Shadows Over Innsmouth edited by Stephen Jones

(Thank you to Titan Books for proving me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Today’s masters of horror dare to conjure terrifying tales inspired by H. P. Lovecraft’s classic work. In this anthology, discover a monstrous secret beneath a derelict church, a search for buried treasure gone terribly wrong, a blood sacrifice gone horribly right, and a return to the legendary forsaken New England fishing village full of sparkling treasure, loathsome denizens, and unspeakable evil. 

Featuring 17 chilling stories curated by World Fantasy Award-winning editor Stephen Jones, as well as the original masterpiece of horror by H. P. Lovecraft. This newly redesigned edition also includes a revised and updated Introduction and Contributor Notes, along with additional artwork exclusive to this printing.

Including stories from: 
H. P. Lovecraft
Ramsey Campbell
Adrian Cole
Basil Copper
Neil Gaiman
David Langford
D. F. Lewis
Brian Lumley
Brian Mooney
Kim Newman
Nicholas Royle
Guy N. Smith
Michael Marshall Smith
Brian Stableford
David Sutton
Peter Tremayne
Jack Yeovil

my thoughts:

Wow! How awesome does Shadows Over Innsmouth sound? Short stories inspired by H.P. Lovecraft - yes, please! Plus, the book was edited by Stephen Jones, an award winning horror story writer. I mean, c'mon, what more do we need to convince us to grab a copy of this new lovely. Not only is the book's cover screaming horror fantasy in a terribly bright green, but it is reaching out to you with lighthouse lights and asking to be read. I love the cover and yes I love that green. However, I also just love the idea of writers so inspired by a favorite author that they have to create a story of their own that pays homage to that favorite author. And in this case, it's H. P. Lovecraft. How fun and exciting, right? 

As a fan of horror stories and science fiction books, I am keen to sink my teeth into this updated and revised edition of Shadows Over Innsmouth. I'm thrilled to read shorts by some of my favorite writers and check out some new-to-me authors. Plus, it just sounds like this book will be a good time during these chilly winter days. I would happily recommend anyone and everyone who wants to dip their toes into the horror genre to check out Shadows Over Innsmouth to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to science fiction, horror, and the all around weird stories that abound. I bet you'll find a gem or ten in this lot. Happy reading!

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Compass On The Navigable Sea: 100 Years of World Literature, An Anthology Edited by Daniel Simon

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A global chorus from the archives of World Literature Today, this landmark collection of fiction, essays, and poetry commemorates a century of exploration through pen and ink.

The Night Closes, the Sky Opens is a bold, global anthology of stories that cross borders and essays that reshape worlds, reimagining what international writing can be. From Nobel laureates to dissident poets, iconic novelists to fresh contemporary voices, this collection brings together powerful essays, visionary lectures, and urgent reflections that speak to the heart of literature’s role in a rapidly changing world.

Spanning four dynamic sections—from foundational manifestos to groundbreaking critical takes, from national literatures to transnational identities—this anthology offers readers a vibrant map of how stories cross borders, bridge histories, and shape futures. Alongside works by Octavio Paz, Elie Wiesel, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Toni Morrison, Dubravka Ugrešić, and many others. Ultimately, this collection bridges genre, time, and location, and asks What can literature do in a time of crisis?

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this beautiful book! A Compass On the Navigable Sea is an anthology by Daniel Simon, and it encompasses 100 Years of World Literature. How awesome is that? Voices from all over brought together to share their love, consideration, and urgent concerns regarding this vast and ever-changing world we all call home. We get history and contemporary ideas all together, which makes for such a refreshing view on the ways in which the world has changed, or barely moved forward. It's fascinating, powerful, and thought-provoking. I would happily recommend this book to everyone - it's a definitely must-read that will provide plenty of food for thought. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! You won't want to miss out on such a wonderful collection. 

Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

We Should Have Left Well Enough Alone: Twenty Haunting Stories by Ronal Mali

(Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A new mother is pursued by mysterious men in black. A misguided youth learns the dark secrets of the world from an elderly neighbor on Halloween night. A housewarming party where the guests never leave. A caretaker tends to his rusted relic of a god deep in the desert... 

In his debut short story collection, Bram Stoker Award finalist Ronald Malfi mines the depths and depravities of the human condition, exploring the dark underside of religion, marriage, love, fear, regret, and hunger in a world that spins just slightly askew on its axis. Rich in atmosphere and character, Malfi's debut collection is not to be missed.

my thoughts:

I'm a huge fan of Ronald Malfi's novels. They are creepy, thrilling, and unputdownable. So, I was thrilled to get a copy of his short story collection, We Should Have Left Well Enough Alone. The book was originally published in 2017 and has be re-released by Titan Books today - January 27th, 2026. How exciting! 

Grabbing a huge cuppa, I settled down in a cozy spot, and dove right in. Right from the start I was hooked. How could I not be? A woman with a baby trying to make dinner, all the while wondering about the men in black outside her house, and a horrible smell that she can't seem to figure out - suffice it to say, that first story was disturbing, intriguing, riveting, and unforgettable. Wow! Oh, and there's a story about a married couple on a vacation who go out on a boat. Sharks abound and that is all I will say. Just know that you are in for a spooky treat with this gem - We Should Have Left Well Enough Alone - is a definite must-read!

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Malfi and anyone looking for their next horror book - you are going to LOVE this one to bits! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Death Comes At Christmas edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

I love anthologies. They are always such fun to read. Eighteen authors all writing about the same topic, but in such different ways - who wouldn't love that? Am I right? So, of course I was excited to get my hands on a copy of this lovely, Death Comes At Christmas edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane. I mean, c'mon, it has Christmas in the title and the theme is murder-mysteries. How could I resist? My favorite holiday and my new favorite genre - Hurrah!  So, I grabbed a huge cuppa and settled in for a long night with my new favorite book. And let me just say, what a treat it was! 

I really enjoyed reading stories by some of my favorites (C. L. Taylor, Claire McGowan, J. T. Ellison) and reading stories by new-to-me writers (Belinda Bauer, Angela Clarke, Tina Baker) - talk about a fun a festive mix. There were locked-room mysteries, cozy mysteries, and some dark and twisty stories - all of which made for an exciting and thrilling reading experience. I would happily recommend Death Comes At Christmas to fans of murder mysteries and anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP. Or gift a copy to your favorite bibliophile. Either way, make sure to check this book out. 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Bound In Blood: Stories Of Cursed Books, Damned Libraries, And Unearthly Authors edited by Johnny Mains

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

A chilling anthology of nineteen stories of cursed and haunted books; featuring  malevolent second-hand books, cursed novelizations, unsettling journals and the  end of the world. From award-winning authors including: Eric LaRocca, Charlie  Higson, Kim Newman and A. G. Slatter.  

You find it hidden in the dark corner of the bookstore; tucked away in a box in the attic,  desperate to be read; lurking on your bookshelf, never seen before. Crack the spine, feel  the ancient pages. Read it aloud, if you dare.  

This anthology brings together horror’s best and brightest to delve into the pages of  cursed books, Eldritch tomes and haunted bookstores.  

Featuring stories from: 

Adam Cesare 

Eric LaRocca 

Isy Suttie 

Charlie Higson 

A. G. Slatter 

Priya Sharma 

Lucie McKnight Hardy 

Alison Moore 

Kim Newman 

And many more!

my thoughts:

Creepy and thrilling, Bound In Blood: Stories Of Cursed Books, Damned Libraries, And Unearthly Authors is a terrific anthology that will definitely spook. Edited by Johnny Mains, this collection of short stories is chock full of horror stories about books and tales that will haunt you for days long after you turn the last page. Yikes! 

Just in time to celebrate the fall season, this book is just the ticket. Grab a cuppa, a fuzzy throw blanket, and settle on down with Bound In Blood. Make sure to leave all the lights on, because these eerie and supernatural themed stories will make you jump every time you hear a sound. I know that I did. 

I also enjoyed getting to know so many new-to-me authors because of this book, too. It was fun experiencing new writing styles and creative ideas this way - made me look forward to picking up my copy every day. I normally devour short stories, but I preferred dipping in and out of this one. Such a treat to read!

I would happily recommend Bound In Blood to everyone looking for their next great spooky read - you will LOVE this one to bits! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology edited by Marie O'Regan & Paul Kane

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

The award-winning Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane bring together masters of dark academia for twelve  original stories. Imagine darkened libraries, exclusive elite schools, looming Gothic towers,  charismatic professors, illicit affairs, the tang of autumn in the air… and the rivalries and obsessions  that lead to murder. 

In these stories, dear student, retribution visits a lothario lecturer; the sinister truth is revealed about a  missing professor; a forsaken lover uses a séance for revenge; an obsession blooms about a possible  illicit affair; two graduates exhume the secrets of a reclusive scholar; horrors are uncovered in an  obscure academic department; five hopeful initiates must complete a murderous task and much more!  

Featuring stories from: 

Olivie Blake

M.L. Rio

David Bell

Susie Yang

Layne Fargo

J.T. Ellison

James Tate Hill

Kelly Andrew

Phoebe Wynne

Kate Weinberg

Helen Grant

Tori Bovalino 

Definition of dark academia in English: dark academia 

1. An internet subculture concerned with higher  education, the arts, and literature, or an idealised  version thereof with a focus on the pursuit of  knowledge and an exploration of death.  2. A set of aesthetic principles. Scholarly with a  gothic edge – tweed blazers, vintage cardigans,  scuffed loafers, a worn leather satchel full of  brooding poetry. Enthusiasts are usually found in  museums and darkened libraries.  

my thoughts:

Short stories are my jam! I gobble them up happily and greedily. So, I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this delectable nugget, In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane. Why? Well...

First off, the title! I love dark academia stories - how fun! Second, the cover - the imagery, the gold foil, and the list of writers included - woo hoo! And, third, short stories. Talk about a win-win! 

I'm in the midst of reading the book and enjoying every second with it! It's always fun to read about campus romps, along with the seedy underbelly of academia - makes for a dark and twisty treat. Plus, this book is great to dip in and out - getting to read so many different writer's creative takes on academic life is exciting and thrilling. You never know what you are going to get and that is the best!

I would happily recommend In These Hallowed Halls to everyone looking for their next great read - you will love this book! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Up All Night: 13 Stories between Sunset & Sunrise edited by Laura Silverman

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

When everyone else goes to bed, the ones who stay up feel like they’re the only people in the world. As the hours tick by deeper into the night, the familiar drops away and the unfamiliar beckons. Adults are asleep, and a hush falls over the hum of daily life. Anything is possible.

It’s a time for romance and adventure. For prom night and ghost hunts. It’s a time for breaking up, for falling in love—for finding yourself.

Stay up all night with these thirteen short stories from bestselling and award-winning YA authors like Karen McManus, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nina LaCour, and Brandy Colbert, as they take readers deep into these rarely seen, magical hours.

Full contributor list: Brandy Colbert, Kathleen Glasgow, Maurene Goo, Tiffany D. Jackson, Amanda Joy, Nina LaCour, Karen M. McManus, Anna Meriano, Marieke Nijkamp, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley, Julian Winters, Francesca Zappia

my thoughts:

What a fun collection of short stories! I just LOVED dipping in and out of this anthology, especially at night. After all, these stories are set during the hours between 'Sunset and Sunrise'.  Is that not a great twist?  And the stories themselves, range from friendship, superheroes to Prom night, and so much more. Talk about a motley crew. 

Silverman edited a terrific group of shorts by so many stellar YA authors - Maurene Goo, Karen M. McManus, and Nina LaCour to name a few. How cool, right? I know that I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of this book. I just love short stories and YA happens to be my jam at the moment - so, I knew I was in for a treat. 

Up All Night is a delightful read that will have you laughing out loud and smiling with happiness, along with tearing up now and again. Such a great collection! 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!