Nocturnal by Nature & Other Stories

Nick Roberts returns with a collection of eleven new tales that draw upon his established reputation for crafting unsettling narratives. The author previously wrote The Exorcist's House, Mean Spirited, and Anathema, works known for their dark psychological depth. This volume continues that tradition by exploring the boundaries between supernatural dread and real-world horror. Readers will encounter stories involving ventriloquist dummies, stuffed pandas, ancient vampires, and human experimentation. These elements combine to create a atmosphere of pervasive unease. The collection features specific scenarios designed to unsettle the reader. One narrative follows two bickering siblings who travel along a backcountry road and face a sadistic masked menace. Another story observes a couple watching from their window as a mysterious figure lurks in the vacant house next door. A third tale deals with a malevolent presence threatening a man's sanity decades after he tested an urban legend. Roberts uses these varied setups to feed on common fears. This book suits readers who enjoy classic gothic tropes mixed with modern psychological terror. It appeals to those who appreciate detailed character dynamics under extreme duress. The content may not suit readers seeking lighthearted fiction or those easily disturbed by themes of human experimentation and masked violence. The stories are organized to maintain a consistent tone of dread without offering relief. The final image of the lurker in the dark house leaves a lasting impression of lingering threat.