👻 Ghost Stories

Things That Go Bump in my Head

✍️ Sumiko Saulson
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$31.50
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A genre-blending collection of short stories and poetry by Sumiko Saulson.

Saulson curates a mix of tones including dark humor and psychological horror. The work features distinct titles like Agrippa and Dead Horse Summer. It combines science fiction elements with traditional ghost story structures. The anthology format encourages browsing rather than linear consumption. Readers find varied narratives that challenge genre expectations through unexpected combinations of fear and wit.

Key Themes
dark humor ghost stories psychological horror
Literary Context

Published in 2013 by Lulu.com, this work sits within the independent publishing landscape. It reflects a period where authors could directly release mixed-genre collections. The content draws on established horror traditions while incorporating contemporary science fiction dystopic elements for a modern audience.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Poppy Z. Brite · Sawyer King · Ellen Datlow
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Lulu.com 📅 2013 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781304018120

📝 Description: Things That Go Bump in my Head

Sumiko Saulson presents a diverse anthology of horror and speculative fiction in Things That Go Bump In My Head. This collection bridges traditional ghost stories with modern psychological dread and dark humor. Readers encounter tales that range from the absurd to the deeply unsettling, offering a varied reading experience rather than a single tonal journey. The volume includes specific narratives such as Frankenzombie, which likely plays on classic monster tropes, and A Life of Her Own, suggesting themes of autonomy or identity within the supernatural. Agrippa and I, Stammer (In Disbelief) hint at literary or linguistic horror elements. Dead Horse Summer and Attempted Happiness provide glimpses into dystopic or psychological landscapes. The inclusion of poetry adds another layer to the prose-heavy stories. This book suits readers who enjoy eclectic short fiction that mixes genres like science fiction dystopia with old-fashioned scares. It may not appeal to those seeking a continuous novel plot or purely serious horror without comedic relief. The structure allows for non-linear reading, much like exploring different rooms in a haunted house where each corner holds a surprise.

💎 Our verdict on Things That Go Bump in my Head

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Saulson delivers a compelling mix of tones, successfully bridging old-fashioned ghost stories with modern psychological horror. The anthology format encourages exploration, allowing each story to stand alone while contributing to a broader theme of identity and autonomy. Works like Agrippa and I, Stammer demonstrate linguistic creativity, while Dead Horse Summer hints at dystopic landscapes. The volume excels in its unpredictability, offering distinct narratives that challenge genre expectations through unexpected combinations of fear and wit. It suits readers comfortable with dark humor and speculative elements, providing a rich, varied reading experience for those willing to engage with its eclectic structure.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate eclectic short fiction that defies rigid categorization will find this anthology rewarding. It offers a varied experience rather than a single tonal journey, blending absurdity with deep unsettlingness. Those interested in how literary and linguistic horror intersects with science fiction dystopia will enjoy the diverse narratives. The inclusion of poetry alongside prose provides structural variety, appealing to those who prefer browsing non-linear collections over continuous plots. It is ideal for individuals seeking both wit and fear, particularly those who enjoy dark humor as a counterbalance to traditional scares without requiring purely serious horror content.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Saulson delivers a compelling mix of tones, successfully bridging old-fashioned ghost stories with modern psychological horror. The anthology format encourages exploration, allowing each story to stand alone while contributing to a broader theme of identity and autonomy. Works like Agrippa and I, Stammer demonstrate linguistic creativity, while Dead Horse Summer hints at dystopic landscapes. The volume excels in its unpredictability, offering distinct narratives that challenge genre expectations through unexpected combinations of fear and wit. It suits readers comfortable with dark humor and speculative elements, providing a rich, varied reading experience for those willing to engage with its eclectic structure.

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