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Abnormal Statistics
Suburban decay, familial horror, bleak lullabies. Abnormal Statistics is the debut story collection from Max Booth III.
Bad times are waiting for you.
Featuring 10 reprints and 3 stories original to this collection (including a brand-new novella called "Indiana Death Song").
Bad times are waiting for you.
Featuring 10 reprints and 3 stories original to this collection (including a brand-new novella called "Indiana Death Song").
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
March 24, 2023
Abnormal Statistics is a collection of short horror stories written by Max Booth III. Many of the stories are based on things that he experienced in his childhood. The stories involve families placed in awful circumstances - sometimes through their own poor decisions, other times just plain bad luck.
The book opens with a longer story that I would call a novella. It offers a twist that sold me on the writing right away! I knew I was going to enjoy the rest of the book at that point and I wasn't disappointed. Abnormal Statistics should appeal to anyone with a love for horror. Just be warned - this is horror. You'll get plenty of gore and depravity between the pages. It's just so well written. I had to see what happened next.
I give Abnormal Statistics four out of five stars for an excellent collection of short horror. There wasn't a poorly written story in the bunch! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book opens with a longer story that I would call a novella. It offers a twist that sold me on the writing right away! I knew I was going to enjoy the rest of the book at that point and I wasn't disappointed. Abnormal Statistics should appeal to anyone with a love for horror. Just be warned - this is horror. You'll get plenty of gore and depravity between the pages. It's just so well written. I had to see what happened next.
I give Abnormal Statistics four out of five stars for an excellent collection of short horror. There wasn't a poorly written story in the bunch! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2023
One of the most fearsome things in the world as far as human relations is silence: That narrow strip of nothing, ensnaring from one sealed mouth to the next, irremovable and bleak. This short story collection plays devilishly with that silence until your brain is a gore of pink pulp.
May 21, 2023
"That if you want to slit someone’s throat, you gotta make sure you dig in real good and deep, don’t hold back any, slice that jugular open like the best piece of candy in the world’s hiding inside."
These short horror stories were fantastic and twisted enough to make puke fall out of your eye sockets. This truly shows how evil and demented people really are. Remember trust no one… Well, trust me when I tell you to read this collection. You won’t be disappointed but you’ll be a little queasy.
"You shout the word Teeth at me over and over, like it’s a curse, like it’s supposed to scare me, and it works, especially when you pick up the hammer from my toolbox and start swinging it wildly. Teeth Teeth Teeth you scream."
These short horror stories were fantastic and twisted enough to make puke fall out of your eye sockets. This truly shows how evil and demented people really are. Remember trust no one… Well, trust me when I tell you to read this collection. You won’t be disappointed but you’ll be a little queasy.
"You shout the word Teeth at me over and over, like it’s a curse, like it’s supposed to scare me, and it works, especially when you pick up the hammer from my toolbox and start swinging it wildly. Teeth Teeth Teeth you scream."
January 10, 2025
Max Booth III I think you might need a hug, come here 😁.
This is my first thought after reading this compilation. Let’s dig deeper.
What you’ll find here are a collection of short stories about families, bad decisions and how things turned out, teenage self-discovery and acceptance, the whole package whit a horror point of view. But believe me it always goes wrong 😑.
Most of them are based on Max Booth’s childhood.
Short stories are the following:
-Indiana death song (this is a novella).
-You are my neighbor.
-Blood dust.
-Fish.
-In the attic of Universe.
-Disintegration is Quite Painless.
-Scraps.
-Boy takes after his mother.
-Every breath is a choice.
-Munchausen.
-Abduction (Reprise).
-Video Nasties.
-List of Familicides in the US (by decade).
-Story Notes.
If you’ve ever read him you know what’s going to happen, his stories aren’t easy they’re sharp and full of pain, and of course includes that sexual, gore and deprave touch 🫣😅.
I really had a wonderful time although sip by sip.
For sure I’ll continue reading his stories, he’s such a good writer.
I thank you BookSirens @booksirens for giving me an advance review copy for free.
This is my first thought after reading this compilation. Let’s dig deeper.
What you’ll find here are a collection of short stories about families, bad decisions and how things turned out, teenage self-discovery and acceptance, the whole package whit a horror point of view. But believe me it always goes wrong 😑.
Most of them are based on Max Booth’s childhood.
Short stories are the following:
-Indiana death song (this is a novella).
-You are my neighbor.
-Blood dust.
-Fish.
-In the attic of Universe.
-Disintegration is Quite Painless.
-Scraps.
-Boy takes after his mother.
-Every breath is a choice.
-Munchausen.
-Abduction (Reprise).
-Video Nasties.
-List of Familicides in the US (by decade).
-Story Notes.
If you’ve ever read him you know what’s going to happen, his stories aren’t easy they’re sharp and full of pain, and of course includes that sexual, gore and deprave touch 🫣😅.
I really had a wonderful time although sip by sip.
For sure I’ll continue reading his stories, he’s such a good writer.
I thank you BookSirens @booksirens for giving me an advance review copy for free.
January 23, 2023
This hurt my feelings. I didn't even know I had this many feelings to be hurt.
April 30, 2023
Five out of five teeth! 🦷
June 28, 2023
A collection of 13 extremely dark horror stories.
The stories range from a semi-autobiographical novella set in a casino hotel to a zombie apocalypse story that has a very dark heart. There are stories based in true horrors, such as Serial Killers and Abuses, and supernatural stories
Some of the highlights were
Indiana Death Song - A young boy forced to live in hotel with his family believes he is being watched
In The Attic of the Universe - A zombie apocalypse with a difficult decision
Boy Takes After His Mother - Motherly influence gone wrong
Every Breath Is A Choice - A father's revenge
This is certainly one of the best short story collections I've read this year
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The stories range from a semi-autobiographical novella set in a casino hotel to a zombie apocalypse story that has a very dark heart. There are stories based in true horrors, such as Serial Killers and Abuses, and supernatural stories
Some of the highlights were
Indiana Death Song - A young boy forced to live in hotel with his family believes he is being watched
In The Attic of the Universe - A zombie apocalypse with a difficult decision
Boy Takes After His Mother - Motherly influence gone wrong
Every Breath Is A Choice - A father's revenge
This is certainly one of the best short story collections I've read this year
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2023
Whew.
If your childhood was anything, but a neon-coloured rerun of DeGrassi airing on a streaming service no one cared about, this is going to make some old wounds start bleeding again. This is very much a short story collection, but the opener Indiana Death Song takes up one third of its length. A very personal story at heart, it takes its sweet time to settle into a deranged fairy tale where you constantly question the agency of the protagonist. Disintegration is Quite Painless was one of my favourite in the collection although it was a reprint. Set in a very Lovecraftian take on Northwestern Indiana, it paints a convincing portrait of children forgotten by God.
Childhood, family, heartbreak and old hauntings are things that will crawl up your skin and into your skull while reading Abnormal Statistics. It would very well be its own anthology show.
If your childhood was anything, but a neon-coloured rerun of DeGrassi airing on a streaming service no one cared about, this is going to make some old wounds start bleeding again. This is very much a short story collection, but the opener Indiana Death Song takes up one third of its length. A very personal story at heart, it takes its sweet time to settle into a deranged fairy tale where you constantly question the agency of the protagonist. Disintegration is Quite Painless was one of my favourite in the collection although it was a reprint. Set in a very Lovecraftian take on Northwestern Indiana, it paints a convincing portrait of children forgotten by God.
Childhood, family, heartbreak and old hauntings are things that will crawl up your skin and into your skull while reading Abnormal Statistics. It would very well be its own anthology show.
December 21, 2022
4/5
Abnormal Statistics is an unsurprisingly fiendish, yet surprisingly warm approach to what could be considered a 267 page therapy session.
Told in a collection of stories, the author explores elements of his own childhood and adolescence, threading truth with fiction, and holding a mirror up to the dark cracks in all our family histories. Booth weaves together snippets of family horror into an entirely cohesive collection, from the heartbreaking "In the Attic of the Universe" to the experimental "List of familicides in the United States (by decade)."
The standout story is the deeply personal opening novella, "Indiana Death Song." Death Song explores the formative years of our young unnamed protagonist, caught in the liminal space between his troubled parents. Through raw and vulnerable storytelling, the author processes the horror of his youth against the uncertainty of his future, and allows all of us front row privilege to witness the unfolding. This story gives credence to the adage that the best fiction comes from truth.
Perhaps a bit too referential in spots for me to feel comfortable giving it a complete 5 star, but truly this 4 star is well earned and well deserved. This collection is fun and uncomfortable in all the correct ways. Recommended mostly for the horror anthology lover who will be torn on what to gift their loving parents for the next Father or Mother's Day.
Thanks to Max Booth III for supplying me an early reader copy!
Abnormal Statistics is an unsurprisingly fiendish, yet surprisingly warm approach to what could be considered a 267 page therapy session.
Told in a collection of stories, the author explores elements of his own childhood and adolescence, threading truth with fiction, and holding a mirror up to the dark cracks in all our family histories. Booth weaves together snippets of family horror into an entirely cohesive collection, from the heartbreaking "In the Attic of the Universe" to the experimental "List of familicides in the United States (by decade)."
The standout story is the deeply personal opening novella, "Indiana Death Song." Death Song explores the formative years of our young unnamed protagonist, caught in the liminal space between his troubled parents. Through raw and vulnerable storytelling, the author processes the horror of his youth against the uncertainty of his future, and allows all of us front row privilege to witness the unfolding. This story gives credence to the adage that the best fiction comes from truth.
Perhaps a bit too referential in spots for me to feel comfortable giving it a complete 5 star, but truly this 4 star is well earned and well deserved. This collection is fun and uncomfortable in all the correct ways. Recommended mostly for the horror anthology lover who will be torn on what to gift their loving parents for the next Father or Mother's Day.
Thanks to Max Booth III for supplying me an early reader copy!
April 15, 2024
Well that was disappointing. This was marketed as horror and having read this author’s books in the past I was hoping for some truly scary stories.
Many of these stories are just downright depressing… addictions, abandonment, trauma are common themes. It just made me feel “blah” and not what I want to read. I also found the stories tended to drag on a bit.
Thank you anyways to BookSirens & the author for a copy.
Many of these stories are just downright depressing… addictions, abandonment, trauma are common themes. It just made me feel “blah” and not what I want to read. I also found the stories tended to drag on a bit.
Thank you anyways to BookSirens & the author for a copy.
March 2, 2023
Based on the author's own experiences and also fictionalized news stories this book can turn your stomach and break your heart.
Most revolve around family in some form of suffering or other, be it from addiction, abuse, neglect, or loss. The supernatural aspects are secondary to the evil perpetrated by humans. I was floored by Scraps, a story that I thought was going to be about spooky creepy children but turned into a gut-wrenching tale of devastating horror.
Every Breath Is A Choice was another story that shocked me as it veered off into the unexpected and ugly, leaving me shaken and perhaps traumatized.
All of the stories are well written but though I don't consider myself to be a person who needs trigger warnings I struggled towards the end with a story called Video Nasties because I knew almost immediately that it was based on a real-life horrifying case of child torture and murder that I remember from the news. If you like your fiction very dark this may be for you. This collection is full of deeply disturbing stories that I don't think everyone could handle so don't say I didn't warn you.
Most revolve around family in some form of suffering or other, be it from addiction, abuse, neglect, or loss. The supernatural aspects are secondary to the evil perpetrated by humans. I was floored by Scraps, a story that I thought was going to be about spooky creepy children but turned into a gut-wrenching tale of devastating horror.
Every Breath Is A Choice was another story that shocked me as it veered off into the unexpected and ugly, leaving me shaken and perhaps traumatized.
All of the stories are well written but though I don't consider myself to be a person who needs trigger warnings I struggled towards the end with a story called Video Nasties because I knew almost immediately that it was based on a real-life horrifying case of child torture and murder that I remember from the news. If you like your fiction very dark this may be for you. This collection is full of deeply disturbing stories that I don't think everyone could handle so don't say I didn't warn you.
May 26, 2023
This was an incredible collection of short stories. I'm not sure I've read a collection of horrors that has felt quite so engaging. Each story filled me with more dread than the last, each page had me waiting on baited breath. A stunning journey.
The intial story, Indiana Death Song, grabbed me straight away. I've got a thing about teeth and god, it messed with me BAD. Blood Dust and Fish were also amazing.
But out of all of them I have to say Every Breath is a Choice was my absolute favourite. The build-up, the tension, the unknown, and then that phenomenal end!
An amazing read, I recommend this to everyone who is into dark, gory, icky shorts.
ARC courtesy of Book Sirens.
The intial story, Indiana Death Song, grabbed me straight away. I've got a thing about teeth and god, it messed with me BAD. Blood Dust and Fish were also amazing.
But out of all of them I have to say Every Breath is a Choice was my absolute favourite. The build-up, the tension, the unknown, and then that phenomenal end!
An amazing read, I recommend this to everyone who is into dark, gory, icky shorts.
ARC courtesy of Book Sirens.
November 3, 2023
Short story collection of horror tales that is really dark and entertaining.
May 5, 2023
The short stories in this collection are pretty messed up. The most horrifying part of the stories are the things that humans are capable of doing to other living beings. A lot of the stories are based off of Max Booth's own life. Knowing that parts of these stories are based on truth only made it more horrifying, but being able to relate to the stories about his childhood was probably the most horrific part. These stories felt darker than most of Booth's work and there wasn't as much of the humor I usually find in his work. These stories were personal. These stories were great.
April 7, 2023
I've figured out why I have to read everything Max Booth III writes.
It's because he's an amazing writer.
Some writers are born to write and Max is one of those. His writing reminds me of Raymond Carver, but with a sharper edge. My only disappointment with this collection is that there is no introduction. Max's introductions are usually my favorite part of his books. The intro to The Nightly Disease blew me away.
But I can't complain! The first story in Abnormal Statistics is a semi-biographical novella called Indiana Death Song, and it's probably the best thing I've read this year.
Get this amazing collection ASAP and then read everything in Max's catalog.
It's because he's an amazing writer.
Some writers are born to write and Max is one of those. His writing reminds me of Raymond Carver, but with a sharper edge. My only disappointment with this collection is that there is no introduction. Max's introductions are usually my favorite part of his books. The intro to The Nightly Disease blew me away.
But I can't complain! The first story in Abnormal Statistics is a semi-biographical novella called Indiana Death Song, and it's probably the best thing I've read this year.
Get this amazing collection ASAP and then read everything in Max's catalog.
Read
March 23, 2023ABNORMAL STATISTICS is filled with dark tales: they're rocks flipped over, with vile things exposed that don't usually see light. Candid, calamitous, and creepy, the things on display here horrify, but the world of horror is richer with Max Booth III's devastating stories.
May 2, 2023
Wow, what a read. Max’s short story collection is a humanistic read - the darkest, most stomach-churning parts of humanity that is. The book is a series of tiny gut-punches, each tale a beautifully composed soul fire.
My favorite thing about the book was the emotional waffling I experienced as I’d read a story and alternate between thinking “This story is incredible - everybody should read it!” and “Boy, does Max need a hug?!?”
Anyway, everybody SHOULD read this book and Max DOES need a hug.
My favorite thing about the book was the emotional waffling I experienced as I’d read a story and alternate between thinking “This story is incredible - everybody should read it!” and “Boy, does Max need a hug?!?”
Anyway, everybody SHOULD read this book and Max DOES need a hug.
April 13, 2023
"Indiana Death Song" is one of the best novellas I've read
April 29, 2023
I sometimes find it hard to rate story collections, but not this time. Max is a talented arbiter of the macabre. He wields dread and horror like a chef wields a knife, and he doesn't baby the reader by mitigating their effects. In Abnormal Statistics, Max opens with Indiana Death song, a strange and compelling novella. The being he reveals in this story returns in an unexpected way in another story (I won't say which) and it's very satisfying to uncover. Max Booth III has been added to my list of auto-buy authors.
5 stars, but not for a new horror reader!
5 stars, but not for a new horror reader!
July 2, 2024
This was a fantastic selection of short horror stories. The last entry in the collection, Video Nasties, is truly one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever read!
April 3, 2023
This collection starts on a high note with Indiana Death Song (which got me, and it’s difficult to get me), and ends on a gut punch, with plenty of disturbing and dark explorations of family.
August 31, 2025
lo he disfrutado muchísimo, me ha encantado
June 28, 2024
The highlight of this short story collection is the novella 'Indiana Death Song'. The narrative is about a teenage boy and his parents living at a casino hotel. Although bleak, there is also humor, comfort, and the slow intrusion of dread.
After reading this uncanny novella, I was a little disappointed that the remaining stories were very short. Although lacking depth and detail, these scary campfire tales were entertaining. Some were bizarre or disturbing, while a couple seemed a bit predictable. And I appreciated the afterword, in which the author explains the unique origins of each story.
I was mesmerized by the novella, 'Indiana Death Song' and would like to read more from Max Booth III.
After reading this uncanny novella, I was a little disappointed that the remaining stories were very short. Although lacking depth and detail, these scary campfire tales were entertaining. Some were bizarre or disturbing, while a couple seemed a bit predictable. And I appreciated the afterword, in which the author explains the unique origins of each story.
I was mesmerized by the novella, 'Indiana Death Song' and would like to read more from Max Booth III.
March 23, 2023
3.5 stars
This is an intense horror collection consisting of one novella and numerous short stories, dipping into the grotesque and gory. I found this to be well written if a bit too much for me. At times I had to look away as the imagery turned my stomach. That said, I appreciated (given the wide range of topics and genres - zombies, demonic creatures, ripped from the true crime headlines) none of the stories went were I was expecting. I was always surprised by a twist or a turn. Given the variety included, I'm sure there will be something for everyone in this.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens in exchange for a review.
This is an intense horror collection consisting of one novella and numerous short stories, dipping into the grotesque and gory. I found this to be well written if a bit too much for me. At times I had to look away as the imagery turned my stomach. That said, I appreciated (given the wide range of topics and genres - zombies, demonic creatures, ripped from the true crime headlines) none of the stories went were I was expecting. I was always surprised by a twist or a turn. Given the variety included, I'm sure there will be something for everyone in this.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens in exchange for a review.
August 8, 2023
Engrossing. Bleak. Like watching a car crash in slow motion.
April 25, 2023
I love finding authors I haven't heard of before. This is brilliantly written and I thoroughly enjoyed all of these short stories.
Oh and the creepy cover grabbed my attention for sure. I liked the stories they are captivating and drew you in. I wasn't so keen on the first story, The Indiana Death Song but the second story had me hooked.
The stories that are contained in this book are:
🏷️ Indiana Death Song
🏷️ You are my Neighbour
🏷️ Blood Dust
🏷️ Fish
🏷️ In the Attic of the Universe
🏷️ Disintegration is Quite Painless
🏷️ Scraps
🏷️ Boy Takes After his Mother
🏷️ Every Breath is a Choice
🏷️ Munchausen
🏷️ Abduction (Reprise)
🏷️ Video Nasties
🏷️ List of Familicides in the United States (By Decade)
Some of my favourites were: You are my Neighbour - brilliantly creepy, Blood Dust - this was so so good, Fish - that was one wild ride (no pun intended 😉), Disintegration is Quite Painless - brilliant story but many questions though.. it would be great if it was a proper book. Boy Takes After his Mother - A gentle remember to watch who you bully 🫣.
Oh and the creepy cover grabbed my attention for sure. I liked the stories they are captivating and drew you in. I wasn't so keen on the first story, The Indiana Death Song but the second story had me hooked.
The stories that are contained in this book are:
🏷️ Indiana Death Song
🏷️ You are my Neighbour
🏷️ Blood Dust
🏷️ Fish
🏷️ In the Attic of the Universe
🏷️ Disintegration is Quite Painless
🏷️ Scraps
🏷️ Boy Takes After his Mother
🏷️ Every Breath is a Choice
🏷️ Munchausen
🏷️ Abduction (Reprise)
🏷️ Video Nasties
🏷️ List of Familicides in the United States (By Decade)
Some of my favourites were: You are my Neighbour - brilliantly creepy, Blood Dust - this was so so good, Fish - that was one wild ride (no pun intended 😉), Disintegration is Quite Painless - brilliant story but many questions though.. it would be great if it was a proper book. Boy Takes After his Mother - A gentle remember to watch who you bully 🫣.
September 22, 2024
An absolutely amazing collection from Max Booth III. I thoroughly enjoyed each story but Indiana Death Song will forever be a favorite. It was so visceral and raw and I connected with it so deeply. You can feel Max's emotions oozing from those pages. It's bleak and also a stunning example of 2nd person POV.
Video Nasties was maybe one of the most horrible real life horrors I've ever read. Absolutely depressed it was inspired by real events. I accept your apology for making me learn that Max.
The last entry, List of familicides in the US (by decade) was an inventive use of epistolary writing that I enjoyed very much - told via Wikipedia articles and revision history.
Do yourselves a favor and read these stories.
Video Nasties was maybe one of the most horrible real life horrors I've ever read. Absolutely depressed it was inspired by real events. I accept your apology for making me learn that Max.
The last entry, List of familicides in the US (by decade) was an inventive use of epistolary writing that I enjoyed very much - told via Wikipedia articles and revision history.
Do yourselves a favor and read these stories.
November 19, 2024
4 out of 5 teeth (the other tooth is in my mouth because I had to know what it tasted like).
Abnormal Statistics is an excellent short story collection. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
It opens with a novella that sets the mood. Things only get darker from there.
What follows is a mixed bag of horrors from zombies, to abductions, to every other horrible thing that humans do to each other. These stories were bleak and disturbing.
Two stories were inspired by real life events. The rest were inspired in part by the author's life, which made the stories even more interesting.
I don't think there was a dud in the whole collection. All of the stories kept my interest. I love how weird some of these stories got.
I'd recommend this to those that prefer their horror to be dark and unsettling.
My favorite stories were:
Fish
In the Attic of the Universe
Video Nasties
It was fun reading the collection and trying to guess which parts were inspired by the author's life. The story notes provided the answers.
Some of these stories will disgust you and break your heart.
Don't read this if you want happy stories. The description says it all, "bad times are waiting for you."
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing me with an ARC for review.
Abnormal Statistics is an excellent short story collection. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
It opens with a novella that sets the mood. Things only get darker from there.
What follows is a mixed bag of horrors from zombies, to abductions, to every other horrible thing that humans do to each other. These stories were bleak and disturbing.
Two stories were inspired by real life events. The rest were inspired in part by the author's life, which made the stories even more interesting.
I don't think there was a dud in the whole collection. All of the stories kept my interest. I love how weird some of these stories got.
I'd recommend this to those that prefer their horror to be dark and unsettling.
My favorite stories were:
Fish
In the Attic of the Universe
Video Nasties
It was fun reading the collection and trying to guess which parts were inspired by the author's life. The story notes provided the answers.
Some of these stories will disgust you and break your heart.
Don't read this if you want happy stories. The description says it all, "bad times are waiting for you."
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing me with an ARC for review.
May 9, 2023
This set of stories has no damn right to be this fun and disturbing simultaneously. The story notes at the end were a fantastic bonus, like when you get amazing liner notes with an album. Some of these characters are gonna live rent-free in my head for a *while *.
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