work.
I really enjoyed this short story collection.
I thought the premise was really original and interesting. The profiles for the plausible cannibals were just as, if not more enjoyable than the stories themselves. Each story was unique and differed from the rest, they were all original and quirky. The cannibal profiles helped to give context to the stories as well as helping to bring them together to feel more cohesive as a book.
Very different and interesting.
I think i'll have to read the rest of this author's work.
August 21, 2025
I’m awful at reviews but I will say, Evan’s writings in general are wonderful. I was sent multiple of his books for free and all he asked for in return was an honest review. I’m somebody that gets incredibly distracted incredibly easily, but once I actually sat down to read this book, I was hooked! Twists and turns around every corner, some stories leaving me wanting more and some leaving me wondering why in the world I just read that craziness! Evan has done a great job compiling these stories from multiple sources and tying everything all together! Thank you, Evan!!
August 30, 2025
A very unique collection of strange stories from the very unique mind of Evan Witmer, inspired by 10 cannibals around the world. Everything from religious goat demon killers to life from a zombies point of view and incestuous antiques !! yes !! definitely original stories that quite possibly could not have come from any other mind. Most of the stories explore the dark mindset of humanity and are completely unexpected in direction. def 'off the wall' and if you like that, then this book is for you !! I will add that I received a free PDF review copy very generously from the author :)
July 19, 2021
Warning! These stories aren't for those who are easily offended or the faint of heart. Get ready to dive into some of the darkest short stories! I loved the backstory to the creation of this book and was eager to dive in. Each story has a quick summary of the writer and the back story to their cannibalism experience. Fascinating stuff! The stories vary but each one is dark and twisted entertainment!
October 25, 2021
This book consists of 10 short stories. Each story varies in their degree of cannibalism. I found that the stories grew in enjoyment the farther into to book I went.
These stories are definitely strange, weird and intriguing. The thing I enjoyed most about this collection of short stories is the profile of the story teller. It added an understanding to the story.
This is definitely a unique reading experience.
Thank you Evan for sending me a copy of your book to review.
These stories are definitely strange, weird and intriguing. The thing I enjoyed most about this collection of short stories is the profile of the story teller. It added an understanding to the story.
This is definitely a unique reading experience.
Thank you Evan for sending me a copy of your book to review.
September 13, 2025
Wow! What a fun ride! I never thought "surrealist humor" would be a genre I so thoroughly enjoyed. Digest and each of its 10 short stories are a masterpiece of wit, humor, and grounded surrealism (which is incredibly difficult to explain, you just gotta read it). Sometimes, you just need to put aside the world for a moment ans read something goofy and so out of realm for this world, and Digest is just the read for it. 10/10 would recommend
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October 7, 2025You are missing out on Evans writing style if you haven't read Digest.
Evan's writing feels like an internal dialogue brought to life, a psychic conversation with someone just as odd, funny, and slightly unhinged as you are, creating stories that are -pun not intended- digestible. The book is fluid and easy to read deeply, while also conveying significant nuance and depth.
I highly recommend.
Evan's writing feels like an internal dialogue brought to life, a psychic conversation with someone just as odd, funny, and slightly unhinged as you are, creating stories that are -pun not intended- digestible. The book is fluid and easy to read deeply, while also conveying significant nuance and depth.
I highly recommend.
January 12, 2022
Love the idea of cannibals writing short stories to get a peak into their minds! The stories definitely pick up as you go along & get better after each one. My personal favorite was Zooland! Well written & well paced. Every time a short story ended, I’d always wish there was just a little bit more!
August 5, 2022
Interesting read with a unique premise! I dove into this expecting a straight-forward horror, but I felt that this read more like a disturbing true-crime thriller. This book features ten different profiles of people who have committed cannibalism to varying degrees, and asks them to submit their own stories as a window into their psyche. I actually could see something like this as a series on Netflix- criminals and their art. The stories were hit and miss, but then again they're told from the perspective of people in different stages of madness or trauma. Definitely a cool read.
September 12, 2023
WOW!!! such a weird book but honestly so worth the read. All the stories were so interesting and gross but in a good way. If you like reading about cannibalism (which i do lol) then you’ll like this, not for the faint of heart tho.
December 13, 2023
Some of the best short stories i have ever read. The author is a great man who clearly cares greatly about his work. My favorite was zooland by a mile. Overall just a very enjoyable book to listen to before bed or while getting some work done.
January 7, 2024
(disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest bookreads review)
It took me a while to finish this one because I generally take a while to finish ebooks. This book was worth the time though. Some of the stories really give you something to chew on.
It took me a while to finish this one because I generally take a while to finish ebooks. This book was worth the time though. Some of the stories really give you something to chew on.
August 27, 2024
This author is wonderful. It takes a lot of talent to not only create the short stories, but put in a biography/back story for each story first! I could not. stop. reading! Will definitely be reading it again once I get through their other works!!
December 8, 2024
If you like macabre, comedy, sometimes deep, or just plain weird, you LOVE this! If I had to pick, Jesus Christ Meets the Chupacabra! I already pre-ordered his next book. Definitely give this one a try!!!
May 5, 2021
3.5/5 - will post in depth review soon
February 2, 2022
I looked at this book thinking il make sure it’s set up on my kindle properly and ended up reading half of it in one sitting. These stories range from a cannibal who competed to win best meal telling the story of a telepathic infected zombie horde to a guy who likes to bite Jesus wannabes. But there is also some sweetness in a story about a sweet doggy but never fear there is still plenty of gore in that too.
Overall sweetness mixed with grossness with a bit of what! in-between.
Overall sweetness mixed with grossness with a bit of what! in-between.
June 19, 2023
Just finished reading digest last night, I really like the concept of this book. It’s very original and I’ve never really read anything like it! It’s perfect if you love creepy/true crime books.
April 15, 2024
A very thrilling read! It tickles your brain leaving you wondering are these stories really fiction? Or are they indeed fact
August 28, 2025
I was sent this for free with the promise of the stories being about cannibalism. I was not disappointed. Each story having twist and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews