Mine by LM Kaplin

Releases August 10, 2023

If you aren’t familiar with LM Kaplin, you should change that, quickly. If you are looking for an author that can write a story smoothly and can articulate the characters perfectly, then Kaplin is definitely one to check out.

Mine is a story of lonely outcast, Chandler Henricks, who wants nothing more than to have a perfect wife and a perfect life. Chandler takes care of his ailing mother for part of his day, and the rest of his day is spent watching his neighbors. He imagines what their life is like, giving them all a story. Some of them he has watched for so long, he knows quite a lot about their lives. His next-door neighbor, Samantha, is the woman of his dreams. He knows he can be a good husband. He just needs a chance to prove it to her. So, when a chance comes about that he can show her that he loves her the way no one else ever can, he takes the plunge and shows her how much he cares for her. 

LM Kaplin did a superb job in writing a stalker/disturbed story that flows well and keeps you engaged. This isn’t a gory or jump-scare kind of story. This is a horror story of what your neighbor could be capable of. A story of ‘stranger-danger’ that quickly escalates to stalker- in-your-home-and-you-can’t-leave story. The twists and turns, the amount of anguish and anxiety were at a perfect level throughout.

I want to add, if you like vampire stories, he has a fantastic short story collection of vampires (Fang Fiction) that I highly recommend as well as Mine. I eagerly await his next book!

Woe To Those Who Dwell On Earth: Horror Stories by John Lynch

 John Lynch has written thirteen short stories for our enjoyment. They range from a creature feature to the evil of humans. I enjoyed all of these stories. 

Blood in the Sand. Some kind of lethal creature is taking out entire units of marines. Full of gore and adrenalin. Amazing start to the book.

The Butcher of Bridgeport. Caverly is a marine on a training mission when his whole unit is killed. Another gore-action packed story. You can definitely tell Lynch is a marine!

The Tree Farm. Pitts is volunteering at a tree farm during Christmas. This story is still with me. An eerie delight!

Stasis. Lynn is awoken from stasis five years too early. I love outer space horror stories and this one was awesome. I’d like to see this as a full length novel, or at least a novella.

The Hale Koa Incident. A couple of marines decide to go do some snorkeling and stumble upon some trouble. Deep water horror! 

Cok-meat Sandwich. A terrible neighbor story. A cringe-worthy story. Oh my, men need to be prepared for this one!

Bow Saw. Awesome story about a female serial killer. There aren’t enough stories like this, so this was nice to add.

Noose. A husband is having a really bad day. One thing after another keeps happening. I feel bad for the husband. Good story.

Wing Night. Patrick is living with a friend and stays at their house while the family goes on a vacation. Another intense story! 

Open The Window, Tommy. Two brothers are out trick or treating when they stumble upon a scene that is unbelievable. This is an amazing story, one of my favorites. 

The Newlyweds. A honeymoon that has gone all wrong, backfiring on the husband. Certainly different from the rest of the stories, but I liked it quite a lot.

An Excerpt from “The Warrior Retreat.” I am definitely picking up this story next. This is a quick excerpt with Ray. 

Qrf Up! A marine is having flashbacks. A good story to go out with a bang! 

Lynch’s writing style is direct, but in such a way that it will have you will easily feel the emotions of the characters in his stories. I can see why his other book, Warrior Retreat, is a hit. I look forward to reading that one. If you have read that one, you should grab this quick collection of stories. If you have not read Warrior Retreat, this is a great way to be introduced to John Lynch.

Shakespeare Unleashed, edited by James Aquilone

 Shakespeare Unleashed has an amazing lineup. Just to name a few: Jonathan Maberry, Gemma Files, and Tim Waggoner. Altogether, there are 42 short stories and poems in this collection. Throughout the book there is also some amazing artwork by J.K. Woodward.

For most of the book, after every short story, is a poem. All of them relate to some William Shakespeare story. They range from Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, and many well known characters in Shakespeare’s stories. Some of the stories extend a character's story outside of their Shakespeare story, and some are odes to them. One of the authors, Ian Doescher, wrote his story as a play!

You can definitely tell the amount of passion that went into this collection. Each author writes with the knowledge of Shakespeare’s writing. Even if you are not a Shakespeare fan or have not read any of his other uncommon plays, you will still enjoy the many stories of this anthology. They each are a unique story.

Thank you James, for sending me a copy of Shakespeare Unleashed. I enjoyed all the time I spent with each author. Bravo for a fantastic anthology!

BETA by Sammy Scott

 This is easily one of the best stories I have read in years. It’s an outstanding book that gave me all the feels a story should give. There is horror, psychological thrills, science fiction, gore, and the best ominous feeling you can imagine. 

I will not be going over a summary and addressing any part of this story. I do, however, want to share what I felt during the story. 

Of course, when I received the story, I jumped right in. No hesitation at all. I was so giddy, so excited to read a brand new Sammy Scott story!! I might have squealed a little bit, too. 

The first half of the book, I was enthralled. How will this story end? I can’t figure out the good or the bad! 

The second half of this book… OH EM GEE… What the hell?!?! 

True to Sammy Scott’s writing, you may have it figured out to only be wrong the entire time. 

It will be released in September 2023. Keep an eye out for it, you need this book in your life.

Thaumaturgist by Matt Duchossoy

 There are very few authors who literally have me excited when I see them releasing a new story. I will do everything I can to grab that story and read it. Matt Duchossoy is one of those authors. I can not recommend him enough to every reader in the world. 

A group of people are seeking shelter when they have a car accident on a lonely highway. They finally come across a home that will hopefully be inviting and let them stay for a bit. What they didn’t know is the house is a creepy place and the family is strange. Strange shadows and a freaky creature is watching and taunting them. 

The entire story is well written, engaging, and very creepy. The good and bad guys are relatable, even the creature. The scenes are expertly detailed to give you a sense of belonging in the story. This is certainly an atmospheric read.

This one releases July 14, 2023.

Of Mice and Wolfmen by Joe Pasquale

Joe Pasquale has given us twelve amazing short stories that are a blast to read. There are so many with twists at the end I didn't see coming. It was usually just the last sentence or two that just threw me for a loop! I enjoyed every single story in this collection, I am ready to read some more!

The Umpire Strikes Back. A hilarious dark story about the afterlife of a man killed. This is a freaking amazing story. It has a major plot twist. I can’t figure out how Pasquale came up with that ending!

The Underwearwolf. Another story with an amazing plot twist at the end. A guy goes to see a new therapist because he thinks he is a werewolf. 

The After Effects of Love. This is a story about the first humans to give the coronavirus vaccination a try. Epic conclusion.

Abracadaver. This story is more mellow than most in the collection, but just as enjoyable. It’s about the afterlife and Houdini.

Granpire. Can vampires have babies? Read this and find out. 

No Regrets. This was a fabulous story. A wicked revenge story

The Spinster. Speed dating gone wrong!! Ha! I will never do one of these.

Annus Horribilis. (The name of these stories, right??) Nostradamus’ prediction of our future!

The Living Room. Literally a fantastic story. A husband in mourning is approached by a weird guy and talks about death.

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Where Have You Been? An unusual story about the circle of life.

The Curse of Draclia. No, not Dracula, but Draclia. Draclia isn’t getting the life he wants. He decides to let it all go. 

Velvet Elvis. Elvis lives!! Or does he? Very entertaining story to end the book. 

Joe Pasquale is quite entertaining with his stories. I can imagine having him at the party and having everyone laughing in no time. Only to come back with a plot twist in his stories that will have everyone asking “how?” How did you come up with these, Joe? 

Books of Horror Volume 1 edits by RJ Roles and Justin M. Woodward

 Books of Horror Volume 1 edited by RJ Roles and Justin M Woodward. Forward by Denise Hargrove.

As always, RJ Roles knows a good story when he finds one. He and Justin M. Woodward has done a fabulous job in this first collection of the Books of Horror authors. Everyone will love something about this collection.

1. Death Served by Jae Mazer. If the horrors and evil of Hell could seek and serve revenge, then this is how it would happen. An amazing story with gruesome details. Jae has some other short stories in other CPP anthologies and I have enjoyed all of them. 

2. One Too Many by R. E. Sargent. Ethan is on a trip for his bachelor’s party. He wakes up with an awful hangover and can’t remember how he got where he ends up. A good story that has a nice ending that I didn't see coming. I don’t think I have read anything by Sargent before. I hope to come across more of their stories, though.

3. Hollow Earth Assassins by Mike Duke. A group of people are exploring the core of Earth and uncover something they regret. I loved the imagination of this one. If this is Duke’s way of writing sci-fi horror, then count me in! I need to grab his Amalgam.

4. Die-T by Nicole Henning. Die-T is a new restaurant that promises healthy choices. A fantastic eco-horror story. I haven’t read many eco-horror stories, so this one was a nice, unique change. 

5. The Final Statement of Tom Washington by Drew Nicks. Sergeant Tom Washington is replaying what happened to him and his unit in a jungle. Absolutely fantastic story. The writing style is definitely one I enjoy.

6. Letting Go by Jason Myers. Adam is so tired and just needs some time to lie down. A kind of a sad story but it was still enjoyable. I find that the stories I have read by Myers, he enjoys writing about human nature.

7. The Hills Are Alive by Paul Labaczewski. A man gives up everything to live off-grid. What an amazing story and a wicked plot twist! Absorbing story that kept me engaged the entire time.

8. Friends in Low Places by Sean McDonough. A young boy is taken, but he knows someone that’s very important in the scary business. A quick and enjoyable story. I have read some of McDonough's other stories, and he likes to add a little plot twist that you don’t necessarily see coming.

9. Love Blooms by Jesse Zabel. A man is lost and lonely after the death of his wife. He would do anything to see her again. I liked this story, it was eerie and satisfying. A little bit sad and poetic.

10. An Unforgettable Halloween by Fred Nocito. A story of some kids that are out having fun on Halloween night. A spooky, good story. Great to reread during the Halloween holiday.

11. Buck Fever by Ron Davis. A man is on a hunting trip and finds an evil secret that lives in the forest. A magical, messed up story. I really liked this one.

12. The Ice Cream Man by Alexander Westrich. An ice cream truck with its own personality. A great revenge type story. A quick and easy story. I like the little change in character for this story.

13. The Wishing Well by RJ Roles. A kid makes some wishes at the wishing well in hopes of them coming true. Excellent story. I will think of this one when I see wishing wells, now.

14. Painted Into A Corner by Staci Layne Wilson. A man is quite nauseated by paintings and tries to overcome them. A strange story. I would like to find some more Wilson stories to get a better idea of her style.

15. The Incredible Man by Matthew A. Clarke. Ivan is following in his grandfather’s shoes at becoming a fantastic magician. A lot of fun, I loved the words.

16. The Glutton by Andrew Kurtz. A psychology professor is asked to help the NYPD to solve a series of awful crimes. A little bit dry at times, but still enjoyable to read through..

17. Billy’s Room by Jeremiah Peplow. Billy’s mom has brought home a new friend to have a playdate. A good story, but it was predictable. 

18. Smoking Kills by Catherine Kenwell. A new tenant is having trouble keeping a smoke smell out of her apartment. Very cool story and I loved the ending. I think I actually smelled the smoke when I read this.

19. Chains by Steve Stred. A group of friends are about to have a night of their lives, respectfully. A huge plot twist you absolutely can’t see coming. Holy smokes!

20. The Pumpkin Men by Ruthann Jagge. An amazing revenge story. Dree knows dark magic and uses it to solve some personal issues. Totally gripping and I loved it.

21. Lexi Robins by Mark Mackey. A bit of a sci-fi horror story. It was an okay story, didn’t pull me in much. I needed a little bit more oomph. 

22. The Loving Shepherd  by Leon Sluyter. This is like an ode or poem about a cult. Very entertaining. I liked that it was a poem. 

23. Hunger by Lauren Mills. This was definitely a fever dream. About a man who is hungry looking for a meal. Totally immersive and fun.

24. The Zalgo Incident by Toneye Eyenot. A young man and his friends mess with a ouija board, and of course it doesn’t go as planned. It never really does. They never learn.

25. The Eternal Voyage by J. J. Hardic. A fantastic story of a politician getting what he deserves. It is a longer story compared to the others. I’m interested in Hardic’s other stories, too.

26. The Door by Naomi Downing. Something keeps making noises behind a door in a bedroom. Creepy as hell and awesome.

27. Come Play With Us by Scott Deegan. Three friends are stuck at an old toy store. Amazing story and unique, different from the other stories in this collection.

28. Unicorn by Natasha Sinclair. A mom finds out her daughter has a half sister. A psychological horror story. Well written and creepy.

29. Loreley by Eugene C. Mclean Jr. A spurned lover takes revenge on those unfaithful. Quick and great story.

30. Book Magic by Kevin J. Kennedy. A kid has a super power that is amazing and would be fun to have!! Kennedy always seems to write some excellent and fun stories.

31. For the Love of a Child by Eleanor Merry. A mom wakes up to darkness and her kids are missing. A phenomenal twist in this story. I loved this story.

32. Dead Shot by Chris Kosarich. A soldier is on an assignment when his past catches up to him. Fantastic story! 

33. Problem Child by Joshua E. Borgmann. A young kid is in foster care and thinks highly of himself, as being better than the others. Amazing and super creepy.

34. Home is Where the Heart Is by Kristine Prais. A married couple move to a small town and are given a very warm welcome. Loved the supernatural in this one.The characters are relatable and the twist is freaking awesome.

35. Buried Secrets by Chris Bonner. About two lovers who struggle together. I thought this was a neat story. I enjoyed it.

36. Easy Money by J. Z. Foster. There are lots of ways to donate a part of yourself. These two college dudes just want to make some money by doing so. Funny and nasty, all at once.

37. I Didn’t Choose The Zombie Life by Lance Dale. The ghost of a zombie is ignored by itself. An okay story. I needed some more gore when it comes to zombies.

38. Worst Fear by Sea Caummisar. Tonsurephobia. Look it up!

39. Smile Like You Mean It by Justin M. Woodward. A photographer with some mommy issues. Damn, this is a good one!

40. Happy Birthday! Praise the Goat Man! by Brad Walker. A super fast paced occult story of a young girl. Very good story, creepy and spooky.

41. Rejected For Content by Charles Welch. A strange but awesome story. A writer is having a terrible day, he just wants to publish a story. Authors will get a kick out of this one.

42. Do These Pants Make My Ass Look Fat? by Steve Thompson. A wife is fed up with her husband and decides to change some things. I loved it, the wife is awesome!

43. Our House by John Cady. A haunted house type of story, but it isn’t quite what you would expect. Definitely a good story.

44. Fairest of Them All by Bryan Moyer. A gruesome story of being too old to be a model and at what lengths a woman would go to, to prove she still has what it takes. Boy, this woman likes getting her way!

45. Coven by P.J. Blakey-Novis. A young lady just wants to go on her very first date! Ha! Loved this one. Different from the rest of the collection. 

46. Naughty Clause by Chris Miller.Santa seems to be taking care of all the naughty kids on the list on this Christmas Eve. Evil delights!

47. Trunk or Treat by Nicholas Gray. Three friends are out on Halloween night doing the trunk or treat event. Trunk or treat isn’t necessarily safer than house to house trick or treating, in this story.

48. Throw a Punch by Andrew Lennon. Joe is constantly being bullied and at some point, it has to stop. And he makes that happen and then some!

49. Junkie by Tara Losacano. Karly is a junkie in need of her next fix. Awesome story. I do like Losacano’s stories she publishes. 

Now that Volume One is done, I am itching to get into Volume Two. I just know it’ll be a blast!!