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Dark Screams: Volume Four
MP3 CD Format "The Departed" by Clive On All Hallows' Eve, a dead and disembodied mother yearns to touch her young son one last time. But will making contact destroy them both?
"Creature Feature" by Heather What could be better publicity for a horror convention than an honest-to-goodness curse? It's only after lights out that the hype—and the Jack the Ripper mannequin—starts to feel a little too real.
"The New War" by Lisa Mike Carson is a war hero and a decorated vet. He doesn't deserve to be trapped in a hospital with some black thing sitting on his chest as patients die all around him. His only hope is to take out the nurse before it's his turn.
"Sammy Comes Home" by Ray It's what every family prays a lost pet returning home. But when Sammy, the Hale family sheepdog, appears on their doorstep, he brings back something no parent would ever wish upon his or her child.
"The Brasher Girl" by Ed Cindy Marie Brasher is the prettiest girl in the Valley, and Spence just has to have her. Unfortunately, Cindy has a "friend"—a friend who tells her to do bad things.
"Creature Feature" by Heather What could be better publicity for a horror convention than an honest-to-goodness curse? It's only after lights out that the hype—and the Jack the Ripper mannequin—starts to feel a little too real.
"The New War" by Lisa Mike Carson is a war hero and a decorated vet. He doesn't deserve to be trapped in a hospital with some black thing sitting on his chest as patients die all around him. His only hope is to take out the nurse before it's his turn.
"Sammy Comes Home" by Ray It's what every family prays a lost pet returning home. But when Sammy, the Hale family sheepdog, appears on their doorstep, he brings back something no parent would ever wish upon his or her child.
"The Brasher Girl" by Ed Cindy Marie Brasher is the prettiest girl in the Valley, and Spence just has to have her. Unfortunately, Cindy has a "friend"—a friend who tells her to do bad things.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published August 4, 2015
83 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Clive Barker
703 books15.2k followersClive Barker was born in Liverpool, England, the son of Joan Rubie (née Revill), a painter and school welfare officer, and Leonard Barker, a personnel director for an industrial relations firm. Educated at Dovedale Primary School and Quarry Bank High School, he studied English and Philosophy at Liverpool University and his picture now hangs in the entrance hallway to the Philosophy Department. It was in Liverpool in 1975 that he met his first partner, John Gregson, with whom he lived until 1986. Barker's second long-term relationship, with photographer David Armstrong, ended in 2009.
In 2003, Clive Barker received The Davidson/Valentini Award at the 15th GLAAD Media Awards. This award is presented "to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individual who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for any of those communities". While Barker is critical of organized religion, he has stated that he is a believer in both God and the afterlife, and that the Bible influences his work.
Fans have noticed of late that Barker's voice has become gravelly and coarse. He says in a December 2008 online interview that this is due to polyps in his throat which were so severe that a doctor told him he was taking in ten percent of the air he was supposed to have been getting. He has had two surgeries to remove them and believes his resultant voice is an improvement over how it was prior to the surgeries. He said he did not have cancer and has given up cigars. On August 27, 2010, Barker underwent surgery yet again to remove new polyp growths from his throat. In early February 2012 Barker fell into a coma after a dentist visit led to blood poisoning. Barker remained in a coma for eleven days but eventually came out of it. Fans were notified on his Twitter page about some of the experience and that Barker was recovering after the ordeal, but left with many strange visions.
Barker is one of the leading authors of contemporary horror/fantasy, writing in the horror genre early in his career, mostly in the form of short stories (collected in Books of Blood 1 – 6), and the Faustian novel The Damnation Game (1985). Later he moved towards modern-day fantasy and urban fantasy with horror elements in Weaveworld (1987), The Great and Secret Show (1989), the world-spanning Imajica (1991) and Sacrament (1996), bringing in the deeper, richer concepts of reality, the nature of the mind and dreams, and the power of words and memories.
Barker has a keen interest in movie production, although his films have received mixed receptions. He wrote the screenplays for Underworld (aka Transmutations – 1985) and Rawhead Rex (1986), both directed by George Pavlou. Displeased by how his material was handled, he moved to directing with Hellraiser (1987), based on his novella The Hellbound Heart. His early movies, the shorts The Forbidden and Salome, are experimental art movies with surrealist elements, which have been re-released together to moderate critical acclaim. After his film Nightbreed (Cabal), which was widely considered to be a flop, Barker returned to write and direct Lord of Illusions. Barker was an executive producer of the film Gods and Monsters, which received major critical acclaim.
Barker is a prolific visual artist working in a variety of media, often illustrating his own books. His paintings have been seen first on the covers of his official fan club magazine, Dread, published by Fantaco in the early Nineties, as well on the covers of the collections of his plays, Incarnations (1995) and Forms of Heaven (1996), as well as on the second printing of the original UK publications of his Books of Blood series.
A longtime comics fan, Barker achieved his dream of publishing his own superhero books when Marvel Comics launched the Razorline imprint in 1993. Based on detailed premises, titles and lead characters he created specifically for this, the four interrelated titles — set outside the Marvel universe — were Ectokid,
In 2003, Clive Barker received The Davidson/Valentini Award at the 15th GLAAD Media Awards. This award is presented "to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individual who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for any of those communities". While Barker is critical of organized religion, he has stated that he is a believer in both God and the afterlife, and that the Bible influences his work.
Fans have noticed of late that Barker's voice has become gravelly and coarse. He says in a December 2008 online interview that this is due to polyps in his throat which were so severe that a doctor told him he was taking in ten percent of the air he was supposed to have been getting. He has had two surgeries to remove them and believes his resultant voice is an improvement over how it was prior to the surgeries. He said he did not have cancer and has given up cigars. On August 27, 2010, Barker underwent surgery yet again to remove new polyp growths from his throat. In early February 2012 Barker fell into a coma after a dentist visit led to blood poisoning. Barker remained in a coma for eleven days but eventually came out of it. Fans were notified on his Twitter page about some of the experience and that Barker was recovering after the ordeal, but left with many strange visions.
Barker is one of the leading authors of contemporary horror/fantasy, writing in the horror genre early in his career, mostly in the form of short stories (collected in Books of Blood 1 – 6), and the Faustian novel The Damnation Game (1985). Later he moved towards modern-day fantasy and urban fantasy with horror elements in Weaveworld (1987), The Great and Secret Show (1989), the world-spanning Imajica (1991) and Sacrament (1996), bringing in the deeper, richer concepts of reality, the nature of the mind and dreams, and the power of words and memories.
Barker has a keen interest in movie production, although his films have received mixed receptions. He wrote the screenplays for Underworld (aka Transmutations – 1985) and Rawhead Rex (1986), both directed by George Pavlou. Displeased by how his material was handled, he moved to directing with Hellraiser (1987), based on his novella The Hellbound Heart. His early movies, the shorts The Forbidden and Salome, are experimental art movies with surrealist elements, which have been re-released together to moderate critical acclaim. After his film Nightbreed (Cabal), which was widely considered to be a flop, Barker returned to write and direct Lord of Illusions. Barker was an executive producer of the film Gods and Monsters, which received major critical acclaim.
Barker is a prolific visual artist working in a variety of media, often illustrating his own books. His paintings have been seen first on the covers of his official fan club magazine, Dread, published by Fantaco in the early Nineties, as well on the covers of the collections of his plays, Incarnations (1995) and Forms of Heaven (1996), as well as on the second printing of the original UK publications of his Books of Blood series.
A longtime comics fan, Barker achieved his dream of publishing his own superhero books when Marvel Comics launched the Razorline imprint in 1993. Based on detailed premises, titles and lead characters he created specifically for this, the four interrelated titles — set outside the Marvel universe — were Ectokid,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 11, 2015
This is the best volume of Dark Screams yet! With some heavy hitting authors within, I thought this collection was pretty damn good.
The Departed by Clive Barker-A very sad story to read around Mother's Day. 4*
The New War by Lisa Morton-Another sad story about a WWII veteran. 4*
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton- A creature feature that really hit home for me. This was my favorite of the bunch. 5*
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman-A story where I thought I knew where it was going, but I was very wrong. 4*
Creature Feature by Heather Graham-This was my least favorite of the bunch. It seemed to be all over the place-not knowing what kind of story it wanted to be? Or maybe it was just me-because I thought the initial concept was good then it morphed into something else. 3*
Overall, I thought this was an above average collection and I recommend it highly!
*I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This is it! Thanks Net Galley!*
The Departed by Clive Barker-A very sad story to read around Mother's Day. 4*
The New War by Lisa Morton-Another sad story about a WWII veteran. 4*
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton- A creature feature that really hit home for me. This was my favorite of the bunch. 5*
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman-A story where I thought I knew where it was going, but I was very wrong. 4*
Creature Feature by Heather Graham-This was my least favorite of the bunch. It seemed to be all over the place-not knowing what kind of story it wanted to be? Or maybe it was just me-because I thought the initial concept was good then it morphed into something else. 3*
Overall, I thought this was an above average collection and I recommend it highly!
*I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This is it! Thanks Net Galley!*
November 25, 2015
The Departed by Clive Barker
The Departed was the least horrifying story in this collection. Now I have actually not read anything by Clive Barker before, yes I'm just as shocked as you are, but I expected this story to be really dark and horrifying since this is the Clive Barker. I mean even though I haven't read anything by the man do I know how big his name is in horror. But this story felt actually kind of nice, a mother's longing to say goodbye to her son. (3 stars)
The New War by Lisa Morton
Like the Clive Baker story was this not that terrifying either, but I was curious to what the black creature was it just the old man's fantasy or what? The ending was really good. But not a horrifying story, just a short story about death. (3 stars)
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton
In my opinion the best story in this collection. Felt like reading an homage to Alien. I hate reading about animals suffering, but I think that made this story just a little bit better because I was really uncomfortable with Sammy and the other pets returning home with their...passengers... (4 stars)
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman
This one was interesting, but also a bit frustrating to read because I had so many questions toward the end. What was her friend after? Did the friend just want the people he connected to kill and for what? Did he get off on it? Did he live on other people killing? Too many questions, not enough answers. But a good ending by the way. (3 stars)
Creature Feature by Heather Graham
Interesting story, but it seems that the characters in this short story are from one of her book series and personally I just don't like that much reading short stories when the characters are from a series without having read the series first. I could just feel that Aidan Mahoney and Maureen Deauville had a lot of history together and here in this short story we got some glimpse of that. But the short story was not bad and I would like to read more about the Krewe of Hunters. But it also felt a little bit like the odd story out since the rest as far as I know did not base their stories on old characters. (3 stars)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a blog tour at TLC Book Tours.
The Departed was the least horrifying story in this collection. Now I have actually not read anything by Clive Barker before, yes I'm just as shocked as you are, but I expected this story to be really dark and horrifying since this is the Clive Barker. I mean even though I haven't read anything by the man do I know how big his name is in horror. But this story felt actually kind of nice, a mother's longing to say goodbye to her son. (3 stars)
The New War by Lisa Morton
Like the Clive Baker story was this not that terrifying either, but I was curious to what the black creature was it just the old man's fantasy or what? The ending was really good. But not a horrifying story, just a short story about death. (3 stars)
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton
In my opinion the best story in this collection. Felt like reading an homage to Alien. I hate reading about animals suffering, but I think that made this story just a little bit better because I was really uncomfortable with Sammy and the other pets returning home with their...passengers... (4 stars)
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman
This one was interesting, but also a bit frustrating to read because I had so many questions toward the end. What was her friend after? Did the friend just want the people he connected to kill and for what? Did he get off on it? Did he live on other people killing? Too many questions, not enough answers. But a good ending by the way. (3 stars)
Creature Feature by Heather Graham
Interesting story, but it seems that the characters in this short story are from one of her book series and personally I just don't like that much reading short stories when the characters are from a series without having read the series first. I could just feel that Aidan Mahoney and Maureen Deauville had a lot of history together and here in this short story we got some glimpse of that. But the short story was not bad and I would like to read more about the Krewe of Hunters. But it also felt a little bit like the odd story out since the rest as far as I know did not base their stories on old characters. (3 stars)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a blog tour at TLC Book Tours.
May 11, 2015
Volume Four of the Dark Screams series impressed me much more than its predecessor. Of the five stories included in this collection, I felt that two of them were excellent, two rather good, and only one that left me feeling unimpressed.
"The Departed", by Clive Barker (3*): A unique look at what happens after death, but not much in the way of an ending as far as I was concerned.
"The New War", by Lisa Morton (4*): A look at an old man in a nursing home, who sees more than he "should" be seeing...
"Sammy Comes Home", by Ray Garton (5*): Excellent! For a short story length work, the characterization was fabulous, and the story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
"The Brasher Girl", by Ed Gorman (5*): A longer piece that I felt had great characterization and plausible "motivation". This story had just enough stated to have me wondering "what if?"....
"Creature Feature" by Heather Graham (2*): This one started out with promise, but fizzled out after the initial scene into something much less.
I felt this was a great addition to the Dark Screams line, and will be eagerly looking forward to Volume Five.
Highly recommended!
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
"The Departed", by Clive Barker (3*): A unique look at what happens after death, but not much in the way of an ending as far as I was concerned.
"The New War", by Lisa Morton (4*): A look at an old man in a nursing home, who sees more than he "should" be seeing...
"Sammy Comes Home", by Ray Garton (5*): Excellent! For a short story length work, the characterization was fabulous, and the story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
"The Brasher Girl", by Ed Gorman (5*): A longer piece that I felt had great characterization and plausible "motivation". This story had just enough stated to have me wondering "what if?"....
"Creature Feature" by Heather Graham (2*): This one started out with promise, but fizzled out after the initial scene into something much less.
I felt this was a great addition to the Dark Screams line, and will be eagerly looking forward to Volume Five.
Highly recommended!
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
February 17, 2016
I was invited to read Dark Screams 4 (and 5 as well) from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
I didn't know what to expect, but I'm a fan of short stories as well as stories of the 'unusual' so this was right up my alley and didn't disappoint.
I haven't read the first 3 books but they all seem to be consisting of 80-100 pages of short stories dedicated to the darker side of things. Some are silly, some make you gasp, and some make you afraid to turn the lights off....
I recommend to anyone who enjoys stepping outside their comfort zone and escaping to a world that thankfully exists due to the wonderful imaginations of these fine writers.
June 11, 2015
I should always remind myself not to request anthologies. The stories in this one are so-so, none of them really grabbed me all that much.
Hopefully, Mr. Barker won't send a certain someone after me for retaliation.
3 ninja bunnehs
(arc received in exchange for an honest review)
Hopefully, Mr. Barker won't send a certain someone after me for retaliation.
3 ninja bunnehs
(arc received in exchange for an honest review)
May 5, 2015
Dark Screams 4
I received and ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read each of these story collection as they came out and have enjoyed most of them. The fourth installment is very strong and makes me look forward to new volumes.
The Departed by Clive Barker
A story from the more tender side of Clive Barker. A supernatural love story about motherly love in which a mother (the departed) seeks to reunite, in whatever way that she can, with her children, and learns some hard lessons. Bittersweet and masterful. 5 stars.
The New War by Lisa Morton
A tense story of a terrified man in a nursing home stalked by the black and shadowy figure of death. Similar to the Barker story in that I felt that it was quite literary in treatment and subtle. Similar also in that Morton masterfully drafts her protagonist to generate sympathy even as the tension rises. I felt very deeply concerned for this man, a brave veteran WWII veteran struggling for his life and his sanity. This story was my favorite in the bunch. Lisa Morton is a very talented writer. 5 stars.
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton
Classic monster romp involving absolutely disgusting parasitic monsters. You know that this is just the beginning of the story and that it is all going to go downhill fast for humanity. I think it might be continued in or a spinoff of his novel ‘Nids, which I also recommend if you like this type of classic horror story. Garton knows how to write campy monster stories that are fun yet still make them scary. 4 stars.
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman
I don’t want to give too much away but I found this long story to be an interesting take on the possession concept. I was enjoying it in a “3 to 3 ½” sort of way until the ending, which I thought was very well done and chilling. 4 stars.
Creature Feature by Heather Graham
As the name suggests, this is pure Saturday morning horror movie fare and a bit too Scooby-Doo for me. Tastes may differ, though. 3 stars.
I received and ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read each of these story collection as they came out and have enjoyed most of them. The fourth installment is very strong and makes me look forward to new volumes.
The Departed by Clive Barker
A story from the more tender side of Clive Barker. A supernatural love story about motherly love in which a mother (the departed) seeks to reunite, in whatever way that she can, with her children, and learns some hard lessons. Bittersweet and masterful. 5 stars.
The New War by Lisa Morton
A tense story of a terrified man in a nursing home stalked by the black and shadowy figure of death. Similar to the Barker story in that I felt that it was quite literary in treatment and subtle. Similar also in that Morton masterfully drafts her protagonist to generate sympathy even as the tension rises. I felt very deeply concerned for this man, a brave veteran WWII veteran struggling for his life and his sanity. This story was my favorite in the bunch. Lisa Morton is a very talented writer. 5 stars.
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton
Classic monster romp involving absolutely disgusting parasitic monsters. You know that this is just the beginning of the story and that it is all going to go downhill fast for humanity. I think it might be continued in or a spinoff of his novel ‘Nids, which I also recommend if you like this type of classic horror story. Garton knows how to write campy monster stories that are fun yet still make them scary. 4 stars.
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman
I don’t want to give too much away but I found this long story to be an interesting take on the possession concept. I was enjoying it in a “3 to 3 ½” sort of way until the ending, which I thought was very well done and chilling. 4 stars.
Creature Feature by Heather Graham
As the name suggests, this is pure Saturday morning horror movie fare and a bit too Scooby-Doo for me. Tastes may differ, though. 3 stars.
July 23, 2016
Whew! Dark Screams is back! A very good collection of horror shorts. Pretty much 4 stars on all but the last and even that one wasn't bad, it was just a bit elementary for this collection or at least that's how it felt. I am glad to see the quality has returned for this edition and I look forward to DS 5.
February 17, 2020
Very well narrated & the stories were good short stories with excellent twists at the end for the most part. I appreciate brevity & a good twist in a short story. That's the way they should be written, but too many today think they need to write novellas. None of these were. Still, they varied in quality & averaged out to 3 stars.
Table of Contents:
“The Departed” by Clive Barker: was short & very effective. It all depends on your point of view. Very well made point. 4 stars.
“The New War” by Lisa Morton: was longer, but well done. The POV is great & so is the point. 4 stars.
“Sammy Comes Home” by Ray Garton: was kind of weird & I really disliked the main character. What a wimp. Pretty creepy, but it never seemed very believable. 2 stars.
“The Brasher Girl” by Ed Gorman: didn't really capture me, but the ending was good. 3 stars.
“Creature Feature” by Heather Graham: had too many elements & tried too hard. 2 stars.
Table of Contents:
“The Departed” by Clive Barker: was short & very effective. It all depends on your point of view. Very well made point. 4 stars.
“The New War” by Lisa Morton: was longer, but well done. The POV is great & so is the point. 4 stars.
“Sammy Comes Home” by Ray Garton: was kind of weird & I really disliked the main character. What a wimp. Pretty creepy, but it never seemed very believable. 2 stars.
“The Brasher Girl” by Ed Gorman: didn't really capture me, but the ending was good. 3 stars.
“Creature Feature” by Heather Graham: had too many elements & tried too hard. 2 stars.
May 16, 2015
I have read all four volumes released from Dark Screams and this one is definitely my favorite. With the exception of Creature Feature by Heather Graham (who I learned is NOT the actress) , I enjoyed the stories in this one a lot. I will refrain from listing them each individually to give you my opinion. I will tell you that Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton was my favorite in this collection. The Departed by Clive Barker was my second favorite. I liked The New War and then The Brasher Girl in that order.
I went into this one hoping to like one or two stories and liked four. I would highly recommend reading this collection, along with #1 and #2 if you haven't already, as those ones also have some stellar stories. For a series of mini-anthologies, I have been very happy with them overall.
I went into this one hoping to like one or two stories and liked four. I would highly recommend reading this collection, along with #1 and #2 if you haven't already, as those ones also have some stellar stories. For a series of mini-anthologies, I have been very happy with them overall.
August 6, 2015
This anthology series has been a cavalcade of the macabre thus far, highlighting some of the absolute biggest names in horror. And kicking things off for this fourth volume is a guy who has been dubious by his absence until now, that being the legendary Clive Barker.
Now, when you bring up Clive Barker's name while on the topic of short stories, you will invariably wind up evoking memories of The Books of Blood. Those collections featured some grim, grizzly, and grotesque little masterpieces. So it wouldn't be out of bounds for you to suspect you might get a slice of that Clive Barker in this anthology, but the truth is you don't. With "The Departed," Barker offers something a bit quieter, but something equally as haunting. A mother, recently deceased, longs to hold her son in her arms one last time and with her ghostly companion at her side she is afforded one last chance on All Hallow's Eve. In one sense, the story felt kind of quaint coming from the guy who penned "Rawhead Rex." But as the story progresses and the romantic veneer of the afterlife is pulled back, it feels like vintage Barker.
For some good old fashioned gore, depend on Ray Garton's "Sammy Comes Home," though pet lovers be warned as the four-legged characters get put through the proverbial wringer in this one. This story had that same kind of hard-edged horror set in suburbia that made Robert McCammon's "The Deep End" so fun to read in the second volume of this series. In fact, this infectious tale may have been my favorite from this volume.
Lisa Morton's "The New War" was no slouch either, offering a bit of a spiraling psycho-thriller with a supernatural twist, in which an ailing resident in a hospital who is recovering from hip surgery and plagued by a shadowy succubus that is killing off his fellow patients one by one ... or is it? Very cool balance of the protagonist's mind being the battleground as much as the confines of his hospital bed.
Filling out the quintet of tales were Ed Gorman's "The Brasher Girl" and Heather Graham's "Creature Feature." While the latter was fun in its own creepy and cozy way, the former had the psychotic serial killer angle more tautly wrapped in its clutches. I am a sucker for a good imaginary friend story, though.
All in all, I can't say for certain Volume Four is the strongest offering yet, but it did not disappoint in the slightest and stacks up well with any of the other three books so far. A fairly good variety in the kind's of horror stories too, so if you're new the series this is a good jumping on point, and then if you like what you see go and grab the other volumes and enjoy.
Now, when you bring up Clive Barker's name while on the topic of short stories, you will invariably wind up evoking memories of The Books of Blood. Those collections featured some grim, grizzly, and grotesque little masterpieces. So it wouldn't be out of bounds for you to suspect you might get a slice of that Clive Barker in this anthology, but the truth is you don't. With "The Departed," Barker offers something a bit quieter, but something equally as haunting. A mother, recently deceased, longs to hold her son in her arms one last time and with her ghostly companion at her side she is afforded one last chance on All Hallow's Eve. In one sense, the story felt kind of quaint coming from the guy who penned "Rawhead Rex." But as the story progresses and the romantic veneer of the afterlife is pulled back, it feels like vintage Barker.
For some good old fashioned gore, depend on Ray Garton's "Sammy Comes Home," though pet lovers be warned as the four-legged characters get put through the proverbial wringer in this one. This story had that same kind of hard-edged horror set in suburbia that made Robert McCammon's "The Deep End" so fun to read in the second volume of this series. In fact, this infectious tale may have been my favorite from this volume.
Lisa Morton's "The New War" was no slouch either, offering a bit of a spiraling psycho-thriller with a supernatural twist, in which an ailing resident in a hospital who is recovering from hip surgery and plagued by a shadowy succubus that is killing off his fellow patients one by one ... or is it? Very cool balance of the protagonist's mind being the battleground as much as the confines of his hospital bed.
Filling out the quintet of tales were Ed Gorman's "The Brasher Girl" and Heather Graham's "Creature Feature." While the latter was fun in its own creepy and cozy way, the former had the psychotic serial killer angle more tautly wrapped in its clutches. I am a sucker for a good imaginary friend story, though.
All in all, I can't say for certain Volume Four is the strongest offering yet, but it did not disappoint in the slightest and stacks up well with any of the other three books so far. A fairly good variety in the kind's of horror stories too, so if you're new the series this is a good jumping on point, and then if you like what you see go and grab the other volumes and enjoy.
October 4, 2019
These Dark Screams volumes are great!!
July 23, 2018
Genre: Adult Fiction>Horror
The book is the fourth in a series collection of five short stories.
The Departed ***
Clive Barker's story of a ghostly mother trying to reunite with her son to say goodby on All Hallows Eve is disappointing. I expected a more scary, horrific story from this famous author.
Creature Feature **
Heather Graham's contribution center's on a Jack the Ripper mannequin displayed at a wax museum convention that comes to life. This story was my least favorite of the collection. There are many references to the character's ghost hunter connection to a previous Krewe of Hunters series which I had not read.
The New War *****
Lisa Morton's thrilling tale of a W.W.II decorated war hero plagued by shadows hiding in corners. He is recuperating in a retirement home from hip surgery and is suffering from delirium and the onset of dementia. He believes that a black, shadowy creature is killing the residents of the nursing home one at a time. Mike Carson has a hard time separating fact from fantasy and begins to suspect a nurse is not what she seems. Mike experiences loss of time and experiences visions of army buddies who died in the war. The vet comes to realize that some battles will not be won as the black enemy waits for him, as it will for all of us.
Sammy Comes Home *****
Ray Garton's terrifying story is a combination of "Pet Semetary", "Alien" and "The Body Snatchers". Bryan Hale's sheepdog, Sammy, disappears for over a week. Other cats and dogs in town have also gone missing causing anguish to the pet owners. Sammy shows back up looking sickly, bloody and bloated. It is only the beginning of a good, old-fashioned gruesome, gory story.
The Brasher Girl ****
Ed Gorman's story is the longest of the collection. Seventeen year old Cindy Marie Brasher is pretty and popular. She introduces her new boyfriend, Spence, to a voice in the well that tells her to do bad things. The alien telepathic voice in the well soon begins to speak to Spence also.
I highly recommend this collection of scary stories. Enjoy.
ARC courtesy of the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is the fourth in a series collection of five short stories.
The Departed ***
Clive Barker's story of a ghostly mother trying to reunite with her son to say goodby on All Hallows Eve is disappointing. I expected a more scary, horrific story from this famous author.
Creature Feature **
Heather Graham's contribution center's on a Jack the Ripper mannequin displayed at a wax museum convention that comes to life. This story was my least favorite of the collection. There are many references to the character's ghost hunter connection to a previous Krewe of Hunters series which I had not read.
The New War *****
Lisa Morton's thrilling tale of a W.W.II decorated war hero plagued by shadows hiding in corners. He is recuperating in a retirement home from hip surgery and is suffering from delirium and the onset of dementia. He believes that a black, shadowy creature is killing the residents of the nursing home one at a time. Mike Carson has a hard time separating fact from fantasy and begins to suspect a nurse is not what she seems. Mike experiences loss of time and experiences visions of army buddies who died in the war. The vet comes to realize that some battles will not be won as the black enemy waits for him, as it will for all of us.
Sammy Comes Home *****
Ray Garton's terrifying story is a combination of "Pet Semetary", "Alien" and "The Body Snatchers". Bryan Hale's sheepdog, Sammy, disappears for over a week. Other cats and dogs in town have also gone missing causing anguish to the pet owners. Sammy shows back up looking sickly, bloody and bloated. It is only the beginning of a good, old-fashioned gruesome, gory story.
The Brasher Girl ****
Ed Gorman's story is the longest of the collection. Seventeen year old Cindy Marie Brasher is pretty and popular. She introduces her new boyfriend, Spence, to a voice in the well that tells her to do bad things. The alien telepathic voice in the well soon begins to speak to Spence also.
I highly recommend this collection of scary stories. Enjoy.
ARC courtesy of the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2015
I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this book.
Dark Screams Four is a super fun group of short stories written by some fantastic authors. This was the first volume in the Dark Screams series that I have read but it definitely won't be the last! Horror fans will love sinking their teeth into this collection of fast paced and terrifying stories. I think my favorite would have to be Sammy Comes Home by the always phenomenal Ray Garton. As a dog lover it both horrified me and crushed my heart doing it. Even the worst story in this book was great. My only complaint about this 4.5 star collection of stories is that it ended way to soon.
August 16, 2015
Review: DARK SCREAMS, VOLUME FOUR [edited by Richard Chizmar and Brian James Freeman; written by Clive Barker, Lisa Morton, Ray Garton, Ed Gorman, Heather Graham]
The always excellent DARK SCREAMS collection returns with five special authors. This anthology--Volume Four-- ranges from the heartwarming (Clive Barker) to the cautionary (Heather Graham) to the unavoidable (Lisa Morton) to the truly scary because implacable (Ed Gorman and Ray Garton). It'll be a long while before I stop thinking about Ray Garton's story in particular.
DARK SCREAMS Anthology is a winner every time out. Don't miss any!
The always excellent DARK SCREAMS collection returns with five special authors. This anthology--Volume Four-- ranges from the heartwarming (Clive Barker) to the cautionary (Heather Graham) to the unavoidable (Lisa Morton) to the truly scary because implacable (Ed Gorman and Ray Garton). It'll be a long while before I stop thinking about Ray Garton's story in particular.
DARK SCREAMS Anthology is a winner every time out. Don't miss any!
July 23, 2017
Clive Barker, Heather Graham, Lisa Morton, Ray Garton, and Ed Gorman come together to bring fan’s this collection of horror shorts.
These authors have produced a twisted, rollercoaster of terror ridden reading experience their audience will not soon forget.
If you like monsters, this book is packed full of nasties. Ghosts, the grim reaper, aliens, the unexplainable, and, the wickedest monster of them all, man fill the pages to terrify and delight any horror fan.
So, my fellow horror fanatics don’t miss having this book on your shelves. It’s a horror fan’s dream!
These authors have produced a twisted, rollercoaster of terror ridden reading experience their audience will not soon forget.
If you like monsters, this book is packed full of nasties. Ghosts, the grim reaper, aliens, the unexplainable, and, the wickedest monster of them all, man fill the pages to terrify and delight any horror fan.
So, my fellow horror fanatics don’t miss having this book on your shelves. It’s a horror fan’s dream!
March 3, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable.
May 7, 2015
The Departed (Clive Barker)
My favourite in the collection, The Departed is heartwarming, sad but also very sweet. It is a silent story about motherly love, but also about the absolute love of a child for its mother. Have some Kleenex ready when reading this eye-waterer. 5 stars.
The New War (Lisa Morton)
Subtle and dark, this is a depressing story about the oppressing presence of death for an old man. The author did a great job building up tension. 4.5 stars
Sammy Comes Home (Ray Garton)
Creature alert! A little disgusting but highly entertaining, although I felt sad for the pets. Would be nice to have this one stretched into a novella. 4 stars.
The Brasher Girl (Ed Gorman)
Although I liked the plot, I felt indifferent towards the characters and the outcome of the story. It was ok I guess. 3.5 stars
Creature Feature (Heather Graham)
The title tells it all, although I expected a larger mess and more real creatures. Though not really bad, this was my least favourite of the bunch. 3 stars
After some middle-rate second and third volumes, the fourth part of Dark Screams raises the level again and collects some very fine stories. However, I suggest reading in reverse order to save the best for last.
A town with a dark history...when a new resident moves into the old dilapidated Upshaw Mansion, history comes alive again in Mesa Rapids. Affecting its inhabitants, the town and especially the rooms and surroundings of the Upshaw Mansion turn into a nightmare vision resembling a Hieronymus Bosch painting (who is mentioned, quite fittingly, in the book). Only a handful of people are able to see the truth and discover that something truly evil is about to be released. Will they be able to stop it before it's too late?
The story is told in very short chapters, each named after the character who is the main focus of that chapter. This made reading a very fast-paced process and allowed to see events from several perspectives, which helped put the pieces together. There also was a part documenting the town's history, which gave a lot of explanations to the questions raised by the creepy events taking place. Together with the interspersed diary entries of Colin, who is hired to paint at the Upshaw Mansion and thus, unknowingly, wake something terrible from the past, we get a good idea what is going on.
The well-drawn main characters, especially Colin, were not all easily likable, which perfectly worked to make them real and believable. The book had a constant dream-like quality, and I felt like stepping into a nightmare where unimaginable things happened. However, the townsfolk participating in this sick dream were unable to see what was really going on and even enjoyed their cruel acts, like at a never-ending party in hell.
While the story had some predictable moments, it was unputdownable until the end, which still held a surprise.
However, I still wonder why the author chose to name the buyer of the mansion Klimt - with the constant references to art and the main subject of painting, I would have expected some connection to the painter...
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
My favourite in the collection, The Departed is heartwarming, sad but also very sweet. It is a silent story about motherly love, but also about the absolute love of a child for its mother. Have some Kleenex ready when reading this eye-waterer. 5 stars.
The New War (Lisa Morton)
Subtle and dark, this is a depressing story about the oppressing presence of death for an old man. The author did a great job building up tension. 4.5 stars
Sammy Comes Home (Ray Garton)
Creature alert! A little disgusting but highly entertaining, although I felt sad for the pets. Would be nice to have this one stretched into a novella. 4 stars.
The Brasher Girl (Ed Gorman)
Although I liked the plot, I felt indifferent towards the characters and the outcome of the story. It was ok I guess. 3.5 stars
Creature Feature (Heather Graham)
The title tells it all, although I expected a larger mess and more real creatures. Though not really bad, this was my least favourite of the bunch. 3 stars
After some middle-rate second and third volumes, the fourth part of Dark Screams raises the level again and collects some very fine stories. However, I suggest reading in reverse order to save the best for last.
A town with a dark history...when a new resident moves into the old dilapidated Upshaw Mansion, history comes alive again in Mesa Rapids. Affecting its inhabitants, the town and especially the rooms and surroundings of the Upshaw Mansion turn into a nightmare vision resembling a Hieronymus Bosch painting (who is mentioned, quite fittingly, in the book). Only a handful of people are able to see the truth and discover that something truly evil is about to be released. Will they be able to stop it before it's too late?
The story is told in very short chapters, each named after the character who is the main focus of that chapter. This made reading a very fast-paced process and allowed to see events from several perspectives, which helped put the pieces together. There also was a part documenting the town's history, which gave a lot of explanations to the questions raised by the creepy events taking place. Together with the interspersed diary entries of Colin, who is hired to paint at the Upshaw Mansion and thus, unknowingly, wake something terrible from the past, we get a good idea what is going on.
The well-drawn main characters, especially Colin, were not all easily likable, which perfectly worked to make them real and believable. The book had a constant dream-like quality, and I felt like stepping into a nightmare where unimaginable things happened. However, the townsfolk participating in this sick dream were unable to see what was really going on and even enjoyed their cruel acts, like at a never-ending party in hell.
While the story had some predictable moments, it was unputdownable until the end, which still held a surprise.
However, I still wonder why the author chose to name the buyer of the mansion Klimt - with the constant references to art and the main subject of painting, I would have expected some connection to the painter...
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
August 12, 2015
Dark Screams continue to be a strong horror anthology with its fourth volume. It is not quite as strong as the previous entry in the series, but it is still an incredibly solid collection of short stories.
Clive Barker's "The Departed" is something of a departure for the famous author. It's a very reserved tale of a ghost that wants to see her son one last time. Barker is known for including certain story elements in his horror writing, but most, if not all, of those elements are absent from this story, and I think it's better for their absence.
"The New War" by Lisa Morton is a creepy little psychological thriller with hints of the supernatural. An elderly war veteran is moved into a nursing home and begins to believe that one of the nurses isn't what she seems. This is one of those stories that works great as a horror tale, but would work just as well if all supernatural elements were removed (though the tone would change drastically). A very good story and a reminder that I really need to read more of Morton's work.
Ray Garton's "Sammy Comes Home" is a perfect blend of the anguish of losing a beloved pet and the primal fear of the alien, perhaps best demonstrated by the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. As a pet person, this one was a real punch in the gut. I've only recently started reading Garton's back list, but this story is a perfect example of why that was a good decision.
"The Brasher Girl" by Ed Gorman is dedicated to Stephen King as written as something of a companion piece to his classic tale "Nona." It was very similar in style to King, which I imagine is intentional. My only complaint is that it offers a fairly straightforward explanation to the events of King's story, and while obviously not "canon", such as it is, the two stories are now inextricably linked in my mind. Still, it's a good story and a worthwhile addition.
The final story is "Creature Feature" by Heather Graham. This is kind of a weird entry. I get the feeling it's a short story set in a world Graham has written about in other stories or novels, as there are references to things that, while prior knowledge of not strictly necessary, it may have been a more rewarding read with it. The basic premise is that some folks are setting up for a horror creature convention when something apparently comes to life and starts wreaking havoc. It's a fun story, don't get me wrong, but again, I'm not a huge fan of reading works set in an existing setting without knowing anything about that setting.
I'm really loving the Dark Screams series because it's combining lesser-known stories by established authors with stories from authors I've either not read (much) or simply not heard of. I'll be eagerly awaiting the fifth volume, due out later this year.
Disclaimer: I was provided a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clive Barker's "The Departed" is something of a departure for the famous author. It's a very reserved tale of a ghost that wants to see her son one last time. Barker is known for including certain story elements in his horror writing, but most, if not all, of those elements are absent from this story, and I think it's better for their absence.
"The New War" by Lisa Morton is a creepy little psychological thriller with hints of the supernatural. An elderly war veteran is moved into a nursing home and begins to believe that one of the nurses isn't what she seems. This is one of those stories that works great as a horror tale, but would work just as well if all supernatural elements were removed (though the tone would change drastically). A very good story and a reminder that I really need to read more of Morton's work.
Ray Garton's "Sammy Comes Home" is a perfect blend of the anguish of losing a beloved pet and the primal fear of the alien, perhaps best demonstrated by the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. As a pet person, this one was a real punch in the gut. I've only recently started reading Garton's back list, but this story is a perfect example of why that was a good decision.
"The Brasher Girl" by Ed Gorman is dedicated to Stephen King as written as something of a companion piece to his classic tale "Nona." It was very similar in style to King, which I imagine is intentional. My only complaint is that it offers a fairly straightforward explanation to the events of King's story, and while obviously not "canon", such as it is, the two stories are now inextricably linked in my mind. Still, it's a good story and a worthwhile addition.
The final story is "Creature Feature" by Heather Graham. This is kind of a weird entry. I get the feeling it's a short story set in a world Graham has written about in other stories or novels, as there are references to things that, while prior knowledge of not strictly necessary, it may have been a more rewarding read with it. The basic premise is that some folks are setting up for a horror creature convention when something apparently comes to life and starts wreaking havoc. It's a fun story, don't get me wrong, but again, I'm not a huge fan of reading works set in an existing setting without knowing anything about that setting.
I'm really loving the Dark Screams series because it's combining lesser-known stories by established authors with stories from authors I've either not read (much) or simply not heard of. I'll be eagerly awaiting the fifth volume, due out later this year.
Disclaimer: I was provided a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2015
ARC REVIEW
This is the first of this series I've read but I'm glad I did It has not just one but two of my absolute favorite authors and I was exposed to some other authors I will definitely keep an eye out for. This collection of horror, ghost, thriller stories gets to you I couldn't put it down.
THE DEPARTED: Clive Barker
A short touching story about what happens to a mother after she dies and is trapped grieving the loss of her son. He only hope for one last farewell is All Hallows Eve a chance to go out and see him one last time to say goodbye. Clive Barker as always weaves a beautiful and creepy tale of grief and moving on. A descriptive and unnerving look into the afterlife. Clive Barker is my stand by author for when I want strange and hauntingly beautiful stories.
CREATURE FEATURE: Heather Graham
I was hoping this was a stand-alone story not connected to her Krewe of Hunters series, sadly it was. Fortunately it really didn't matter it could be read as a stand-alone. If House of Wax didn't make me weary over wax figures this one sure as heck did. Wax figure artists gather for an expo to show off their work in a convention center that has been said to be haunted. The rumors may be substantiated when one artist ends up dead killed by her own wax figure.
THE NEW WAR: Lisa Morton
Mike Carson is a decorated war hero; his time in the retirement home was just supposed to stay long enough to recuperate, but something is keeping him there. There is a black creature tormenting the residents of the nursing home killing them off one by one. Mike has a hard time separating fact from fantasy as he experiences loss of time and visions of army buddies who've died in the war. This is a creepy and strange tale about the unknown creatures of the night.
SAMMY COMES HOME: Ray Garton
Ray Garton brings us a twisted tale of lost pets in a Twilight Zone/ Invasion of the Body Snatchers/ Pet Sematary type story. All over town pets have been disappearing and the Hale Family is no exception, Sammi, the families sheepdog has been missing for over a week; but when he shows back up looking sickly and on death's door it's only the start of something much much worse.
THE BRASHER GIRL: Ed Gorman
Probably my least favorite in this volume. The Brasher Girl is very much in the Stephen King style and I'm not big on King. It is disturbing and creepy but very dry; it didn't engage me and I didn't like the characters. The prettiest girl in town has a deep secret she has "friend" who tells her to do bad things. She acts all sweet and innocent and very much the victim luring in guys to help her but really is just as twisted as her secret friend.
Overall, this is a great collection of the strange and unusual.
This is the first of this series I've read but I'm glad I did It has not just one but two of my absolute favorite authors and I was exposed to some other authors I will definitely keep an eye out for. This collection of horror, ghost, thriller stories gets to you I couldn't put it down.
THE DEPARTED: Clive Barker
A short touching story about what happens to a mother after she dies and is trapped grieving the loss of her son. He only hope for one last farewell is All Hallows Eve a chance to go out and see him one last time to say goodbye. Clive Barker as always weaves a beautiful and creepy tale of grief and moving on. A descriptive and unnerving look into the afterlife. Clive Barker is my stand by author for when I want strange and hauntingly beautiful stories.
CREATURE FEATURE: Heather Graham
I was hoping this was a stand-alone story not connected to her Krewe of Hunters series, sadly it was. Fortunately it really didn't matter it could be read as a stand-alone. If House of Wax didn't make me weary over wax figures this one sure as heck did. Wax figure artists gather for an expo to show off their work in a convention center that has been said to be haunted. The rumors may be substantiated when one artist ends up dead killed by her own wax figure.
THE NEW WAR: Lisa Morton
Mike Carson is a decorated war hero; his time in the retirement home was just supposed to stay long enough to recuperate, but something is keeping him there. There is a black creature tormenting the residents of the nursing home killing them off one by one. Mike has a hard time separating fact from fantasy as he experiences loss of time and visions of army buddies who've died in the war. This is a creepy and strange tale about the unknown creatures of the night.
SAMMY COMES HOME: Ray Garton
Ray Garton brings us a twisted tale of lost pets in a Twilight Zone/ Invasion of the Body Snatchers/ Pet Sematary type story. All over town pets have been disappearing and the Hale Family is no exception, Sammi, the families sheepdog has been missing for over a week; but when he shows back up looking sickly and on death's door it's only the start of something much much worse.
THE BRASHER GIRL: Ed Gorman
Probably my least favorite in this volume. The Brasher Girl is very much in the Stephen King style and I'm not big on King. It is disturbing and creepy but very dry; it didn't engage me and I didn't like the characters. The prettiest girl in town has a deep secret she has "friend" who tells her to do bad things. She acts all sweet and innocent and very much the victim luring in guys to help her but really is just as twisted as her secret friend.
Overall, this is a great collection of the strange and unusual.
June 8, 2015
A treasure of fantastic stories that kept my attention all the way through to the end. Loaded with suspense, these thrillers are nightmarish, and ready to be read after dark, by the warm glow of a fire, or by the light of a bedside lamp during a thunderstorm to keep the dismal shadows removed.
THE DEPARTED by Clive Barker, a wonderful author, brought the essence of Hermione and Rice to life when they were summoned from the departed. It was the only time of year they could get together and party while the kids in the neighborhood were out Trick-or-Treating. It was also a scary time of year, for it was All Hallow’s Eve. A
witching time of evening when ghosts and goblins might appear unto many. But you never know what could be hidden behind the mask, so be careful if you decide to look, like Thom did, and got the surprise of his life.
This next story is very unique in writing style. Lisa Mortan shared her masterpiece of THE NEW WAR with us the readers. The dark shadows hidden in corners, and hanging from ceilings, the author showed a sixth sense that if people could actually see, would be
terrified to experience. The reality of this war taking place left Mr. Carson speechless and so scared that he vowed to fight with every fiber of his being to keep these dark shadows away.
In SAMMY COMES HOME by Ray Garton a dog goes missing, along with other dogs and cats in the neighborhood. A few weeks later, they began to come back, but there was something different about these animals. Again the author brought about a reality that made this reader think a lot about what might be going on and how to solve the problem.
A lot of suspense and action led me around scary corners and down dark paths of uncertainty.
THE BRASHER GIRL by Ed Gorman, for Stephen King was indeed an episode that will stay in my memory for a long time. This story was so jam packed with apprehension that, as I read I actually kept looking over my shoulder, and a little afraid that the story might linger in my mind and even follow me into my dreams. A very scary good story.
Our last scary good CREATURE FEATURE by Heather Graham was the cream of the crop. This very picturesque tale of horror was, without a doubt, a story with a nonstop plot that kept the characters busy trying to keep the creatures away by telling each other, don’t do this or don’t do that, and please! don’t stay after dark. A very scary
terrifying tale about Jack the Ripper. These stories were awesome. A must read!
THE DEPARTED by Clive Barker, a wonderful author, brought the essence of Hermione and Rice to life when they were summoned from the departed. It was the only time of year they could get together and party while the kids in the neighborhood were out Trick-or-Treating. It was also a scary time of year, for it was All Hallow’s Eve. A
witching time of evening when ghosts and goblins might appear unto many. But you never know what could be hidden behind the mask, so be careful if you decide to look, like Thom did, and got the surprise of his life.
This next story is very unique in writing style. Lisa Mortan shared her masterpiece of THE NEW WAR with us the readers. The dark shadows hidden in corners, and hanging from ceilings, the author showed a sixth sense that if people could actually see, would be
terrified to experience. The reality of this war taking place left Mr. Carson speechless and so scared that he vowed to fight with every fiber of his being to keep these dark shadows away.
In SAMMY COMES HOME by Ray Garton a dog goes missing, along with other dogs and cats in the neighborhood. A few weeks later, they began to come back, but there was something different about these animals. Again the author brought about a reality that made this reader think a lot about what might be going on and how to solve the problem.
A lot of suspense and action led me around scary corners and down dark paths of uncertainty.
THE BRASHER GIRL by Ed Gorman, for Stephen King was indeed an episode that will stay in my memory for a long time. This story was so jam packed with apprehension that, as I read I actually kept looking over my shoulder, and a little afraid that the story might linger in my mind and even follow me into my dreams. A very scary good story.
Our last scary good CREATURE FEATURE by Heather Graham was the cream of the crop. This very picturesque tale of horror was, without a doubt, a story with a nonstop plot that kept the characters busy trying to keep the creatures away by telling each other, don’t do this or don’t do that, and please! don’t stay after dark. A very scary
terrifying tale about Jack the Ripper. These stories were awesome. A must read!
September 1, 2015
Dark Screams is a collection of short stories by some pretty amazing authors. I was excited to read anything that had stories by Clive Barker and Heather Graham, two of my favorite authors in the genre of all things creepy.
Like all collections, some stories are better than others. Clive Barker's The Departed is more bittersweet than terrifying, but as always a story where you connect with the characters. I think this one might have been phoned in a bit. It needed more, or at least I felt it needed more.
The New War is another one low on the creepy factor but still one that makes you feel for the character. Mike is in a care facility after a hip surgery and he's battling with something black in the shadows. It isn't quite what you think it is. too.
Sammy Comes Home is just rather gross, and I'm not sure I understood it at all. It has a bit of a Pet Sematary sort of feel to it.
The Brasher Girl is truly the best of the bunch when it comes to creepy. Spence's girlfriend has a friend that telepathically to do things..bad bad things. Oh and this friend is in a well, and is possibly not human.
This is one of the longer stories in the colletion, and I think that's why it ended up being the best.
There was more time for character development, as well as getting your creepy on.
One of the stories I was most excited for was Creature Feature. I love Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series and this is a short story that ties in. Its a shame it was too hurried to be enjoyable.
If you are ready to get in the Halloween mood, this is a good place to start. I really loved The Departed and The New War because they really had a human touch to them. The Brasher Girl was by far the best of the bunch as a horror story.
A enjoyable read.
Like all collections, some stories are better than others. Clive Barker's The Departed is more bittersweet than terrifying, but as always a story where you connect with the characters. I think this one might have been phoned in a bit. It needed more, or at least I felt it needed more.
The New War is another one low on the creepy factor but still one that makes you feel for the character. Mike is in a care facility after a hip surgery and he's battling with something black in the shadows. It isn't quite what you think it is. too.
Sammy Comes Home is just rather gross, and I'm not sure I understood it at all. It has a bit of a Pet Sematary sort of feel to it.
The Brasher Girl is truly the best of the bunch when it comes to creepy. Spence's girlfriend has a friend that telepathically to do things..bad bad things. Oh and this friend is in a well, and is possibly not human.
This is one of the longer stories in the colletion, and I think that's why it ended up being the best.
There was more time for character development, as well as getting your creepy on.
One of the stories I was most excited for was Creature Feature. I love Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters series and this is a short story that ties in. Its a shame it was too hurried to be enjoyable.
If you are ready to get in the Halloween mood, this is a good place to start. I really loved The Departed and The New War because they really had a human touch to them. The Brasher Girl was by far the best of the bunch as a horror story.
A enjoyable read.
August 10, 2015
Dark Screams: Volume 4 is the third of this series that I have read. So far I have had so-so luck with this series. With this fourth volume, I was a little more excited to read it because it has one of my favorite authors in it. For the most part, I liked the stories, but the biggest problem that I had with them was that they weren't long enough. Had they had more meat to them, I think they could have been truly horrifying.
My favorite of the bunch was Creature Feature. It's a novella from the Krewe of Hunters series and is truly creepy. I could definitely picture myself in the wax museum setting with the creatures coming to life. Definitely the stuff of nightmares. The weakest one was The New War. I'm not even sure I got what was going on in that one. Sammy Come Home was one that I wish was longer. I wanted more! The other two, The Brasher Girl and The Departed were just so-so. I was Actually, I was a bit disappointed in Clive Barker's story. I expected more creep factor from him that I got.
I think there is something for everyone in this volume. That is the great ting about anthologies, there is a mixed bag that should please most people. Give it a shot, you might find something you like.
My favorite of the bunch was Creature Feature. It's a novella from the Krewe of Hunters series and is truly creepy. I could definitely picture myself in the wax museum setting with the creatures coming to life. Definitely the stuff of nightmares. The weakest one was The New War. I'm not even sure I got what was going on in that one. Sammy Come Home was one that I wish was longer. I wanted more! The other two, The Brasher Girl and The Departed were just so-so. I was Actually, I was a bit disappointed in Clive Barker's story. I expected more creep factor from him that I got.
I think there is something for everyone in this volume. That is the great ting about anthologies, there is a mixed bag that should please most people. Give it a shot, you might find something you like.
July 15, 2015
I was a little worried after Dark Screams 3, which I felt really took a dip in quality compared to its predecessors, but I was hopeful when I saw the list of authors for this volume, which includes 2 of my all-time favorites. And indeed, it delivers.
Hard to pick a favorite, but if pressed, it would probably be Ray Garton's "Sammy Comes Home", followed closely by Ed Gorman's "The Brasher Girl". "Creature Feature" was probably my least favorite. It wasn't bad, I just felt the writing was a bit rough, and the premise unoriginal.
Hopefully the series can continue to maintain this level in future installments - highly recommended!
Hard to pick a favorite, but if pressed, it would probably be Ray Garton's "Sammy Comes Home", followed closely by Ed Gorman's "The Brasher Girl". "Creature Feature" was probably my least favorite. It wasn't bad, I just felt the writing was a bit rough, and the premise unoriginal.
Hopefully the series can continue to maintain this level in future installments - highly recommended!
June 17, 2015
Review to come
December 12, 2019
Continuing with my Dark Screams obsession. Finished this volume 4 yesterday
Let's See
The Departed by Clive Barker A nice dark story by The Lord of Horror. Quite sweet in a way,
The New War by Lisa Morton: This was a very good short story. Must check this autor out.
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton This story reminded me of the old SK. Very well written although I nearly did not finish because I can't read animals suffering (nor children_ Perhaps there is still a soul inside me? So glad I kept on reading.
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman
Another great story that I loved. Made me think of it even when done and those are the best.
Creature Future by Heather Graham Huh?I don't remember. Have to check.
Okay Had not read apparently. Did so last night and I did not find it as bad as many other reviewers did. Only thing I did not like was the trying to explain in the end.
All in all I think this was a great book.
Let's See
The Departed by Clive Barker A nice dark story by The Lord of Horror. Quite sweet in a way,
The New War by Lisa Morton: This was a very good short story. Must check this autor out.
Sammy Comes Home by Ray Garton This story reminded me of the old SK. Very well written although I nearly did not finish because I can't read animals suffering (nor children_ Perhaps there is still a soul inside me? So glad I kept on reading.
The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman
Another great story that I loved. Made me think of it even when done and those are the best.
Creature Future by Heather Graham Huh?I don't remember. Have to check.
Okay Had not read apparently. Did so last night and I did not find it as bad as many other reviewers did. Only thing I did not like was the trying to explain in the end.
All in all I think this was a great book.
April 16, 2020
Overall 3.5/5
2.75/5 The Departed: Not a bad ghost story
2.75/5 The New War: aging sucks
3/5 Sammy Comes Home: gives a whole new meaning to a missing pet, could've been a little longer
3.5/5 The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman starts by saying For Stephen King & ends talking about the reason he dedicated his story to him. But in my opinion this short story by Ed is better than just about anything I've read by King.
4.5/5 Creature Feature: definitely the best short in this volume. Would love to read more of Heather Graham's work.
2.75/5 The Departed: Not a bad ghost story
2.75/5 The New War: aging sucks
3/5 Sammy Comes Home: gives a whole new meaning to a missing pet, could've been a little longer
3.5/5 The Brasher Girl by Ed Gorman starts by saying For Stephen King & ends talking about the reason he dedicated his story to him. But in my opinion this short story by Ed is better than just about anything I've read by King.
4.5/5 Creature Feature: definitely the best short in this volume. Would love to read more of Heather Graham's work.
October 20, 2021
It's more of a 2 and a half.
These are stories by professionals, competently written, but entirely forgettable.
I didn't really even like my "favorite" (Sammy Comes Home), it was just the one that provoked a reaction.
These are stories by professionals, competently written, but entirely forgettable.
I didn't really even like my "favorite" (Sammy Comes Home), it was just the one that provoked a reaction.
June 4, 2023
Better than Expected
I have an attraction to short stories, most of the time I’m disappointed; leaving a good foundation of a story unfinished or underdeveloped can be frustrating. But this collection is good, especially Ed Gorman’s story.
I have an attraction to short stories, most of the time I’m disappointed; leaving a good foundation of a story unfinished or underdeveloped can be frustrating. But this collection is good, especially Ed Gorman’s story.
July 24, 2017
Maybe two stories in this one were good.
The Heather Graham one read like it was written for a creative writing class.
The Heather Graham one read like it was written for a creative writing class.
August 11, 2017
Probably the least interesting and compelling of the Dark Screams volumes. I give it a 4/5 for originality of the stories, but I just wasn't that interested.
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