Mad Men

by Willy Martinez, A.R. Braun, Matt Leavitt

Mad Men is a collection of three disturbing horror shorts from writers from the Midwest, specifically, Illinois. The themes explored in this collection range from man versus self, man versus man, and man versus creature. We start with Matt’s tale, a thought-provoking thriller which causes the reader to question his reality and what he fears within himself. The second tale explores the grotesque juxtaposed with beautiful nature, where the ending unfolds into a horrific dream, waking in even more terrible pain. The third tale is by seasoned horror writer, A.R. Braun – and his diabolical creatures never disappoint! A.R. Braun’s goal is to be on the banned book list; we think this tale may just be evil enough to be considered. A must read before it does get banned! Mainstream Horror Shorts don’t always satisfy us in the way they should. They don’t open conversations about what it is that we fear or why we fear such things, they focus mainly on pop culture and gore. The writers in this anthology understand the need for literate horror, opening discussions of man’s psyche. When these writers set out to tell a story, they are less interested in conveying fear and more interested in wonder, the sublime, and the infinite strangeness that drives all man and woman. Highly recommended for tweens, teens, and adults.

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2021

About the author

Martinez’s approach is highly conceptual. Rather than relying on simple monsters or masked killers, their horror derives from deep-seated, cultural anxieties, focusing on how isolated environments and ancestral secrets force grotesque physical change. The core thematic elements—Grotesque Metamorphosis, Contagion and Ritual, and The Land Consumes—are consistently woven through the narratives. The author seeks to demonstrate that the price of breaking an ancient taboo is not merely death, but a painful process of unmaking, such as bones hollowing out or unwanted new organs sprouting in forbidden places.

The selection of the short story format for Folklore and Flesh is deliberate and strategic, aligning Martinez’s style with masters like H.P. Lovecraft and M.R. James. Many critics and readers argue that the short story is the ideal length for horror, allowing the author to deliver a “knockout” blow of shock and repulsion without the necessary baggage of extensive novel-length backstory. Martinez utilizes this constraint to maximum effect, focusing solely on the unnerving atmospheric build-up and the visceral payoff.

Reviews

[mark feenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant set off three stories. First one is a bit of a mindfuck. Second picks up the pace. Third story by A.R.Braun is brutal. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Joel Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vividly Descriptive and Unpredictable

I really enjoy short fiction stories. They demand your attention. Being absent minded, you might miss that moment of revelation at the end.

The vivid descriptions were palatable. They put you in a trance of imagination. Then, you're jarred from this state and reminded its a horror book. The first and second story are tied for my favorite. The final sentences really caused me to reflect. I nearly stopped reading the third story due to its nature/made me feel uneasy. This also caused me to reflect. "How do people respond when they read about topics they don't support; whether it be lgbt, war, divorce, murder?" I thought. All in all, it was a string of diverse stories that made me think. I think that's a shared goal of a books!

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mad Men" is a hauntingly brilliant anthology that dives deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche, masterfully capturing the essence of fear beyond mere gore. What makes this collection unique is its careful balance of thought-provoking horror with terrifyingly surreal moments, making each story linger long after you’ve turned the final page.
The psychological tension is palpable, urging the reader to question their own fears, wondering if the most terrifying monsters are the ones we hide within ourselves. It’s a powerful opener that sets the tone for the entire collection, confronting man’s internal battles.
Unlike much of mainstream horror, Mad Men digs deeper, focusing less on cheap thrills and more on the existential dread that underpins human experience. These stories force you to reflect on your own fears and the complexities of the human condition. It’s horror for the thinking mind, a collection that challenges readers to ask why we fear certain things and what those fears reveal about us.
Whether you’re a teen, a young adult, or a lifelong horror fan, Mad Men is a must-read for anyone who appreciates horror with substance, depth, and a touch of the sublime. It’s disturbing, yes, but more importantly, it opens a conversation about fear itself—making it a rare gem in the world of horror literature.

[Elford Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novella featuring three short horror stories, my favorite being the story that opens the collection, in which a man faces a doppelganger with a terrifying agenda. A fun collection definitely worth checking out!