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Moonless Nocturne: Tales of Dark Fantasy & Horror Noir
A riveting collection of short stories from Bram Stoker Award-winner Hank Schwaeble that range from classic noir with a supernatural twist to futuristic techno-horror—and running the nightmarish gamut of everything in between—this chilling set of ten tales offers an exquisite and impressive showcase of the author’s talents that are sure to entertain and intrigue readers of all stripes. With an Introduction by the iconic F. Paul Wilson, Moonless Nocturne is a gourmet platter of both red meat and rare delicacies not only for aficionados of horror, mystery, thrillers, and suspense, but any connoisseurs of fantastic fiction. Inventive and original, this collection has already been optioned for TV/film by Lonetree Entertainment and is certain to appeal to fans of King, Barker, Matheson and Jackson. It’s not the dark that should scare you, it’s all the things that lurk there…
- GenresHorrorAnthologies
338 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2022
7 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Hank Schwaeble
21 books43 followersHank Schwaeble is a thriller writer and attorney in Houston, Texas. His first novel, Damnable, will be published by Penguin/Putnam in September 2009 under their Jove imprint.
Hank's first short story, “Mugwumps,” appeared in the anthology Alone on the Darkside in 2006. In 2007, he and Gary Braunbeck won a Bram Stoker Award for the anthology Five Strokes to Midnight, which included three of his short stories.
A graduate of the University of Florida and Vanderbilt Law School, Hank is also a former Air Force officer and special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He was a distinguished graduate from the Air Force Special Investigations Academy, graduated first in his class from the Defense Language Institute's Japanese Language Course, and was an editor of the law review at Vanderbilt where he won four American Jurisprudence Awards.
In addition to reading and writing, Hank enjoys keeping in shape and playing his guitars, his favorite being his Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Cut-away. He refuses to either confirm or deny rumors that he used to be a drummer.
Hank's first short story, “Mugwumps,” appeared in the anthology Alone on the Darkside in 2006. In 2007, he and Gary Braunbeck won a Bram Stoker Award for the anthology Five Strokes to Midnight, which included three of his short stories.
A graduate of the University of Florida and Vanderbilt Law School, Hank is also a former Air Force officer and special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He was a distinguished graduate from the Air Force Special Investigations Academy, graduated first in his class from the Defense Language Institute's Japanese Language Course, and was an editor of the law review at Vanderbilt where he won four American Jurisprudence Awards.
In addition to reading and writing, Hank enjoys keeping in shape and playing his guitars, his favorite being his Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Cut-away. He refuses to either confirm or deny rumors that he used to be a drummer.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 22, 2022
A collection of sci fi and paranormal horror stories mostly with a noire aesthetic. Several of the the pieces were a clever twist on a common theme which as someone who has read a lot of these, was refreshing and enjoyable. None of them were particularly weak although "Everything Not Forbidden" and "Zafari" were my favorites. I would definitely recommend this to any horror reader.
I received an advanced copy for review.
I received an advanced copy for review.
November 23, 2022
In Moonless Nocturne: Tales of Dark Fantasy & Horror Noir by Hank Schwaeble, we have a subtle mix of science fiction, noir, and horror. This latest anthology of stories has a range of subjects that we could not categorize easily into horror or noir alone. The tales tend to cross genres liberally. But that's a good thing in this case.
In my favorite story, Moonless Nocturne, we have a blend of noir, science fiction, and the fantastical. Our narrator, Joe Maddox, is clearly woven in noir threads. He is an ex-cop, private detective, embroiled with sinister villains, femme fatales, and caught up in a mysterious search for a fantastic device. You may think you're reading the latest outline for the new Jake Hatcher novel, but the story takes on a life of its own and you realize that you've fallen for one of Schwaeble's famous set-ups. I didn't see that coming. I had to reread the story just to see how I had overlooked all the clues upon the first reading.
In The Yearning Jade, Milo Chance, our anti-hero narrator, walks us through a typical noir detective story similar to Joe Maddox's. However, Milo's tale has that double twist ending that Schwaeble loves to spring on his readers. In his anthologies, every mcguffin is cursed or supernatural but with unpredictable results. You believe you know what's coming because of the "noir" structure, then all hell breaks loose--sometimes literally. Anyone who hasn't read the Jake Hatcher series should do themselves a favor and see how Hank Schwaeble lays out this same structure in three excellent noir horror novels (Diabolical, Damnable, The Angel of the Abyss).
But this anthology not only explores noir; it also samples science fiction in unusual formats. In the story, Household, we have a Hitchcockian tale with just a dash of Robert Bloch. Anyone familiar with the 50s and 60s science fiction and horror twist ending by masters like Ray Bradbury and Richard Matheson will appreciate Schwaeble's take on this story structure. How many times have you seen a narrator who is a house? But don't let that fool you. The house in question narrates the story of our secondary protagonist in such a way that the clever ending only serves to open the door to a bigger denouement that you'll have to read for yourselves.
Besides noir and science fiction, we also read some existential horror that falls between fantasy and science fiction. These are stories where the narrator becomes the vehicle for the horror rather than the witness to the horror. The tales lead you to believe they are headed in a science fiction direction before you realize that you just walked into a living nightmare. See for yourselves, dear readers, how Hank Schwaeble structurally weaves genres together into perfect blends of mental and physical horrors. Hell has never been so much fun.
In Moonless Nocturne, we receive plenty of surprises and dark humor. We have unreliable narratives delivered by a reliable narrator, allowing many of the twist endings themselves to have twists. Hank Schwaeble continues to master the well-crafted structures that mixes genres to induce dread and morbid fascination. Each story is rooted in relatable environments and situations where our narrators enter horrific realities that parallel our own everyday reality. We are transported into a realization of horror rather than receive a description of horror. We feel the horror coming without having to see it. This well-crafted style of Schwaeble's make Moonless Nocturne a worthy read for all lovers of horror, science fiction, and the darkest of detective noir.
In my favorite story, Moonless Nocturne, we have a blend of noir, science fiction, and the fantastical. Our narrator, Joe Maddox, is clearly woven in noir threads. He is an ex-cop, private detective, embroiled with sinister villains, femme fatales, and caught up in a mysterious search for a fantastic device. You may think you're reading the latest outline for the new Jake Hatcher novel, but the story takes on a life of its own and you realize that you've fallen for one of Schwaeble's famous set-ups. I didn't see that coming. I had to reread the story just to see how I had overlooked all the clues upon the first reading.
In The Yearning Jade, Milo Chance, our anti-hero narrator, walks us through a typical noir detective story similar to Joe Maddox's. However, Milo's tale has that double twist ending that Schwaeble loves to spring on his readers. In his anthologies, every mcguffin is cursed or supernatural but with unpredictable results. You believe you know what's coming because of the "noir" structure, then all hell breaks loose--sometimes literally. Anyone who hasn't read the Jake Hatcher series should do themselves a favor and see how Hank Schwaeble lays out this same structure in three excellent noir horror novels (Diabolical, Damnable, The Angel of the Abyss).
But this anthology not only explores noir; it also samples science fiction in unusual formats. In the story, Household, we have a Hitchcockian tale with just a dash of Robert Bloch. Anyone familiar with the 50s and 60s science fiction and horror twist ending by masters like Ray Bradbury and Richard Matheson will appreciate Schwaeble's take on this story structure. How many times have you seen a narrator who is a house? But don't let that fool you. The house in question narrates the story of our secondary protagonist in such a way that the clever ending only serves to open the door to a bigger denouement that you'll have to read for yourselves.
Besides noir and science fiction, we also read some existential horror that falls between fantasy and science fiction. These are stories where the narrator becomes the vehicle for the horror rather than the witness to the horror. The tales lead you to believe they are headed in a science fiction direction before you realize that you just walked into a living nightmare. See for yourselves, dear readers, how Hank Schwaeble structurally weaves genres together into perfect blends of mental and physical horrors. Hell has never been so much fun.
In Moonless Nocturne, we receive plenty of surprises and dark humor. We have unreliable narratives delivered by a reliable narrator, allowing many of the twist endings themselves to have twists. Hank Schwaeble continues to master the well-crafted structures that mixes genres to induce dread and morbid fascination. Each story is rooted in relatable environments and situations where our narrators enter horrific realities that parallel our own everyday reality. We are transported into a realization of horror rather than receive a description of horror. We feel the horror coming without having to see it. This well-crafted style of Schwaeble's make Moonless Nocturne a worthy read for all lovers of horror, science fiction, and the darkest of detective noir.
November 23, 2022
Moonless Nocturne is a wonderful collection of stories. These tales remind me of an anthology curated by Alfred Hitchcock that I had when I was a kid, called Tales of Mystery and Horror, except this book's stories are all by a single author, Hank Schwaeble. They range from mysterious to old school to modern, futuristic, and very disturbing, but always very clever. My favorite are Everything Not Forbidden, a thought experiment that I, well, I try not to think about! And Psycho Metrics, which is a kind of modern-day Jekyll-Hyde story I didn't know was missing from my life. A story a night makes for a great read. I think this collection would also be a great gift for horror fans.
Loved it. Five stars.
Loved it. Five stars.
January 18, 2023
A compelling blend of horror and crime noir, and the various shades of grey in-between. My favorite story in the collection is "Household," a haunted house story told from the point of view of the house itself. In the hands of a lesser author, this could have been an experimental story that fell apart under its own cleverness - but in the hands of Hank Schwaeble, the story works, and it works very well. The noir vibe is present in "Household," as it is throughout the collection, even in the stories that are more horror oriented. The author includes story notes at the end of the book, giving more information and perspective on each story. This is an awesome collection, highly recommended!
November 19, 2022
Quick, thrilling, and gripping short stories? Say no more! I have always been a fan of short stories. And I have always been a fan of horror and thriller novels. Mix in a hint of sci fi and futurism and Schwaeble gives us stories very reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. Some stories were hard to follow (I am not super into fantasy and sci fi so that could be it), but I enjoyed all of them none the less. I loved the short Household; there was something sinister and creepy about it. I could read a full novella based on this one alone!
November 20, 2022
Hank Schwaeble’s collection of tales jump from era to era, location to location, and each one is atmospheric and full of ambiance.
The stories are quite long actually, some read more like novellas.
I’d have to say my favourites were the titular “Moonless Nocturne”, and “Zafari”
Add this one to your reading list, and check out Hank Schwaeble’s other collection, American Nocturne!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & Author Guide for a copy
The stories are quite long actually, some read more like novellas.
I’d have to say my favourites were the titular “Moonless Nocturne”, and “Zafari”
Add this one to your reading list, and check out Hank Schwaeble’s other collection, American Nocturne!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & Author Guide for a copy
November 23, 2022
Loved this book. “Household” was so incredibly creepy and unexpected. It got under my skin in a way few stories have. “Everything Not Forbidden” is another favorite, but honestly, they were all good. Highly recommend!
November 23, 2022
Excellent Collection of Darker Scifi Stories. This collection does a great job of spanning a wide range of scifi types and styles, from noir/ hard-boiled detective chasing a mysterious object to concerns about the space race/ nuclear testing to AI to haunted houses to mind-bending psychological thriller, and several others to boot. While Schwaeble uses “dark fantasy” on the cover to describe what is here, to me “fantasy” is more swords/ sorcery level, and the closest you actually get to that in this collection is some stories having a touch of the paranormal to them. Otherwise this is solid scifi/ horror, and great for those “mood”/ “seasonal” readers looking for something a bit darker/ spookier in October. Also great for fans of the Twilight Zone and Hitchcockian suspense, as these stories are right there in that vein. Very much recommended.
November 20, 2023
It's not every day that an author offers up a paperback for review for free to a total stranger. But Schwaeble did, and I was the lucky winner. A collection of shorts isn't usually my jam, but I was drawn to this author's confidence. And I should add that confidence is well deserved. Some people have the ability not only write stories that are thinking outside of the box, but they're also penned with precision and crisp clarity. This author does those things and more.
Within these pages, the reader will read a variety of tales ranging from the dangers of AI< to characters outsmarting the devil, and my favorite of some sort of psychic working with detectives to solve murders.
Usually, I read for violence and such, but that wasn't required in these stories to hold my attention
Within these pages, the reader will read a variety of tales ranging from the dangers of AI< to characters outsmarting the devil, and my favorite of some sort of psychic working with detectives to solve murders.
Usually, I read for violence and such, but that wasn't required in these stories to hold my attention
February 13, 2023
Definitely Bram Stoker Award worthy
Moonless Nocturne is a wild carnival ride of chilling tales. Not content to submerge his skills within a single genre, Hank Schwaeble flows easily among the best of breed within the detective, horror, action/adventure, and science fiction genres. As an extra-special treat, buried within each tale are dark passages and concepts guaranteed to send shivers dancing within the core of even the most case-hardened reader. Thank you, Hank, for a most delightfully disturbing read.
Moonless Nocturne is a wild carnival ride of chilling tales. Not content to submerge his skills within a single genre, Hank Schwaeble flows easily among the best of breed within the detective, horror, action/adventure, and science fiction genres. As an extra-special treat, buried within each tale are dark passages and concepts guaranteed to send shivers dancing within the core of even the most case-hardened reader. Thank you, Hank, for a most delightfully disturbing read.
December 22, 2022
I was given this book by a publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is the first thing i've read by the author.
This collection of unrelated short stories has a little something for almost everyone (horror, fantasy, mystery, and psychological thriller). While I enjoyed all of the stories some were more my cup of tea than others. My favorite was "Psycho Metrics" which had a great flow and was wonderfully written. The entire book was well worth my time.
This collection of unrelated short stories has a little something for almost everyone (horror, fantasy, mystery, and psychological thriller). While I enjoyed all of the stories some were more my cup of tea than others. My favorite was "Psycho Metrics" which had a great flow and was wonderfully written. The entire book was well worth my time.
February 16, 2023
This is a great short sci-fi horror collection where even the not so scary stories are still very interesting. This is my favorite kind of book and this one did not disappoint. I would definitely love to read more books written by Hanks Weible so if you love anthologies and short stories you love this book I certainly did. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
June 14, 2023
I love Horror Noir, and this collection of tales has a perfect blend of horror, sci-fi, paranormal, and dark fantasy stories, that are in my opinion, reminiscent of Hitchcockian suspense. Each story is well-written and compelling. I’m looking forward to reading more of Hank’s work. Highly Recommended!
December 27, 2022
A very solid collection, bit of something for everyone, longer pieces.
Read
October 16, 2023DNF.
Forgot my booklight downstairs one night and was too lazy to get it.
So I grabbed my kindle and loaded up some Edgar Allen Poe. And that was the end of that.
Forgot my booklight downstairs one night and was too lazy to get it.
So I grabbed my kindle and loaded up some Edgar Allen Poe. And that was the end of that.
April 30, 2023
A short story collection of short to medium length stories that range from SciFi-paranormal-dark fantasy- horror noir. Definitely recommend to any dark fantasy or short-story fan.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews