The Black Beacon Book of Horror edited by Cameron Trost
The Black Beacon Book of Horror, edited by Cameron Trost, is a collection of dark and disturbing short horror stories. It was released on October 3, 2023 by Black Beacon Books and weighs in at 228 pages.
I enjoyed reading this collection! There are sixteen stories, each telling a unique tale of horror. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of variety. Not only are the characters and the “monsters” varied, but the settings are, too. No matter if they take place in a car, an apartment, or an abandoned hospital, there’s no shortage of thrills and suspense in each. From folk tales to psychological horror, there’s something in this collection for every horror lover.
I must admit, I was first enticed to grab a copy of The Black Beacon Book of Horror because of two of the authors listed: Kev Harrison and Deborah Sheldon. I’ve read their works before, and I’m a fan of each of them. Kev and Deborah didn’t let me down! I loved having the chance to read both of their short stories in an anthology outside of their personal collections.
Even better than that, though, was finding new horror voices to enjoy. There are a lot of talented authors to follow in this book, and I’m looking forward to reading more of their works, too.
One fun aside, I love how the cover of the book resembles a beaten-up paperback. It brings a feeling of nostalgia, despite the fact that the majority of the books I read are ebooks. It’s just a little bonus, no matter what media you choose.
I enjoy sharing my favorite stories when I read an anthology. These are the tales that stuck with me, haunting my thoughts after I finished the book. With so many great stories to choose from, it was hard to narrow these down.
My Top 7 Stories in The Black Beacon Book of Horror:
“The Choir” by Kev Harrison - This is such a well-written story. Filled with suspense, it kept me rapt until the end.
“Questions a Man Ought Not Ask” by Elizabeth Broadbent - The characters were so enticing and fun to follow! The language was superb, and the layers were well-crafted.
“Marjorie” by Meg Belviso - So creepy! I love stories where characters try to manipulate the natural world with such hubris.
“Cameo” by Deborah Sheldon - There’s a palpable sadness and angst. I felt immense empathy for the main character. This story explores bad relationships and how they can haunt you.
“Divine Liquor” by C.C. Adams - Fun take! Fantastic world building with so many details. Interesting characters, and a hefty amount of suspense, fear, and dread.
“Holiday Home” by Cameron Trost - One of my favorite settings in the book. Terror-filled moments. Well-written and suspenseful story that deftly leads you to the ending.
“Her Mother’s Lullaby” by Micah Castle - A story filled with mystery and intrigue. I loved watching the main character evolve.
Grab a copy! Let me know which stories stick with you!
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Get to know Cameron Trost:
Cameron Trost is an author of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, and horror fiction best known for his puzzles featuring Oscar Tremont, Investigator of the Strange and Inexplicable. He has written three novels, Flicker, Letterbox, and The Tunnel Runner, and three collections, Oscar Tremont, Investigator of the Strange and Inexplicable, The Animal Inside, and Hoffman’s Creeper and Other Disturbing Tales. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Cameron lives with his wife and two sons near Guérande in southern Brittany, between the rugged coast and treacherous marshland. He runs the independent publishing house, Black Beacon Books, and is a member of the Australian Crime Writers Association.
***Taken from Cameron Trost’s website
Who is Black Beacon Books?
Black Beacon Books is an independent publisher founded by author and anthologist, Cameron Trost. It began in Australia in 2013 and is now based in Brittany. We publish gripping and intriguing fiction that falls into the genres of mystery, suspense, post-apocalyptic, psychological horror, and folk horror. We like our tales quirky, atmospheric, and thought-provoking.
***Taken from the Black Beacon Books website
