Short, Not Sweet
The year is already winding down, but fortunately, horror is a perfect genre anytime, anywhere. And in case you’re looking for some fantastic new short fiction, then the new releases for 2022 have certainly got you covered. For your reading pleasure, here are five of this year’s best themed horror anthologies.
Chromophobia, ed. Sara Tantlinger
Sara Tantlinger is rapidly establishing herself as one of the preeminent editors for the new generation of horror, and I for one am here for it. Her previous anthology, Not All Monsters, brought together an illustrious group of female horror authors, and the book went on to be nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. This time around, Tantlinger highlights a very specific and unusual theme: horror and color. Think “The Yellow Wallpaper,” only with a decidedly modern twist. And with a list of authors that includes Geneve Flynn, Kathryn E. McGee, G.G. Silverman, and K.P. Kulski, this one is a kaleidoscopic and fearsome joy to behold.
Classic Monsters Unleashed, ed. James Aquilone
First of all, what’s better than monsters? For horror fans in particular, the trope of the monster might be the first one we’re introduced to. And if the theme of monsters alone isn’t enough to tantalize you, every story in Classic Monsters Unleashed pays homage to the classic beasties of the genre, such as Dracula, The Mummy, and Frankenstein’s Monster. With fresh interpretations from authors like Gaby Triana, Linda D. Addison, Carlie St. George, and Owl Goingback, editor James Aquilone has put together a table of contents like no other. A Universal Horror fan’s dream come true, this anthology is sure to be on multiple year’s best lists, so add this title to your TBR pile immediately.
We Are Providence: Tales of Horror from the Ocean State, ed. Christa Carmen and L.E. Daniels
The home of Lovecraftian cosmic horror, Providence is without a doubt an ideal horror locale. If you’ve ever taken a stroll around the capital city of Rhode Island, you probably sensed it: there’s most certainly something strange in the air. Editors Christa Carmen and L.E. Daniels take that strangeness and dial it up to eleven with this anthology. Rhode Island authors Victoria Dalpe, Curtis M. Lawson, and Joshua Rex are only a few of the names in this exceptional tome of cosmic and weird horror. From ghosts to the gothic, this is one deliriously spooky anthology you don’t want to miss.
Nightscript Volume 8: An Anthology of Strange and Darksome Tales, ed. C.M. Muller
The Nightscript series has been a perennial favorite for years, and with a general theme of pervading weirdness, the latest installment is sure to continue in the same hallowed tradition. Authors like Christi Nogle, Daniel Braum, and Steve Rasnic Tem fill this table of contents, along with many other incredible writers. After eight volumes, Nightscript is still going strong, so here’s to many more years of this fantastically strange anthology.
It Was All a Dream: An Anthology of Bad Horror Tropes Done Right, ed. Brandon Applegate
This brand-new anthology features such a clever theme, which proves once again that anything old can be made new and interesting. Every story in this book plays on a familiar trope—from evil dolls and possession to werewolves and the Final Girl—and turns the entire concept on its head. And with writers like Laurel Hightower, Hailey Piper, Eric Raglin, and Wendy N. Wagner, you know you’re going to be in for a wonderful and wild ride.
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