By Josh Black
Everyone says you can’t judge a book by its cover, but Screaming Landscape I just couldn’t help myself. I needed to peel back the cover like those hands peeled back the eyes and see what kind of madness was lurking inside. In this case, the price of curiosity was worth it. Before this, I had only read Pumpkinhead Ted, one of Wright’s short stories. Black sheepa Halloween anthology. I was very impressed with that book, so I am at least looking forward to more books like it. Screaming Landscape What ends up being quite rich and varied – it’s a mix of various horror sub-genres that has something for everyone, and aside from some early pacing issues (which I’ll address), the quality of the story is generally high.
“Crawlspace” is where the story begins. It’s a revenge story about an adulterous man who gets his comeuppance (pun intended) when he finds himself trapped in a crawlspace under his house. He’s got to deal with cold weather, claustrophobia, and a touch of good old fashioned madness when he realizes why he’s really there. The weird ending is unexpected, but if you think about it, the rest of it is even more disturbing. The only problem here is that much of the story feels repetitive, and some of the simple actions are dragged out for too long. This is undoubtedly intended to build tension, deliver thrills of fear, and all that good stuff, but it just didn’t work for me. I don’t normally mention things like this, but considering this is the first story, some people might be put off by it. That being said, trust me – it’s worth sticking with it, and none of the other stories have this problem.
“What Takes Over You?” is a classic mad writer’s tale in which a man struggling with his writing, searching for a breakthrough, gets something he didn’t expect. In fact, the poor guy gets Exactly He bargained for it. You know reciting obscure, mysterious words at the behest of some stranger in a bookstore is a bad idea, right? It’s an unexpected Faustian bargain. Murder and madness ensue, and it’s damn fun.
Next up is “Gertrude.” It’s pretty short, so I’ll just give you this line from the story: “I have a symbiotic twin named Gertrude,” he said quietly, “and she lives in a cavity underneath my rib cage, near my spleen.”
arboreatUm is a period drama set in America in 1839. It details a group of people’s journey to find a New Eden, and what they discover is something very different than anyone expected. It’s the most character-driven story yet, but the plot doesn’t suffer in the least. It’s very atmospheric, and some of the descriptive passages are quite beautiful – in a dark way, of course. Also: carnivorous trees!
“The Nose Can Listen” is about a man with nose hairs that can talk. Actually, that’s what I’m going to say. It’s another short story, and it’s pretty good.
“Gophers Under the City” is an urban legend set in the New York City subway system. A man tells a group of passengers stories he’s heard about people living and thriving in the tunnels beneath the city. But how close are they, and what is their purpose?
“Pay Back” is another revenge story, this one about a jerk who pretends to be doing his mentally retarded “friend” a favor by accompanying him on his annual trip to the theme park. He’s a terrible narrator, but don’t worry — you just know it’s not going to end well for him. Parts of this story are pretty funny, and the references to the Super Nintendo and Nintendo Power will bring a smile to readers and gamers of a certain age.
“The Love Curtain” is a straightforward ghost story, and a great one at that. In the story, a man and his fiancée move into the house across from his childhood home. Soon, they encounter the spirit of a little girl who once lived there, and the past and present collide as the man becomes increasingly obsessed with the tower room and the curtains that decorate it. There are two endings in the story, both of which are interesting in their own way. One is a peaceful ending, and the other is an exaggerated one.
The Package is a hilarious Christmas story about a grumpy, depressed Santa Claus who wants to enlarge his shrinking penis at all costs and makes a deal with the worst hapless guy ever.
“Black Door” begins with a typical summer camp horror story. A family arrives at a summer camp and finds it abandoned, but they are drawn, as if by magnetism, to a black door in one of the buildings. Behind the black door is a room beyond time and space, where they are enchanted and trapped. yes A way out, but what will they lead to?
Overall, Screaming Scenes is a great choice for just about any reader of horror fiction. There are quiet moments, gory scenes, and plenty of sometimes sarcastic, sometimes cheesy humor to cut through it all. It’s one of those elusive collections where nearly every story is just as good. Fans of Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone, or old-school horror anthologies will feel right at home here. If I were to write a one-word review, it would be: fun. Pick it up, seethe and ghoul. You won’t regret it.
Order yours right here.
score: 4.5/5
