Chthonic Matter Quarterly: Winter 2023

Chthonic Matter Quarterly: Winter 2023 presents a curated collection of dark fiction edited by Harris Kauffman. This volume gathers seven distinct narratives that explore the unsettling intersections of the human condition and supernatural dread. The anthology draws inspiration from literary traditions established by Shirley Jackson and Thomas Ligotti, offering tones that range from quiet psychological unease to bleak existential horror. Readers will encounter stories such as Garbage Juice, where Kauffman examines visceral decay, and Where the Monsters Are Lonely by David Surface, which investigates isolation within the monstrous. Other contributions include The Book of Brats by Christi Nogle and A Damnable Life by C. W. Stevenson, each adding unique perspectives to the genre. The collection also features The Sorrow of Our Interminable Stasis by Carson Winter, Wax Caesar Displaying His 23 Wounds to the Crowd by Tim Major, A True History of Drowned Heralds by R. L. Summerling, and A Righteous Man by Zachary Rosenberg. These works do not rely on jump scares but rather build atmosphere through careful prose and unsettling imagery. The book suits readers who appreciate slow-burn horror and literary fiction with dark undertones. It may disappoint those seeking fast-paced action or traditional ghost stories. The stories are organized sequentially, allowing the reader to move from one disturbing scenario to another without interruption. Each tale stands alone yet contributes to a cohesive mood of dread. The anthology reflects Kauffman’s editorial vision for high-quality, independent horror publishing.