In our heroic struggle against entropy and towards some semblance of organisation, we’ve decided to spotlight a couple of choice horror reads each month, one a trad, the other an indie. We hope you enjoy these little pitches and are encouraged to pick up a copy for yourself.
Who doesn’t love a good collection of spooky stories, a platter of toothsome canapés to keep the vanilla wolf of boredom from the door? We at KHC are most certainly partial, and this one very much tickles our fancy. Twelve quality horror shorts spanning a range of styles and settings, divided into four acts and expertly sewn together with a sharp little framing story. There’s even a foreword by Dacre C Stoker himself and an afterword by Ben Scrivens of Fright-Rags fame, not to mention a ripping yarn from our very own Steve Stark, who introduces us to a brand-new character named the Saint. So, horror fans, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today. JM
Back when 99% of most bookstore horror sections were dedicated to Stephen King’s small-town America (many still are) Books of Blood offered something fresh, different, dangerous. In this six volume series Clive Barker wrote stories set on council estates, subways, and prisons, featuring fantastic and unique monsters that could be terrifying, vicious, disturbing, yet sometimes comical,sympathetic, even romantic. From the rampaging terror of Rawhead Rex, to the erotic Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament, to the hilarious The Yattering and Jack, these books have something to suit all appetites, and although the variety sounds jarringly different, they are all bound together beautifully by Barker’s vivid, poetic style. Those looking for cosy, familiar, and safe had best stay away. But if you have a taste for graphic,intense, imaginative horror, no one does it better than Barker. - SS
What to say about this tasty little novella that hasn’t already been mentioned in a slew of glowing reviews? Not sure, to be honest, but what we do know is it’s a wonderful piece of writing. Simple premise, a hard-case doorman trains for a fight against a foul and formidable foe; simple cast of characters, just handful of familiar sorts you might easily encounter on the street or at the gym. But where the author takes the story, and more importantly how, is a masterclass in making something more than the sum of its parts. Muscle is a must, an unflinching and illuminating look at the human heart and mind behind the tough guy persona. Add it to your reading list yesterday. - JM
Released in 1999, Battle Royale still kicks like a mule more than quarter of a century later. Take 42 kids, stick them on an island, force them to kill each other. It's a brutal premise, and BR delivers on it in notoriously violent ways. But beyond the savagery, Takami deftly incorporates themes of paranoia, moral boundaries, broken friendships, and the horrors of state control. This has long been a favourite novel of mine, and for those who like depth to their dystopian horror, it comes highly recommended. I suggest the 2009 Haikasoru revision, widely accepted as the most accurate translation. Once you've finished the book, you might want to check out Kinji Fukasaku's 2000 film adaptation. It may take a few artistic liberties, but it nails the brutal, frenetic energy of the novel. Bloody, raw, and tense, Battle Royale remains often challenged but as yet undefeated. - HMR
This British classic was one of the first horror stories I ever read, back in my early teens, and I’m delighted to say it really has stood the test of time. Strong and efficient characterisation, a no-nonsense, everyman hero, and a steady build in tension and action, the first few courses of brutality served up soon enough to keep the horror-hungry reader satisfied. It was controversial at the time of publication (1975), with the scene in the school gym raising more than a few eyebrows, and even today, it’s a potent blend of bloody violence, keen-eyed social observation, and thrilling action. Highly recommended for anyone who takes their horror seriously and wants to see it done by one of the very best. - JM
This immensely entertaining novel pits the eponymous hero against a murderer’s row of bruisers, bitches, and bastards in an insane and self-aware orgy of brutal bloodshed. The main character is larger than life, harder than nails, and hugely diplomatic when it comes to the finer points of human relationships (okay, maybe not), with Horvath’s vivid, efficient prose perfectly complimenting the sort of pulse-pounding, gloriously over-the-top action that we came to know and love watching 80’s movie classics like Commando and The Running Man. Highly recommended for fans of dark, cartoonish violence and well-structured plots, and with a follow-up in the works, what better time is there to acquaint yourself with the ultimate anti-hero? - EB & JM