🩸 Horror Fiction

Close to Midnight

✍️ Mark Morris
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$16.95
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

An anthology of twenty original horror stories edited by Mark Morris.

This volume continues an annual tradition of showcasing top-tier short fiction in the horror and supernatural genres. By combining commissioned pieces from renowned authors with winners from a public call, the editor creates a balanced mix of styles. The book contains no thematic constraint, allowing for a wide range of scary scenarios. It is designed for readers who appreciate the efficiency of short stories and want to sample different voices within the genre. The inclusion of open submission winners adds an element of discovery, contrasting with the polished works from established names. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the current state of horror writing.

Key Themes
original horror stories supernatural fiction short narrative forms
Literary Context

Published by Flame Tree Press in 2022, this work is part of a recurring series dedicated to original genre fiction. It reflects the ongoing demand for curated collections that highlight emerging and established talent in American and international horror writing.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Stephen King · Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft · Clive Barker
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Flame Tree Press 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781787587236

📝 Description: Close to Midnight

Mark Morris, the editor behind this collection, presents Close to Midnight as the third installment in an annual series of original horror stories. The volume features twenty distinct tales, blending commissioned works with selections from a competitive open submission period. Sixteen of these narratives come directly from established genre professionals, while four are drawn from hundreds of entries received during a two-week window. This structure ensures a mix of familiar voices and fresh perspectives within the supernatural fiction space. The book appeals to readers who enjoy varied short-form horror without requiring prior knowledge of specific subgenres. It suits those seeking concise, standalone scares rather than long-running plots. The collection does not cater to fans of historical gothic romance or contemporary thriller suspense, focusing instead on modern supernatural and horror elements. Morris curates these pieces to highlight the breadth of current genre writing, offering a compact yet diverse reading experience for enthusiasts of the macabre.

💎 Our verdict on Close to Midnight

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Close to Midnight succeeds in providing a balanced mix of styles within the supernatural fiction space, catering effectively to readers who enjoy varied short-form horror. By integrating sixteen commissioned narratives from established professionals with four selections from competitive open submissions, the editor highlights the breadth of current genre writing. The volume avoids thematic constraints, allowing for a wide range of scary scenarios that appeal to those seeking modern supernatural elements over historical gothic romance or contemporary thriller suspense. It is best suited for individuals who desire concise, standalone scares and wish to explore different voices within the macabre tradition without committing to lengthy plots.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the efficiency of short stories and wish to sample different voices within the horror genre will find this volume particularly rewarding. It offers a comprehensive view of current genre writing by combining polished works from renowned authors with the exciting element of discovery found in open submission winners. Those seeking concise, standalone scares rather than long-running plots will enjoy the variety without needing prior knowledge of specific subgenres. The collection is ideal for enthusiasts of the macabre who want to experience modern supernatural and horror elements through a compact yet diverse reading experience that balances familiar names with fresh talent.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Close to Midnight succeeds in providing a balanced mix of styles within the supernatural fiction space, catering effectively to readers who enjoy varied short-form horror. By integrating sixteen commissioned narratives from established professionals with four selections from competitive open submissions, the editor highlights the breadth of current genre writing. The volume avoids thematic constraints, allowing for a wide range of scary scenarios that appeal to those seeking modern supernatural elements over historical gothic romance or contemporary thriller suspense. It is best suited for individuals who desire concise, standalone scares and wish to explore different voices within the macabre tradition without committing to lengthy plots.

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