Sanitarium Issue #14: Sanitarium Magazine #14 (2013)

Barry Skelhorn edits Sanitarium Magazine Issue 14, a collection of short horror fiction designed for brief reading intervals. The volume presents a series of distinct narratives that explore various forms of dread and supernatural unease. Readers encounter tales such as Souls-R-Us by Larry Hinkle, which likely examines transactional or spiritual themes, and Ocean by Michael Yowell, suggesting aquatic or isolation-based terror. Wendy C. Williford contributes The Righteous and The Wicked, a story that juxtaposes moral binaries within a horrific context. Elizabeth Los writes The Under Society, hinting at hidden social structures or underground worlds, while Luke Tarzian offers Crinklepuss, a title that evokes childhood fears twisted into something sinister. The issue continues with Changes by William Rasmussen and Hallo by Jackie Bee, exploring transformation and greeting rituals gone wrong. Lex Sinclair’s Trapped deals with confinement, and Katt Pemble writes Tonight is the Night, a classic horror setup involving a specific, ominous evening. Beyond fiction, the magazine includes interviews with The Ania Alhborn and Jack Wallen, providing insight into the creative processes of these contributors. Leah Crowley, P. Reid Aaron, and Melissa Pleckham contribute Dark Verse, offering poetic interpretations of dark themes. This compilation serves readers who appreciate concise, varied horror stories that awaken nightmares without requiring a long time commitment. It is not suitable for those seeking lengthy novels or continuous narratives.