🩸 Horror Fiction

Next Door: A Collection of Twelve Twisted Tales and One True Story

✍️ Kimberly Davis Basso
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$9.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of twelve dark fiction tales and one true story by award-winning writer Kimberly Davis Basso.

This volume organizes thirteen narratives that examine the sinister undercurrents of everyday life. Basso uses specific settings like Cape Cod beaches, haunted cities, and suburban cul-de-sacs to ground her supernatural elements. The stories range from a boy impressing his brothers with a crown to horses crying and ink being spilled. Each tale peels back the layer of normalcy to reveal something slightly chilled beneath. The true story adds a layer of reality to the fictional horrors. Readers encounter bookstores, dentist drills, and the end of the world within these pages. The structure allows for a varied exploration of fear, moving from personal family tragedy to broader societal nightmares. The collection does not rely on jump scares but rather on lingering dread.

Key Themes
suburban nightmare cultish devotion haunted city
Literary Context

Published in 2021 by Kimberly Davis Basso, this work sits within the tradition of American quiet horror and suspense. It draws on gothic elements to explore the supernatural in contemporary settings. The collection reflects a modern interest in the hidden lives of ordinary people and the unease of neighborhood dynamics.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Thomas Ligotti · Ramsey Campbell · T.C. Boyle
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Kimberly Davis Basso 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781734552324

📝 Description: Next Door: A Collection of Twelve Twisted Tales and One True Story

Kimberly Davis Basso presents a collection of dark fiction and one true story in Next Door. The work focuses on quiet horror and suspense, drawing readers into the eerie atmosphere of suburban life. Twelve tales explore the hidden terrors lurking just beyond the familiar boundaries of home and neighborhood. The stories cover diverse subjects, from a child finding treasure on Cape Cod to an old lady cleaning her kitchen while voices call out a children's rhyme. Titles include La Strega Ragna, which twists an old recipe, and To the Mountaintop, which rethinks outdoor activities. Other narratives examine cultish devotion in Shimmer, the hidden lives of neighbors in Chat Box, Drill, Mote, and Ink, and a haunted city in When Horses Cry. The collection also features Cul de Sac as a suburban nightmare and The Deep End of the Pool, where a little girl is not what she seems. This mix of supernatural thrills and nightmares creates an unsettling place to visit. Basso is an award-winning writer who turns her attention to these dark tales. The book suits readers who enjoy literary short stories with quiet suspense. It may not appeal to those seeking loud, action-packed horror or traditional ghost stories. The collection invites readers to wonder about their neighbors through its blend of the ordinary and the unnerving.

💎 Our verdict on Next Door: A Collection of Twelve Twisted Tales and One True Story

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Basso effectively peels back layers of normalcy to reveal chilling subtexts in this diverse collection. The work excels at grounding supernatural elements in specific, relatable settings such as haunted cities and dentist offices. By avoiding jump scares, the author cultivates a persistent sense of dread that lingers long after reading. The structure allows for varied explorations of fear, moving from personal tragedy to broader societal nightmares. This approach suits readers who prefer literary horror with quiet suspense over traditional ghost stories. The mix of ordinary and unnerving creates an unsettling yet compelling experience. It is best for those willing to engage with subtle, psychological terror rather than explicit gore or action.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric dread and psychological horror will find this collection rewarding. It appeals to those who enjoy literary short stories that explore the hidden terrors lurking beyond familiar boundaries. The blend of supernatural elements grounded in ordinary settings like Cape Cod beaches and suburban cul-de-sacs offers a unique perspective on fear. Those seeking quiet suspense rather than loud action will appreciate the lingering unease. The inclusion of a true story adds a layer of reality to the fictional horrors, deepening the impact. It is ideal for readers who enjoy examining societal nightmares and personal family tragedy through a dark lens.

⭐ 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

Basso effectively peels back layers of normalcy to reveal chilling subtexts in this diverse collection. The work excels at grounding supernatural elements in specific, relatable settings such as haunted cities and dentist offices. By avoiding jump scares, the author cultivates a persistent sense of dread that lingers long after reading. The structure allows for varied explorations of fear, moving from personal tragedy to broader societal nightmares. This approach suits readers who prefer literary horror with quiet suspense over traditional ghost stories. The mix of ordinary and unnerving creates an unsettling yet compelling experience. It is best for those willing to engage with subtle, psychological terror rather than explicit gore or action.

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