Book Spotlight: Midnight Vintage

Another book spotlight today, for the story collection Midnight Vintage by Sean Eads and Josh Viola. Enjoy.

Midnight Vintage by Sean Eads and Josh Viola

A collection of haunting short stories that delve into the darker sides of the human soul, this horror book explores raw emotions of desire, despair, and obsession. Each tale is set in an atmospheric world where shadows loom large, and the pursuit of unattainable goals leads characters to face terrifying consequences. Whether it’s the unsettling grip of supernatural forces, the harrowing effects of self-destruction, or the chilling embrace of violence, these stories invite readers to explore the depths of horror, grief, and madness. With unique and frightening twists, these tales will keep you on edge long after the last page is turned. 

Step into the unknown, if you dare!

Book Link: https://getbook.at/MidnightVintage

About the Authors:

Sean Eads is a writer and librarian living in Denver, Colorado. He is originally from Kentucky and has a Masters degree in literature from the University of Kentucky and a Masters degree in library science from the University of Illinois. His first novel, The Survivors, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. His third novel, Lord Byron’s Prophecy was a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and the Colorado Book Award. His fifth novel, Confessions, was also a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. His favorite writers are Ray Bradbury, Herman Melville, Cormac McCarthy and Ernest Hemingway.

Website: www.seaneadswriter.com

Joshua Viola is a Colorado Book Award winner and Splatterpunk Award nominee. He co-authored Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - The Dead Shall Rise, an official prequel to the beloved video game series, which became the 4th most funded graphic novel of all time on Kickstarter, raising over $1.4 million. He edited the Denver Post #1 bestselling horror anthology Nightmares Unhinged and co-edited Cyber World, named one of the best science fiction anthologies of 2016 by Barnes & Noble. He co-authored the comic book slasher series True Believers with Stephen Graham Jones, featuring official cameos from icons like Jamie Lee Curtis, R.L. Stine, Jeffrey Combs, and Barbara Crampton. As a producer, he has contributed to films such as Aliens Expanded, The Thing Expanded, TerrorBytes, Shelby Oaks, Shrine of Abominations, Deathgasm II: Goremageddon, and the recent Deathstalker reboot directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void, Psycho Goreman), starring Daniel Bernhardt (The Matrix, John Wick) and produced with Slash from Guns N’ Roses. In 2024, he founded Bit Bot Media with musician Klayton (Celldweller), a multimedia company focused on original and licensed IP, including The Terminator, Legacy of Kain, Evil Dead 2, and more. Bit Bot also collaborates with Canadian film studio Raven Banner Entertainment on film productions, merchandise, and distribution, including titles like The Autopsy of Jane Doe and the documentary Hate to Love: Nickelback. Joshua’s video game development includes work on titles such as The Rocky Horror Show, Pirates of the Caribbean: Call of the Kraken, Unioverse, The Smurfs, TARGET: Terror, and others. He is the owner and chief editor of Hex Publishers and resides in Denver, CO, with his husband and son.

Website: www.joshuaviola.com

Book Spotlight: Hotel Macabre

 Another book spotlight today, for the anthology Hotel Macabre Vol.1 edited by Joe Mynhardt. Enjoy

Hotel Macabre Vol.1

Step into the halls of Hotel Macabre, where horror meets innovation.

 

Where horror knows no bounds…

 

And every turn reveals a new nightmare.

 

Hotel Macabre Vol.1 is not your typical horror anthology. It’s an immersive experience that breaks the boundaries of conventional storytelling. This one-of-a-kind collection gathers the chilling voices of horror’s most imaginative minds, presenting a rich blend of flash fiction, short stories, poetry, a suspenseful play, a novella, and even an illustrated comic book section, guaranteeing a diverse feast for horror fans like never before.

 

Whether you crave the suspense of flash horror, the depth of a full-bodied short story, or the haunting rhythm of dark poetry, Hotel Macabre Vol.1 has it all. And for those looking for something truly unique, this anthology includes a link to an exclusive dramatic reading, bringing the terror to life in a way you’ve never heard before. Each story and poem opens a door to new terrors, while the comic and play sections add a visual and theatrical thrill, making this anthology a must-read for fans of horror anthologies and short horror stories alike.

 

Dare to enter Hotel Macabre and discover a groundbreaking anthology that will redefine your expectations of horror.

Book Link: https://geni.us/HotelMacabre1

Contributing Authors:

Jonathan Winn, Grant Longstaff, Jonny Gensler, Jennifer Osborn, Devin Anderson, Diana Olney, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Joshua Viola, Jasper Bark, Patrick Malka, Alessandro Manzetti, Derek Odom, Alex McCarthy, John Smith, Bridgett Nelson, Mark Gunnells, Amanda M. Blake, Pixie Bruner, Tom Deady, Melissa Meachen, Maxwell I. Gold, Sean Eads, Mia Dalia, Nick Roberts, Chrissy Winters, Matthew R. Davis,Dylan Wells, Brandon Wills, Karen Bayly, Gregg Stewart, Larry Hinkle, Jamal Hodge, Gary McMahon, Claire Davon, Wil Dalton, John Palisano, Linda D. Addison, Naiad, Chris Phelon, Robin Brown, Naching T. Kassa, Esteban Vargas, and Michael Lawrence.

Book Spotlight: We All Go Into The Dark

Today I have a spotlight for the new Crystal Lake Publishing horror collection, We All Go Into The Dark by Kevin Lucia. Enjoy.

We All Go Into The Dark by Kevin Lucia

It's waiting for us, regardless of who we are. Banker. Lawyer. Teacher. Carpenter. No matter our station in life, someday, we will all go into the dark. And no town is more acquainted with darkness than Clifton Heights, NY. So take your chance and step into the dark throughout these four tales: 

Zootown: A lost man seeking a new purpose and life finds something ancient and sinister in the ruins of a carny town just outside Clifton Heights. 

The Man Who Sits in His Chair: There is a man who sits in his chair in front of his house, just across from The Motor Lodge in Clifton Heights. Why does he sit there? What does he see? A corporate lawyer on vacation will find out, much to his despair. 

In the Court of the Spider King: A photography enthusiast visits Clifton Heights to photograph the area’s spiders, and discovers a dark eldritch secret huddled in the ruins of the Freivald Health and Wellness Spa, out on Bassler Road. 

To Slip the Surly Bonds of Earth: The burned out and cynical host of the paranormal YouTube show Ghost Coasters finds something to believe in again as he searches the ruins of Raedeker Park Amusement Park for ghosts, and finds something much worse.

Book Link: https://geni.us/IntoDark

About the Author

Kevin Lucia’s short fiction has been published in many venues, most notably with Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, David Morell, Peter Straub, Bentley Little, and Robert McCammon. His first novel, The Horror at Pleasant Brook, was released from Crystal Lake Publishing, October 2023.

Book Spotlight: Consumed by Evil

Today I have a spotlight for the new Crystal Lake Publishing horror novel Consumed by Evil by John Durgin. Enjoy.

Consumed by Evil by John Durgin

“Small towns hold the biggest secrets…”

In the chilling aftermath of the Halloween homecoming massacre, the town of Newport struggles to recover from the terror unleashed by Jessica Black. But as the survivors come to terms with their losses, a new breed of horror lurks just beneath the surface, threatening to plunge them back into chaos.

Fifteen-year-old Howie grapples with the grief of losing his friends, haunted by memories of that fateful night. Cory is tormented by disturbing visions and violent urges that threaten to consume him. Meanwhile, Bethany finds herself ensnared in a fatal web of deceit as dark forces conspire against her.

Determined to uncover Newport’s buried secrets and dismantle the coven's sinister influence, Howie, Cory, and Bethany must confront their pasts and the malevolent entities that refuse to let go. As they delve deeper into the town’s dark history, they realize that the true horror lies not just in the shadows of Newport, but within themselves.

In Consumed by Evil, John Durgin weaves a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the relentless fight against darkness. Perfect for fans of psychological horror and supernatural thrillers, this sequel expands on the chilling narrative of The Cursed Among Us, promising even more heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets that lurk in the shadows?

Book Link: https://getbook.at/ConsumedByEvil

About the Author

John Durgin is a proud active HWA member and lifelong horror fan. Growing up in New Hampshire, he discovered Stephen King much younger than most probably should have, reading IT before he reached high school—and knew from that moment on he wanted to write horror. 

He had his first story accepted in the summer of 2021. His debut novel, The Cursed Among Us was released June 3, 2022, and went on to become an Amazon bestseller. Next up, his sophomore novel titled Inside The Devil’s Nest, released in January of 2023, followed by his debut collection, Sleeping In The Fire in June of 2023. In 2024 he is set to release two more novels, starting with Kosa which released to stellar reviews, and Consumed by Evil through Crystal Lake Publishing in November 2024.

Book Spotlight: Blood and Bullets (Dark Tide 18)

 Today I have a spotlight on the horror western anthology, Blood and Bullets (Dark Tide 18). Enjoy.

Blood and Bullets (Dark Tide 18)

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey through the American frontier with Blood and Bullets, an anthology featuring three gripping novellas that blend horror, paranormal elements, and the harsh realities of the Old West.

 

“American Devil” by James Aquilone: In a suspenseful twist on historical horror, Randall Bond, a determined psychic bounty hunter, faces his most daunting challenge yet: capturing H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer, who has escaped from prison. With dark forces at play and the line between predator and prey blurring, Bond must navigate a treacherous landscape where the hunt turns into a battle for survival.

 

“The Deadwood Deal” by Michael Knost: Dive into the shadows of Wild Bill Hickok’s final moments in The Deadwood Deal. Michael Knost unravels the hidden truths behind Jack McCall’s infamous act of betrayal, revealing the dark and supernatural forces that orchestrated the tragic fate of one of the most legendary gunfighters of the Old West. This tale of vengeance and dark partnership will leave you questioning the true nature of evil.

 

“Elijah’s Elixir” by Keith Lansdale: Elijah’s quest for easy money takes a sinister turn in Elijah’s Elixir. Joined by Rose, a tarot reader with a troubled past, and Luther, an enigmatic companion, Elijah finds himself entangled in a web of supernatural mystery and personal demons. As they unravel the secrets of a strange town and confront their own haunted pasts, they discover that nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

 

Book Link: https://getbook.at/DarkTide18

 About the Authors

Keith Lansdale:

Author of short stories, comics, novels, screenplays, articles, and even napkin doodles.

Movie credits include writing credits for Christmas With The Dead, Pale Door, a Creepshow adaptation, and in production, The Projectionist. Comics are Red Range, X-Files, Vamprilla, Crawling Sky, Mud… and plenty others.

  

Michael Knost:

Michael Knost is a two-time Bram Stoker Award®-winning editor and author of science fiction, fantasy, horror, western, and supernatural thrillers. He has written in various genres and helmed dozens of anthologies. His Writers Workshop of Horror won the 2009 Bram Stoker Award® in England for superior achievement in non-fiction. His Writers Workshop of Horror 2 recently won the 2021 Bram Stoker Award® in Denver for the same category. His critically acclaimed Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy is an Amazon #1 bestseller. Return of the Mothman, Barbers and Beauties, and Author’s Guide to Marketing with Teeth were all finalists for the Bram Stoker Award®. Michael received the Horror Writers Association’s Silver Hammer Award in 2015 for his work as the organization’s mentorship chair and was recently recognized as the 2021 Mentor of the Year from the organization. He also received the prestigious J.U.G. (Just Uncommonly Good) Award from West Virginia Writer’s Inc. His Return of the Mothman novel has recently been filmed as a movie adaption. He has taught writing classes and workshops at several colleges, conventions, online, and currently resides in Chapmanville, West Virginia with his wife, daughter, and a zombie goldfish.

 

James Aquilone:

James Aquilone is the owner of Monstrous Books, writer of the Dead Jack: Zombie Detective series, and editor of the anthologies Classic Monsters Unleashed, Shakespeare Unleashed, and the 50th anniversary Kolchak: The Night Stalker graphic novel. He’s won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Graphic Novel, two Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, and a Scribe Award from the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers. He’s also been nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award.