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Unshod, Cackling, and Naked
A beauty pageant veteran appeases her mother by competing for one final crown, only to find herself trapped in a hand-sewn gown that cuts into her flesh. A journalist falls deeply in love with a mysterious woman but discovers his beloved can vanish and reappear hours later in the same spot, as if no time has passed at all. A cash-strapped college student agrees to work in a shop window as a mannequin but quickly learns she’s not free to break her pose. And what happens when the family pet decides it no longer wants to have 'owners'?
In the grim and often horrific thirteen tales collected here, beauty is violent, and love and hate are the same feeling, laid bare by unbridled obsession. Entering worlds both strange and quotidian, and spanning horror landscapes both speculative and real, asks who among us is worthy of love and who deserves to die?
In the grim and often horrific thirteen tales collected here, beauty is violent, and love and hate are the same feeling, laid bare by unbridled obsession. Entering worlds both strange and quotidian, and spanning horror landscapes both speculative and real, asks who among us is worthy of love and who deserves to die?
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
29 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Tamika Thompson
5 books20 followersTamika is a writer, producer, and journalist. She is author of Unshod, Cackling, and Naked (Unnerving Books), which Publishers Weekly calls “powerful,” “unsettling,” and “terrifying,” as well as author of Salamander Justice (Madness Heart Press). She is co-creator of the artist collective POC United and fiction editor for the group’s award-winning anthology, Graffiti. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in several speculative fiction anthologies as well as in Interzone, Prairie Schooner, The New York Times, and Los Angeles Review of Books, among others.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Southern California. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Southern California. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 19, 2023
Read. This. Book! This was so well written and crossed different genres from horror to speculative. Each story takes the reader on a different, twisted journey. Tamika writes like an old soul and isn't afraid to hold back. These could seriously be made into a tv show like Twilight Zone. I look forward to reading more of her work!
April 10, 2025
Absolutely magnificent. I did not want this collection to end.
There is a solid variety of stories in there and all of them are, in my opinion, excellent. Some of the stories had me at the edge of my seat anxious (a rare feat), a couple had me vibrating with anger with the protagonist, one had me thoroughly grossed out without actually presenting anything visually gross, but none left me indifferent.
There are deeper aspects to most of the stories and if you enjoy horror that makes you think a little and that you can analyze the heck out of you'll find it here but if you just want solid entertainment you can definitely read these stories without breaking down the ideas and themes explored and just enjoy the ride.
There is a solid variety of stories in there and all of them are, in my opinion, excellent. Some of the stories had me at the edge of my seat anxious (a rare feat), a couple had me vibrating with anger with the protagonist, one had me thoroughly grossed out without actually presenting anything visually gross, but none left me indifferent.
There are deeper aspects to most of the stories and if you enjoy horror that makes you think a little and that you can analyze the heck out of you'll find it here but if you just want solid entertainment you can definitely read these stories without breaking down the ideas and themes explored and just enjoy the ride.
March 2, 2023
“It was often the things we least expected that hurt us the most.”—excerpt from “I Am Goddess”
I loved how this collection, which featured so many strong female protagonists, explored the depths of the horror genre.
“The Turn” features a doggone dreadful apocalypse.
“Bridget Has Disappeared” reads like a modern fairytale set in a Dystopian world that is uncomfortably close to our own.
“Under the Crown” is a terrifying tale of beauty pageant horror.
“I did it for you” is a story of vengeance with a side of amputation.
“The Bats” is a Hitchcockian nightmare.
“These Parts” proves that it’s best to avoid a woman scorned.
“i will be glorious” is a story about grief, infused with body horror.
“Angry Slash of Blood” explores the challenges of being in a committed relationship.
In “Mannequin Model,” Zenobia’s weird new job enables her to break free and confront past trauma. This story provides the inspiration for the title of the collection.
“She By the Sea,” features a homeless woman who gets an unexpected windfall that ends up being nothing but trouble.
“And We Screamed” shows the horrors of addiction and makes a good case for becoming a vegetarian.
“I am Goddess” speaks to the power of affirmations.
In “Abduction Near Knife Lake,” an AMBER alert changes the trajectory of a wedding party foursome’s evening.
I loved how this collection, which featured so many strong female protagonists, explored the depths of the horror genre.
“The Turn” features a doggone dreadful apocalypse.
“Bridget Has Disappeared” reads like a modern fairytale set in a Dystopian world that is uncomfortably close to our own.
“Under the Crown” is a terrifying tale of beauty pageant horror.
“I did it for you” is a story of vengeance with a side of amputation.
“The Bats” is a Hitchcockian nightmare.
“These Parts” proves that it’s best to avoid a woman scorned.
“i will be glorious” is a story about grief, infused with body horror.
“Angry Slash of Blood” explores the challenges of being in a committed relationship.
In “Mannequin Model,” Zenobia’s weird new job enables her to break free and confront past trauma. This story provides the inspiration for the title of the collection.
“She By the Sea,” features a homeless woman who gets an unexpected windfall that ends up being nothing but trouble.
“And We Screamed” shows the horrors of addiction and makes a good case for becoming a vegetarian.
“I am Goddess” speaks to the power of affirmations.
In “Abduction Near Knife Lake,” an AMBER alert changes the trajectory of a wedding party foursome’s evening.
April 24, 2023
A brilliant collection of excellent dark fiction. It reminded me a lot of the Twilight Zone, or Outer Limits, but not maybe in the way you'd expect. Not simply because the stories were weird or unsettling, but more how Serling and his writers had a lot of Things To Say (TM), and used the trappings of speculative fiction to say them.
Thompson's writing is evocative and fluid, her storytelling is effortless (though I'm sure she put a lot of work in to make it seem so). And she has a lot of Things To Say (TM) in these stories. Things about racism, misogyny, mental health, and other topics which are worthy of discussion.
I absolutely enjoyed every story in this collection, and can't wait to read more of her work.
Thompson's writing is evocative and fluid, her storytelling is effortless (though I'm sure she put a lot of work in to make it seem so). And she has a lot of Things To Say (TM) in these stories. Things about racism, misogyny, mental health, and other topics which are worthy of discussion.
I absolutely enjoyed every story in this collection, and can't wait to read more of her work.
September 6, 2025
I went into this one excited, and I can see why so many people have raved about it. Thompson has a fierce voice and isn’t afraid to mix horror with social commentary, which gives the collection a sharp edge.
But for me, the collection was hit or miss. Stories like Bridget Has Disappeared, We Screamed, and She By The Sea, absolutely nailed it and were unsettling, layered, and thought-provoking. Others though left me feeling meh, either because the pacing dragged or the surreal elements pushed me too far out of the story.
I’d call this a bold but uneven collection. When it works, it’s unforgettable. When it doesn’t, it’s tough to push through. I’m glad I read it, though. Thompson is a writer to keep an eye on.
But for me, the collection was hit or miss. Stories like Bridget Has Disappeared, We Screamed, and She By The Sea, absolutely nailed it and were unsettling, layered, and thought-provoking. Others though left me feeling meh, either because the pacing dragged or the surreal elements pushed me too far out of the story.
I’d call this a bold but uneven collection. When it works, it’s unforgettable. When it doesn’t, it’s tough to push through. I’m glad I read it, though. Thompson is a writer to keep an eye on.
July 6, 2023
I enjoyed these energetic and well-paced stories. Some favorites were "The Turn," "Bridget Has Disappeared," "Mannequin Model," "And We Screamed," and "I Am Goddess." The collection felt very cohesive, with most of the stories focused on feminist issues and several focused on beauty standards. Wonderful sense of character and voice.
February 14, 2023
Unshod, Cackling, and Naked is full of exceptionally powerful stories full of badass Black women who have *had it up to here*, actually. Taught by society to be polite and look the other way, they finally reach their breaking points. Each story simmers with anger, and even masked in supernatural occurrences, you know the truth hidden within the pages. These are stories about women taking back their agency, about overcoming generational trauma, surviving in a world that is doing everything in its power to keep them down. Some of the stories are a poignant look at the current state of mental health, while not shying away from shining a light on how the systems are failing. In these thirteen stories, the characters are well fleshed out and relatable, the events are harrowing, and they will keep you on the edge of your seat. A rallying cry to all who wish to heed it.
March 1, 2023
(originally reviewed at
thelibraryladies.com
)
Thank you to Beverly Bambury for sending me an eARC of this short story collection!
Even though I am typing this whilst looking at a VERY out of control book pile on my nightstand, I’m not lying when I say that I’m always on the lookout for something new in my reading rotations. Especially if that something new is something horror related. So when I was approached with “Unshod, Cackling, and Naked”, a collection of short horror stories by Tamika Thompson, I was quite interested in giving it a go! I like finding new to me horror authors to check out, and the title alone had a lot of promise. And while it’s true that short stories aren’t always reliable for me, I’ve had luck with them recently, so I was down to try more. And happily, that once again worked out pretty well!
As I always do with short stories collections I will talk about the three that I liked the best, and then talk about the collection as a whole.
“Under the Crown”: This is actually, to me, the least ‘horror’ horror story of the collection, though there are still aspects that make it tread that way. But at the end of the day I found it to be a really satisfying tale of self liberation. A woman has been competing in beauty pageants for most of her life at the behest of her mother, and she is starting to get tired of it. During a really important pageant that she never wanted to do in the first place, the various tricks of the trade to make her look pretty start to take their toll, as the dress itself feels like its biting into her skin. This story is more about the very real pain that some people go through for beauty, be it physical or emotional, and our protagonist has a lot of body horror moments that are rooted in truth (teeth whiteners that burn, a dress that is so uncomfortable it draws blood, and something involving jelly beans that made me cringe). Beauty pageants, beauty standards, and misogyny are all themes in this story and I thought it had some nice moments of dark humor too.
“Mannequin Model”: Way back when during an early season of Top Model one of the challenges was for the contestants to stand in store windows as living mannequins, and my mind immediately went to that when I started this story, but it would be if the contestants then had to endure a psychological torture session (moreso). A woman who is strapped for cash and needs money to support her family in crisis takes a job as a living mannequin at a store, told to stand perfectly still in the store window between two actual mannequins. But as the shift lingers on and on and she has to endure physical pain, the leers of onlookers, and a cruel boss, she starts to hear the mannequins talking to her. This one is very unnerving, a look at objectification, of bad labor practices, of misogyny and racism, and how it can all come together to take a serious toll.
“Abduction Near Knife Lake”: I think that this was my favorite story in the whole collection, and it was the last one so it made the book end with a bang. Remnants of a bridal party and driving in the backroads of Michigan after the wedding when an Amber Alert comes through on their phones, describing the abduction of a young Black girl. When bridesmaid Samiah thinks she sees the car she convinces groomsman and ex-boyfriend Will to try and help her save the girl, as help is far away and missing Black children aren’t prioritized. Their good samaritan choice, however, lands them in unexpected danger. There are so many tension points in this story, between the suspense of whether or not Samiah and Will are going to get caught by the possible abductor, to the tension of being in an isolated wilderness, so things perhaps not being as they seem. It’s a really fun scary story, one that stood out for all the right reasons.
As a collection it’s cohesive and pretty solid! I don’t think there were any stories that didn’t work for me, though some I enjoyed more than others. But overall I found Thompson’s voice and storytelling to be unique and engaging, and given that I tend to be hit or miss with short stories collections I’m always happy when there is a pretty clear ‘hit’.
I think that there is something for everyone in “Unshod, Cackling, and Naked”, so definitely give it a go if you are looking for some enjoyable horror short stories! Tamika Thompson is a fun horror voice, and I will be going back to read “Salamander Justice” this Spring for sure!
Thank you to Beverly Bambury for sending me an eARC of this short story collection!
Even though I am typing this whilst looking at a VERY out of control book pile on my nightstand, I’m not lying when I say that I’m always on the lookout for something new in my reading rotations. Especially if that something new is something horror related. So when I was approached with “Unshod, Cackling, and Naked”, a collection of short horror stories by Tamika Thompson, I was quite interested in giving it a go! I like finding new to me horror authors to check out, and the title alone had a lot of promise. And while it’s true that short stories aren’t always reliable for me, I’ve had luck with them recently, so I was down to try more. And happily, that once again worked out pretty well!
As I always do with short stories collections I will talk about the three that I liked the best, and then talk about the collection as a whole.
“Under the Crown”: This is actually, to me, the least ‘horror’ horror story of the collection, though there are still aspects that make it tread that way. But at the end of the day I found it to be a really satisfying tale of self liberation. A woman has been competing in beauty pageants for most of her life at the behest of her mother, and she is starting to get tired of it. During a really important pageant that she never wanted to do in the first place, the various tricks of the trade to make her look pretty start to take their toll, as the dress itself feels like its biting into her skin. This story is more about the very real pain that some people go through for beauty, be it physical or emotional, and our protagonist has a lot of body horror moments that are rooted in truth (teeth whiteners that burn, a dress that is so uncomfortable it draws blood, and something involving jelly beans that made me cringe). Beauty pageants, beauty standards, and misogyny are all themes in this story and I thought it had some nice moments of dark humor too.
“Mannequin Model”: Way back when during an early season of Top Model one of the challenges was for the contestants to stand in store windows as living mannequins, and my mind immediately went to that when I started this story, but it would be if the contestants then had to endure a psychological torture session (moreso). A woman who is strapped for cash and needs money to support her family in crisis takes a job as a living mannequin at a store, told to stand perfectly still in the store window between two actual mannequins. But as the shift lingers on and on and she has to endure physical pain, the leers of onlookers, and a cruel boss, she starts to hear the mannequins talking to her. This one is very unnerving, a look at objectification, of bad labor practices, of misogyny and racism, and how it can all come together to take a serious toll.
“Abduction Near Knife Lake”: I think that this was my favorite story in the whole collection, and it was the last one so it made the book end with a bang. Remnants of a bridal party and driving in the backroads of Michigan after the wedding when an Amber Alert comes through on their phones, describing the abduction of a young Black girl. When bridesmaid Samiah thinks she sees the car she convinces groomsman and ex-boyfriend Will to try and help her save the girl, as help is far away and missing Black children aren’t prioritized. Their good samaritan choice, however, lands them in unexpected danger. There are so many tension points in this story, between the suspense of whether or not Samiah and Will are going to get caught by the possible abductor, to the tension of being in an isolated wilderness, so things perhaps not being as they seem. It’s a really fun scary story, one that stood out for all the right reasons.
As a collection it’s cohesive and pretty solid! I don’t think there were any stories that didn’t work for me, though some I enjoyed more than others. But overall I found Thompson’s voice and storytelling to be unique and engaging, and given that I tend to be hit or miss with short stories collections I’m always happy when there is a pretty clear ‘hit’.
I think that there is something for everyone in “Unshod, Cackling, and Naked”, so definitely give it a go if you are looking for some enjoyable horror short stories! Tamika Thompson is a fun horror voice, and I will be going back to read “Salamander Justice” this Spring for sure!
January 20, 2025
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Write a book review for unshod, cackling and naked by Tameka Thompson, I enjoyed the short stories that were each so different, synopsis Winner of the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Best Horror
A beauty pageant veteran appeases her mother by competing for one final crown, only to find herself trapped in a hand-sewn gown that cuts into her flesh. A journalist falls deeply in love with a mysterious woman but discovers his beloved can vanish and reappear hours later in the same spot, as if no time has passed at all. A cash-strapped college student agrees to work in a shop window as a mannequin but quickly learns she’s not free to break her pose. And what happens when the family pet decides it no longer wants to have “owners?”
In the grim and often horrific thirteen tales collected here, beauty is violent, and love and hate are the same feeling, laid bare by unbridled obsession. Entering worlds both strange and quotidian, and spanning horror landscapes both speculative and real, Unshod, Cackling, and Naked asks who among us is worthy of love and who deserves to die?
Here's a book review for "Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" by Tameka Thompson:
A Chilling Descent into the Dark Side of Humanity
Tameka Thompson's "Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" is a chilling collection of short stories that will leave a lasting impression. The author masterfully weaves together elements of horror, dark fantasy, and psychological thriller, creating a disturbing and unforgettable reading experience.
The stories themselves are incredibly diverse, each with its own unique voice and atmosphere. From the eerie body horror of the beauty pageant contestant trapped in a suffocating gown to the unsettling relationship with a woman who seems to defy the laws of time, Thompson explores the darker aspects of human existence with unflinching honesty.
The writing is both elegant and unsettling, drawing the reader into each narrative with vivid imagery and a palpable sense of dread. Thompson's characters are complex and often deeply flawed, making their struggles and eventual fates all the more poignant.
Highlights:
Diverse and Engaging Stories: The collection offers a wide range of narratives, keeping the reader constantly engaged and intrigued.
Strong Character Development: The characters are well-developed and believable, making their experiences all the more impactful.
Atmospheric and Disturbing: The writing style is both beautiful and unsettling, creating a truly immersive reading experience.
Overall:
"Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short stories that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. If you enjoy dark fiction with a touch of the surreal, this book is highly recommended.
Unshod, Cackling, and Naked Review
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Write a book review for unshod, cackling and naked by Tameka Thompson, I enjoyed the short stories that were each so different, synopsis Winner of the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Best Horror
A beauty pageant veteran appeases her mother by competing for one final crown, only to find herself trapped in a hand-sewn gown that cuts into her flesh. A journalist falls deeply in love with a mysterious woman but discovers his beloved can vanish and reappear hours later in the same spot, as if no time has passed at all. A cash-strapped college student agrees to work in a shop window as a mannequin but quickly learns she’s not free to break her pose. And what happens when the family pet decides it no longer wants to have “owners?”
In the grim and often horrific thirteen tales collected here, beauty is violent, and love and hate are the same feeling, laid bare by unbridled obsession. Entering worlds both strange and quotidian, and spanning horror landscapes both speculative and real, Unshod, Cackling, and Naked asks who among us is worthy of love and who deserves to die?
Here's a book review for "Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" by Tameka Thompson:
A Chilling Descent into the Dark Side of Humanity
Tameka Thompson's "Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" is a chilling collection of short stories that will leave a lasting impression. The author masterfully weaves together elements of horror, dark fantasy, and psychological thriller, creating a disturbing and unforgettable reading experience.
The stories themselves are incredibly diverse, each with its own unique voice and atmosphere. From the eerie body horror of the beauty pageant contestant trapped in a suffocating gown to the unsettling relationship with a woman who seems to defy the laws of time, Thompson explores the darker aspects of human existence with unflinching honesty.
The writing is both elegant and unsettling, drawing the reader into each narrative with vivid imagery and a palpable sense of dread. Thompson's characters are complex and often deeply flawed, making their struggles and eventual fates all the more poignant.
Highlights:
Diverse and Engaging Stories: The collection offers a wide range of narratives, keeping the reader constantly engaged and intrigued.
Strong Character Development: The characters are well-developed and believable, making their experiences all the more impactful.
Atmospheric and Disturbing: The writing style is both beautiful and unsettling, creating a truly immersive reading experience.
Overall:
"Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short stories that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. If you enjoy dark fiction with a touch of the surreal, this book is highly recommended.
April 23, 2023
Variety Meets Consistency
Tamika Thompson, Unshod, Cackling, and Naked
The Turn: A message of political rebellion wrapped up in something everyday and relatable (pets). A story that addresses change and fatigue with the way things are while also reminding that not everything is black and white, and that groups are made up of individuals.
Bridget Has Disappeared: Part creepy, part weird, part thought-provoking, good characters drive this story, which feels like the prologue to something larger, leaving you with as many questions as answers. Liked this one a lot.
Under the Crown: A story of rebellion with some unsettling imagery and important social critique.
I did it for you: I like the darkness, the dirt, the gore, the character interiority. Just the right length. I could see it as part of a longer work as well though.
The Bats: Good intensity and action, a horror, thriller, and actioner with filmlike pace, while still fitting in all the backstory necessary for full development of character and plot.
These Parts: More strong interiority mixed with horror. An angry story, wherein you can feel the emotion seething in every word.
i will be glorious: Possibly the most complex story in the collection, it delves into psychology as well as a very unusual horror.
Angry Slash of Blood: A gory and disturbing story that also delves into the mentality of love in the most unsettling manner possible.
Mannequin Model: Another psychological gem, the depiction of the descent into madness delivers an unsettling, hazy cloud of druglike reality.
She By the Sea: This one feels the most uncomfortably real within the collection. Painfully plausible. The right length.
And We Screamed: A good story of growth, family, visceral self-awareness. The early tone feels dark and violent, but the story progresses into a more coming-of-age style reminiscence. I like the story; I’m just not sure it fits with the tone of the rest of the collection.
I Am Goddess: A story of power. Not just the Goddess concept of the title and repeated mantra, but the power of words, of little things that add up, of mindsets, of other people’s opinions. It builds well into vengeance that delves deeply into different types of ills that require revenge.
Abduction Near Knife Lake: A great finisher, with consistent suspense throughout and a very twisted conclusion.
Tamika Thompson, Unshod, Cackling, and Naked
The Turn: A message of political rebellion wrapped up in something everyday and relatable (pets). A story that addresses change and fatigue with the way things are while also reminding that not everything is black and white, and that groups are made up of individuals.
Bridget Has Disappeared: Part creepy, part weird, part thought-provoking, good characters drive this story, which feels like the prologue to something larger, leaving you with as many questions as answers. Liked this one a lot.
Under the Crown: A story of rebellion with some unsettling imagery and important social critique.
I did it for you: I like the darkness, the dirt, the gore, the character interiority. Just the right length. I could see it as part of a longer work as well though.
The Bats: Good intensity and action, a horror, thriller, and actioner with filmlike pace, while still fitting in all the backstory necessary for full development of character and plot.
These Parts: More strong interiority mixed with horror. An angry story, wherein you can feel the emotion seething in every word.
i will be glorious: Possibly the most complex story in the collection, it delves into psychology as well as a very unusual horror.
Angry Slash of Blood: A gory and disturbing story that also delves into the mentality of love in the most unsettling manner possible.
Mannequin Model: Another psychological gem, the depiction of the descent into madness delivers an unsettling, hazy cloud of druglike reality.
She By the Sea: This one feels the most uncomfortably real within the collection. Painfully plausible. The right length.
And We Screamed: A good story of growth, family, visceral self-awareness. The early tone feels dark and violent, but the story progresses into a more coming-of-age style reminiscence. I like the story; I’m just not sure it fits with the tone of the rest of the collection.
I Am Goddess: A story of power. Not just the Goddess concept of the title and repeated mantra, but the power of words, of little things that add up, of mindsets, of other people’s opinions. It builds well into vengeance that delves deeply into different types of ills that require revenge.
Abduction Near Knife Lake: A great finisher, with consistent suspense throughout and a very twisted conclusion.
November 1, 2025
I met Tamika at StokerCon in 2023 and picked up this collection.
When people talk about a writer having a voice, this is Thompson’s strength- these characters are vivid, diverse, and honest! Tamika’s take on horror defies genre and these stories take us to beauty pageants, surreal store windows, rain soaked highways, frightening backyards (yes!), and school science class as she explores topics like family trauma, environmental horror, infidelity, the supernatural, addiction and the lives of bats and dogs, in many unexpected ways. I’ve seen this collection compared to the Twilight Zone. As much as I’d love to see these stories onscreen, Tamika takes these stories beyond the gotcha ending of a TV anthology series and much closer to thought provoking and truthful investigations of race, class, beauty, sexuality, trauma, the damage we do to each other and the inevitable results of that trauma and damage when the damaged and oppressed move to write their own endings. Some characters accomplish that more successfully than others, but this is horror, so I’m not saying we should expect HEA here at all. Life can be dark, and so can the tales be that go with it, but it can also inspire us to be better, to think about how we are complicit in the subjugation of others, and how we can break some of those cycles…maybe with less blood. You’ve got to check it out!
When people talk about a writer having a voice, this is Thompson’s strength- these characters are vivid, diverse, and honest! Tamika’s take on horror defies genre and these stories take us to beauty pageants, surreal store windows, rain soaked highways, frightening backyards (yes!), and school science class as she explores topics like family trauma, environmental horror, infidelity, the supernatural, addiction and the lives of bats and dogs, in many unexpected ways. I’ve seen this collection compared to the Twilight Zone. As much as I’d love to see these stories onscreen, Tamika takes these stories beyond the gotcha ending of a TV anthology series and much closer to thought provoking and truthful investigations of race, class, beauty, sexuality, trauma, the damage we do to each other and the inevitable results of that trauma and damage when the damaged and oppressed move to write their own endings. Some characters accomplish that more successfully than others, but this is horror, so I’m not saying we should expect HEA here at all. Life can be dark, and so can the tales be that go with it, but it can also inspire us to be better, to think about how we are complicit in the subjugation of others, and how we can break some of those cycles…maybe with less blood. You’ve got to check it out!
March 4, 2023
Unshod, Cackling, and Naked by Tamika Thompson is to horror what Ted Chiang’s Story of your life is to Science Fiction. Each story is distinct, unique, powerful, emotional, and full of passion from the author. Thompson has a voice and she is not afraid to use it in her writing. At times the writing feels lyrical, like the words have created a rhythm of their own in your head. The content in each is so unique and unlike anything else that you can’t help but point your eyes at the book and not look away. Stories like The Turn are downright terrifying, Bridget is Missing feels like an Octavia Butler tribute, and Mannequin Model is written so painfully beautiful that you wish it had seventy more pages. This is a great collection for the horror fan who wants MORE from
a short story read than just a monster and some victims. Let this book get deep in your being and enjoy every place it takes you.
a short story read than just a monster and some victims. Let this book get deep in your being and enjoy every place it takes you.
March 8, 2023
Tanika Thompsons newest release, Unshod, Cackling, and Naked, is a collection of horror that pulled me in and kept me in my seat every single time I opened this book.
The stories range from cosmic, ecological, haunting, and even into body horror, so there is probably something for literally every sort of horror fan. There are a couple of the increasingly popular “good for her!” genre in here(which were definitely some of my favorite). Like I usually do, instead of reviewing individual stories and spoiling it, I’m just going to share my favorites from the collection:
-I Am Goddess
-Abduction Near Knife Lake
-The Turn
Each of these is incredibly satisfying in the “no such thing as a happy ending” way. I’ll be watching for more from this author, I was desperate for some of these to be full length, and I’ve no doubt a full length in the future will be every bit as amazing as these were.
The stories range from cosmic, ecological, haunting, and even into body horror, so there is probably something for literally every sort of horror fan. There are a couple of the increasingly popular “good for her!” genre in here(which were definitely some of my favorite). Like I usually do, instead of reviewing individual stories and spoiling it, I’m just going to share my favorites from the collection:
-I Am Goddess
-Abduction Near Knife Lake
-The Turn
Each of these is incredibly satisfying in the “no such thing as a happy ending” way. I’ll be watching for more from this author, I was desperate for some of these to be full length, and I’ve no doubt a full length in the future will be every bit as amazing as these were.
September 7, 2023
I purchased this book months ago upon seeing others share it on social media, due mainly to the cover and of course already glowing recommendations. Finally had a chance to read and once I dug in, I could not stop. 'The Turn' grabbed me immediately, being a dog lover myself. The suspense and impending doom in the story is masterfully laid out from one page to the next, all the way to the surprising ending. "I will be glorious" creeps over you with the same suffocating blanket, you feel it covering you but can't get out. "She by the Sea" is another favorite. I can't even pick the best of this incredible collection. I love everything about it, the relatable storytelling that tricks you into thinking it's gonna be a good old time and then a few minutes later you're looking around the room to make sure you're alone. I can't wait to see what else is coming! (note: I have also purchased and will review Salamander Justice!)
August 6, 2024
Staggeringly amazing collection of speculative fiction tales from Tamika Thompson, who should definitely be on your list of "authors to watch" in horror. 'Unshod, Cackling, and Naked' takes the reader on so many different immersive tales, whether it's the husband who is head-over-heels in love with this wife except she disappears and then comes back and has no recollection, or it's the story of looking at trees with renewed fear, to so many others that captured a vibrant urgency and a lens that has too long been downplayed and suppressed in horror. Thankfully the past decade has seen huge changes in that, although there is still so much more that needs to be done. If you are a fan of horror short story collections, definitely pick this one up because it will not disappoint.
Looking forward to new works from the author in the future for sure!
Looking forward to new works from the author in the future for sure!
May 1, 2023
While several reviewers have compared this anthology collection to "The Twilight Zone," I feel it's more in tone and style with Clive Barker's "The Books of Blood." The language, imagery, and all around story telling is superb, with, in my opinion, "And We Screamed" being my favorite. Each story is engaging in its own way, though, with the last entry, "Abduction Near Knife Lake," a true white knuckler.
The 13 stories in this collection prove that Tamika Thompson not only has a creative imagination, but also, the writing skills to bring, not only her characters to life, but her visions as well. I feel "Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" is just the starting point for this talented storyteller. And would not be surprised if this writer goes far.
The 13 stories in this collection prove that Tamika Thompson not only has a creative imagination, but also, the writing skills to bring, not only her characters to life, but her visions as well. I feel "Unshod, Cackling, and Naked" is just the starting point for this talented storyteller. And would not be surprised if this writer goes far.
February 27, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive this from Tamika a while back ago. Theres 260 pages of different short stories in it. I had a rough time getting through the first few, they were unrealistic to me, but as I continued, holy crap!!! I couldn't stop reading. The main characters are black women who has bad ass attitudes. I did laugh through a few stories as the woman got sick of the people mistreating her and she got some revenge. Some stories are far out there and are kind of sci-fi type.
There is a story in this book for every reader! I loved it, I wasn't sure what I was getting next and that is super cool in my opinion. Thank you Tamika for this awesome book <3
There is a story in this book for every reader! I loved it, I wasn't sure what I was getting next and that is super cool in my opinion. Thank you Tamika for this awesome book <3
November 10, 2024
I was absolutely blown away from this collection of Thompson's short stories. Bridget Has Disappeared, i am goddess , and Mannequin Model were specific favorites, but every single one of these stories absolutely brought it.
If I could go back, I would take more time between reading each one. Reading the collection all at once made certain themes and nuances become apparent, but it in no way took away from how enjoyable this collection was.
Thompson weaves horror and relatability in her writing, using deep feelings and rage as tools to invoke emotion, and it completely paid off.
If I could go back, I would take more time between reading each one. Reading the collection all at once made certain themes and nuances become apparent, but it in no way took away from how enjoyable this collection was.
Thompson weaves horror and relatability in her writing, using deep feelings and rage as tools to invoke emotion, and it completely paid off.
February 1, 2023
This collection blew me away! These stories are funny and tragic, and they left me wondering if there's any way to escape the horrors they depict. All the stories are entertaining, with intriguing premises and strong characters, and they're very troubling at the same time. So many unpleasant complications of human nature are explored. I asked myself what I'd do in each harrowing scenario depicted here, and the answers often disturbed me. This is a collection you could read again and again, finding new terrors and new insights each time.
February 8, 2023
For its purposeful imagery, stirring voices, and fierce commentary, do not miss this collection. Thompson is a master of her craft. Each story holds mirror to mirror and acutely reflects the terror of our world through tightly woven layers and swift economy. There are always two stories at play for each tale: the surface horror story and a deeply resonant echo for those willing to hear it. My favorite stories were "Under the Crown" and "These Parts" as I found my pulsing racing, urging these protagonists to overturn their worlds. Brilliant.
February 12, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy.
What a great book! Unshod, Cackling, and Naked left me wanting more and that is the hallmark of a good short story collection. I enjoyed every story in the hook, but I do have some particular favorites. Under the Crown, I did it for you, The Bats, all excellent. My very favorite was These Parts - it just blew me away. Highly recommend.
What a great book! Unshod, Cackling, and Naked left me wanting more and that is the hallmark of a good short story collection. I enjoyed every story in the hook, but I do have some particular favorites. Under the Crown, I did it for you, The Bats, all excellent. My very favorite was These Parts - it just blew me away. Highly recommend.
May 9, 2023
Thompson crafts a thrilling collection of powerful horror. Whether it's a animals reclaiming their spots at the top of the food chain or women scorned and hellbent on revenge, the plots and characters jump from the pages with haunting intent. Thompson's ability to weave thought-provoking themes of social justice with terror-filled moments give the reader plenty to digest.
It's amazing this book isn't more widely discussed! It's a winner!
It's amazing this book isn't more widely discussed! It's a winner!
September 20, 2023
This collection of stories is absolutely amazing. Tamika Thompson delivers some beautiful takes on relationships, families, ghosts, werewolves, and serial killers. Every one had some great unexpected moments and twists on things you expect to happen. I think my favorite thing was how she took something like an apocalypse and made it come from dogs, or a look at the creature from the black lagoon and makes it something super dark. Definitely a collection you have to read!
February 21, 2023
What you have is a collection of stories that border on horror and social wrongs. These stories reminded me of the twilight zone series. Great stories I enjoyed very much. This is not in-your-face horror but a chilling horror. Many of these stay with you long after reading. I Look forward to reading more from the author.
March 21, 2023
An interesting collection of short stories by Tamika Thompson. I’m not sure I would classify them as horror stories, as classified on Amazon. My favorite was, "And We Screamed." It held my attention from beginning to end, whereas some others, at which the pace seemed too slow, had me skipping ahead.
April 16, 2023
Thompson's gritty characters and storytelling continue to haunt me, long after I finished the collection. Her ability to write realistic and visceral characters immediately pulled me into each story. Some of my favorites were I Am Godddess, Mannequin Model, and Bridget Has Disappeared. Each story in the collection left me with a bloody imprint, one that I can't wash away.
July 28, 2025
the turn: 4 stars
bridget has disappeared: 4.25 stars
under the crown: 4 stars
I did it for you: 4.25 stars
the bats: 3.75 stars
these parts: 4 stars
I will be glorious: 3.75 stars
angry slash of blood 3.75 stars
mannequin model: 4 stars
she by the sea: 3.75 stars
and we screamed: 4 stars
I am goddess: 4.25 stars
abduction near knife lake: 4.25 stars
bridget has disappeared: 4.25 stars
under the crown: 4 stars
I did it for you: 4.25 stars
the bats: 3.75 stars
these parts: 4 stars
I will be glorious: 3.75 stars
angry slash of blood 3.75 stars
mannequin model: 4 stars
she by the sea: 3.75 stars
and we screamed: 4 stars
I am goddess: 4.25 stars
abduction near knife lake: 4.25 stars
February 13, 2023
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up. Very quick read. Each story in this anthology is well-written, fast-paced, & unique. Not every story was my cup of tea, but that’s obviously a very subjective opinion. Some of them though were right up my alley, & left me wanting more. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
February 6, 2025
This was a creepy and dark collection of short stories full of feminine rage and gut punches to racism. Generally, when reading collections, some are better than others, and that is true in this case as well. I really enjoyed each short story.
March 8, 2025
These are really compelling short stories and unlike any I have read. Dystopian, horrifying, world turned upside down, laugh out loud, cry out loud. They cover it all. You will tear through these stories and want more.
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