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The London Cheque
Allen Longstreet’s The London Cheque delivers a haunting debut horror tale set in the picturesque yet ominous 1960s Scottish village of Catrine. The disappearance of four boys, including 12-year-old Arun Khan, sets off a chilling chain of events that intertwines the lives of Aniqa, a mother driven by relentless determination, and Margaret Brown, a jaded policewoman seeking redemption. As Aniqa begins to suspect Albert Reid, a local benefactor with a shadowy presence, the story spirals into a gripping tale of resilience, redemption, and the horrifying truths hidden within the seemingly serene community.
Suspense drips from every page, showcasing Longstreet’s skill in crafting an unsettling atmosphere. The visceral image of “the man with no skin” lingers long after it’s introduced, a testament to the author’s ability to create vivid, terrifying moments. Aniqa’s journey is especially gripping. Her pain, resilience, and fierce maternal instincts ground the story in raw emotion, while Margaret’s parallel struggle adds layers of complexity, showing how two very different women are united by their pursuit of justice and truth. Albert Reid, the antagonist, stands out as a truly unforgettable character. Longstreet crafts him with grotesque precision, but he isn’t a caricature of evil. Instead, Reid’s humanity peeks through the horror, making him as tragic as he is terrifying. This depth elevates the narrative beyond a simple battle of good versus evil, delving into the complexities of human darkness and redemption. The balance of horror and humanity keeps the story gripping and emotionally resonant.
The Scottish dialect, though challenging at first, adds authenticity to the setting, pulling readers further into the world of Catrine. Longstreet’s descriptions of eerie landscapes and the harrowing events that unfold feel cinematic, painting vivid pictures of terror and tension. The book almost begs for a screen adaptation, with its evocative imagery and powerful character arcs. While some scenes are undeniably disturbing, they serve a purpose, highlighting the stakes and the cost of the characters’ choices. Longstreet doesn’t exploit violence for shock value but uses it to underscore the weight of trauma and resilience. By the time the plot reaches its shocking twist, every harrowing moment feels earned, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.
The London Cheque is a chilling, emotionally charged novel that lingers long after the final page. It explores themes of loss, survival, and the enduring bonds of family with unflinching honesty. Longstreet’s debut is nothing short of remarkable, and I eagerly anticipate what he brings us next. For fans of horror with depth and heart, this is a must-read.
Pages: 579 | ASIN : B0CTHK2H57
Thrilling Scares
Chimaera and Other Stories is a collection of Flash Fiction for fans of psychological horror with a sharp, bloody edge. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?
The inspiration for Chimaera and Other Stories came from growing up immersed in horror. As a child, I watched a lot of horror films. The first one I remember seeing was A Nightmare on Elm Street. But it wasn’t only films. I also read R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series in primary school and the darker, more gothic tales of Edgar Allan Poe like “The Tell-Tale Heart.” I’ve always been captivated by how horror lingers in the mind and leaves a lasting impact long after the lights go out.
What intrigues you about the horror genre that led you to write this book?
As H.P. Lovecraft said, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” Writing this book allowed me to tap into that primal instinct, crafting narratives that explore the unsettling, the gruesome, and the terrors lurking in the unknown.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I explored many themes in this collection in order to give it a “pick and mix” feel. But my main focus was more on form than themes. I wanted to craft something for people who crave that sense of fear but don’t have the time or patience for a full-length novel. Life is busy, and I understand how difficult it is to find time to read between responsibilities. I wanted to write stories under fifteen hundred words that deliver thrilling scares without the need for hours of commitment.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve almost finished writing another collection of flash horror stories. While I don’t have a specific release date yet, I’m eager to create new narratives that will continue to unsettle and engage readers. I’ll be sharing updates with members of my mailing list, which you can join through my website, as the book progresses.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Winner of the 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories by Dimas Rio is a dark and immersive anthology of supernatural horror stories, each laced with elements of suspense and psychological tension. The collection delves into the realms of fear, exploring themes of guilt, unresolved trauma, and the macabre unknown. From tales of haunted islands to cursed beings hiding in the shadows, the stories are designed to unnerve and provoke reflection on the horrors that lurk not only in the supernatural but also within the human psyche. Rio uses atmospheric settings and introspective character-driven narratives to create unsettling experiences for the reader.
One thing that stood out to me is Rio’s use of atmosphere and psychological depth in the stories. He doesn’t rely on jump scares or typical horror clichés. Instead, the horror often comes from the characters’ internal struggles and guilt. Take, for example, the story of Adam, whose anxiety and fear of commitment bleed into his nightmarish encounters. The tension between reality and supernatural dread blurs in such a way that you’re never quite sure where one begins and the other ends. The vivid description of the cursed island and Adam’s mental spiral left me both unnerved and intrigued. While the ambiance and psychological themes were compelling, the pacing of some stories felt uneven. The buildup often took a while, and by the time the supernatural element kicked in, I sometimes felt like it arrived too abruptly. This left me wanting just a bit more payoff from the slow-burn atmosphere Rio is so good at building. One notable aspect of the book is how Dimas Rio weaves cultural references into his horror, especially drawing from Indonesian folklore. In “At Dusk,” when the old man mentions Kelinting, the blood-sucking spirit, there’s a distinct sense of place and history. It’s refreshing to see horror that taps into cultural myths that aren’t as widely explored in mainstream horror. This adds a layer of authenticity and makes the horror feel more personal, as if these are tales that could truly haunt someone’s village or neighborhood, rather than just abstract concepts of fear.
Who’s There? is a haunting and thoughtful collection that’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with a mix of cultural folklore. It’s not a book for someone looking for quick thrills or gore; instead, it’s for those who appreciate moody, atmospheric horror that leaves you unsettled long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re into horror that’s more about what’s lurking in the shadows of the mind, this collection is well worth the read.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0B29PSLSC
LITERARY TITAN 