🩸 Horror Fiction

The Second Black Book of Horror

✍️ David a Sutton
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$14.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A thirteen-story anthology of supernatural dread edited by David A. Sutton.

This volume compiles thirteen separate narratives from various authors, each contributing a unique perspective on fear. The stories range from psychological unease to supernatural horror, offering a varied reading experience. Contributors like Gary McMahon and Steve Goodwin bring their distinct voices to the collection. The book avoids long-winded plots in favor of immediate impact. It serves as a snapshot of horror writing from 2008, highlighting the work of independent publishers. Readers interested in the mechanics of short horror fiction will find value in how each tale constructs its tension. The anthology does not rely on a single overarching plot but instead presents a series of isolated incidents that leave a lasting impression.

Key Themes
ghoulish terror fiendish fear supernatural horror
Literary Context

Published by Mortbury Press in 2008, this anthology reflects the landscape of independent horror publishing in the late 2000s. It showcases a diverse group of writers contributing to the genre during a period when small presses played a crucial role in supporting new and established voices in horror fiction.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Gary McMahon · Steve Goodwin · Eddy C. Bertin
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Mortbury Press 📅 2008 📖 200 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780955606113

📝 Description: The Second Black Book of Horror

David A. Sutton’s The Second Black Book of Horror presents a curated collection of thirteen distinct tales designed to evoke ghastly dread. Published by Mortbury Press in 2008, this volume gathers writers who specialize in supernatural and gothic fiction. Sutton contributes the story Amygdala, while other contributors include Gary McMahon with Black Glass and Steve Goodwin with The Cold Harvest. The anthology also features On the Couch by Craig Herbertson and The Crimson Picture by Daniel McGachey. Readers will encounter diverse narratives such as Squabble by D. F. Lewis and The Eye in the Mirror by Eddy C. Bertin. Additional stories include The Meal by Julia Lufford, In Sickness And... by John Llewellyn Probert, Onion by L. H. Maynard and M. P. N. Sims, and The Pit by Rog Pile. This compilation appeals to fans of classic horror traditions who appreciate concise, chilling narratives. It may not suit readers seeking lengthy epic sagas or contemporary thriller plots. The book offers a focused experience for those who enjoy short-form fiction that relies on atmosphere and sudden terror rather than complex character development. Each story stands alone, allowing the reader to move between different styles of fear without losing momentum. The collection reflects a specific era of horror publishing where independent presses like Mortbury Press supported diverse voices in the genre.

💎 Our verdict on The Second Black Book of Horror

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
David A. Sutton’s anthology delivers a curated selection of thirteen distinct tales designed to evoke ghastly dread through varied perspectives on fear. The collection excels at providing immediate impact, with contributors like Gary McMahon and Steve Goodwin bringing their unique voices to supernatural and psychological unease. It suits readers who prefer concise narratives over complex character arcs, offering a snapshot of horror writing from 2008. While it may not appeal to those seeking epic sagas, it provides a refreshing variety of isolated incidents that highlight the strengths of independent publishing. The focus on atmosphere and sudden terror ensures a cohesive yet diverse reading experience for enthusiasts of gothic and cosmic horror.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the mechanics of short-form horror fiction will find significant value in this collection, as each tale constructs tension through atmosphere rather than complex character development. It is ideal for those seeking immediate impact and sudden terror without the commitment of lengthy epic sagas or contemporary thriller plots. The anthology offers a focused experience for fans of classic horror traditions who enjoy concise, chilling narratives that rely on isolated incidents to leave a lasting impression. By avoiding long-winded plots, the book allows readers to move seamlessly between different styles of fear, making it perfect for those interested in the diverse voices supported by independent presses during the late 2000s.

⭐ 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

David A. Sutton’s anthology delivers a curated selection of thirteen distinct tales designed to evoke ghastly dread through varied perspectives on fear. The collection excels at providing immediate impact, with contributors like Gary McMahon and Steve Goodwin bringing their unique voices to supernatural and psychological unease. It suits readers who prefer concise narratives over complex character arcs, offering a snapshot of horror writing from 2008. While it may not appeal to those seeking epic sagas, it provides a refreshing variety of isolated incidents that highlight the strengths of independent publishing. The focus on atmosphere and sudden terror ensures a cohesive yet diverse reading experience for enthusiasts of gothic and cosmic horror.

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