First published 2012
This anthology brings together emerging horror talent to explore the dark side of childhood memories. Twenty-three authors including Jon Michael Kelley, Rebecca Besser, David C. Hayes, and Aaron J. French craft stories that turn innocent objects into sources of dread. Dolls whisper secrets that should stay buried. Balloons float toward unsuspecting victims with malevolent purpose. Clowns shed their cheerful masks to reveal something far more sinister underneath. Jack-in-the-boxes spring open to release horrors that go far beyond simple surprise. Each tale takes familiar childhood relics and twists them into something unrecognizable and threatening. The stories move beyond predictable scares to offer original takes on classic horror imagery. These writers understand that the most effective terror comes from corrupting what once brought joy and comfort.
Genres: short-stories, horror, dark-fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: corrupted-childhood, twisted-innocence
320 pages · Paperback · Evil Jester Press
Content warnings: violence