Rabbit Face and Further Awful Encounters
A debut horror collection by Thomas C Mavroudis featuring cryptids, Rasputin, and Death in Denver.
Mavroudis constructs a series of isolated vignettes that refuse to connect through plot, relying instead on thematic resonance. The author draws from historical events involving Grigori Rasputin and British Intelligence alongside contemporary settings like suburban subdivisions and Denver streets. This approach allows the personification of Death to interact with modern loneliness while an ex-convict’s interview grounds the supernatural in mundane media formats. The stories do not build toward a single climax but stand as individual encounters with dread. The inclusion of doppelgangers and conglomerate spirits expands the scope beyond standard ghost stories. Mavroudis uses these varied forms to examine how different characters confront the unknown. The result is a collection that feels fragmented yet cohesive in its commitment to unease.
The book sits within contemporary American horror publishing, released by JournalStone in 2025. It bridges historical figures like Rasputin with modern urban settings and late-night media culture. The work aligns with the Bram Stoker Award tradition of recognizing innovative short fiction that challenges genre boundaries.
📝 Description: Rabbit Face and Further Awful Encounters
💎 Our verdict on Rabbit Face and Further Awful Encounters
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate horror that prioritizes thematic resonance over linear plotting will find value in this debut. Those interested in the intersection of history and the supernatural, particularly regarding figures like Rasputin or cryptid folklore, will enjoy the varied perspectives on dread. Fans of psychological horror and dark fantasy will appreciate how Mavroudis balances heartbreak with wicked wit through crisp prose. The book is ideal for those seeking unsettling visions rather than comfort, offering a cohesive sense of unease across disparate tales involving doppelgangers, conglomerate spirits, and modern loneliness.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Mavroudis delivers a fragmented yet cohesive collection that examines how characters confront the unknown through isolated vignettes. The work excels in blending historical horror with modern settings, such as Denver streets and suburban subdivisions, creating a distinct tone of unease. By incorporating dark humor alongside earnest characters, the author balances heartbreak with wicked wit, avoiding traditional climaxes in favor of individual encounters with dread. This approach suits readers who enjoy eclectic mixes of supernatural elements and psychological tension. However, those seeking linear narratives or purely comedic horror may find the structure challenging. The collection remains a potent examination of loneliness and the personification of Death.
