I Shudder at Your Touch: Volume 1

by Michele Slung (Editor), Stephen King, Ruth Rendell

The first volume of stories about the interrelationship of horror and sex features outstanding works by masters of the fantasy, suspense, and horror genres.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Audiobook, Anthologies

1 pages, Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The revelations of 'Becka Paulson -- Stephen King (***)
A glowing future -- Ruth Rendell (*****)
Cleave the vampire, or, a gothic pastorale -- Patrick McGrath (****)
Death and the single girl -- Thomas M. Disch (***)

[Emily Brodke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Revelations of ‘Becka Paulson - Stephen King (***1/2) - interesting premise, and by far the most disturbing story in this volume
A Glowing Future - Ruth Rendell (****) - Loved the ending!
Cleave the Vampire, or, a Gothic Pastorale - Patrick McGrath (**) - a bit predictable, and maybe I’m tired of the medicated housewife gone crazy trope
Death and the Single Girl - Thomas M. Disch (*****) - i LOVED this one. Favorite story in the volume. Poignant and funny, and got time to research the writer. Found out that he also wrote the Brave Little Toaster 😂 I’m genuinely interested to read more of his work now

[J E Supple · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some of the stories were more or less just macabre and even somewhat darkly humorous or ... rather than suspenseful. One story "the revalation of Becka Paulson" was great. After hearing it ended up being lengthened and made into a subplot of one of kings other stories, "The Tommyknockers" I decided I have to read that soon as well.
The rest of the stories were good mind you, but
If you only read or listen to one story out of this whole collection, make sure it is the first one "The Revelation of Becka Paulson"

Also if you're looking for more of a saucy read, the last story starts with death "unzipping his fly" if that's the kind of thing you were more looking for.

[Joseph Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a quick reread of some of my favorite stories. The cover was different and I was lulled by the list of authors and tales. This is a good read and some stories are better than others.

Mr. Joe

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to a very limited version of the larger version that included 4 stories - one each by Steven King, Ruth Rendell, Patrick McGrath, and Thomas Disch - all read by various narrators. I may go back and read the rest. I could have done without the McGrath but I can see why it was included. They all had some combination of surprise and humor, horror, and sex. Entertaining and possibly worth going back and reading the rest.

The advantage to the audio version is that it was under two hours and perfect for the road trip I was taking.

[Dane Divine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great. Some nice twisted little tales in there. Stephen King's tale of the housewife- awesome. Then there was Death and his dysfunctional penis, that made me laugh.
The others are not as memorable. A strange vampire who doesn't really do anything, and another about a man who cheats on his girlfriend and gets beautifully rewarded for his behaviour.

There sex isn't really a part of these books, as in it's not erotic/a, but the horror is good.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories in this book, which I find rare for short story compilations.

[Kacy Boccumini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

[Annika Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook of only 4 of the 22 in the hard copy.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read horror as a genre - but this was recommended to me, as a way to broaden my horizons. I actually enjoyed it!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

NSFW but not lurid either. Enjoyable

[LaTonya Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more horror in these short stories and honestly they were scary at all.