Hard Places

Kirstyn McDermott’s Hard Places gathers short fiction composed over two decades alongside a previously unpublished novella. The collection spans unsettling obsessions, brutal body horror, unexpected monsters, and ghosts drifting through suburbia. These narratives traverse the gamut of horror and contemporary gothic traditions. Angela Slatter describes McDermott’s prose as darkly magical, insidious, and insistent, noting that her words remain with the reader long after reading. This volume suits readers who appreciate harrowing, provocative, and poignant tales that linger in memory. It appeals to those drawn to supernatural fiction and gothic atmospheres within modern settings. Readers seeking lighthearted entertainment or traditional fantasy may find the tone too intense or unsettling for their tastes. The book does not offer respite but rather immersion into darker psychological and physical landscapes. McDermott’s work is characterized by its persistent impact on the reader. The stories are organized to showcase her range across twenty years of writing. The inclusion of new material alongside established pieces provides a comprehensive view of her stylistic evolution. The collection stands as a significant entry in contemporary horror literature, focusing on the insidious nature of fear and the supernatural.