Book Review Dark Screams: Volume Five

Title: Dark Screams: Volume Five
Editors: Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar
Writers: J. Kenner, Bentley Little, and Mick Garris
Genre: Horror / Paranormal Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4 stars

Mick Garris, J. Kenner, Kealan Patrick Burke, Del James, and Bentley Little pry open a sarcophagus of horror and dread in Dark Screams: Volume Five, from Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar of the esteemed Cemetery Dance Publications.

EVERYTHING YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED by Mick Garris
It was supposed to be the night of his life: a celebration of his one hit slasher flick. But the price of admission is higher than this has-been filmmaker ever could have imagined.

THE ONE AND ONLY by J. Kenner
When he was seven, Will Underwood’s nanny told him she had the Sight. Years later, a broken heart sends him to New Orleans . . . but it’s fate that leads him to Madame Darkling’s Voodoo Emporium.

THE LAND OF SUNSHINE by Kealan Patrick Burke
Although she was mute long before the affair that nearly wrecked their marriage, her silence has tortured her husband ever since. Now he will seek out what he has lost—or be driven mad by remorse.

MECHANICAL GRATITUDE by Del James
Arnold loves his ’68 Camaro almost as much as he loves his wife, and he’s willing to do anything to protect them both—especially after hearing strange noises coming from his garage.

THE PLAYHOUSE by Bentley Little
A real-estate agent is drawn into a children’s playhouse behind an abandoned property she’s trying to sell—and finds herself strangely reluctant to leave.

I loved Dark Screams: Volume Five. It’s an eclectic collection of stories by talented authors showcasing great writing and some delicious terror. The first story, “Everything You’ve Always Wanted” was definitely amusing, and a little over the top, but in a good way. “The One and Only” was a nice ghost story, but a little predictable.

“The Land of Sunshine” was amazing. It was my second favorite story in the collection. I especially liked the imagery.

“Mechanical Gratitude” was another great story, reminding me of Stephen King’s “Christine”. My favorite though was “The Playhouse”. I really loved that one, and it gave me chills. Best story of the collection, if you ask me.

Overall, an interesting collection with some amazing stories for horror fans.