Horror can come in many forms; sometimes, it’s visceral and gory, and other times, it digs deep into the mind. Chimaera and Other Stories by Steven Bruce gives readers a mix of both. In the titular story “Chimaera,” a woman trapped in a crumbling relationship is haunted by terrifying hallucinations. Elsewhere, a teenager’s life unravels after encountering a mysterious creature, while a pair of kidnappers find themselves battling a monstrous force in a secluded cabin. In another unsettling tale, a restaurant owner prepares a meal for an engaged couple who aren’t at all what they seem. Each story is a doorway to sleepless nights, and Bruce doesn’t hold back in making sure you regret opening them.

This collection of Flash Fiction reminds me of the dark genius of Stephen King or Clive Barker, particularly the latter’s Books of Blood series. Bruce has a sharp eye for detail and doesn’t shy away from taking his readers to some truly gruesome places. If you’re easily disturbed, be warned—stories like “Voila” and “Gristle,” both centering on the horrors of food gone wrong, will churn your stomach in the best possible way. Just when you think you know where a tale might lead, Bruce twists it, often to the grisliest extremes, relishing the macabre journey. But it’s not all blood and guts. The title story, “Chimaera,” stands out for its psychological horror, which makes it even more unnerving. Unlike some of the other entries, this one sneaks up on you with its subtler approach. Anyone who’s been in a doomed relationship will recognize the protagonist’s growing paranoia and doubt, making it a truly relatable nightmare. It’s this slow descent into madness, rather than overt terror, that leaves the most lasting impression.

This collection offers plenty to devour for readers who enjoy exploring the darkest corners of the mind and are unfazed by a bit of bloodshed. Steven Bruce dives fearlessly into horror’s most unsettling depths, and the results are nothing short of chilling. Chimera and Other Stories should be at the top of your reading list if you’re a fan of psychological horror with a sharp, bloody edge.

Pages: 40