🩸 Horror Fiction

The Best Horror of the Year, Volume 9

✍️ Ellen Datlow
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$15.99
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A curated collection of terrifying short stories from top horror writers.

This volume continues Datlow’s long-running series by highlighting the year’s most disturbing short fiction. It features narratives about family betrayal, police investigations into impossible crimes, and veterans returning home to find more than they expected. The anthology includes contributions from established authors like Peter Straub and Gemma Files, alongside emerging voices. Each story offers a distinct perspective on fear, ranging from domestic violence to supernatural encounters. The book provides a varied reading experience for those who appreciate concise, impactful horror tales.

Key Themes
family conflict impossible crimes veteran trauma
Literary Context

Published in 2017 by Night Shade Books, this ninth installment continues Ellen Datlow’s three-decade tradition of showcasing the latest and most terrifying short fiction. It reflects the ongoing evolution of horror literature through diverse voices and contemporary fears.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Peter Straub · Gemma Files · Brian Hodge · Adam L. G. Nevill
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Night Shade Books 📅 2017 📖 440 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781510716667

📝 Description: The Best Horror of the Year, Volume 9

Ellen Datlow curates the ninth volume in her annual horror series, presenting short fiction that explores domestic dread and psychological terror. The collection features stories such as a man defending his home against his daughter, a police officer confronting an impossible crime scene, and a father facing parental nightmares. Other narratives follow a child’s abuse fueling another’s desire, and a veteran searching for a comrade in her hometown while uncovering hidden truths. This anthology gathers work from award-winning and critically acclaimed writers including Adam L. G. Nevill, Livia Llewellyn, Peter Straub, Gemma Files, and Brian Hodge. Datlow brings over three decades of experience in identifying the most terrifying new voices in the genre. The book suits readers who enjoy diverse perspectives on fear, ranging from family conflicts to supernatural investigations. It may not appeal to those seeking long-form novels or lighthearted tales. The stories are organized by thematic resonance rather than chronological order, allowing authors to explore overlapping fears. Readers will find a mix of contemporary settings and enduring horror tropes. The collection does not offer comfort but rather presents stark, unsettling scenarios that linger after reading.

💎 Our verdict on The Best Horror of the Year, Volume 9

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Ellen Datlow presents a masterful curation of terrifying short stories, exploring themes of family betrayal, police investigations into impossible crimes, and veterans returning home to unexpected horrors. The collection features narratives about domestic violence and supernatural encounters, offering distinct perspectives on fear. By organizing stories by thematic resonance, Datlow allows authors to explore overlapping fears effectively. This volume suits readers who appreciate concise, impactful horror tales from established voices like Peter Straub and Gemma Files alongside emerging talents. It provides a stark, unsettling experience for those willing to engage with challenging emotional landscapes without the comfort of resolution.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate concise, impactful horror tales will find this collection deeply rewarding. It offers a varied reading experience for those who enjoy diverse perspectives on fear, ranging from family conflicts to supernatural investigations. The anthology gathers work from award-winning and critically acclaimed writers, ensuring high-quality narratives. Datlow’s curation highlights the year’s most disturbing short fiction, appealing to fans of domestic dread and psychological terror. Those seeking stark, unsettling scenarios that linger after reading will find satisfaction here. It is ideal for individuals who prefer thematic resonance over chronological order in their horror consumption.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Ellen Datlow presents a masterful curation of terrifying short stories, exploring themes of family betrayal, police investigations into impossible crimes, and veterans returning home to unexpected horrors. The collection features narratives about domestic violence and supernatural encounters, offering distinct perspectives on fear. By organizing stories by thematic resonance, Datlow allows authors to explore overlapping fears effectively. This volume suits readers who appreciate concise, impactful horror tales from established voices like Peter Straub and Gemma Files alongside emerging talents. It provides a stark, unsettling experience for those willing to engage with challenging emotional landscapes without the comfort of resolution.

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