🩸 Horror Fiction

Murdered Darlings: A Collection of Short Horror and Supernatural Stories

✍️ Velox Books
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$15.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Marcus Damanda's collection of short horror stories featuring plague survivors and cursed actors.

This anthology focuses on isolated incidents of supernatural terror rather than a continuous plot. Readers encounter a wealthy man hiding from a plague in an underground city, a sinister take on Christmas traditions with Saint Nick, and a character whose eyes bleed due to a curse. The collection also includes a stage actor planning fiery revenge and someone investigating the legend of Johnny Blackjack. These narratives utilize elements of gothic fiction and urban mystery. The stories are organized as standalone pieces, each offering a different perspective on fear. The work reflects Damanda’s experience with audio storytelling, bringing a distinct rhythm to the prose. It appeals to those who prefer concise, intense horror over lengthy epics.

Key Themes
underground plague refuge cursed eyes bleeding Johnny Blackjack legend
Literary Context

Marcus Damanda is a contributor to The NoSleep Podcast, a platform known for internet-era horror fiction. This collection aligns with the tradition of short-form supernatural tales popular in digital media. The work draws on gothic and urban legend traditions, presenting them through a modern lens suitable for contemporary horror readers.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
The NoSleep Podcast contributors · Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Independently Published 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798856868318

📝 Description: Murdered Darlings: A Collection of Short Horror and Supernatural Stories

Marcus Damanda, a writer known for his contributions to The NoSleep Podcast, presents Murdered Darlings, a collection of horror and supernatural fiction published by Velox Books. This volume gathers distinct narratives that explore fear through varied lenses, ranging from modern urban legends to classic holiday folklore. The stories do not rely on a single setting but instead shift between isolated domestic spaces, underground sanctuaries, and theatrical stages. Each tale operates independently, allowing readers to experience different types of dread without narrative continuity binding them together. The collection features a wealthy individual fleeing a global plague within an underground city, a twisted version of Saint Nick delivering a frightening gift, and a loner suffering from a curse that causes his eyes to bleed. Other entries include a jealous actor seeking revenge on stage and an investigation into the urban legend of Johnny Blackjack. These stories draw on traditions of gothic horror and supernatural suspense. The book suits fans of podcast-style horror and those who enjoy short, impactful scares. It may not appeal to readers seeking long-form novels or historical fiction. Damanda’s background in audio storytelling influences the pacing and atmosphere of each piece, creating a grim gallery of terror for those willing to enter.

💎 Our verdict on Murdered Darlings: A Collection of Short Horror and Supernatural Stories

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Damanda’s background in audio storytelling lends a unique rhythm to these standalone tales, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread across varied settings. The collection successfully blends gothic horror with urban mystery, offering readers a diverse array of scares from plague-infested sanctuaries to cursed actors. While it may not satisfy those seeking long-form epics or historical depth, it excels in delivering concise, impactful moments of terror. The anthology is best suited for fans of podcast-style horror and short fiction who appreciate atmospheric pacing over complex plotting. It stands as a compelling entry point for newcomers to the genre while offering fresh variations on familiar supernatural tropes.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking intense, bite-sized scares will find this collection ideal for its ability to deliver immediate terror without requiring a long-term commitment. The anthology appeals to those who enjoy the distinct rhythm and pacing influenced by audio storytelling, offering a grim gallery of varied fears. It is perfect for fans of gothic fiction and supernatural suspense who prefer standalone tales over continuous plots. By exploring diverse settings from underground cities to theatrical stages, it provides a multifaceted look at dread. Those who appreciate concise narratives and modern takes on classic folklore will gain significant satisfaction from the distinct perspectives on fear presented here.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Damanda’s background in audio storytelling lends a unique rhythm to these standalone tales, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread across varied settings. The collection successfully blends gothic horror with urban mystery, offering readers a diverse array of scares from plague-infested sanctuaries to cursed actors. While it may not satisfy those seeking long-form epics or historical depth, it excels in delivering concise, impactful moments of terror. The anthology is best suited for fans of podcast-style horror and short fiction who appreciate atmospheric pacing over complex plotting. It stands as a compelling entry point for newcomers to the genre while offering fresh variations on familiar supernatural tropes.

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