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Beach Bodies: A Beach Vacation Horror Anthology
DarkLit Press is back with another anthology of beach horror by authors from around the world.
A family’s vacation is cut short when the dead begin to rise. A strange hotel will do anything to keep its guests from leaving. A series of murders lead a local reporter on the hunt for a werewolf. A distraught man discovers he’s on a vacation from hell. Friends on vacation come face to face with an ancient curse.
Beach vacations are meant for relaxing and unwinding away from the drudgery of normal life. The sparkling sun, shimmering on cresting waves. A light breeze as you sit with toes in the sand, a cold drink in one hand. Utopia on an island. But what happens when that paradise suddenly becomes a purgatory of pain?
What will you do when the beaches fill with bodies and the waters run red with blood? When creatures crawl the coastline and the jungle teems with terror. How will you survive when a tropical respite becomes an arena of peril?
Beach Bodies features sixteen terrifying tales of beach vacation horror. For even more scares, check out the companion anthology Slice of Paradise out now from DarkLit Press.
This anthology includes stories by Scott Cole, Jay Alexander, Kelly Brocklehurst, Damien Casey, Leeroy Cross James, Max Christmas, Ronaldo Katwaroo, Nicholas A. Battaglia, Fox Claret Hill, Nat Whiston, Chelsea Paravel, Wendy Dalrymple, John Durgin, Jena Brown, Danielle Ramaekers, and Julie Sevens.
A family’s vacation is cut short when the dead begin to rise. A strange hotel will do anything to keep its guests from leaving. A series of murders lead a local reporter on the hunt for a werewolf. A distraught man discovers he’s on a vacation from hell. Friends on vacation come face to face with an ancient curse.
Beach vacations are meant for relaxing and unwinding away from the drudgery of normal life. The sparkling sun, shimmering on cresting waves. A light breeze as you sit with toes in the sand, a cold drink in one hand. Utopia on an island. But what happens when that paradise suddenly becomes a purgatory of pain?
What will you do when the beaches fill with bodies and the waters run red with blood? When creatures crawl the coastline and the jungle teems with terror. How will you survive when a tropical respite becomes an arena of peril?
Beach Bodies features sixteen terrifying tales of beach vacation horror. For even more scares, check out the companion anthology Slice of Paradise out now from DarkLit Press.
This anthology includes stories by Scott Cole, Jay Alexander, Kelly Brocklehurst, Damien Casey, Leeroy Cross James, Max Christmas, Ronaldo Katwaroo, Nicholas A. Battaglia, Fox Claret Hill, Nat Whiston, Chelsea Paravel, Wendy Dalrymple, John Durgin, Jena Brown, Danielle Ramaekers, and Julie Sevens.
350 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2022
73 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 7, 2024
Too Long?
Some of these stories seem too long. But better too long than too short.
There are fifteen stories in this anthology. The reason why it seems like there are less is because the stories read so fast.
Some of the stories are very long, but they don’t read as very long. They move right on time.
These are all new writers for me. I’ve been introduced to some great horror by them.
All of the stories take place on a beach. Or should I say some of the horror takes place on the sea.
I give this book four stars. ✨✨✨✨
Some of these stories seem too long. But better too long than too short.
There are fifteen stories in this anthology. The reason why it seems like there are less is because the stories read so fast.
Some of the stories are very long, but they don’t read as very long. They move right on time.
These are all new writers for me. I’ve been introduced to some great horror by them.
All of the stories take place on a beach. Or should I say some of the horror takes place on the sea.
I give this book four stars. ✨✨✨✨
February 3, 2022
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Location based anthologies are always a strange batch of stories, simply for the reason that you’ll either end up with a significant amount of repetition or you’ll have your socks blown off as the authors tackle a similar theme with variety and uniqueness.
Editor’s Andrew Robert and Ben Long tackled a location based anthology – ‘Beach Vacation’ as the overall narrative and ultimately ended up splitting it into two entries. This one and ‘Slice of Paradise.’
I read both over the course of three days and I found it interesting, personally, to see how the stories played out and how each anthology felt almost completely different.
What I liked: Of the two, I unfortunately found ‘Beach Bodies’ to suffer from the repetitive story syndrome. While there were some standouts, which I’ll share in a second, a lot of the stories felt as though I’d just read them.
The ones that managed to make it off the beach and tan themselves in my brain were;
The Dive by Kelly Brocklehurst – this was a fun story, if not one that followed the idea that more and more craziness is going to come. I’ve always been a fan of ‘forgotten in open water’ stories, and this one starts out really well with that.
Ile Aux Forbans by Julie Sevens – not enough stories about Pirate cemeteries and this one shows just why. This was a blast and really was engaging.
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple – two incredibly annoying characters, but the story worked really well and it was great to see it get darker and darker.
Greetings From Trammel Beach by Scott Cole – outstanding story and honestly not sure why this wasn’t the opener to pull people in. Cole quickly gets us engaged and then slathers on the darkness.
I will mention – that even in the stories I wasn’t too fond of, you’re in for a treat with how dark and gruesome they all go.
What I didn’t like: As I mentioned, this one was more miss than hit for me. Some of the stories read like first drafts and the writing voice failed to launch. I struggled through a few of them, and wondered why so many read so similar to the ones that came before and after them.
As always, anthologies will be a unique experience to the reader and your favorite stories may very well be ones I didn’t enjoy.
Why you should buy this: If you’re looking for some sunny respite from the horrible winter weather a lot of North America is being hit with, this will definitely warm your bones and make you long to be lathering on the sunscreen instead of the thermal layers. Personally, for me, this was the weaker of the two anthologies, but there are still a good batch of stories that’ll make you sit up and search out some new-to-you authors.
Location based anthologies are always a strange batch of stories, simply for the reason that you’ll either end up with a significant amount of repetition or you’ll have your socks blown off as the authors tackle a similar theme with variety and uniqueness.
Editor’s Andrew Robert and Ben Long tackled a location based anthology – ‘Beach Vacation’ as the overall narrative and ultimately ended up splitting it into two entries. This one and ‘Slice of Paradise.’
I read both over the course of three days and I found it interesting, personally, to see how the stories played out and how each anthology felt almost completely different.
What I liked: Of the two, I unfortunately found ‘Beach Bodies’ to suffer from the repetitive story syndrome. While there were some standouts, which I’ll share in a second, a lot of the stories felt as though I’d just read them.
The ones that managed to make it off the beach and tan themselves in my brain were;
The Dive by Kelly Brocklehurst – this was a fun story, if not one that followed the idea that more and more craziness is going to come. I’ve always been a fan of ‘forgotten in open water’ stories, and this one starts out really well with that.
Ile Aux Forbans by Julie Sevens – not enough stories about Pirate cemeteries and this one shows just why. This was a blast and really was engaging.
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple – two incredibly annoying characters, but the story worked really well and it was great to see it get darker and darker.
Greetings From Trammel Beach by Scott Cole – outstanding story and honestly not sure why this wasn’t the opener to pull people in. Cole quickly gets us engaged and then slathers on the darkness.
I will mention – that even in the stories I wasn’t too fond of, you’re in for a treat with how dark and gruesome they all go.
What I didn’t like: As I mentioned, this one was more miss than hit for me. Some of the stories read like first drafts and the writing voice failed to launch. I struggled through a few of them, and wondered why so many read so similar to the ones that came before and after them.
As always, anthologies will be a unique experience to the reader and your favorite stories may very well be ones I didn’t enjoy.
Why you should buy this: If you’re looking for some sunny respite from the horrible winter weather a lot of North America is being hit with, this will definitely warm your bones and make you long to be lathering on the sunscreen instead of the thermal layers. Personally, for me, this was the weaker of the two anthologies, but there are still a good batch of stories that’ll make you sit up and search out some new-to-you authors.
October 22, 2022
"... not exactly a place where tourists will be"
.
spoilers/Review for Beach Bodies
.
The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel (Fox Claret Hill) --> The narrator and their husband are on honeymoon together, a welcome break after life has been a bit too much lately. Levi and Tom find themselves at the Golden Dune Hotel. But what awaits inside?... I like this one. There is good transgender representation in this one which is always welcome. The story itself is good. A sinister hotel, and the mystery as to what's up with the staff is really well done. The fact they all look alike and there was no obvious reason drove the story nicely. The way it evolves and the feelings of loss and relationships, and of course some truly brilliant horror towards the end. If you like body horror, then you'll love this one. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to more from Hill. I wish we had a tiny bit more and it was a bit slower in the end, but on the whole it's a great starter to this collection. 4.5/5
Aloha From Hell (Damien Casey) --> AFH opens with Hank watching a group play volleyball with a severed head. It all began when he won a free holiday to Loko Ah. His wife Gwen wants to have a good time, but Hank is reluctant to enjoy... This definitely has a lot of the hallmarks of Damien's works. It is a bit off beat but that's part of the charm. The Coke/Pepsi line is a cool way to show where they are. There's a lot of oddness but it's just so much fun. The Gwen/Hank dynamic is a lot of fun. There's a good twist at the end and it's so charming. My only thing was I wish we had a bit more time with this story and explanation as to how/why Gwen can pop over to Hell and see Hank. 4.5/5
The Dive (Kelly Brocklehurst) --> Sabrina is out on a boat ready for a scuba diving adventure, missing her partner Candace. Out in the Caribbean sea, something waits in the waters... There was nice asexual and bisexual representation in this. The story is fast paced in nature but well done I think. The dive being cut short makes for a good tense element and makes you wonder just what is going on. The sea creatures being flung onto the boat, savaged, really adds to the tension of the tale. It's got a good creature feature element to it and makes for a very enjoyable tale. There is a lot going on but Kelly manages to pull it off so well and makes for a fun story. Part of me hoped for a different ending but it was yet another great tale. 4.5/5
SOUCOUYANT SHORE (Ronaldo Katwaroo) --> The narrator has met a pretty woman whilst staying at a resort, but is there more that meets the eye?... I like this one. It did something a bit different and introduced something new to me. "Soucouyant"'s aren't something I had ever encountered prior to the story, and they seem so fascinating. The story is well written, keeps your attention. I wish it was longer and we had more to the story but I did enjoy it. 4.25/5
ÎLE AUX FORBANS (Julie Sevens) --> Liam, Fisher and their guide Andry are in Madagascar where Liam and Fisher learn of an island, said to have been a pirate stronghold once upon a time. Andry warns the pair off but decides to venture into the pirate cemetery, unaware of what awaits... The piracy element to this one was fun and I liked the real history which is involved in this story. It's a good story and I enjoyed it. Well written, intriguing, but I can't help but feel we could have had more to it. Feels like it could have been a bit slower paced and a tiny bit more added to it. Still good. 4/5
The Shell (Bret Laurie) --> The narrator finds a strange shell on the beach... It's hard to explain this one without absolutely ruining it. It's an interesting story to be sure, but I'm not 100% sure I get the end. Still good. 4/5
Island Nightmare (Nat Whitson) --> Opening with a distraught Eva on a beach, we flashback to Shauna and Eva, the newlyweds on honeymoon on the Island of Riveria Maya. But what secrets does the island hide?... The cold opening works very well I thought. Gives a sense of this won't be a happy tale. The approach to the island and how it differs from the guide builds intrigue. Plenty of mystery drives this one along very nicely and makes for a great story I think. But again, I was hungry for more. Conceptually it works well, very well, but I feel a tiny bit more was needed. 4.25/5
A Walk On The Beach (John Durgin) --> One evening, young Jack is strolling along the beach, avoiding his parents, when he comes across a cave but danger waits... A good fun story. Takes a pretty dark turn and definitely catches you off guard I think. I feel having a young character at the font and centre of this one works in its favour, given where it goes. I don't want to say too much but it is a very dark, fast-paced, gripping tale to be sure! 4.5/5
Babe (Wendy Dalrymple) --> Newly weds Layla and Danny are honeymooning in the Gulf of Mexico, but after a swim, Danny's ear starts to ache... A nice story again. It is quite quick paced and works well. It's nice, fun, and quicky paced. My only thing was I wish we had more to this, and there was more exploration / explanation as to what was up. Still good. 4.25/5
Nightmarchers (Chelsea Paravel) --> The narrator is getting married in Maui to their beloved Zoey in a beachside ceremony. They are warned not to spend too long on the beach as the Nightmarchers are said to be lying in wait... Another good fun story which gets progressively darker. I enjoyed it and the myth of the Nightmarchers was a cool element I felt. There is a degree of uncertainty to the plot which is really fun and you get a real sense of the paranoia and panicking. I'm not sure I get the ending, and felt more was needed. But again, another good one. 4.25/5
Sanguine Sunrise (Grace R. Reynolds) - He watches the waves crash over each other with her... I can't explain this without spoilers but it's a good 100 worder with a good and clever plot twist. 4/5
The Scorching (Leeroy Cross James) --> Sam (great first name) Curtis is on the road to a secret beach with his friends Vanessa, Scooter, Jarrod and Amanda. But what awaits on the beach?... It does have those classic slasher vibes to it initially which I liked. The mystery of the petrol station and that encounter builds intrigue around the story. It is a good fun paced story and pays homage to the classic slashers, with some brutal deaths! It's shocking, horrific, but really well done! 4.5/5
Memory Shots (Danielle Ramaekers) --> Ama is on holiday, and on the beach with her new friend Tom, and his Polaroid camera. He wants to take some photos, and she agrees. But what awaits them on a moonlit night?... Another good, fun, fast story. I liked the story, and I got memories of an old Goosebumps book coming back to the forefront of my mind. There's a bit of a twist to this one I think, and I'm not sure I totally get it, but I still liked this one. 4/5
Greetings From Trammel Beach (Scott Cole) --> Andrew, his partner Shannon, and kids Conor and Kayleigh, are on holiday on the island of Bellavista on a family holiday. The beach itself is nice, but soon after the family finds odd things happening... have some odd experiences... A nice slow burner again which plays on the family dynamic in a clever way, with everyone experiencing something different. I like how the story does have enough from everyone and plays out like that. It builds, and builds, and builds with twists, grotesque imagery, and a very unexpected turn. There's one thing I think we could have done with more towards the end to push this into a 5 star. But its another fun story! 4.5/5
The Price of Paradise (Jena Brown) --> The narrator, Cassie, Steve, Rex and Steph are on an island, travelling through the jungle to a secluded beach. When they get there, at first glance it looks like a lovely place. But dark secrets wait below the surface... The start is a bit odd, as I was wondering where the beach was, and then it came. It is a nice story and I enjoy the twists it takes, and the bold moves. It does feel like a Clive Barker inspired tale especially towards the end. 4.5/5
The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf (N.A. Battaglia) --> Sam (great name) is a journalist at Cedar Haven Sun Press, who's been sent to Cedar Cove to investigate the mysterious deaths of two people. They were ripped to shreds on a beach, but by what? And what is going on in Cedar Cove? ... What I appreciate about this one is that the opening is different and it does feel fresh, and original. The journalist angle does work well and makes for a good story. The murder on the beach, and that detail also is a nice touch I feel. Really adds to the dark imagery of the story. The move that comes part way through really caught me off guard. I didn't put two and two together really. The twist is complicated for me. On the one hand, I do like it and it serves as a nice plot device, but on the other, part of me hoped it would go a different way. It's still a fun story and I liked it. 4.5/5
The Honeymoon (Max Christmas) --> After a guest approaches them at their wedding, Tom and Rochelle find themselves on an idyllic island holiday. But life takes a dark turn... A good closing story. I genuinely thought it was going to go down a "Rosemary's Baby" route, because the theme of pregnancy was mentioned a lot initially. Again, like some of the previous stories, it starts slow, builds the mystery and keeps you interested. At times, it did feel a bit rigid, but it was still good. I don't know about this one in some regards. Yes, I did enjoy it, but also I felt more was needed? More explanation and bits. Still. Good. 4/5
Overall 4.25/5 for me. A lot of solid and talented story tellers in this one. Some old friends, some new faces, but all in all good stuff.Beach Bodies is available now, and there is an audio book too! Check it out too!
.
spoilers/Review for Beach Bodies
.
The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel (Fox Claret Hill) --> The narrator and their husband are on honeymoon together, a welcome break after life has been a bit too much lately. Levi and Tom find themselves at the Golden Dune Hotel. But what awaits inside?... I like this one. There is good transgender representation in this one which is always welcome. The story itself is good. A sinister hotel, and the mystery as to what's up with the staff is really well done. The fact they all look alike and there was no obvious reason drove the story nicely. The way it evolves and the feelings of loss and relationships, and of course some truly brilliant horror towards the end. If you like body horror, then you'll love this one. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to more from Hill. I wish we had a tiny bit more and it was a bit slower in the end, but on the whole it's a great starter to this collection. 4.5/5
Aloha From Hell (Damien Casey) --> AFH opens with Hank watching a group play volleyball with a severed head. It all began when he won a free holiday to Loko Ah. His wife Gwen wants to have a good time, but Hank is reluctant to enjoy... This definitely has a lot of the hallmarks of Damien's works. It is a bit off beat but that's part of the charm. The Coke/Pepsi line is a cool way to show where they are. There's a lot of oddness but it's just so much fun. The Gwen/Hank dynamic is a lot of fun. There's a good twist at the end and it's so charming. My only thing was I wish we had a bit more time with this story and explanation as to how/why Gwen can pop over to Hell and see Hank. 4.5/5
The Dive (Kelly Brocklehurst) --> Sabrina is out on a boat ready for a scuba diving adventure, missing her partner Candace. Out in the Caribbean sea, something waits in the waters... There was nice asexual and bisexual representation in this. The story is fast paced in nature but well done I think. The dive being cut short makes for a good tense element and makes you wonder just what is going on. The sea creatures being flung onto the boat, savaged, really adds to the tension of the tale. It's got a good creature feature element to it and makes for a very enjoyable tale. There is a lot going on but Kelly manages to pull it off so well and makes for a fun story. Part of me hoped for a different ending but it was yet another great tale. 4.5/5
SOUCOUYANT SHORE (Ronaldo Katwaroo) --> The narrator has met a pretty woman whilst staying at a resort, but is there more that meets the eye?... I like this one. It did something a bit different and introduced something new to me. "Soucouyant"'s aren't something I had ever encountered prior to the story, and they seem so fascinating. The story is well written, keeps your attention. I wish it was longer and we had more to the story but I did enjoy it. 4.25/5
ÎLE AUX FORBANS (Julie Sevens) --> Liam, Fisher and their guide Andry are in Madagascar where Liam and Fisher learn of an island, said to have been a pirate stronghold once upon a time. Andry warns the pair off but decides to venture into the pirate cemetery, unaware of what awaits... The piracy element to this one was fun and I liked the real history which is involved in this story. It's a good story and I enjoyed it. Well written, intriguing, but I can't help but feel we could have had more to it. Feels like it could have been a bit slower paced and a tiny bit more added to it. Still good. 4/5
The Shell (Bret Laurie) --> The narrator finds a strange shell on the beach... It's hard to explain this one without absolutely ruining it. It's an interesting story to be sure, but I'm not 100% sure I get the end. Still good. 4/5
Island Nightmare (Nat Whitson) --> Opening with a distraught Eva on a beach, we flashback to Shauna and Eva, the newlyweds on honeymoon on the Island of Riveria Maya. But what secrets does the island hide?... The cold opening works very well I thought. Gives a sense of this won't be a happy tale. The approach to the island and how it differs from the guide builds intrigue. Plenty of mystery drives this one along very nicely and makes for a great story I think. But again, I was hungry for more. Conceptually it works well, very well, but I feel a tiny bit more was needed. 4.25/5
A Walk On The Beach (John Durgin) --> One evening, young Jack is strolling along the beach, avoiding his parents, when he comes across a cave but danger waits... A good fun story. Takes a pretty dark turn and definitely catches you off guard I think. I feel having a young character at the font and centre of this one works in its favour, given where it goes. I don't want to say too much but it is a very dark, fast-paced, gripping tale to be sure! 4.5/5
Babe (Wendy Dalrymple) --> Newly weds Layla and Danny are honeymooning in the Gulf of Mexico, but after a swim, Danny's ear starts to ache... A nice story again. It is quite quick paced and works well. It's nice, fun, and quicky paced. My only thing was I wish we had more to this, and there was more exploration / explanation as to what was up. Still good. 4.25/5
Nightmarchers (Chelsea Paravel) --> The narrator is getting married in Maui to their beloved Zoey in a beachside ceremony. They are warned not to spend too long on the beach as the Nightmarchers are said to be lying in wait... Another good fun story which gets progressively darker. I enjoyed it and the myth of the Nightmarchers was a cool element I felt. There is a degree of uncertainty to the plot which is really fun and you get a real sense of the paranoia and panicking. I'm not sure I get the ending, and felt more was needed. But again, another good one. 4.25/5
Sanguine Sunrise (Grace R. Reynolds) - He watches the waves crash over each other with her... I can't explain this without spoilers but it's a good 100 worder with a good and clever plot twist. 4/5
The Scorching (Leeroy Cross James) --> Sam (great first name) Curtis is on the road to a secret beach with his friends Vanessa, Scooter, Jarrod and Amanda. But what awaits on the beach?... It does have those classic slasher vibes to it initially which I liked. The mystery of the petrol station and that encounter builds intrigue around the story. It is a good fun paced story and pays homage to the classic slashers, with some brutal deaths! It's shocking, horrific, but really well done! 4.5/5
Memory Shots (Danielle Ramaekers) --> Ama is on holiday, and on the beach with her new friend Tom, and his Polaroid camera. He wants to take some photos, and she agrees. But what awaits them on a moonlit night?... Another good, fun, fast story. I liked the story, and I got memories of an old Goosebumps book coming back to the forefront of my mind. There's a bit of a twist to this one I think, and I'm not sure I totally get it, but I still liked this one. 4/5
Greetings From Trammel Beach (Scott Cole) --> Andrew, his partner Shannon, and kids Conor and Kayleigh, are on holiday on the island of Bellavista on a family holiday. The beach itself is nice, but soon after the family finds odd things happening... have some odd experiences... A nice slow burner again which plays on the family dynamic in a clever way, with everyone experiencing something different. I like how the story does have enough from everyone and plays out like that. It builds, and builds, and builds with twists, grotesque imagery, and a very unexpected turn. There's one thing I think we could have done with more towards the end to push this into a 5 star. But its another fun story! 4.5/5
The Price of Paradise (Jena Brown) --> The narrator, Cassie, Steve, Rex and Steph are on an island, travelling through the jungle to a secluded beach. When they get there, at first glance it looks like a lovely place. But dark secrets wait below the surface... The start is a bit odd, as I was wondering where the beach was, and then it came. It is a nice story and I enjoy the twists it takes, and the bold moves. It does feel like a Clive Barker inspired tale especially towards the end. 4.5/5
The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf (N.A. Battaglia) --> Sam (great name) is a journalist at Cedar Haven Sun Press, who's been sent to Cedar Cove to investigate the mysterious deaths of two people. They were ripped to shreds on a beach, but by what? And what is going on in Cedar Cove? ... What I appreciate about this one is that the opening is different and it does feel fresh, and original. The journalist angle does work well and makes for a good story. The murder on the beach, and that detail also is a nice touch I feel. Really adds to the dark imagery of the story. The move that comes part way through really caught me off guard. I didn't put two and two together really. The twist is complicated for me. On the one hand, I do like it and it serves as a nice plot device, but on the other, part of me hoped it would go a different way. It's still a fun story and I liked it. 4.5/5
The Honeymoon (Max Christmas) --> After a guest approaches them at their wedding, Tom and Rochelle find themselves on an idyllic island holiday. But life takes a dark turn... A good closing story. I genuinely thought it was going to go down a "Rosemary's Baby" route, because the theme of pregnancy was mentioned a lot initially. Again, like some of the previous stories, it starts slow, builds the mystery and keeps you interested. At times, it did feel a bit rigid, but it was still good. I don't know about this one in some regards. Yes, I did enjoy it, but also I felt more was needed? More explanation and bits. Still. Good. 4/5
Overall 4.25/5 for me. A lot of solid and talented story tellers in this one. Some old friends, some new faces, but all in all good stuff.Beach Bodies is available now, and there is an audio book too! Check it out too!
February 6, 2022
First, off, I'd give this a 3.5, but there are no half-star ratings. But consider my rating a 3.5.
Overall, the collection delivers much of what readers might expect in such a specific collection. That is, being all beach-based horror, you'll have eco-horror, local legends, etc. I was hoping to find more "it came from the deep" types, as well, but I get this was trying to stay on shore. However, that does mean a few of the stories have some overlap. If you're looking for exactly that arena, though, the stories are certainly on point and nothing felt shoehorned in.
Editing-wise, it feels pretty tight. No glaring spelling errors and (from my digital version) good layout.
Not all the stories were my cuppa, usually if they were a bit on the nose. Not everything has to be a mystery, but I'll admit, I tend to like some spec elements in my horror and nearly always welcome a twist. However, a few stood out.
"Aloha from Hell" by Damian Casey. Horror/comedy is hard to pull off, as is portraying a place as ambitious as Hell. However, it read very smoothly, and I enjoyed the twist ending as well as the few snapshot details about Hell itself.
"Babe" by Wendy Dalrymple did a great job of establishing character, and was a solid eco-horror addition.
"Red Sands" by Jay Alexander is just a really solid zombie story. Good mix of the macro and micro elements, as well as flashbacks and dual timelines.
Despite some action sequences that were a little hard to picture, "Memory Shots" by Danielle Ramaekers had some great speculative elements as well as establishing motive in the main character.
"Greetings from Trammel Beach" was another really solid eco-horror story, with just enough explanation to keep it interesting and not get bogged down with the whys and hows.
"The Price of Paradise" by Jena Brown was probably my favorite, with visceral detail, great clarity, and just a tightly written story. If you're looking for a nice "all the feels" horror story, don't skip this one.
Overall, the collection delivers much of what readers might expect in such a specific collection. That is, being all beach-based horror, you'll have eco-horror, local legends, etc. I was hoping to find more "it came from the deep" types, as well, but I get this was trying to stay on shore. However, that does mean a few of the stories have some overlap. If you're looking for exactly that arena, though, the stories are certainly on point and nothing felt shoehorned in.
Editing-wise, it feels pretty tight. No glaring spelling errors and (from my digital version) good layout.
Not all the stories were my cuppa, usually if they were a bit on the nose. Not everything has to be a mystery, but I'll admit, I tend to like some spec elements in my horror and nearly always welcome a twist. However, a few stood out.
"Aloha from Hell" by Damian Casey. Horror/comedy is hard to pull off, as is portraying a place as ambitious as Hell. However, it read very smoothly, and I enjoyed the twist ending as well as the few snapshot details about Hell itself.
"Babe" by Wendy Dalrymple did a great job of establishing character, and was a solid eco-horror addition.
"Red Sands" by Jay Alexander is just a really solid zombie story. Good mix of the macro and micro elements, as well as flashbacks and dual timelines.
Despite some action sequences that were a little hard to picture, "Memory Shots" by Danielle Ramaekers had some great speculative elements as well as establishing motive in the main character.
"Greetings from Trammel Beach" was another really solid eco-horror story, with just enough explanation to keep it interesting and not get bogged down with the whys and hows.
"The Price of Paradise" by Jena Brown was probably my favorite, with visceral detail, great clarity, and just a tightly written story. If you're looking for a nice "all the feels" horror story, don't skip this one.
June 27, 2022
I was a big fan of Slice of Paradise - DarkLit’s other collection of beach-inspired horror short stories - and so was keen to see what had prompted them to do a double album with Beach Bodies. Sadly, I felt this was a far weaker offering. I guess that’s the thing about beach holidays - all that sun, surf, sea and sand - is that sometimes you can overdo it, indulge a little *too* much, which I think is what might have happened here.
I should say that, when Beach Bodies hits, it is as good as Slice of Paradise. But most of this collection did very little for me, other than perhaps making me wish I’d headed into the mountains this time instead. For every story I enjoyed, there were a few that just left me cold.
But, I don’t want to linger too long on stuff I didn’t like. Rather, I want to shout about what I did enjoy; Fox Claret’s The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel was creepy with a cracking ending, Kelly Brocklehurst’s The Dive showed just how scary frogs and crabs can be, Nat Whiston’s Island Nightmare was gooey and all kinds of fun, Jay Alexander’s Red Sands wonderfully showed that you *can* include zombies in a beach story, while Leroy Cross James’s The Scorching was great - like a retelling of The Raft but with a flame-throwing psychopath.
However, there are two standouts I really wanted to high five. First, Scott Cole’s Greetings From Trammel Beach, which had a really clever concept behind it and was expertly done - I loved the idea of a random postcard, supposedly sent in error, could set you down such a terrible path. The other, was possibly the shortest thing in the collection - Sanguine Sunrise by Grace R Reynolds made my eyes bulge out in horror like I was in some sort of Tom and Jerry cartoon…all in just one page. Wonderful.
Huge credit has to go to DarkLit for giving more indie authors a chance to have their work published - and the amount of LGBTQ representation in this one was also excellent. But, for me at least, this one was dwarfed by its other half.
I should say that, when Beach Bodies hits, it is as good as Slice of Paradise. But most of this collection did very little for me, other than perhaps making me wish I’d headed into the mountains this time instead. For every story I enjoyed, there were a few that just left me cold.
But, I don’t want to linger too long on stuff I didn’t like. Rather, I want to shout about what I did enjoy; Fox Claret’s The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel was creepy with a cracking ending, Kelly Brocklehurst’s The Dive showed just how scary frogs and crabs can be, Nat Whiston’s Island Nightmare was gooey and all kinds of fun, Jay Alexander’s Red Sands wonderfully showed that you *can* include zombies in a beach story, while Leroy Cross James’s The Scorching was great - like a retelling of The Raft but with a flame-throwing psychopath.
However, there are two standouts I really wanted to high five. First, Scott Cole’s Greetings From Trammel Beach, which had a really clever concept behind it and was expertly done - I loved the idea of a random postcard, supposedly sent in error, could set you down such a terrible path. The other, was possibly the shortest thing in the collection - Sanguine Sunrise by Grace R Reynolds made my eyes bulge out in horror like I was in some sort of Tom and Jerry cartoon…all in just one page. Wonderful.
Huge credit has to go to DarkLit for giving more indie authors a chance to have their work published - and the amount of LGBTQ representation in this one was also excellent. But, for me at least, this one was dwarfed by its other half.
Read
September 1, 2022Full disclosure: this is one of two beach vacation horror anthologies that I edited for DarkLit Press. So while I played a role in this release, as a reader I also stand behind it as an entertaining and diverse collection of horror. I hope everyone enjoys this offering, and I appreciate DarkLit for allowing me to work on this project!
Anyone interested in reading Beach Bodies will be happy to know that this is just one of TWO beach vacation horror anthologies. Be sure to check out Slice of Paradise as well!
Add to TBR -> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Anyone interested in reading Beach Bodies will be happy to know that this is just one of TWO beach vacation horror anthologies. Be sure to check out Slice of Paradise as well!
Add to TBR -> https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
October 29, 2022
An interesting collection of horror tales that would put anyone off a beach vacation. A little uneven in quality, it's an entertaining read, good but not great.
April 17, 2022
In ancient times, the concept of what we call a vacation--those rejuvenating get-away-from-it-all excursions to exotic locales--existed solely for the upper echelons of society. The equivalent of upper-middle-class Roman elites popularized the notion of visiting far-flung areas of their Mediterranean empire for relaxation, and during the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance the nobility retreated to faraway countryside estates for extended leisure stays. Only in the nineteenth century, however, with the ascendancy of the true, widespread middle class and fostered by new and easier modes of transportation--railroads, steamboats, stagecoaches, the horseless carriage--did vacationing become available to the masses. In America, Florida, then California, established the first resorts to attract mass-tourism, and by the 1890’s, company-abetted vacations became the norm, allowing those early Clark Griswolds to indulge their adventurous spirits. Yet, as even the light-hearted National Lampoon films demonstrate, any excursion into the unknown, however well-intentioned, can be fraught with danger.
It’s with that in mind that DarkLit Press unveils Beach Bodies, an eighteen story, multi-author volume subtitled as 'A Beach Horror Vacation Anthology.' Released simultaneously with its equally admirable sister tome, Slice of Paradise, Beach Bodies turns a wary eye to the risks involved when one strays too far into uncharted territory, and the result is an impressive collection of top-tier terror from a stable of on-the-rise authors.
Damien Casey’s ‘Aloha From Hell’ offers an early dose of devilish humor, when a man and his wife discover their beachside resort lies beside the lake of eternal fire and brimstone. The mood blackens as a woman fights for her life after wildlife on an oceanic isle revolts against humans in ‘The Dive’, Kelly Brocklehurst’s supremely tense nail-biter. Something witchy this way comes on the ‘Soucouyant Shore’ in Ronaldo Katwaroo’s enticing examination of Caribbean folklore. A spelunking group of treasure-hunting thrill-seekers find shiver-me-timbers torment in Julie Sevens’ ‘Île aux Forbans’, an exciting romp that puts one in mind of a deadly, adult version of the ‘80’s classic, The Goonies, while a criminal forensic scientist and her wife have their intended Mexican honeymoon turned into a ghoulish ‘Island Nightmare’ in Nat Whiston’s intensely chilling piece. A youth out for ‘A Walk on the Beach’ in John Durgin’s macabre tale similarly stumbles into a cave populated by grotesque, flesh-hungry creatures eager for a boy-sized midnight snack.
The second half of the book is framed by startling samples of flash fiction, ‘The Shell’, Bret Laurie’s twisting ode to M.C. Escher, and Grace R. Reynolds’ eye-popping ‘Sanguine Sunrise’. The recently betrothed take center-stage in both Wendy Dalrymple’s ‘Babe’, a bloody bout of body horror concerning a husband who ventures too close to the tide against the better warnings of his soon-to-be-widowed bride, and Chelsea Paravel’s examination of the spectral Hawaiian ‘Nightmarchers’ who unleash grisly retribution upon an intrusive wedding party. An assault survivor discovers a most unusual camera that takes beastly photos in Danielle Ramaekers’ vengeful ‘Memory Shots’, while characters unable to leave the shore star in Scott Cole’s postcard-perfect surrealist nightmare, ‘Greetings From Trammel Beach’ as well as ‘The Price of Paradise’, Jena Brown’s grim hallucinogenic account of demonic appeasement.
Unlike its companion volume, Beach Bodies seems less continuously focused on relationships; the story selection by editors Andrew Robert and Ben Long instead sternly emphasize the transgression and trespasses into regions hidden and forbidden and, perhaps most vividly, on survival--entrapment, escape, and excitement coils around the reader at every twist and tumultuous turn. Yet this anthology’s central weakness, like that of Slice of Paradise, is one of repetition. Taken independently, each entry is vivacious with craft, engrossing protagonists and perilous suspense, but when administered as a whole vacation fatigue inevitably sets in, due more to the narrowness of the book’s theme than to any lack of narrative variety: every feasible (and some hitherto unheard of) horror scenario arises--ghosts and demons and cannibals, oh my!
That (extremely) minor quibble aside, there’s an abundance of rich, fast-paced and lively yarns available within these pages, yet five distinguish themselves from the herd by their unnerving inventiveness, storytelling charm and unerring ability to entertain even the most jaded genre fan. A couple on the rocks, their savvy kids, a bartender and a drunkard are the dramatis personae in Jay Alexander’s astoundingly enjoyable ‘Red Sands’, a sharply clever undead apocalypse scenario buttressed by a shrewd non-linear plot and bitingly witty dialogue. A group of friends heading to an out-of-the-way beach become prey to a vicious, flamethrower-wielding madman in Leeroy Cross James’ ‘The Scorching’, a story that would be perfectly at home as a feature film sharing triple bill with like-minded slashers My Bloody Valentine and The Burning. Similarly, an expectant newlywed wife and her husband are given passes to a million-dollar retreat for ‘The Honeymoon’, Max Christmas’s distressing slow-burn love letter to old-school mondo grindhouse exploitation flicks such as Make Them Die Slowly, Mountain of the Cannibal God and Cannibal Holocaust. ‘The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf’ by N.A. Battalgia offers a delightfully fun detective story that transposes a classic Universal monster to gorgeous island territory and conjures Kolchak, the Night Stalker vibes with its cryptid-chasing reporter leads. Yet by far the tale inducing the most palpable shivers is the very one that kicks off the volume: Fox Claret Hill’s outstandingly original ‘The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel’, a piece of label-defying bizarro shock that follows a couple discovering their resort is literally alive and ravenous for the meat of its guests. At once paranoid, frightful and heartbreaking, its plot seizes the audience’s throat and refuses to let go until the final, inescapable conclusion.
There’s little doubt that time spent lounging, whether on an unexplored foreign coast or poolside in your own back yard, can ease the mind and soothe the soul. But beware, brave travelers: terror can be a vacation destination, too, and for companionship on those more sinister journeys I readily recommend Beach Bodies. I’d also say DarkLit Press is off to a great start in this publishing gig. If they keep releasing books like this they'll be a major player one day.
It’s with that in mind that DarkLit Press unveils Beach Bodies, an eighteen story, multi-author volume subtitled as 'A Beach Horror Vacation Anthology.' Released simultaneously with its equally admirable sister tome, Slice of Paradise, Beach Bodies turns a wary eye to the risks involved when one strays too far into uncharted territory, and the result is an impressive collection of top-tier terror from a stable of on-the-rise authors.
Damien Casey’s ‘Aloha From Hell’ offers an early dose of devilish humor, when a man and his wife discover their beachside resort lies beside the lake of eternal fire and brimstone. The mood blackens as a woman fights for her life after wildlife on an oceanic isle revolts against humans in ‘The Dive’, Kelly Brocklehurst’s supremely tense nail-biter. Something witchy this way comes on the ‘Soucouyant Shore’ in Ronaldo Katwaroo’s enticing examination of Caribbean folklore. A spelunking group of treasure-hunting thrill-seekers find shiver-me-timbers torment in Julie Sevens’ ‘Île aux Forbans’, an exciting romp that puts one in mind of a deadly, adult version of the ‘80’s classic, The Goonies, while a criminal forensic scientist and her wife have their intended Mexican honeymoon turned into a ghoulish ‘Island Nightmare’ in Nat Whiston’s intensely chilling piece. A youth out for ‘A Walk on the Beach’ in John Durgin’s macabre tale similarly stumbles into a cave populated by grotesque, flesh-hungry creatures eager for a boy-sized midnight snack.
The second half of the book is framed by startling samples of flash fiction, ‘The Shell’, Bret Laurie’s twisting ode to M.C. Escher, and Grace R. Reynolds’ eye-popping ‘Sanguine Sunrise’. The recently betrothed take center-stage in both Wendy Dalrymple’s ‘Babe’, a bloody bout of body horror concerning a husband who ventures too close to the tide against the better warnings of his soon-to-be-widowed bride, and Chelsea Paravel’s examination of the spectral Hawaiian ‘Nightmarchers’ who unleash grisly retribution upon an intrusive wedding party. An assault survivor discovers a most unusual camera that takes beastly photos in Danielle Ramaekers’ vengeful ‘Memory Shots’, while characters unable to leave the shore star in Scott Cole’s postcard-perfect surrealist nightmare, ‘Greetings From Trammel Beach’ as well as ‘The Price of Paradise’, Jena Brown’s grim hallucinogenic account of demonic appeasement.
Unlike its companion volume, Beach Bodies seems less continuously focused on relationships; the story selection by editors Andrew Robert and Ben Long instead sternly emphasize the transgression and trespasses into regions hidden and forbidden and, perhaps most vividly, on survival--entrapment, escape, and excitement coils around the reader at every twist and tumultuous turn. Yet this anthology’s central weakness, like that of Slice of Paradise, is one of repetition. Taken independently, each entry is vivacious with craft, engrossing protagonists and perilous suspense, but when administered as a whole vacation fatigue inevitably sets in, due more to the narrowness of the book’s theme than to any lack of narrative variety: every feasible (and some hitherto unheard of) horror scenario arises--ghosts and demons and cannibals, oh my!
That (extremely) minor quibble aside, there’s an abundance of rich, fast-paced and lively yarns available within these pages, yet five distinguish themselves from the herd by their unnerving inventiveness, storytelling charm and unerring ability to entertain even the most jaded genre fan. A couple on the rocks, their savvy kids, a bartender and a drunkard are the dramatis personae in Jay Alexander’s astoundingly enjoyable ‘Red Sands’, a sharply clever undead apocalypse scenario buttressed by a shrewd non-linear plot and bitingly witty dialogue. A group of friends heading to an out-of-the-way beach become prey to a vicious, flamethrower-wielding madman in Leeroy Cross James’ ‘The Scorching’, a story that would be perfectly at home as a feature film sharing triple bill with like-minded slashers My Bloody Valentine and The Burning. Similarly, an expectant newlywed wife and her husband are given passes to a million-dollar retreat for ‘The Honeymoon’, Max Christmas’s distressing slow-burn love letter to old-school mondo grindhouse exploitation flicks such as Make Them Die Slowly, Mountain of the Cannibal God and Cannibal Holocaust. ‘The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf’ by N.A. Battalgia offers a delightfully fun detective story that transposes a classic Universal monster to gorgeous island territory and conjures Kolchak, the Night Stalker vibes with its cryptid-chasing reporter leads. Yet by far the tale inducing the most palpable shivers is the very one that kicks off the volume: Fox Claret Hill’s outstandingly original ‘The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel’, a piece of label-defying bizarro shock that follows a couple discovering their resort is literally alive and ravenous for the meat of its guests. At once paranoid, frightful and heartbreaking, its plot seizes the audience’s throat and refuses to let go until the final, inescapable conclusion.
There’s little doubt that time spent lounging, whether on an unexplored foreign coast or poolside in your own back yard, can ease the mind and soothe the soul. But beware, brave travelers: terror can be a vacation destination, too, and for companionship on those more sinister journeys I readily recommend Beach Bodies. I’d also say DarkLit Press is off to a great start in this publishing gig. If they keep releasing books like this they'll be a major player one day.
February 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this horror anthology. Not all of the stories were for me, but that's to be expected since an anthology needs variety and I would say there's something for just about every horror fan. My favorite entry was The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel, a creepy little story about weird hotel clerks, scary showers and glass bottom boat rides. If you're into zombie stories, Red Sands is great fun. Would definitely recommend this book.
March 31, 2022
A great follow-up to the companion anthology Slice of Paradise. Again, just reaffirming my worry about going on a beach holiday.
🔹️ The Flesh of the Golden Dune by Fox Claret Hill: It starts off unsuspecting, then leaps straight back into things with a really creepy hotel with a secret you just couldn't see coming.
🔹️ Aloha From Hell by Damien Casey: Good story that had me giggling at the imagery - loved the ending.
🔹️ The Dive by Kelly Brocklehurst: This was eerie as hell, it made me feel completely disorientated - plus I think frogs will now creep me out.
🔹️ Soucouyant Shore by Ronaldo Katwaroo: A haunting story with a great twist.
🔹️ Île Aux Forbans by Julie Sevens: Why do people do silly things - I'd be refusing to go (though it would mean I'd avoid the dead pirates).
🔹️ The Shell by Bret Laurie: A 100 word short with beautiful imagery.
🔹️ Island Nightmare by Nat Whiston: Utterly harrowing. The first paragraph gets you going, then goes back to the start and gives you the slow build-up. I swear I could hear the screams, then those last few sentences...
🔹️ A Walk on the Beach by John Durgin: I felt sorry for Jack with his parents, but don't go investigating! Just when you think you've escaped...
🔹️ Babe by Wendy Dalrymple: The horror as this slowly developed; I could picture and feel everything - time to go home.
🔹️ Red Sands by Jay Alexander: So much happened in this story on top of the horror element. Numerous characters, each with their own issues - I wanted it to keep going. I was routing for the kids too.
🔹️ Nightmarchers by Chelsea Paravel: It starts so nicely (with a wedding) that ends so abruptly. Maybe don't ignore legends. I'm still not convinced Zoey was joking at the end either.
🔹️ Sanguine Sunrise by Grace R. Reynolds: A 100 word short that twists your perception perfectly.
🔹️ The Scorching by Leeroy Cross James: I feel like this would make a great horror movie - I had Cabin in the Woods vibes at the petrol station. I'd love to know if Jarrod's brother knew.
🔹️ Memory Shots by Danielle Ramaekers: I loved this with the hint of more to Ana's backstory. It gave me slight Goosebumps flashes too.
🔹️ Greeting From Trammel Beach by Scott Cole: This is the story that keeps on giving - just when you think you've reached the peak terror, there's more in store!
🔹️ The Price of Paradise by Jena Brown: Beautifully written even through the horror, it almost makes me want to visit, almost.
🔹️ The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf by N.A. Battaglia: I could see how things would turn out once I'd got a little way into the story, but go Jenny!
🔹️ The Honeymoon by Max Christmas: What a finale; I wonder how much the uncle knew? It was such a beautiful island, but I can picture the lonely boat now...
🔹️ The Flesh of the Golden Dune by Fox Claret Hill: It starts off unsuspecting, then leaps straight back into things with a really creepy hotel with a secret you just couldn't see coming.
🔹️ Aloha From Hell by Damien Casey: Good story that had me giggling at the imagery - loved the ending.
🔹️ The Dive by Kelly Brocklehurst: This was eerie as hell, it made me feel completely disorientated - plus I think frogs will now creep me out.
🔹️ Soucouyant Shore by Ronaldo Katwaroo: A haunting story with a great twist.
🔹️ Île Aux Forbans by Julie Sevens: Why do people do silly things - I'd be refusing to go (though it would mean I'd avoid the dead pirates).
🔹️ The Shell by Bret Laurie: A 100 word short with beautiful imagery.
🔹️ Island Nightmare by Nat Whiston: Utterly harrowing. The first paragraph gets you going, then goes back to the start and gives you the slow build-up. I swear I could hear the screams, then those last few sentences...
🔹️ A Walk on the Beach by John Durgin: I felt sorry for Jack with his parents, but don't go investigating! Just when you think you've escaped...
🔹️ Babe by Wendy Dalrymple: The horror as this slowly developed; I could picture and feel everything - time to go home.
🔹️ Red Sands by Jay Alexander: So much happened in this story on top of the horror element. Numerous characters, each with their own issues - I wanted it to keep going. I was routing for the kids too.
🔹️ Nightmarchers by Chelsea Paravel: It starts so nicely (with a wedding) that ends so abruptly. Maybe don't ignore legends. I'm still not convinced Zoey was joking at the end either.
🔹️ Sanguine Sunrise by Grace R. Reynolds: A 100 word short that twists your perception perfectly.
🔹️ The Scorching by Leeroy Cross James: I feel like this would make a great horror movie - I had Cabin in the Woods vibes at the petrol station. I'd love to know if Jarrod's brother knew.
🔹️ Memory Shots by Danielle Ramaekers: I loved this with the hint of more to Ana's backstory. It gave me slight Goosebumps flashes too.
🔹️ Greeting From Trammel Beach by Scott Cole: This is the story that keeps on giving - just when you think you've reached the peak terror, there's more in store!
🔹️ The Price of Paradise by Jena Brown: Beautifully written even through the horror, it almost makes me want to visit, almost.
🔹️ The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf by N.A. Battaglia: I could see how things would turn out once I'd got a little way into the story, but go Jenny!
🔹️ The Honeymoon by Max Christmas: What a finale; I wonder how much the uncle knew? It was such a beautiful island, but I can picture the lonely boat now...
February 17, 2022
I had the privilege of reading early access copies of these exciting anthologies from @darklitpress
One of the things I love about anthologies is the melding of different voices into a well rounded vision. Both of these collections carried this well, holding the overall theme while still allowing for unique voices. You can tell when an anthology has passion in its purpose and these absolutely had that.
The stories themselves are horror holidays, baneful beaches, and create waves of suspense and terrifying imagery. I will be thinking twice about my next beach walk...
I highly recommend these anthologies for a look into the indie horror community and I look forward to seeing more from this press.
One of the things I love about anthologies is the melding of different voices into a well rounded vision. Both of these collections carried this well, holding the overall theme while still allowing for unique voices. You can tell when an anthology has passion in its purpose and these absolutely had that.
The stories themselves are horror holidays, baneful beaches, and create waves of suspense and terrifying imagery. I will be thinking twice about my next beach walk...
I highly recommend these anthologies for a look into the indie horror community and I look forward to seeing more from this press.
August 3, 2023
Quality varied quite a bit here, with many of the stories having sort of an amateurish feel. There was also a feeling of sameness that pervaded most of these, with a couple of exceptions. Aloha From Hell was one of those - very creative. The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel was also pretty interesting and kept me guessing.
February 7, 2024
Beaches
This collection of short stories btw variety of authors has a beach theme... Specifically, the horrors that happen to decent around different beach areas.
I enjoyed every single story in this book. Unusual.
Uh..I won't be going to the beach anytime soon!!!
This collection of short stories btw variety of authors has a beach theme... Specifically, the horrors that happen to decent around different beach areas.
I enjoyed every single story in this book. Unusual.
Uh..I won't be going to the beach anytime soon!!!
February 24, 2022
Beach Bodies is another collection of horror short stories by DarkLit Press. There must have been so many good submissions for the beach/vacation themed call that it had to be broken up into two volumes.
After reading Beach Bodies, it's easy to see why that call was made. There were so many great stories in this one as well.
From Zombies, to werewolves, to couples trapped in a private getaway turned to a free-for-all battle royale.
A Walk on the Beach by John Durgin made my skin crawl. Our main character is going for a walk on the beach when he stumbles across a private BBQ.
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple was a tale of caution about the gulf of Mexico. As a Texan I can whole heartedly agree that it's some nasty water and you shouldn't go out in it. There has to be a reason that every other beach I've ever visited the water looked nothing like it does here, lol.
Definitely an anthology that you will want to check out and an indie publishing house to keep your eye on.
After reading Beach Bodies, it's easy to see why that call was made. There were so many great stories in this one as well.
From Zombies, to werewolves, to couples trapped in a private getaway turned to a free-for-all battle royale.
A Walk on the Beach by John Durgin made my skin crawl. Our main character is going for a walk on the beach when he stumbles across a private BBQ.
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple was a tale of caution about the gulf of Mexico. As a Texan I can whole heartedly agree that it's some nasty water and you shouldn't go out in it. There has to be a reason that every other beach I've ever visited the water looked nothing like it does here, lol.
Definitely an anthology that you will want to check out and an indie publishing house to keep your eye on.
August 7, 2023
BEACH BODIES - A Beach Vacation Horror Anthology – Edited by Andrew Robert and Ben Long
Eighteen Short Stories
The Following Are My Favorites:
‘The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel’ – by Fox Claret Hill – Love This One!
‘Aloha From Hell’ - by Damien Casey – Hahahaha, that was fun!
‘The Shell’ - by Bret Laurie
‘A Walk on the Beach’ - by John Durgin
‘Red Sands’ – by Jay Alexander – Love This One!
‘Nightmarchers’ – by Chelsea Paravel – Wow, I was not expecting that ending!
‘Sanguine Sunrise’ – by Grace R. Reynolds – Short and Creepy
‘Memory Shots’ – by Danielle Ramaekers – Love This One!
‘Greetings from Trammel Beach’ – by Scott Cole – Love This One!
‘The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf’ – by N.A. Battaglia – Love This One!
‘The Honeymoon’ – by Max Christmas – That Was Good!
Thank you, DarkLit Press, for providing me with an eBook of BEACH BODIES at the request of an honest review.
Eighteen Short Stories
The Following Are My Favorites:
‘The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel’ – by Fox Claret Hill – Love This One!
‘Aloha From Hell’ - by Damien Casey – Hahahaha, that was fun!
‘The Shell’ - by Bret Laurie
‘A Walk on the Beach’ - by John Durgin
‘Red Sands’ – by Jay Alexander – Love This One!
‘Nightmarchers’ – by Chelsea Paravel – Wow, I was not expecting that ending!
‘Sanguine Sunrise’ – by Grace R. Reynolds – Short and Creepy
‘Memory Shots’ – by Danielle Ramaekers – Love This One!
‘Greetings from Trammel Beach’ – by Scott Cole – Love This One!
‘The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf’ – by N.A. Battaglia – Love This One!
‘The Honeymoon’ – by Max Christmas – That Was Good!
Thank you, DarkLit Press, for providing me with an eBook of BEACH BODIES at the request of an honest review.
June 30, 2022
The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel by Fox Claret Hill 4*
Aloha from Hell by Damian Casey 3*
The Dive by Kelly Brocklehurst 5*
Soucouyant Shore by Ronald Katwaroo 2*
Ile Aux Forbans by Julie Sevens 3*
The Shell by Bret Laurie 2*
Island Nightmare by Nat Whiston 5*
A Walk on the Beach by John Durgin 3*
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple 4*
Red Sands by Jay Alexander 5*
Nightmarchers by Chelsea Paravel 4*
Sanguine Sunrise by Grace R. Reynolds 2*
The Scorching by Leeroy Cross James 4*
Memory Shots by Danielle Ramaekers 4*
Greetings from Trammel Beach by Scott Cole 4*
The Price of Paradise by Jena Brown 4*
The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf by N A Battaglia 4*
The Honeymoon by Max Christmas 4*
Aloha from Hell by Damian Casey 3*
The Dive by Kelly Brocklehurst 5*
Soucouyant Shore by Ronald Katwaroo 2*
Ile Aux Forbans by Julie Sevens 3*
The Shell by Bret Laurie 2*
Island Nightmare by Nat Whiston 5*
A Walk on the Beach by John Durgin 3*
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple 4*
Red Sands by Jay Alexander 5*
Nightmarchers by Chelsea Paravel 4*
Sanguine Sunrise by Grace R. Reynolds 2*
The Scorching by Leeroy Cross James 4*
Memory Shots by Danielle Ramaekers 4*
Greetings from Trammel Beach by Scott Cole 4*
The Price of Paradise by Jena Brown 4*
The Cedar Haven Sun Werewolf by N A Battaglia 4*
The Honeymoon by Max Christmas 4*
September 16, 2022
I originally picked up Beach Bodies because Wendy Dalrymple has a short story in this collection, and because I really love horror with tropical vibes. Both of those factors exceeded my expectations, plus I got to experience a plethora of great, original stories.
This anthology has all of my favorite things about indie horror: unique stories, diverse characters, and a lot of wtf moments. As with any short story collection, there were some that I loved, and some that weren't my cup of tea, but overall it's a really fun read. I recommend it next time you're in the mood for some spooky beachy vibes!
This anthology has all of my favorite things about indie horror: unique stories, diverse characters, and a lot of wtf moments. As with any short story collection, there were some that I loved, and some that weren't my cup of tea, but overall it's a really fun read. I recommend it next time you're in the mood for some spooky beachy vibes!
May 10, 2022
Reading this made me miss going on beach holidays.
Although a few seemed a bit repetitive, my personal favourite is Misery Gut by Craig Wallwork. Just... Ewwwwwwwkkkkk.
Many thanks to Andrew from DarkLit Press for the ARC... I really enjoyed this gruesome collection! Sandy paradise, here I come! Or is it actually hell?
Although a few seemed a bit repetitive, my personal favourite is Misery Gut by Craig Wallwork. Just... Ewwwwwwwkkkkk.
Many thanks to Andrew from DarkLit Press for the ARC... I really enjoyed this gruesome collection! Sandy paradise, here I come! Or is it actually hell?
February 19, 2022
Very fun horror anthology. Some truly great stories in here. Lots of variety and different takes. All the stories are inclusive. Everything from supernatural to real world horror and everything in between.
March 16, 2022
I thought this was fantastic. I really enjoyed each story, some more than others, but there is something good to be found in each one.
Aloha from Hell was my favourite, a story that manages to be both horrific and darkly funny at the same time.
Aloha from Hell was my favourite, a story that manages to be both horrific and darkly funny at the same time.
October 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this collection of stories. I loved some a little more than others. I really loved Aloha from Hell by Damien Casey, it reminded me of the stories on Tales from the crypt keeper. Definitely would like to read more from him!
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February 28, 2022oops review for Slice of Paradise incorrectly added here. Brain is dead. reading this one soon.
March 4, 2022
Giant crabs attack divers. A Caribbean vacation takes a turn. These and other tales to chill your bones. Amazing authors a trip to the beach will not seem safe anymore.
July 27, 2025
Short story collections are very hard to rate there are always stories that are stand outs and others that just don't resonate with you. This one also adds in the difficulties of having a theme which makes a lot of these stories start to feel repetitive. While the stories have different styles and voices I often found myself thinking didn't I just read this? That being said, I think this one was well edited and structured. I decided to give this one 4 stars because I enjoyed, even loved, more of the stories than I didn't, but the lack of variation in a lot of the stories left me a bit bored and wishing for something new. There were quite a few stories that led me to seeking out more work by some of the authors which I think is one of the best parts about reading a collection.
Some of my favorites from this collection are:
The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel by Fox Claret Hill a story that further proves that I'm right to not let someone else pick the hotel for our vacations.
Aloha From Hell by Damien Casey I agree that hell is definitely a place that would bring you hot Pepsi when you asked for cold Coke.
The Dive by Kelly Brockelhurst Nature is terrifying and maybe staying home is the best option.
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple This is why we don't ignore safety signs on the beach!!
Nightmarchers by Chelsea Paravel Nothing funny to say about this one I've always been fascinated by the Hawaiian legend of the Night Marchers and getting to read a story about them was unexpected and amazing.
Memory Shots by Danielle Ramaekers A picture is worth a thousand words... Camera themed horror stories are always a favorite of mine.
Greetings From Trammel Beach by Scott Cole MY FAVORITE STORY!
This one had a really fun twist and I LOVED it.
Some of my favorites from this collection are:
The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel by Fox Claret Hill a story that further proves that I'm right to not let someone else pick the hotel for our vacations.
Aloha From Hell by Damien Casey I agree that hell is definitely a place that would bring you hot Pepsi when you asked for cold Coke.
The Dive by Kelly Brockelhurst Nature is terrifying and maybe staying home is the best option.
Babe by Wendy Dalrymple This is why we don't ignore safety signs on the beach!!
Nightmarchers by Chelsea Paravel Nothing funny to say about this one I've always been fascinated by the Hawaiian legend of the Night Marchers and getting to read a story about them was unexpected and amazing.
Memory Shots by Danielle Ramaekers A picture is worth a thousand words... Camera themed horror stories are always a favorite of mine.
Greetings From Trammel Beach by Scott Cole MY FAVORITE STORY!
This one had a really fun twist and I LOVED it.
February 11, 2023
“I pressed my ear against the wall of the shell, listening to the waves outside, the children laughing.”
Beach Bodies is a horror anthology by amazing talented authors, the stories are centered around the beach.
I really loved these stories all of them was so well written and unique. After you read them you definitely don’t want to go to the beach for a while.
Highly recommend this amazing anthology!
My two favorites were:
- The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel by Fox Claret Hill
- Greetings from Trammel Beach by Scott Cole
Beach Bodies is a horror anthology by amazing talented authors, the stories are centered around the beach.
I really loved these stories all of them was so well written and unique. After you read them you definitely don’t want to go to the beach for a while.
Highly recommend this amazing anthology!
My two favorites were:
- The Flesh of the Golden Dune Hotel by Fox Claret Hill
- Greetings from Trammel Beach by Scott Cole
July 9, 2024
3.75 overall.
the flesh of the golden dune hotel - 4.25 stars
aloha from hell - 4 stars
the dive - 3.75 stars
soucoyant shore - 3.25 stars
île aux forbans - 4 stars
the shell - 3.5 stars
island nightmare - 3 stars
red sands - 4.25 stars
nightmarchers - 4 stars
sanguine sunrise - 3.75 stars
the scorching - 4 stars
memory shots - 3.5 stars
greetings from trammel beach - 4 stars
the cedar haven sun werewolf - 4 stars
the honeymoon - 4 stars
the flesh of the golden dune hotel - 4.25 stars
aloha from hell - 4 stars
the dive - 3.75 stars
soucoyant shore - 3.25 stars
île aux forbans - 4 stars
the shell - 3.5 stars
island nightmare - 3 stars
red sands - 4.25 stars
nightmarchers - 4 stars
sanguine sunrise - 3.75 stars
the scorching - 4 stars
memory shots - 3.5 stars
greetings from trammel beach - 4 stars
the cedar haven sun werewolf - 4 stars
the honeymoon - 4 stars
June 21, 2022
Do not go to the beach
I loved every story in this book, they all freaked me out and were very well written to be scary as hell! I am going to Key Largo next week and now this is going to be in my head at the beach and the hotel!
I loved every story in this book, they all freaked me out and were very well written to be scary as hell! I am going to Key Largo next week and now this is going to be in my head at the beach and the hotel!
April 28, 2022
Really solid collection. Perfect beach read!
May 16, 2022
Solid anthology with some real stand outs I was thinking about weeks after!
June 12, 2022
Very mixed. Some stories are... Not good. But bonus for lots of LGBTQ characters.
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