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Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind
Whether in an old weathered mine shaft, somewhere off the beaten path, out in the woods, or right here in the middle of this ghost town, danger awaits. We’re going to take you way back, drop you right smack dab in the middle of the Old West at its finest. But we’re not just going to give you shootouts and bullet wounds and blood splatter. Yes, those things are prominently featured, but there’s so much more to this anthology of western horror.
Maybe it’s a well-known creature popping in for a visit, or some new creepy crawly monster sucking out your soul, we’re going to turn the Old West inside-out and explore its guts to the fullest. There are new adventures to be had, monsters both familiar and unfamiliar to be thwarted… And we’re not always going to be the victors. Life in the Old West is hard, trying at its best, and it can wear you down quick.
So, prepare yourself to be transported back in time. Get yourself up on that rickety stagecoach, draw your guns, and let’s get going. There’s vast territory to cover here, and your journey begins now.
Maybe it’s a well-known creature popping in for a visit, or some new creepy crawly monster sucking out your soul, we’re going to turn the Old West inside-out and explore its guts to the fullest. There are new adventures to be had, monsters both familiar and unfamiliar to be thwarted… And we’re not always going to be the victors. Life in the Old West is hard, trying at its best, and it can wear you down quick.
So, prepare yourself to be transported back in time. Get yourself up on that rickety stagecoach, draw your guns, and let’s get going. There’s vast territory to cover here, and your journey begins now.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
16 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth W. Cain
98 books217 followersKenneth W. Cain first got the itch for storytelling during his formative years in the suburbs of Chicago, where he got to listen to his grandfather spin tales by the glow of a barrel fire. But it was a reading of Baba Yaga that grew his desire for dark fiction. Shows like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and One Step Beyond furthered that sense of wonder for the unknown, and he’s been writing ever since.
Cain is the author of The Saga of I trilogy, United States of the Dead, the short story collections These Old Tales and Fresh Cut Tales, and the forthcoming Embers: A Collection of Dark Fiction. Writing, reading, fine art, graphic design, and Cardinals baseball are but a few of his passions. Cain now resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.
Cain is the author of The Saga of I trilogy, United States of the Dead, the short story collections These Old Tales and Fresh Cut Tales, and the forthcoming Embers: A Collection of Dark Fiction. Writing, reading, fine art, graphic design, and Cardinals baseball are but a few of his passions. Cain now resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 17, 2023
Who would have thought that I'd enjoy Western based horror? Not me, that's for sure. I'm far from being a fan of westerns.
A good variety of stories ranging from the horror staples of werewolves, vampires and spirits, and onto even more niche and obscure topics.
All are written well and the book as a whole is presented beautifully with plenty of variation from story to story.
The only drawback as with many anthologies is that I felt there were a couple of stories that were not up to the standard of the others.
Well worth checking out if you're a horror fan and maybe even if you are not.
I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A good variety of stories ranging from the horror staples of werewolves, vampires and spirits, and onto even more niche and obscure topics.
All are written well and the book as a whole is presented beautifully with plenty of variation from story to story.
The only drawback as with many anthologies is that I felt there were a couple of stories that were not up to the standard of the others.
Well worth checking out if you're a horror fan and maybe even if you are not.
I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2022
this was my first time reading a horror westerns short story collection. overall it was fine, some stories were better than the others and sad to say 6 stories i dnfed 💀 either because of the writing style i couldn’t for the life of me continue with or there was a story that was particularly trigging because of animal abuse. BUT i did however have 2 five star stories and 2 four star stories. i’m not sure i’d recommend reading this overall just for the 4 really good ones that i personally enjoyed.
my favourite stories from this collection:
« As Long as You Feed by David Niall Wilson. 5⭐️
« Trade Secrets by Brennan LaFaro. 5⭐️
« The Good Doctor by Nick Kolakowski. 4⭐️
« The Patchwork Man by Ben Monroe. 4⭐️
i recommend reading this only if you really like paranormal westerns horror genre.
all of the ratings:
“crimson noon” — 2⭐️
“the good doctor” — 4⭐️
“sundown showdown” — 2.5⭐️
“the werechrist” — 3⭐️
“ballad of the overeager gun” — dnf
“the owl witch of the comancheria” — dnf
“ada” — 3.5⭐️
“hands” — dnf
“as long as you feed” — 5⭐️
“costumed mouth” — 3⭐️
“trade secrets” — 5⭐️
“i have seen the elephant” — dnf
“boneweaver” — dnf
“the wound is covered” — dnf
“suffer no harm” — 3.5⭐️
“ghost festival in the desert” — 3⭐️
“the patchwork man” — 4⭐️
“voodoo higgies” — 3⭐️
my favourite stories from this collection:
« As Long as You Feed by David Niall Wilson. 5⭐️
« Trade Secrets by Brennan LaFaro. 5⭐️
« The Good Doctor by Nick Kolakowski. 4⭐️
« The Patchwork Man by Ben Monroe. 4⭐️
i recommend reading this only if you really like paranormal westerns horror genre.
all of the ratings:
“crimson noon” — 2⭐️
“the good doctor” — 4⭐️
“sundown showdown” — 2.5⭐️
“the werechrist” — 3⭐️
“ballad of the overeager gun” — dnf
“the owl witch of the comancheria” — dnf
“ada” — 3.5⭐️
“hands” — dnf
“as long as you feed” — 5⭐️
“costumed mouth” — 3⭐️
“trade secrets” — 5⭐️
“i have seen the elephant” — dnf
“boneweaver” — dnf
“the wound is covered” — dnf
“suffer no harm” — 3.5⭐️
“ghost festival in the desert” — 3⭐️
“the patchwork man” — 4⭐️
“voodoo higgies” — 3⭐️
March 10, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5
Weather in an old weathered mine shaft, somewhere off the beaten path, out in the woods, or right here in the middle of this ghost town, danger awaits. We’re going to take you way back, drop you right smack dab in the middle of the Old West at its finest. But we’re not just going to give you shootouts and bullet wounds and blood splatter. Yes, those things are prominently featured, but there’s so much more to this anthology of western horror. Maybe it’s a well-known creature popping in for a visit, or some new creepy crawly monster sucking out your soul, we’re going to turn the Old West inside-out and explore its guts to the fullest. There are new adventures to be had, monsters both familiar and unfamiliar to be thwarted… And we’re not always going to be the victors. Life in the Old West is hard, trying at its best, and it can wear you down quick. So, prepare yourself to be transported back in time. Get yourself up on that rickety stagecoach, draw your guns, and let’s get going. There’s vast territory to cover here, and your journey begins now.
Never did I think I would see the day that I enjoyed anything remotely to do with a western. But… that day has come. This collection of short stories left me wanting more because I just devoured each story one after the other and they were all brilliant in their own right. Many of them left me wishing they were full blown novels because Cain had created such interesting characters and storylines. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of their work in the future.
Weather in an old weathered mine shaft, somewhere off the beaten path, out in the woods, or right here in the middle of this ghost town, danger awaits. We’re going to take you way back, drop you right smack dab in the middle of the Old West at its finest. But we’re not just going to give you shootouts and bullet wounds and blood splatter. Yes, those things are prominently featured, but there’s so much more to this anthology of western horror. Maybe it’s a well-known creature popping in for a visit, or some new creepy crawly monster sucking out your soul, we’re going to turn the Old West inside-out and explore its guts to the fullest. There are new adventures to be had, monsters both familiar and unfamiliar to be thwarted… And we’re not always going to be the victors. Life in the Old West is hard, trying at its best, and it can wear you down quick. So, prepare yourself to be transported back in time. Get yourself up on that rickety stagecoach, draw your guns, and let’s get going. There’s vast territory to cover here, and your journey begins now.
Never did I think I would see the day that I enjoyed anything remotely to do with a western. But… that day has come. This collection of short stories left me wanting more because I just devoured each story one after the other and they were all brilliant in their own right. Many of them left me wishing they were full blown novels because Cain had created such interesting characters and storylines. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of their work in the future.
August 20, 2025
This story collection is for those like me who love wacky paranormal westerns. From talking weapons to reanimated dead people to ghost towns that still look like people live there. I thought I had seen it all when it came to paranormal westerns but this book has proved me wrong. I absolutely adored this book and couldn’t get enough of that and hope the authors finds it agreeable to write another book like this. I will be honest and say I had never heard of A couple of the authors in this book but I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from them in the future. If you’re looking for a short story horror collection with great imagination and funny plots you definitely need to read this book I am not steering you wrong when I say this is a great book. I want to thank the publisher Annette galley for my arc copy I am leaving this review voluntarily and please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 9, 2022
This anthology from Brigids Gate Press is true to its premise - it is all horror, from talented authors, set in the dusty deserts and plains in the long-since-passed American west of our dreams, where the buffalo roam and cowboys travel from town to town, where monsters lurk in canyons and woods and something unknown sings in the night.
I enjoyed this anthology, but I do think certain stories were stronger than others. Some of the standouts, for me, were "Crimson Noon," because I love a good zombie-monster story and I need more of ; "Ballad of the Overeager Gun" for sheer authorial balls, humor, and Papi's absolute over-the-top insanity; "Ada" for centering the human element of horror and for the potential that Ada and her vaquero meet again; "Boneweaver" because I need to know what happens next and I love some good, dark magic; and "The Wound is Covered," as a where the horrors of American colonialism and imperialism and the acts of genocide committed against the Indigenous peoples of the United States comes to a fitting and absolutely justified head as a woman gets her revenge on General George Wright, pun somewhat intended.
Like I said, I liked this anthology a lot - the standouts were great, but a few clinkers caused me to knock a star off my whole review, and also because, while I liked them, none of them really moved me in a meaningful way? They were enjoyable, and spooky, and the anthology was everything it said it was, but none of it made me go, "Wow," Owen Wilson-style. There was no softly-whispered "holy shit" moment, although I was interested in devouring this book to see what the next story entailed.
It was good. It was enjoyable. I liked it - it has some hits and some misses story-wise, but I'd recommend reading it, even if you don't end up purchasing it for your collection. The good stories in this anthology are good, and I wouldn't want to miss out on those just because you might be worried you won't like everything. Take a look at it!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed this anthology, but I do think certain stories were stronger than others. Some of the standouts, for me, were "Crimson Noon," because I love a good zombie-monster story and I need more of ; "Ballad of the Overeager Gun" for sheer authorial balls, humor, and Papi's absolute over-the-top insanity; "Ada" for centering the human element of horror and for the potential that Ada and her vaquero meet again; "Boneweaver" because I need to know what happens next and I love some good, dark magic; and "The Wound is Covered," as a where the horrors of American colonialism and imperialism and the acts of genocide committed against the Indigenous peoples of the United States comes to a fitting and absolutely justified head as a woman gets her revenge on General George Wright, pun somewhat intended.
Like I said, I liked this anthology a lot - the standouts were great, but a few clinkers caused me to knock a star off my whole review, and also because, while I liked them, none of them really moved me in a meaningful way? They were enjoyable, and spooky, and the anthology was everything it said it was, but none of it made me go, "Wow," Owen Wilson-style. There was no softly-whispered "holy shit" moment, although I was interested in devouring this book to see what the next story entailed.
It was good. It was enjoyable. I liked it - it has some hits and some misses story-wise, but I'd recommend reading it, even if you don't end up purchasing it for your collection. The good stories in this anthology are good, and I wouldn't want to miss out on those just because you might be worried you won't like everything. Take a look at it!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 12, 2023
“She seemed to smile for a moment before her pale blue irises sucked into her head, leaving two black holes from which a pair of dirty hands leapt forward and scratched at his face.”
Surprisingly, this isn’t the first Western Horror I’ve read (there’s even Western Bizarro & Splatter out there in the world), but it is the first short story anthology in this genre I’ve come across.
From a bleak and eerie cover, we jump right into an introduction by the esteemed Ronald Kelly. Then the stories begin…
It was hard to pick favourites, but some did stand out to me:
The Good Doctor: I loved the twist at the end of the story! What a cool concept for a classic story.
Hands: Creepy as hell and what a bizarre horror that would be to witness.
Suffer No Harm: I love that the women were able to take back their power from the corrupt Sheriff and his posse. The author should write a novella or story about Renee Rattlesnake, I’d love to know her history.
I loved the majority of this anthology; from hyper sexual talking guns, to bone creatures, to some classic “monsters” showing up, it was a fantastic collection.
Thank you to the Authors, Editor Kenneth Cain, NetGalley, and Brigids Gate Press for a copy!
Surprisingly, this isn’t the first Western Horror I’ve read (there’s even Western Bizarro & Splatter out there in the world), but it is the first short story anthology in this genre I’ve come across.
From a bleak and eerie cover, we jump right into an introduction by the esteemed Ronald Kelly. Then the stories begin…
It was hard to pick favourites, but some did stand out to me:
The Good Doctor: I loved the twist at the end of the story! What a cool concept for a classic story.
Hands: Creepy as hell and what a bizarre horror that would be to witness.
Suffer No Harm: I love that the women were able to take back their power from the corrupt Sheriff and his posse. The author should write a novella or story about Renee Rattlesnake, I’d love to know her history.
I loved the majority of this anthology; from hyper sexual talking guns, to bone creatures, to some classic “monsters” showing up, it was a fantastic collection.
Thank you to the Authors, Editor Kenneth Cain, NetGalley, and Brigids Gate Press for a copy!
September 24, 2023
I honestly didn’t like this book! I tried to get through it but I just couldn’t. The story just wasn’t for me
September 14, 2022
Horror Westerns? A genre I didn't know I needed in my life! I loved these stories so much. Each story had such satisfying twists, and I couldn't get enough. The gritty characters and settings were just so entertaining.
I loved The Good Doctor; it was one of my favorites. The western take on Frankenstein was brilliant. Each story only got better as I flew through this anthology. This anthology delivers on gore and suspense, and I will definitely be looking forward to more from Kenneth. W. Cain. Honestly, I will be looking forward to reading more horror westerns and I can thank this author for introducing me to a new genre that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved The Good Doctor; it was one of my favorites. The western take on Frankenstein was brilliant. Each story only got better as I flew through this anthology. This anthology delivers on gore and suspense, and I will definitely be looking forward to more from Kenneth. W. Cain. Honestly, I will be looking forward to reading more horror westerns and I can thank this author for introducing me to a new genre that I thoroughly enjoyed.
September 15, 2022
This is not a book to read at night. Firstly, because it will keep you up into the small hours, reading story after blood-drenched story, agog to see what new fiends its insanely inspired contributors can dream up next. Secondly, if and when you do get to sleep, the nightmares will make you wish you were awake. But if you have a strong stomach and nerves of steel, I highly recommend this gore-fest of an anthology.
September 21, 2022
Review Copy
BLOOD IN THE SOIL, TERROR IN THE WIND. What a great title! Sure grabbed my attention. Then I saw then Kenneth Cain was editing this anthology. That checked another box for me. He's edited several of my favorite anthologies. Look inside...Chad Lutzke is reason enough to read this book, and Cain placed his story at the end telling everything I need to know about that story.
Now, Chad Lutzke's story isn't the only great story in this Western Horror collection. But it is a mixed bag. There were a couple that just didn't do it for me and many I really liked.
Have some fun and pick this one up now.
BLOOD IN THE SOIL, TERROR IN THE WIND. What a great title! Sure grabbed my attention. Then I saw then Kenneth Cain was editing this anthology. That checked another box for me. He's edited several of my favorite anthologies. Look inside...Chad Lutzke is reason enough to read this book, and Cain placed his story at the end telling everything I need to know about that story.
Now, Chad Lutzke's story isn't the only great story in this Western Horror collection. But it is a mixed bag. There were a couple that just didn't do it for me and many I really liked.
Have some fun and pick this one up now.
January 7, 2023
The good people or Brigid's Gate Press sent me this collection as part of a giveaway. Weird Westerns are a fun genre and one I'd been meaning to dig into. It's a varied collection and includes;
.
Crimson Noon (Antonia Rachel Ward) - A string (convoy/ caravan) of wagons came to Mirage and Boy is interested in them. Soon after the convoy arrives, strange events plague the miners... A good take on a classic staple of horror. It's familiar, but original. A good opening piece and the usage of a child MC is nice as it shows naïvevity. A killer end. 4.5/5
The Good Doctor (Nick Kolakowski) - Bill Rivers, a criminal is being treated by a Swiss doctor, the Good Doctor. Can he help the wounded outlaw?... Anothee good and well plotted tale which takes a dark and morbid path. The twist is good and I liked it, although I guessed it a few paragraphs before it happened. 4.5/5
Sundown Showdown - (Villimey Mist & Damascus Mincemeyer) - Icelandic native, Emilia, finds herself in the alien landscape of West Texas looking for Grady, surrounded by bloodshed and chaos... The usage of Icelandic folklore is charming in this one. This isn't a story you see told very often. I would have liked more from the Pale Ones and a longer ending but still good. 4.25/5
The Werechrist (Jonathan Kemmerer-Scouner) - Silas Spillman and Reverend Timothy Stevenson are off to a demon monastery... A good and fun demonic tale! There's some great twists and turns and characters to this one. Very well done! 5/5
The Ballad of the Over Eager Gun ( Sean Eads and Joshua Viola) - Skinned Little White Stock was kidnapped some years ago and returns to his tribe, finding changes... The Native American representation appealed to me, and it's always welcomed. There's a lot to take in for a short story but it's good. The talking gun and bow were fun. 4.25/5
The Owl Witch of the Comancheria - ( Craig E. Sawyer) - Comanche Warriors are under attack from an owl witch that steals children. Can Captain Sidacious Tomlinson help?... Tomlinson being kidnapped and revealed to be a multi layered and complex individual is good. There's a nice supernatural level to it too. At times this story felt busy, but it's good and I'm curious about the Owl Witch. 4.25/5
Ada (Lana Elizabeth Gabris) - There's danger all around Ada... I'm not sure on this one. It's well written and interesting elements but I do feel I was missing something with this one. 4/5
Hands - (Joel McKay) - Something's tormenting John Hawes, will he ever be free?... An unusual start which builds very nicely. John's arc and his character does grow nicely, creating a solid character. The ending did feel a bit abrupt. 4.5/5
As Long As You Feed - (David Niall Wilson) - Rookwood is a dying town, so when four men and a woman visit, it's unexpected... A bit more of a fantasy themed story but very enjoyable! A strong charming plot with elements of Gaiman. I don't want to say too much on this one. 4.5/5
Costumed Mouth (EJ Sidle) - The Beast of the Storm took Constance Smith's brother and Mrs Sadie Jones is hired to find him. A lot going on but everything works nicely. The weather, mood, Beast, Sadie, all work so well. The final brutal twist pushes this into the 5/5 category for me. 5/5
Trade Secrets (Brendan LaFaro) - There has been a murder! Thaddeus Locke is on his way Buzzard's Edge but his train was halted owing to someone turning up dead. A ghastly discovery, but it's not the first... A good old fashioned murder mystery! Thad makes for a superb lead as a part time consulting detective. I really got lost in this story and look forward to visiting Buzzard's Edge again soon. Brilliant ending too. 5/5
I Have Seen The Elephant (Michael Bailey) - 1852, Hangtown, California, and there's been an accusation of criminal behaviour by Richard Crone... There's some real world basis to this one but I feel it needed more space to breathe and be fully explored. Still okay. 4/5
Bonewearer (Amanda J Spedding) - The Bonewearer deals with dark magic and Lottie Bitterwood seeking the man who murdered her father, and paths colliding... A bit on the short side for me. I liked Lottie's character BUT I feel we needed more space and time to explore the Bonewearer. 4/5
The Wound Is Covered (Taylor Rae) - General George Wright is despicable. But one Native American has a plan to stop him... Again good Native American representation and doesn't shy away from how the time was. But again I wanted more. 4.25/5
Suffer No Harm - (P. L. McMillan) - A stranger comes to Bitterbend, seeking women's company and learns why the town has no sheriff... An unexpected angle on this one but I like that. A bastard sheriff is a classic western feature and I think that's why it worked. Once more, I was hungry for more. 4.25/5
The Ghost Festival In The Desert (Wen Wen Yang) - A Chinese immigrant weaves a story about Gege who disappeared whilst working on the railways... The big draw here is the Chinese element which we don't see a lot, but I liked that we did this time. The usage of Chinese culture really makes this story stand out. You can tell where it's headed after a point but it's superb! 5/5
The Patchwork Man - (Ben Monroe) - The Patchwork Man is a stranger, living near Deliverance, feared, shunned and disliked by most. But why?... It does tie into an earlier story by coincidence and it really is nice. The mystery of who TPM is well done, and I liked it. But once more I wanted more. 4.25/5
Voodoo Higgies (Chad Lutzke) - The narrator, whilst serving out their punishment, warms of voodoo higgies... A good closer which deals with uncertainty and paranoia nicely. I wanted more but still good. 4.25/5
.
Overall 4.25/5 for this collection. I look forward to more from both the publisher and these authors soon!
.
Crimson Noon (Antonia Rachel Ward) - A string (convoy/ caravan) of wagons came to Mirage and Boy is interested in them. Soon after the convoy arrives, strange events plague the miners... A good take on a classic staple of horror. It's familiar, but original. A good opening piece and the usage of a child MC is nice as it shows naïvevity. A killer end. 4.5/5
The Good Doctor (Nick Kolakowski) - Bill Rivers, a criminal is being treated by a Swiss doctor, the Good Doctor. Can he help the wounded outlaw?... Anothee good and well plotted tale which takes a dark and morbid path. The twist is good and I liked it, although I guessed it a few paragraphs before it happened. 4.5/5
Sundown Showdown - (Villimey Mist & Damascus Mincemeyer) - Icelandic native, Emilia, finds herself in the alien landscape of West Texas looking for Grady, surrounded by bloodshed and chaos... The usage of Icelandic folklore is charming in this one. This isn't a story you see told very often. I would have liked more from the Pale Ones and a longer ending but still good. 4.25/5
The Werechrist (Jonathan Kemmerer-Scouner) - Silas Spillman and Reverend Timothy Stevenson are off to a demon monastery... A good and fun demonic tale! There's some great twists and turns and characters to this one. Very well done! 5/5
The Ballad of the Over Eager Gun ( Sean Eads and Joshua Viola) - Skinned Little White Stock was kidnapped some years ago and returns to his tribe, finding changes... The Native American representation appealed to me, and it's always welcomed. There's a lot to take in for a short story but it's good. The talking gun and bow were fun. 4.25/5
The Owl Witch of the Comancheria - ( Craig E. Sawyer) - Comanche Warriors are under attack from an owl witch that steals children. Can Captain Sidacious Tomlinson help?... Tomlinson being kidnapped and revealed to be a multi layered and complex individual is good. There's a nice supernatural level to it too. At times this story felt busy, but it's good and I'm curious about the Owl Witch. 4.25/5
Ada (Lana Elizabeth Gabris) - There's danger all around Ada... I'm not sure on this one. It's well written and interesting elements but I do feel I was missing something with this one. 4/5
Hands - (Joel McKay) - Something's tormenting John Hawes, will he ever be free?... An unusual start which builds very nicely. John's arc and his character does grow nicely, creating a solid character. The ending did feel a bit abrupt. 4.5/5
As Long As You Feed - (David Niall Wilson) - Rookwood is a dying town, so when four men and a woman visit, it's unexpected... A bit more of a fantasy themed story but very enjoyable! A strong charming plot with elements of Gaiman. I don't want to say too much on this one. 4.5/5
Costumed Mouth (EJ Sidle) - The Beast of the Storm took Constance Smith's brother and Mrs Sadie Jones is hired to find him. A lot going on but everything works nicely. The weather, mood, Beast, Sadie, all work so well. The final brutal twist pushes this into the 5/5 category for me. 5/5
Trade Secrets (Brendan LaFaro) - There has been a murder! Thaddeus Locke is on his way Buzzard's Edge but his train was halted owing to someone turning up dead. A ghastly discovery, but it's not the first... A good old fashioned murder mystery! Thad makes for a superb lead as a part time consulting detective. I really got lost in this story and look forward to visiting Buzzard's Edge again soon. Brilliant ending too. 5/5
I Have Seen The Elephant (Michael Bailey) - 1852, Hangtown, California, and there's been an accusation of criminal behaviour by Richard Crone... There's some real world basis to this one but I feel it needed more space to breathe and be fully explored. Still okay. 4/5
Bonewearer (Amanda J Spedding) - The Bonewearer deals with dark magic and Lottie Bitterwood seeking the man who murdered her father, and paths colliding... A bit on the short side for me. I liked Lottie's character BUT I feel we needed more space and time to explore the Bonewearer. 4/5
The Wound Is Covered (Taylor Rae) - General George Wright is despicable. But one Native American has a plan to stop him... Again good Native American representation and doesn't shy away from how the time was. But again I wanted more. 4.25/5
Suffer No Harm - (P. L. McMillan) - A stranger comes to Bitterbend, seeking women's company and learns why the town has no sheriff... An unexpected angle on this one but I like that. A bastard sheriff is a classic western feature and I think that's why it worked. Once more, I was hungry for more. 4.25/5
The Ghost Festival In The Desert (Wen Wen Yang) - A Chinese immigrant weaves a story about Gege who disappeared whilst working on the railways... The big draw here is the Chinese element which we don't see a lot, but I liked that we did this time. The usage of Chinese culture really makes this story stand out. You can tell where it's headed after a point but it's superb! 5/5
The Patchwork Man - (Ben Monroe) - The Patchwork Man is a stranger, living near Deliverance, feared, shunned and disliked by most. But why?... It does tie into an earlier story by coincidence and it really is nice. The mystery of who TPM is well done, and I liked it. But once more I wanted more. 4.25/5
Voodoo Higgies (Chad Lutzke) - The narrator, whilst serving out their punishment, warms of voodoo higgies... A good closer which deals with uncertainty and paranoia nicely. I wanted more but still good. 4.25/5
.
Overall 4.25/5 for this collection. I look forward to more from both the publisher and these authors soon!
July 31, 2023
I just finished Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Window, edited by Kenneth W. Cain which I loved!! A western/horror anthology with some of the best short stories I've read in any book. This is an excellent sub-genre that I don't think there's enough of out there, it's so good! An added bonus of a really fun story at the end by Chad Lutzke that I really enjoyed! Highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed!
October 2, 2025
I absolutely love horror set in the wild west. Not only do I wish there was more of it, but I need more that is done well. This was done so, so well.
The western settings and elements were fantastic. The characters were not cliche, but rather intriguing, believable, and intriguing. And the horror was spooky, gory, scary, and everything in between. Each story has something for everyone.
The western settings and elements were fantastic. The characters were not cliche, but rather intriguing, believable, and intriguing. And the horror was spooky, gory, scary, and everything in between. Each story has something for everyone.
September 26, 2022
Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind by Kenneth W. Cain.
20 stories Featuring the talents of Antonia Rachel Ward, Nick Kolakowski, Villimey Mist & Damascus Mincemeyer, Jonathan Kemmerer-Scovner, Sean Eads & Joshua Viola, Craig E. Sawyer, Lana Elizabeth Gabris, Joel McKay, David Niall Wilson, Ej Sidle, Brennan LaFaro, Michael Bailey, Amanda J. Spedding, Taylor Rae, P.L. McMillan, Wen Wen Yang, Ben Monroe, and Chad Lutzke..
A good collection of scary twisted stories. 4*.
20 stories Featuring the talents of Antonia Rachel Ward, Nick Kolakowski, Villimey Mist & Damascus Mincemeyer, Jonathan Kemmerer-Scovner, Sean Eads & Joshua Viola, Craig E. Sawyer, Lana Elizabeth Gabris, Joel McKay, David Niall Wilson, Ej Sidle, Brennan LaFaro, Michael Bailey, Amanda J. Spedding, Taylor Rae, P.L. McMillan, Wen Wen Yang, Ben Monroe, and Chad Lutzke..
A good collection of scary twisted stories. 4*.
August 30, 2022
A brilliant and diverse anthology from Brigids Gate that breathes life into the horror western. The stories are strong, the voices unique, the twists satisfying, and the horrors memorable. Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind drags you screaming into the rotten, turbulent heart of the Old West.
I particularly like the idea of the ending the book with a lagniappe. I’ll keep what that “little something extra” is as a surprise for the reader.
I particularly like the idea of the ending the book with a lagniappe. I’ll keep what that “little something extra” is as a surprise for the reader.
November 5, 2022
I liked this book a lot, like most anthologies, you will find some stories are stronger than others. But overall I liked it, the range of stories was great, a few monsters, some classic characters are in there also, and some human monsters. I would recommend it to someone who loves the splatter western books, or if you just like some horror in the old west.
Some of the standouts for me were, “The Good Doctor” by Nick Kolakowski, “Balland of the Overeager Gun” by Sean Eads & Joshua Viola, “Hands” by Joel McKay, “Suffer No Harm” by P.L. McMillan, and “The Patchwork Man” by Ben Monroe.
I would love to tell you why I liked them, but that would spoil the stories, so I will just say that these were my favourites, and now I am going to see what else they have written to add to my ‘to read’ list.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
Some of the standouts for me were, “The Good Doctor” by Nick Kolakowski, “Balland of the Overeager Gun” by Sean Eads & Joshua Viola, “Hands” by Joel McKay, “Suffer No Harm” by P.L. McMillan, and “The Patchwork Man” by Ben Monroe.
I would love to tell you why I liked them, but that would spoil the stories, so I will just say that these were my favourites, and now I am going to see what else they have written to add to my ‘to read’ list.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
October 27, 2022
Blood In The Soil, Terror On The Wind, published by Brigids Gate Press, is a collection of Western Horror set in the old American West. I was intrigued by the title and now having read these tales, I can say it's the perfect title choice.
The stories weave together a mix of both familiar and unknown evil while you adventure through some rather atmospheric settings that included ghost towns, a mine shaft,desert canyons and even the woods.
There were many dread inducing scenarios with each story which all together included suspense, gore, supernatural and morbid elements. Each story was its own original and compelling experience.
I particularly enjoyed the old American West settings and the blend of western and horror. I found the stories to be imaginative and entertaining and it's well worth reading.
Samantha S.L.
The stories weave together a mix of both familiar and unknown evil while you adventure through some rather atmospheric settings that included ghost towns, a mine shaft,desert canyons and even the woods.
There were many dread inducing scenarios with each story which all together included suspense, gore, supernatural and morbid elements. Each story was its own original and compelling experience.
I particularly enjoyed the old American West settings and the blend of western and horror. I found the stories to be imaginative and entertaining and it's well worth reading.
Samantha S.L.
November 16, 2022
Published by Brigids Gate Press, edited by Kenneth W. Cain, and with a diverse collection of writers, Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind shows weird western horror is alive and well. This anthology knows that the true face of western horror is the rot beneath the shining allure of the west, the oppression of society and manifest destiny, and the blood that helped to build America.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
September 10, 2025
I thought I would try this, its slated as a collection of horror stories, what I didn't realise was that this is a collection of Western horror stories which I didn't even realise was a genre. I only enjoyed the first story in this collection, I found the rest of the stories either uninteresting, repetitive, or (surprisingly) too long. I think this book, and this genre, are just not for me.
December 31, 2023
This is not a book to read at night...
Firstly, because it will keep you up into the small hours, reading story after blood-drenched story, eager to see what new fiends its insanely inspired contributors can dream up next.
Secondly, if and when you do get to sleep, the nightmares will make you wish you were awake.
But if you have a strong stomach and nerves of steel, I highly recommend this gore-fest of an anthology.
Firstly, because it will keep you up into the small hours, reading story after blood-drenched story, eager to see what new fiends its insanely inspired contributors can dream up next.
Secondly, if and when you do get to sleep, the nightmares will make you wish you were awake.
But if you have a strong stomach and nerves of steel, I highly recommend this gore-fest of an anthology.
October 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Brigids Gate Press, and Kenneth W. Cain for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This anthology is true to its premise in that it’s all horror stories set in the dusty deserts and plains of the long-since-passed American west. Where the buffalo roam and cowboys travel from town to town as they please. The difference from normal westerns is the fact that some monsters lurk in caves, and others in seedy little towns. It's not just coyotes that howl in the night anymore.
I enjoyed this anthology, but I do think certain stories were stronger than others. Some of the standouts, for me, were:
"Crimson Noon," because it was a surprisingly good zombie story that could be expanded in the future.
"The Good Doctor" because of the twist at the end of the story. It honestly had me smiling from ear to ear.
"Boneweaver" for it’s weird dark magic feel and for giving me ideas for a D&D campaign.
These are just three of 17 stories in a somewhat subpar anthology. The standouts were great, but the rest were just subpar in my opinion. This anthology was everything it said it was, I just feel like it should have been more. It was enjoyable and I liked it, but it has some hits and some misses story-wise. Still half of the stories in this book make up for the ones you might not like.
3 stars out of 5.
This anthology is true to its premise in that it’s all horror stories set in the dusty deserts and plains of the long-since-passed American west. Where the buffalo roam and cowboys travel from town to town as they please. The difference from normal westerns is the fact that some monsters lurk in caves, and others in seedy little towns. It's not just coyotes that howl in the night anymore.
I enjoyed this anthology, but I do think certain stories were stronger than others. Some of the standouts, for me, were:
"Crimson Noon," because it was a surprisingly good zombie story that could be expanded in the future.
"The Good Doctor" because of the twist at the end of the story. It honestly had me smiling from ear to ear.
"Boneweaver" for it’s weird dark magic feel and for giving me ideas for a D&D campaign.
These are just three of 17 stories in a somewhat subpar anthology. The standouts were great, but the rest were just subpar in my opinion. This anthology was everything it said it was, I just feel like it should have been more. It was enjoyable and I liked it, but it has some hits and some misses story-wise. Still half of the stories in this book make up for the ones you might not like.
3 stars out of 5.
September 2, 2025
What a fantastic, nail biting and pulse pounding collection of short stories that cleverly combine all elements of horror with life in the wild wild west. This novella collection had me entranced from start to finish with each story lending its own unique twist on the genre as a whole (albeit with the right amount of violence and gore for good measure).
The stories were all enjoyable and macabre (some more so than others) and I was definitely able to gain a concise visual of the events in each story which added depth and intrigue to each tale. A really wild ride in the west (and not just with guns).
Thankyou to Net galley and Brigid's Gate Press for an early arc of this novella. An easy 5 star!.
The stories were all enjoyable and macabre (some more so than others) and I was definitely able to gain a concise visual of the events in each story which added depth and intrigue to each tale. A really wild ride in the west (and not just with guns).
Thankyou to Net galley and Brigid's Gate Press for an early arc of this novella. An easy 5 star!.
August 22, 2025
Lately, the Horror anthologies that I have come across have been more miss than hit. This one I must say I liked a lot. This one was definitely a hit with me. A combination of the old west and horror that actually delivered. I liked the historical settings where folklore, violence, and creeping dread braid together, a cocktail that Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind delivers in a dusty Old-West frame. The stories are well written and whatever your poison you will find it in here - scary, creepy, atmospheric, gritty, gore, monsters, folklore, revenge, sense of dread and unease and barren landscapes - the good old wild west. You will find lean visceral scares without the soft edges.
January 29, 2024
Horror? Yes please. Western? Yep, I'm in. Anthology? Yep!
The western genre is an excellent place for horror and this anthology was great. Just like any anthology there are stories that hit the mark and others that don't but for the most part all the stories were well done. Some of the monsters are actual creatures, some are the humans, sometimes you get both! If you're a fan of horror stories in easily digestible chunks give this a try.
I'm catching up on reviews so... Thank you to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press, LLC for access to this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The western genre is an excellent place for horror and this anthology was great. Just like any anthology there are stories that hit the mark and others that don't but for the most part all the stories were well done. Some of the monsters are actual creatures, some are the humans, sometimes you get both! If you're a fan of horror stories in easily digestible chunks give this a try.
I'm catching up on reviews so... Thank you to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press, LLC for access to this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 9, 2022
This western horror story collection gripped me from the start. I enjoyed how they were all written and presented.
Like with most anthologies, there are stories that stood out for me and others I feel were weaker, however all of them were descriptive and detailed.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Like with most anthologies, there are stories that stood out for me and others I feel were weaker, however all of them were descriptive and detailed.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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