Unhappy Endings

by Brian Keene

One of modern horror's hottest authors delivers an all-new collection. Brian Keene's Unhappy Endings features an exciting mix of never-before-published stories and hard-to-find fan favorites, ranging from a violent, post-apocalyptic novella to quiet, supernatural human-dramas. Includes "Take The Long Way Home," "Jack's Magic Beans," "Fade To Null," "Tequila's Sunrise," "The Ties That Bind," and many more.

Genres: Horror, Collections

332 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

BRIAN KEENE writes novels, comic books, short fiction, and occasional journalism for money. He is the author of over forty books, mostly in the horror, crime, and dark fantasy genres. His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s novels have been translated into German, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Taiwanese, and many more. In addition to his own original work, Keene has written for media properties such as Doctor Who, Hellboy, Masters of the Universe, and Superman.

Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.

Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.

Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.

The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[DJMikeG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Keene's since 2006, when I happened to stroll past "The Conqueror Worms" in my local Borders (truly a sign that this was 5 years ago). I picked up the book, read it, was impressed and began to discover modern horror fiction beyond King. I'd never read any of his short fiction until starting this book, and I'm floored by how good it is. Keene may even be a better novella/short story writer than he is a novelist, and that's saying something, as he's a damn good novel writer. I'm usually not that interested in short fiction, I like the character investment and the long form storytelling of a novel usually much more than a brief vignette. This book, on the other hand, reminds me of the truly great shorts I've read before, stuff by the likes of King and Bradbury and K. Dick. The stories vary in length, quality and tone, but overall, this collection is superb. I like the addition of Keene's notes on each story, it made for an illuminating reading experience. Not all of these stories are great, but overall, this collection is excellent. Highly recommended.

[Karl]

This is copy 117 of 300 copies signed and numbered by Brian Keene.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of the short stories. Some of them were very good and had me wishing for the story to be extended so that I could read more about it. Keene is a great story teller.

[Jonathan Echevarria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most impressive collection of short stories that Brian Keene has put together. There is something for everyone in this little book of horrors. Some of the amazing titles included in this book include Take the Long Way Home, Jack's Magic Beans, The Resurrection and the Life and Tequila's Sunrise.

One of the nicest treats in this book is the the final few pages include some poems that Brian Keene worked on in the past. It was a real treat to be able to read Brian Keene's early work as well as his hard to find short stories like "Black Wave", "Stone Tears" and "This is Not An Exit". The true highlight of this book is "The Siqquism Who Stole Christmas" which is a humongous treat for anyone who has read The Rising.

As of yet some of the short stories haven't been republished in other books. However quite of few can be found sold by themselves (Like Tequila's Sunrise) and others will eventually be added to the second volume to follow Blood on the Page: The Complete Short Fiction of Brian Keene, Volume 1. So if you are looking to collect Brian Keene's short stories and can't find this book for a reasonable price, just be patient because Volume 2 of Blood on the Page will eventually be released in the near future.

Overall if you can find this book for a reasonable price or borrow it from a friend then I can't recommend it enough. It's a shame this book is out of print, because it is definitely a book I give five out of five stars to!

[Adelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

DL mention!