17 Stories of Death and Desire: A horror short story collection

by Andrew Lyall

“A meaty collection of macabre stories… I would often catch myself holding my breath whilst reading… I can't wait to read more from this author.”
Susan Earlam, author of EARTHLY BODIES and DARK IS THE WATER & OTHER WYRD TALES

“Impressive writing and immersive storytelling. Andrew Lyall's horror tales range from quiet creeps to full-out body horror, but always with a beautiful writing style… a stunning debut. Highly recommended. I can't wait for his first novel.”
R Saint Claire, author of CODE RED , UNMASKED and FASHION VICTIMS

“If you like dark, creepy and uncomfortable horror infused with a subtle yet wicked sense of humour, then you're in for a treat.”
Paul Childs, author of TALES FROM BADGERS CROSSING

17 Stories of Death and Desire takes inspiration from the Pan Book of Horror Stories; James Herbert; Clive Barker; Angela Carter; Shirley Jackson and Haruki Murakami.

After The Minotaur : - A message from his dead husband sends Anton into the streets of Naples on the last night of carnival.
The Lapwing’s Decree - Mr Barker knows what birds truly are, and as Hell’s infernal plans grind on, they want him to commit murder.
The Death of Desire - A body in a west London lock up confounds the coroner’s office… until they watch the tape.
One Heart - A ghost endures within a prenatal memory and is desperate to be reborn.

Lyrical, eerie, weird, and often brutal – 17 Stories of Death and Desire wants you to open it up and see what's inside.

Genres: Horror

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2022

Reviews

[Molly Macabre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an intense collection of stories. Lyall's prose is absolutely beautiful while building suspense and crafting vivid scenes. My favorite story was the first one. It reminded me of Megan Abbott stories that I used to read a lot. They had this sense of innocence often found in childhood, except that an underlying current of discomfort was always present. Part of the drive to turn the pages was to find out just what was tainting the characters' lives and if it was what you expected.

Lyall creates unique characters and equally unique situations. Some of the stories were heavy with clear dread and morbid outcomes, while others used a quieter method of haunting the mind. Highly recommend this collection!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended anthology. Each story offers something different yet remains in keeping with the themes of death and desire.

Each story is beautifully written and creates a shivering atmosphere, no matter the genre.

It was the first story, Crowthorne, that first introduced me to Andrew's work and it haunts me still. I'm extremely happy to now have a treasure trove of stories in one volume and can't wait for more.

Buy this, I promise you won't be disappointed. It is perfect reading for the spooky season.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people may be familiar with Andrew’s work as a YouTuber and horror writer, but if you’re not, this debut collection is the best way in to the wonderful and dark worlds he imagines. The stories in this book are a blend of unique takes on the classics, such as The Rest is Pieces as well as some erotic, dark newer tales such as Octopus and The Death of Desire.
Andrew has a command of the English language and how to build a world as well as make you fall in love with the characters which is sometimes difficult to balance in short stories, but is perfectly managed here.
Crowthorne opens the book with a bang, while 17 Storeys of Death and Desire closes it with a slow burning realisation that memories are not always what they seem.
Personal favourites for me are The Kickabout which has a Shirley Jackson-esque lean into turning something mundane into something terrifying and Orpheus Descends, which combines the horrors of revenge with that of the unknown.

[David O'Boyle]

There's something about a horror short story that leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger that I really like. In Lyall's short story "the Octopus" you get exactly that. You also get fun descriptions of some of the classic horror tropes. There is a carnival in town, there is a punished teenager alone in a house deciding on further rule-breaking, there is post-traumatic stress that has carried into adulthood. Gave me a little bit of a Ray Bradbury "Something Wicked this way Comes" feel. That means you are in good company. It is also an author (a male), writing from the perspective of a first-person female in distress. That can be difficult. But the writer pulls it off.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

17 Stories of Death and Desire by Andrew Lyall is a chilling and stylish collection that plays with the boundaries of horror, desire, and the surreal. The writing is lyrical and immersive, moving from quiet unease to visceral intensity with ease. Each story stands on its own but collectively creates a mood that lingers long after the final page.

It’s not just about scares—there’s a haunting elegance here, layered with emotion, mystery, and a dark edge of humour. Perfect for readers who enjoy smart, literary horror with unexpected twists and lingering shadows.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meaty collection of dark fiction. Andrew is excellent at building tension and more than once I caught myself holding my breath. Orpheus Descends was my favourite but you are spoilt for choice here.