The Ones That Got Away

Stephen Graham Jones presents a collection of thirteen horror stories in The Ones That Got Away. These narratives explore intimate fears through varied scenarios, including a summer romance that ends in blood rather than heartbreak. A fishing trip turns into a haunting when a woodland friend follows a girl to the city. Other tales involve a father listening to impossible voices on a baby monitor and a woman realizing her shipwreck companion is the true disaster. Jones examines themes of familial sacrifice, with a brother trading for sleep, while also covering historical settings like prison guards forming unholy alliances and snake-oil men in the Old West. The author draws on gothic and supernatural traditions to carve into the body of the mind. The stories address base fears without anesthetic, forcing readers to confront their certainties. This collection suits those who enjoy visceral psychological horror and twisted family dynamics. It may not appeal to readers seeking lighthearted escapism or traditional ghost stories with clear resolutions. Jones qualifies his expertise through his established reputation in the genre, delivering sharp, unsettling prose that turns ordinary life inside out. The book is organized as a series of distinct vignettes rather than a continuous narrative. Each chapter stands alone yet contributes to an overall atmosphere of dread. The publisher Tantor Audio released this edition on March 22, 2022. The ISBN for this version is 9798212069298. Readers should expect no comfort in these pages. The shadows deepen when the light turns on.