Midnight Pleasures

Name: Midnight Pleasures
Price: 29.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781960241467

✍️ Robert Bloch

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$29.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of fourteen classic horror tales by Robert Bloch featuring holiday themes.

This volume brings together fourteen stories that highlight Bloch's later career output. It combines spine-chilling terror with gallows humor in a way that defines his style. The selection includes three Halloween narratives and one Christmas horror story. A key feature is the inclusion of a tale first published in Weird Tales in 1939. This edition provides a new introduction by Bill Gilllard. It represents the first time this specific collection has been available in decades. The book suits readers who enjoy eclectic mixes of supernatural fiction. It may not appeal to those who prefer strictly realistic literature. The stories reflect Bloch's ability to blend traditional horror with dark comedy. The inclusion of holiday-themed tales adds variety to the reading experience. This collection offers a focused look at his work beyond Psycho.

Key Themes

Halloween stories Christmas horror supernatural fiction

Literary Context

This 2025 Valancourt Books edition revives Midnight Dreams, originally published in 1987. It collects later career tales alongside a 1939 Weird Tales story. The work reflects mid-twentieth century American horror traditions through Bloch's unique lens of terror and humor.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

H.P. Lovecraft · Edgar Allan Poe · Shirley Jackson · Algernon Blackwood

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Valancourt Books 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781960241467

📝 Description: Midnight Pleasures

Robert Bloch, known for writing Psycho, presents a collection of fourteen classic tales in Midnight Pleasures. This volume gathers stories from later in his career, showcasing his signature mix of terrifying suspense and dark humor. The compilation includes an eclectic range of narratives that span different holidays and genres. Readers will find three stories centered on Halloween traditions alongside one tale set during Christmas. The book also features a previously uncollected story that first appeared in Weird Tales in 1939. This new edition marks the first release of this specific collection in decades. It includes a fresh introduction by Bloch scholar Bill Gilllard, providing context for these later works. The content appeals to fans of gothic fiction and supernatural horror who appreciate gallows humor. Those seeking purely realistic or non-horror narratives may find the material unsuitable. The stories draw on classic horror traditions without relying on modern tropes. The organization highlights Bloch's versatility across different seasonal themes. This edition serves as a valuable resource for collectors of his work. It offers a glimpse into his creative output outside of his most famous novel. The inclusion of the 1939 tale adds historical depth to the collection. Readers interested in the evolution of horror fiction will find this volume informative. The blend of terror and wit remains consistent throughout the pages. This book stands as a significant addition to Bloch's bibliography for new audiences.

💎 Our verdict on Midnight Pleasures

“

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Midnight Pleasures successfully showcases Robert Bloch's ability to merge spine-chilling terror with gallows humor, defining his unique literary voice. The compilation offers a varied reading experience through its focus on holiday-themed narratives, including three Halloween stories and one Christmas tale. The inclusion of a previously uncollected story from 1939 adds significant historical weight to the volume. While it may not suit readers seeking strictly realistic literature, those who enjoy gothic fiction and supernatural horror will find much to admire. The fresh introduction provides necessary context for these later works, ensuring the collection remains accessible and engaging for modern audiences interested in classic horror traditions.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intricate blend of supernatural suspense and dark comedy will find this volume particularly rewarding. It offers a focused exploration of Robert Bloch’s creative output beyond his most famous novel, highlighting his versatility across seasonal themes like Halloween and Christmas. The inclusion of a tale from 1939 provides historical depth, making it valuable for those interested in the evolution of horror fiction. Fans of gothic fiction and psychological terror will enjoy the eclectic mix of narratives that avoid modern tropes in favor of traditional horror elements. This collection serves as an essential resource for collectors and scholars seeking to understand Bloch’s signature style.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Midnight Pleasures successfully showcases Robert Bloch's ability to merge spine-chilling terror with gallows humor, defining his unique literary voice. The compilation offers a varied reading experience through its focus on holiday-themed narratives, including three Halloween stories and one Christmas tale. The inclusion of a previously uncollected story from 1939 adds significant historical weight to the volume. While it may not suit readers seeking strictly realistic literature, those who enjoy gothic fiction and supernatural horror will find much to admire. The fresh introduction provides necessary context for these later works, ensuring the collection remains accessible and engaging for modern audiences interested in classic horror traditions.