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Gore: A Halloween Anthology
A trick or treater's sadistic night of fun. A killer's thirst for online celebrity. A group of survivors on the run from the undead. A witch hunt gone terribly wrong. In this collection, explore the twisted, disturbing imagery and delightfully disgusting tales of visionary, up and coming horror writers. Discover the terror of GORE.
A Poe Boy Publishing Halloween Anthology.
A Poe Boy Publishing Halloween Anthology.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
165 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2021
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Schneider
53 books63 followersD.A. Schneider is an author of horror and mystery who lives in Indianapolis, IN.
After trying for some time to break into the comic book industry with his artwork, D.A. decided to focus on writing instead. A former NFL and entertainment columnist, D.A.’s most recent books include the cozy murder mystery Death of a Scholar (Holly Reynolds Mysteries Book 1) and the horror/crime novel Salvation.
D.A. signed with KGHH Publishing in May 2017, then co-founded Poe Boy Publishing in 2020, and signed with Editingle Indie House in 2022.
After trying for some time to break into the comic book industry with his artwork, D.A. decided to focus on writing instead. A former NFL and entertainment columnist, D.A.’s most recent books include the cozy murder mystery Death of a Scholar (Holly Reynolds Mysteries Book 1) and the horror/crime novel Salvation.
D.A. signed with KGHH Publishing in May 2017, then co-founded Poe Boy Publishing in 2020, and signed with Editingle Indie House in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 4, 2023
This collection of 16 stories and a couple of poems started extremely good: Eddie Clifton, The Beast of Pope Lick Creek, As the Crow Flies, Witch Doctor, Burning Boy, That's Your Lot and in the Flesh are among the best stories I came across for quite a while. The other stories weren't up to that standard but good as well. Some tales had a direct relation to Halloween others a more indirect approach. Overall an absolutely outstanding anthology that sets you in the mood for forthcoming Halloween. Gory, eerie and often with a killer twist. Highly enjoyed this anthology and can highly recommend it!
March 21, 2024
A good mix of eclectic stories to discover here. Not all of them hit the mark for me but this anthology is still a more than worthwhile addition to any horror collection.
Don't Turn Your Back On Halloween: first up is a tale best suited to readers with strong stomachs. One of the most gruesome stories I've ever read it introduces us to a vengeful teenager hellbent on giving his neighbourhood a night of trick or treating that'll be unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons. A great read, it's well told and perfectly evokes the spirit and atmosphere of Halloween night
The Beast of Pope Lick Creek: the next story features some of my favourite horror themes: a mysterious creature, an urban legend and a late night prank you just know will go horribly wrong. I had a feeling I was going to love this one and I was right-- it felt a bit like reading a Goosebumps story for grown ups (as a huge RL Stine fan I mean that as a massive compliment). Great fun
As The Crow Flies: grave robbers get more than they bargained for. Atmospheric with a nice spooky setting. The ending didn't play out the way I expected
Witch Doctor: since I'm already a fan of the author's work this is the story I was looking forward to most and I wasn't disappointed; it's great! A witty, engaging tale full of gore and humour, finishing with one of the best endings in the book. A highlight for me
Burning Bag: this was also one of my favourite stories. A very clever tale of a young boy's increasingly elaborate and sadistic pranks. Names are repeated quite a lot but this only forms a rhythm which suits the narration perfectly. Plenty of subtle dark humour and a killer ending I absolutely loved
That's Your Lot: an art enthusiast tells the terrible tale of a painting he came to wish he'd never set eyes on. I wasn't really keen on the writing style used in this story but I did like the premise and it still made for an entertaining read
In The Flesh: while I liked the premise of a sinister kid with supernatural powers the plot itself seemed strangely vague and the narration a little jumbled. A story with good potential but I wasn't keen on the execution
Anything Standing: zombie time! Lurching legions of undead are always a welcome addition to any anthology, although sadly this particular story felt a little flat for me. There was no sense of urgency; I couldn't really feel the characters' fear or desperation. But the end was good and there were creepy moments
Media Studies: at first I really loved this story and thought it was extremely well written. Then about halfway through it surprised me by becoming disturbing in a different kind of way and I couldn't appreciate it as much as before. Which felt like a real shame, it would've been one of my favourites otherwise. Aside from that there's some seriously intelligent writing here
Pig Bait: I wasn't keen on this one. It's brutal and gruesome but the plot wasn't really for me
Stuffed: I thought this was the best one from KT Gore. The unpleasant characters are described well and I liked the premise. Good build up leading to a satisfying conclusion
Word Of Mouth: another Krauss story, something you can never have too many of. A short quirky tale of how not to summon a demon. This one made me smile
The Boy: a good old fashioned tale of ghostly revenge from beyond the grave. For me this story focused too much on personalities and backgrounds of the characters, but it had a fun creepy ending
Sanguine: an artist gets a little too creative. I liked this story and would be happy to see an extended version-- I felt like its grisly plot would be even more engaging with a longer length and space for extra details
The Willard Witch Hunt: this story held my attention initially but I wasn't so keen on the way it played out. The ending was unexpected
A Flash of Inspiration: I'm sorry to say this one didn't appeal at all. The plot made for uncomfortable reading and it just didn't feel like a horror story
3 poems finish the book: two are spooky fun and the third is great, very haunting. One last shout out to KT Gore for some awesome illustrations
Don't Turn Your Back On Halloween: first up is a tale best suited to readers with strong stomachs. One of the most gruesome stories I've ever read it introduces us to a vengeful teenager hellbent on giving his neighbourhood a night of trick or treating that'll be unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons. A great read, it's well told and perfectly evokes the spirit and atmosphere of Halloween night
The Beast of Pope Lick Creek: the next story features some of my favourite horror themes: a mysterious creature, an urban legend and a late night prank you just know will go horribly wrong. I had a feeling I was going to love this one and I was right-- it felt a bit like reading a Goosebumps story for grown ups (as a huge RL Stine fan I mean that as a massive compliment). Great fun
As The Crow Flies: grave robbers get more than they bargained for. Atmospheric with a nice spooky setting. The ending didn't play out the way I expected
Witch Doctor: since I'm already a fan of the author's work this is the story I was looking forward to most and I wasn't disappointed; it's great! A witty, engaging tale full of gore and humour, finishing with one of the best endings in the book. A highlight for me
Burning Bag: this was also one of my favourite stories. A very clever tale of a young boy's increasingly elaborate and sadistic pranks. Names are repeated quite a lot but this only forms a rhythm which suits the narration perfectly. Plenty of subtle dark humour and a killer ending I absolutely loved
That's Your Lot: an art enthusiast tells the terrible tale of a painting he came to wish he'd never set eyes on. I wasn't really keen on the writing style used in this story but I did like the premise and it still made for an entertaining read
In The Flesh: while I liked the premise of a sinister kid with supernatural powers the plot itself seemed strangely vague and the narration a little jumbled. A story with good potential but I wasn't keen on the execution
Anything Standing: zombie time! Lurching legions of undead are always a welcome addition to any anthology, although sadly this particular story felt a little flat for me. There was no sense of urgency; I couldn't really feel the characters' fear or desperation. But the end was good and there were creepy moments
Media Studies: at first I really loved this story and thought it was extremely well written. Then about halfway through it surprised me by becoming disturbing in a different kind of way and I couldn't appreciate it as much as before. Which felt like a real shame, it would've been one of my favourites otherwise. Aside from that there's some seriously intelligent writing here
Pig Bait: I wasn't keen on this one. It's brutal and gruesome but the plot wasn't really for me
Stuffed: I thought this was the best one from KT Gore. The unpleasant characters are described well and I liked the premise. Good build up leading to a satisfying conclusion
Word Of Mouth: another Krauss story, something you can never have too many of. A short quirky tale of how not to summon a demon. This one made me smile
The Boy: a good old fashioned tale of ghostly revenge from beyond the grave. For me this story focused too much on personalities and backgrounds of the characters, but it had a fun creepy ending
Sanguine: an artist gets a little too creative. I liked this story and would be happy to see an extended version-- I felt like its grisly plot would be even more engaging with a longer length and space for extra details
The Willard Witch Hunt: this story held my attention initially but I wasn't so keen on the way it played out. The ending was unexpected
A Flash of Inspiration: I'm sorry to say this one didn't appeal at all. The plot made for uncomfortable reading and it just didn't feel like a horror story
3 poems finish the book: two are spooky fun and the third is great, very haunting. One last shout out to KT Gore for some awesome illustrations
March 31, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this collection! There is a story for every kind of horror lover, from truly creepy to the kind that makes you bark a horrified laugh as you read. I think if you enjoy reading horror, you will enjoy at least a few stories in this collection. I saw that there are additional short story collections in this series and I’m excited to read the next Gore Anthology.
October 29, 2021
A strong, satisfying array of tales, poetry (and artwork) cut straight from the minds of these up-and-coming powerhouse writers. These storytellers will be busting the horror community wide-open very soon (if they aren’t already) with their wicked tales. These stories are intense, action-packed, blood-drenched and gore-filled. You will have a reaction to them whether you’re in awe of the story, or grimacing, cringing, smiling or having a verbal outburst (or any combination of the above). I’m definitely putting all the writers within this book on my reading radar. There will be more dark nightmares to come from these writers, Mark my word. Thank you for your creative and gory tales. I can’t wait for a second helping from each of you.
Don’t Turn Your Back on Halloween by Wofford Lee Jones. A grisly story that will make you think twice about skipping out on Halloween. Everyone participates in the tricks and the treats whether you want to or not. I liked that one; could be because I wrote it.
The Beast of Pope Lick Creek by D.A. Schneider gives you a dreadful tale that proves some urban legends are more real than imaginary. The phrase: ‘let the bodies hit the floor’ came to mind during the reading of this story. Oh, so good.
As the Crow Flies by KT Gore tells a creepy-good little flash story that teaches you may want to read the headstone before dig and rob the grave. These grave robbers get it in the worst way and I loved it!
Witch Doctor by Vanessa Krauss gives you a crazy-good story that tells of a man who goes to horrific lengths to woo a woman he adores only to have his plans backfire in the end. This one was visceral with a good deal of blood-letting.
The Burning Bag by Daniel Royer tells a twisted tale of a boy who takes Halloween pranks to a whole new level. Yeah, don’t play against him; he‘s a trickster. Such a devilish story. This one put a big smile on my face.
That’s Your Lot by K.T. Gore A freaky-good tale of a painting with the power to possess it’s owner into doing grave actions. Even though I don’t own the painting, I had an odd sensation someone was watching me while reading that story. 😳😱
In The Flesh by Alaric Cabiling tells a frightful story about a boy named, Allred who has a special power. A power that “brings” him anything he wants. Siblings, they’re the worst. Am I right? This little guy is. This story was unnerving.
Anything Standing by Mark Simmons gives us an intense, graphic action-sequence of a small group of badasses trying to escape mass quantities of the undead. This story really moved and had a shocking but killer ending.
Media Studies by Eleanor Sciolistein gives us a most-excellent depraved account where a person goes to horrific lengths to gain internet fame. Blood-letting, gore of the highest order and so much more. Yeah, this one was hard to stomach. I loved it!
Pig Bait by Ann Wuehler gives us an account of two men with a diabolical plan to rid the world of a certain type of “animal”. The baited trap is set. The pigs (not actual animals) are coming. Let the harvesting begin. Simply grisly and oh, so grim.
Stuffed by K.T. Gore: The tables are turned on a taxidermist in the most bizarre way after an individual visits his shop. This one was a light-hearted, funny story that ended with an air of the creepy to it.
In Word of Mouth by Vanessa Krauss: School is in session where an imp from Hell instructs his students the correct way to banish a soul. A comedic tale that amused the hell out of me.
The Boy by Derek Deutsch tells a spooky tale proving that one Halloween night of mischief can have grave consequences and those actions will come back to haunt you. This one hits all the creepy notes for me as well as the gory ones.
The Willard Witch Hunt by D.A Schneider tells of a constable takes it upon himself to rid Salem of its witches. But when a change of heart causes backlash from the community, there is only one way out...and a long wait to go with it. Such an epic story. This one stayed with me.
A Flash of Inspiration by K.T. Gore tells a “flash” piece about how one man’s actions helps a woman break out of her shell by making a split second decision that sets her on a new coarse in life. This one gave me, and probably all men, a reaction and some phantom pains.
Don’t Turn Your Back on Halloween by Wofford Lee Jones. A grisly story that will make you think twice about skipping out on Halloween. Everyone participates in the tricks and the treats whether you want to or not. I liked that one; could be because I wrote it.
The Beast of Pope Lick Creek by D.A. Schneider gives you a dreadful tale that proves some urban legends are more real than imaginary. The phrase: ‘let the bodies hit the floor’ came to mind during the reading of this story. Oh, so good.
As the Crow Flies by KT Gore tells a creepy-good little flash story that teaches you may want to read the headstone before dig and rob the grave. These grave robbers get it in the worst way and I loved it!
Witch Doctor by Vanessa Krauss gives you a crazy-good story that tells of a man who goes to horrific lengths to woo a woman he adores only to have his plans backfire in the end. This one was visceral with a good deal of blood-letting.
The Burning Bag by Daniel Royer tells a twisted tale of a boy who takes Halloween pranks to a whole new level. Yeah, don’t play against him; he‘s a trickster. Such a devilish story. This one put a big smile on my face.
That’s Your Lot by K.T. Gore A freaky-good tale of a painting with the power to possess it’s owner into doing grave actions. Even though I don’t own the painting, I had an odd sensation someone was watching me while reading that story. 😳😱
In The Flesh by Alaric Cabiling tells a frightful story about a boy named, Allred who has a special power. A power that “brings” him anything he wants. Siblings, they’re the worst. Am I right? This little guy is. This story was unnerving.
Anything Standing by Mark Simmons gives us an intense, graphic action-sequence of a small group of badasses trying to escape mass quantities of the undead. This story really moved and had a shocking but killer ending.
Media Studies by Eleanor Sciolistein gives us a most-excellent depraved account where a person goes to horrific lengths to gain internet fame. Blood-letting, gore of the highest order and so much more. Yeah, this one was hard to stomach. I loved it!
Pig Bait by Ann Wuehler gives us an account of two men with a diabolical plan to rid the world of a certain type of “animal”. The baited trap is set. The pigs (not actual animals) are coming. Let the harvesting begin. Simply grisly and oh, so grim.
Stuffed by K.T. Gore: The tables are turned on a taxidermist in the most bizarre way after an individual visits his shop. This one was a light-hearted, funny story that ended with an air of the creepy to it.
In Word of Mouth by Vanessa Krauss: School is in session where an imp from Hell instructs his students the correct way to banish a soul. A comedic tale that amused the hell out of me.
The Boy by Derek Deutsch tells a spooky tale proving that one Halloween night of mischief can have grave consequences and those actions will come back to haunt you. This one hits all the creepy notes for me as well as the gory ones.
The Willard Witch Hunt by D.A Schneider tells of a constable takes it upon himself to rid Salem of its witches. But when a change of heart causes backlash from the community, there is only one way out...and a long wait to go with it. Such an epic story. This one stayed with me.
A Flash of Inspiration by K.T. Gore tells a “flash” piece about how one man’s actions helps a woman break out of her shell by making a split second decision that sets her on a new coarse in life. This one gave me, and probably all men, a reaction and some phantom pains.
October 28, 2021
Disclaimer: I'm the author for one of the shorts and one of the flash fictions. I'm reviewing the other stories.
Gore: A Halloween Anthology is a collection of short stories, some flash fiction, and a few pieces of poetry where the majority are either Halloween themed and/or gore themed. If you have a weak stomach, some of these are pretty visceral.
Going in order:
*Don't Turn Your Back On Halloween by Wofford Lee Jones - Motivation is clear... people who don't honor Halloween the right way die a very, very, gruesome death. I actually put down the book for several days thinking the rest would be as visceral and gory as this one. Author really knows how to marinate on the spectacle.
*The Beast Of Pope Lick Creek by D.A. Schneider - Group of teenagers prank the new unsuspecting kid with a local tall tale, until the local tall tale shows up and murder balls them in quick and satisfying succession. Really felt sorry for new kid's plight, so was cheering his surprise champion.
*As The Crow Flies by K.T. Gore - Quick, and it's over fast. The gotcha at the end ties it together.
*Witch Doctor by Vanessa Krauss - This one is mine. My only personal criticism is that, yes, I know it takes much longer to cure leather. Also, apologies for having the most Disney happy ending of the bunch.
*Burning Bag by Daniel Royer - Denis The Menace, if he was a clinical child psychopath. Kid views every misdeed through the lens of it being a prank, including the thing he does with the grenades. Scary child.
*That's Your Lot by K.T. Gore - Vile painting that makes its owners do bad things. Got me on the edge of my seat hoping another massacre wouldn't happen as it got passed around from owner to owner.
*In The Flesh by Alaric Cabiling - I didn't quite get this one. A bit disjointed, but is mostly about the potential terror of this maybe psychic child who unnerves his siblings and those around him.
*Anything Standing by Mark Simmons - Zombies! It's zombies. The group for once is a competent military cluster, so maybe, just maybe, they have a hope in hell in surviving. Given this book, nah.
*Media Studies by Eleanor Sciolistein - Really liked this one. While depraved and abundant in the viscera, it's the reason why the character is doing this that is intriguing and I like the psychology behind it. Thought it was a solid characterization of a person seeking their light, obsessing over their forever message at all costs. As an artist who also muses about this, the plight hit a little too close to home.
*Pig Bait by Ann Wuehler - Effectively the most real speculative of the bunch, which makes this one incredibly difficult to read. Got into the character's head, their viewpoints, that of those around them. If this was happening in rural America, could totally see it. Except for the harvesting of the "pigs" bit, but wow, so topical it was scary.
*Stuffed by K.T. Gore - Get how this is going to go down decently enough, but love this one line further in the back of the story that is the perfect chef's kiss "gotcha" moment.
*Word of Mouth by Vanessa Krauss - Also mine. Go 70 year old pop culture references from a Millennial.
*The Boy by Derek Deutsch - This one would have been better served if it was longer since it spends time talking about the characters but not really their bonding and development. Once it gets to the "ran over kid with a car part", then the story really gets going and is interesting. Though feel like it could have started there and wouldn't have missed much. Group of outcast teenagers get trounced by a creepy ghost child. Didn't quite need to be that invested in their back stories.
*The Willard Witch Hunt by D.A. Schneider - Succinct literary piece that travels through an entire narrative and development of a character that ends with him cursed. Another one of the highlights.
*A Flash of Inspiration by K.T. Gore - While a bit perverse, the "He had it coming" bit is perfect.
*Poetry: Trick or Treat by Kirsty Allen - Amusing rhyming one. Give 'em candy or else.
*Poetry: Who Is Kensington Gore by K.T. Gore - Who is the guy who has his name in here several times over.
*Poetry: Like A Breath by D.A. Schneider - Interesting piece.
Gore: A Halloween Anthology is a collection of short stories, some flash fiction, and a few pieces of poetry where the majority are either Halloween themed and/or gore themed. If you have a weak stomach, some of these are pretty visceral.
Going in order:
*Don't Turn Your Back On Halloween by Wofford Lee Jones - Motivation is clear... people who don't honor Halloween the right way die a very, very, gruesome death. I actually put down the book for several days thinking the rest would be as visceral and gory as this one. Author really knows how to marinate on the spectacle.
*The Beast Of Pope Lick Creek by D.A. Schneider - Group of teenagers prank the new unsuspecting kid with a local tall tale, until the local tall tale shows up and murder balls them in quick and satisfying succession. Really felt sorry for new kid's plight, so was cheering his surprise champion.
*As The Crow Flies by K.T. Gore - Quick, and it's over fast. The gotcha at the end ties it together.
*Witch Doctor by Vanessa Krauss - This one is mine. My only personal criticism is that, yes, I know it takes much longer to cure leather. Also, apologies for having the most Disney happy ending of the bunch.
*Burning Bag by Daniel Royer - Denis The Menace, if he was a clinical child psychopath. Kid views every misdeed through the lens of it being a prank, including the thing he does with the grenades. Scary child.
*That's Your Lot by K.T. Gore - Vile painting that makes its owners do bad things. Got me on the edge of my seat hoping another massacre wouldn't happen as it got passed around from owner to owner.
*In The Flesh by Alaric Cabiling - I didn't quite get this one. A bit disjointed, but is mostly about the potential terror of this maybe psychic child who unnerves his siblings and those around him.
*Anything Standing by Mark Simmons - Zombies! It's zombies. The group for once is a competent military cluster, so maybe, just maybe, they have a hope in hell in surviving. Given this book, nah.
*Media Studies by Eleanor Sciolistein - Really liked this one. While depraved and abundant in the viscera, it's the reason why the character is doing this that is intriguing and I like the psychology behind it. Thought it was a solid characterization of a person seeking their light, obsessing over their forever message at all costs. As an artist who also muses about this, the plight hit a little too close to home.
*Pig Bait by Ann Wuehler - Effectively the most real speculative of the bunch, which makes this one incredibly difficult to read. Got into the character's head, their viewpoints, that of those around them. If this was happening in rural America, could totally see it. Except for the harvesting of the "pigs" bit, but wow, so topical it was scary.
*Stuffed by K.T. Gore - Get how this is going to go down decently enough, but love this one line further in the back of the story that is the perfect chef's kiss "gotcha" moment.
*Word of Mouth by Vanessa Krauss - Also mine. Go 70 year old pop culture references from a Millennial.
*The Boy by Derek Deutsch - This one would have been better served if it was longer since it spends time talking about the characters but not really their bonding and development. Once it gets to the "ran over kid with a car part", then the story really gets going and is interesting. Though feel like it could have started there and wouldn't have missed much. Group of outcast teenagers get trounced by a creepy ghost child. Didn't quite need to be that invested in their back stories.
*The Willard Witch Hunt by D.A. Schneider - Succinct literary piece that travels through an entire narrative and development of a character that ends with him cursed. Another one of the highlights.
*A Flash of Inspiration by K.T. Gore - While a bit perverse, the "He had it coming" bit is perfect.
*Poetry: Trick or Treat by Kirsty Allen - Amusing rhyming one. Give 'em candy or else.
*Poetry: Who Is Kensington Gore by K.T. Gore - Who is the guy who has his name in here several times over.
*Poetry: Like A Breath by D.A. Schneider - Interesting piece.
March 2, 2023
Disclaimer: I got this from my publisher for an honest review.
There were a lot of great stories in here! In particular, my favorites were "In the Flesh" by Alaric Cabiling, "Anything Standing" by Mark Simmons, and "Media Studies" by Eleanor Sciolistein. There are plenty of great, gory reads in here. Give it a try!
There were a lot of great stories in here! In particular, my favorites were "In the Flesh" by Alaric Cabiling, "Anything Standing" by Mark Simmons, and "Media Studies" by Eleanor Sciolistein. There are plenty of great, gory reads in here. Give it a try!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews