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Campus Chills
Chilling tales born from the dark shadows of campuses across Canada. Featuring all original fiction by talented Canadian authors.
"Prepare to have your blood run cold, your heart race, and your brow bead with sweat: this anthology of horror stories ranges from the starkly terrifying to the tantalizingly creepy. There's magic mixed in with the chalk dust, evil lurking in the textbooks, malevolence biding its time in the labs and perhaps something even more horrifying in the student cafeteria." - from the introduction by Robert J. Sawyer Hugo-Award winning author of WAKE
"Prepare to have your blood run cold, your heart race, and your brow bead with sweat: this anthology of horror stories ranges from the starkly terrifying to the tantalizingly creepy. There's magic mixed in with the chalk dust, evil lurking in the textbooks, malevolence biding its time in the labs and perhaps something even more horrifying in the student cafeteria." - from the introduction by Robert J. Sawyer Hugo-Award winning author of WAKE
308 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Mark Leslie
124 books177 followersMark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.
When he is not writing, he tacks "Lefebvre" back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.
Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother's refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.
When he's not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.
When he is not writing, he tacks "Lefebvre" back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.
Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother's refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.
When he's not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 13, 2009
I'm not normally a fan of short stories, but wanted to try it again. This was good. I liked Truth Poison, Reg Cage and my favorite story in the book, Radio Nowhere. Douglas Smith is the author of Radio Nowhere and I really liked his writing style. I loved the story too. It was about a guy that lost his wife and every year on the anniversary of his loss, he kind of loses his mind. He figures out a way to bring her back, but when he gets to the point of doing that, finds out a lot about himself and the feelings he has in the present. He is finally able to get over the past and start building a new life. It's a touching story, but it's a little creepy too. Some of these stories are okay and some are really good.
November 27, 2009
A quirky collection of freaky tales that happen on college/university campus' across the country. A few stand outs are "Prospero's Ghost", "Sown" and "Radio Nowhere". When I first started the book I thought these would be cool for high school students in particular but then I read "Can You See the Real Me?"...ya, maybe not for underagers....lol! My eyes bugged out of my head - I swear it!
dnf
November 1, 2024Dnf at 3%
So I purposefully saved this for my last spooky season read and was going to spend Halloween curled up in a blanket, with cider, reading this. But I decided to take a nap instead. Will save this for next year.
Overall this was a disappointing spooky season. The books I thought would be hits sucked. Here’s to next year.
So I purposefully saved this for my last spooky season read and was going to spend Halloween curled up in a blanket, with cider, reading this. But I decided to take a nap instead. Will save this for next year.
Overall this was a disappointing spooky season. The books I thought would be hits sucked. Here’s to next year.
March 9, 2020
A great anthology of horror stories set on Canadian campuses. From werewolves to ghosts to all sorts in-between. Highly enjoyable. Favorites were - Can you See the Real me by Sèphera Girón, Sara by Nancy Kilpatrick and In the Pursuit of Dreams by Carol Weekes (new to me author)
December 1, 2009
Wow! I must say that I couldn't wait to read this book. Set on College campuses in Canada, these 13 tales had me on the edge of my couch the entire time. Each story left me with a different feeling. After reading the first story Harbinger, I was hooked. The stories each gave me a twist at the end that I couldn't see coming. I was left wanting more.
In Harbinger, a girl sees ghosts foretelling danger but can she figure out what is gonna happen before it's too late?
Prospero's Ghost is a about a ghost that tries to keep his antique book from being printed at all costs including murder.
Can You See The Real Me? is about a girl who discovers the truth about a guy in her dorm and she tries to help him. --This one has strong sexual content that may be inappropriate for some younger readers.
Sara- is about a girl whose sister died when she was younger. She starts college and starts hearing her sister's voice. But where is the voice coming from? Is she really hearing her sister's voice or is she going crazy?
In Radio Nowhere, A man tries to go back 15 years in time to save his wife from dying, but will it be worth the risk to possibly lose someone else he cares about in the present? Will he make the right choice?
In The Sypher, a guy thinks that his hot classmate is a sypher sucking the intelligence out of all the males in a feminine class and he tries to come up with a plan to stop her, but if he is not careful, his plan may just backfire.
Old Spice Love Knot is about a girl who gets pregnant short after arriving at college. She is hurt when the baby's father abandons her and so she contemplates suicide. But will someone get to her in time to save her or will she become part of the legend that she heard about when she arrived there?
In Harbinger, a girl sees ghosts foretelling danger but can she figure out what is gonna happen before it's too late?
Prospero's Ghost is a about a ghost that tries to keep his antique book from being printed at all costs including murder.
Can You See The Real Me? is about a girl who discovers the truth about a guy in her dorm and she tries to help him. --This one has strong sexual content that may be inappropriate for some younger readers.
Sara- is about a girl whose sister died when she was younger. She starts college and starts hearing her sister's voice. But where is the voice coming from? Is she really hearing her sister's voice or is she going crazy?
In Radio Nowhere, A man tries to go back 15 years in time to save his wife from dying, but will it be worth the risk to possibly lose someone else he cares about in the present? Will he make the right choice?
In The Sypher, a guy thinks that his hot classmate is a sypher sucking the intelligence out of all the males in a feminine class and he tries to come up with a plan to stop her, but if he is not careful, his plan may just backfire.
Old Spice Love Knot is about a girl who gets pregnant short after arriving at college. She is hurt when the baby's father abandons her and so she contemplates suicide. But will someone get to her in time to save her or will she become part of the legend that she heard about when she arrived there?
November 30, 2009
Campus Chills contains 13 tales that take place on campuses throughout Canada. They go from those that will give you tingles to the back of your neck, all the way to chilling you to the bone. Each story is a real page turner, that will hold you in their grips right up until the end.
This book was a fun and quick read that took me back to my college days. I really enjoyed the different styles of the authors, covering the classic horror to just plain creepy. Most of the stories ran of the average of 20 pages, so they are perfect to crawl into bed and finish before going to sleep (if you dare!). The stories are centered around college life, so you will find the normal things that happen - drinking, some drug use, and one story with a bit of graphic sex in it, so I'd recommend it for older high school to adult levels.
I love this book and highly recommend it. If you are a college student, thinking of going to college, graduate, or just love horror, you must add this to your must read list.
This book was a fun and quick read that took me back to my college days. I really enjoyed the different styles of the authors, covering the classic horror to just plain creepy. Most of the stories ran of the average of 20 pages, so they are perfect to crawl into bed and finish before going to sleep (if you dare!). The stories are centered around college life, so you will find the normal things that happen - drinking, some drug use, and one story with a bit of graphic sex in it, so I'd recommend it for older high school to adult levels.
I love this book and highly recommend it. If you are a college student, thinking of going to college, graduate, or just love horror, you must add this to your must read list.
November 27, 2009
Campus Chills is a book with 13 short stories, all in a college campus setting. All are original spooky tales, that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. It was hard to pick a favorite..they were all quite good. A perfect Christmas gift for your college student or anyone who loves a chilling tale.
May 22, 2010
Campus chills is an excellent collection of chilling college-themed tales of the supernatural by some of today's top authors. Highly recommended.
January 6, 2020
Not really horror. Mostly ghost stories and speculative fiction. Included at the back was a word from each author. Some stories were good, some were terrible. I did enjoy trying something different and being introduced to new authors but the biggest drawback is all the proofing errors. So distracting and made no sense when the book was well-designed: glowing foreword, great cover art/layout, suitably creepy fonts inside. Also, I don’t know how one story was not vetoed.* With the book’s hefty $35 price I was underwhelmed and disappointed. Here are my thoughts on the individual works:
Ghostly tales....
Harbinger - Kelley Armstrong: A spirit haunts Jenna. But why?
I liked this. Easy-to-read writing style and what you’d expect with the ‘campus chills’ theme; full of satisfyingly creepy visuals.
The Forever Brotherhood - Julie E. Czerneda: Thirteen pale eyes...watching. See you in Math Hall Two.
Very wordy. It took forever to get to the story. Unclear intention, with more explanation needed.
Prospero’s Ghost - Kimberly Foottit and Mark Leslie: The professor is back.
Interesting premise but the story dragged.
Different Skins - Michael Kelly: There she waits. The Lady of the Sticks.
Well-written. Classic urban legend ghost story.
Sara - Nancy Kilpatrick: The name. The voice. That’s her.
The dinosaur museum was promising but this story was too predictable. The outdated, cheesy dialogue trying to be current was way off and gave me ‘80s Point Horror vibes in a bad way.
Sown - Susie Moloney: What’s that smell?
Although I didn’t care much for the ending, the story was gripping and made me think. The author also had a unique writing style.
Radio Nowhere - Douglas Smith: Fifteen years ago, I lost her.
Very clever and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this.
Old Spice Love Knot - Steve Vernon: I met William on the first week of school...
A traditional-style ghost story. Moving. My favourite one.
In The Pursuit Of Dreams - Carol Weekes: You can call me Eddie.
A familiar, predictable theme but still enjoyable.
No particular genre...
Truth-Poison - James Alan Gardner: Just one drop. Go on, try it.
Very different concept to the rest, which set it apart. I liked it.
Can You See The Real Me? - Sèphera Girón: Beware. Or should I say, be-were?
Truly bizarre. Werewolf. Odd sex scene. Enough said.
Red Cage - Brit Trogen: Don’t go into the lab.
Gross. Hated it. Involved a foetus. Trigger warning: disturbing content.
The Sypher - Edo van Belkom: Perfect scores. No big deal, right?
Insulting and offensive to females everywhere. Why was this accepted as publishable?
Ghostly tales....
Harbinger - Kelley Armstrong: A spirit haunts Jenna. But why?
I liked this. Easy-to-read writing style and what you’d expect with the ‘campus chills’ theme; full of satisfyingly creepy visuals.
The Forever Brotherhood - Julie E. Czerneda: Thirteen pale eyes...watching. See you in Math Hall Two.
Very wordy. It took forever to get to the story. Unclear intention, with more explanation needed.
Prospero’s Ghost - Kimberly Foottit and Mark Leslie: The professor is back.
Interesting premise but the story dragged.
Different Skins - Michael Kelly: There she waits. The Lady of the Sticks.
Well-written. Classic urban legend ghost story.
Sara - Nancy Kilpatrick: The name. The voice. That’s her.
The dinosaur museum was promising but this story was too predictable. The outdated, cheesy dialogue trying to be current was way off and gave me ‘80s Point Horror vibes in a bad way.
Sown - Susie Moloney: What’s that smell?
Although I didn’t care much for the ending, the story was gripping and made me think. The author also had a unique writing style.
Radio Nowhere - Douglas Smith: Fifteen years ago, I lost her.
Very clever and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this.
Old Spice Love Knot - Steve Vernon: I met William on the first week of school...
A traditional-style ghost story. Moving. My favourite one.
In The Pursuit Of Dreams - Carol Weekes: You can call me Eddie.
A familiar, predictable theme but still enjoyable.
No particular genre...
Truth-Poison - James Alan Gardner: Just one drop. Go on, try it.
Very different concept to the rest, which set it apart. I liked it.
Can You See The Real Me? - Sèphera Girón: Beware. Or should I say, be-were?
Truly bizarre. Werewolf. Odd sex scene. Enough said.
Red Cage - Brit Trogen: Don’t go into the lab.
Gross. Hated it. Involved a foetus. Trigger warning: disturbing content.
The Sypher - Edo van Belkom: Perfect scores. No big deal, right?
Insulting and offensive to females everywhere. Why was this accepted as publishable?
May 1, 2018
Campus Chills is a compilation of short horror stories. The best tales by far, in my opinion, are Harbinger and Prospero's Ghost . While all the stories are entertaining, none of them really gave me the chills. I was hoping for something a little more frightening, but at the very least I can say i enjoyed the book.
August 19, 2025
Very few, if any, of the stories pulled of their endings in a satisfying way. Some of the writing was weird enough to make me question if it was written by AI and I was shocked to find out it wasn't. Overall just not a great book l.
December 4, 2020
A fantastic collection of chilling tales! What a thrilling ride.
May 27, 2024
I like Leslie more as an author than an editor. (Some of the stories were, to be frank, boring.
October 30, 2024
Creepy, scary, sad...but not mind-scarringly horrifying. My kind of ghost stories!
October 30, 2015
I really enjoyed Campus Chills. There's a good variety of stories throughout, from the utterly gruesome to the ones that make you wonder "what if." From your typical ghost story to the monstrosities that may be possible through science. My favourite stories in the collection were "The Forever Brotherhood" by Julie E. Czerneda, "Sara" by Nancy Kilpatrick, "Sown" by Susan Moloney and "Old Spice Love Knot" by Steve Vernon.
"Prospero's Ghost" by Kimberly Foottit and Mark Leslie was also really interesting with its use of metafiction. It's a story that involves books printed on an Espresso Book Machine at McMaster University and the Campus Chills collection was created for the Espresso Book Machine and launched at McMaster University, as well as three other bookstores in Canada with EBMs.
Overall, I'd recommend Campus Chills to anyone interested in Canadian works or horror stories. And don't be frightened by its Print on Demand status, it's actually of rather good quality.
"Prospero's Ghost" by Kimberly Foottit and Mark Leslie was also really interesting with its use of metafiction. It's a story that involves books printed on an Espresso Book Machine at McMaster University and the Campus Chills collection was created for the Espresso Book Machine and launched at McMaster University, as well as three other bookstores in Canada with EBMs.
Overall, I'd recommend Campus Chills to anyone interested in Canadian works or horror stories. And don't be frightened by its Print on Demand status, it's actually of rather good quality.
January 14, 2014
...a book of short horror fiction by Canadian authors set at public universities? Well, that's weirdly specific, but okay!!!
This compilation is quite good, in the way that short-fiction compilations tend to be. Several of the stories were incredible, a couple were awful and the rest were in between. Still, overall I was pleased with this, it's an interesting conceit for a theme compilation filled with interesting takes on the premise, and if you like horror you'll likely enjoy it too.
This compilation is quite good, in the way that short-fiction compilations tend to be. Several of the stories were incredible, a couple were awful and the rest were in between. Still, overall I was pleased with this, it's an interesting conceit for a theme compilation filled with interesting takes on the premise, and if you like horror you'll likely enjoy it too.
December 12, 2009
I was so excited to read this book! When I received it in the mail I immediately sat down and started reading. The book is about creepy tales from college campuses in Canada. The stories I read were completely unique and caught my attention fast. The stories range from ghosts to werewolves to mutant creations. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
September 9, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this book. Some of its stories are good enough to cause some horror in you, other are just way too simple and dull (I admit I left one of the stories unread because it was too tedious and I had no interest at all in that one). But overall, I think it was pretty entertaining.
April 24, 2022
A real mix here of I would say unsettling rather than horror stories. Some were better than others but I really enjoyed "Harbinger", "The Forever Brotherhood", "Sown" and "In Pursuit of Dreams". A good book to read on a rainy day.
October 16, 2012
Some shorts were very good some were not so good.I have discovered a few new authors I would like to read more of, That is the joy of anthology's.
February 23, 2013
Some of the stories were mildly frightening but most were slow and boring.
Read
June 1, 2015After finishing the first story, I decided it was too scary for me and didn't read more.
March 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book with different stories of horror by various authors on college life. If you like your horror with different creatures to scare you this is the book to read.
September 10, 2016
Liked some of the stories, but most were a bit boring.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews