Possibly the first time I've read every story & nearly all in one go, really enjoyed it.
Scott Edelman - What Will Come AfterCan't add anything to what's been said. Poignant & Brilliantly done.
Michael Marshall Smith - SubstitutionsI always go to MMS's story first. A bit slow & difficult to get into, compared to his usual work & an unlikable protagonist in the mangina mold. But the window scene is great & more than makes up for it, just a shame it ends there.
Mark Valentine - A Revelation of CormorantsI had the same reaction as most on here, what was that all about? took me 2 bites to do this one (nearly abandoned it, but was determined to finish).
Garry Kilworth - Out BackA Horror writer seeking solitude for his work, decides to investigate the back of the house he's rented, after the cat goes missing - what could possibly go wrong?
A great story & set me to looking up Blemmyae, which also yielded this wonderful but disturbing artwork by Paul Rumsey
www.chappelgalleries.co.uk/exhibitions-05/paul-rumsey/paul-rumsey.htmAlbert E. Cowdrey - Fort Clay, Louisiana: A Tragic HistoryThe civil war accounts on this one seem like a horror version of Edge (that's a good thing), the style does seem similar.
Brian Hodge - Just Outside Our Windows, Deep Inside Our WallsHow to make friends, when you're both locked in different buildings without computers. I really liked the drawings turning into reality aspect of this & the style. Like a slightly twisted Ray Bradbury.
Mark Morris - Fallen BoysPast & Present merge in a mine & a bullied boy afraid of his own shadow. I don't know why, but while reading this it bought up the black humour of the League of Gentleman cave accident (those who have seen it, will know what I mean).
Simon Kurt Unsworth - The Lemon in the PoolFood in the pool pranks turn Lovecraftian, who could have predicted that one?
. Another enjoyable story.
Thana Niveau - The PierBrilliant, I loved all the grim humour messages on the plaques & the sudden distortion of time.
Robert Shearman - FeatherweightI know I liked this one, but after reading a load in one go, can't remember it. I'm sure if someone jogged my memory on the plot it would click.
Joel Lane - Black CountryIf there were ever to be a horror anthology based on David Peace's Red Riding, this should certainly be in there, it's got that kind of vibe. Great stuff
Angela Slatter - Lavender and LychgatesEnjoyable period piece with great atmosphere.
Spoiler highlight to read
Beware of those who might have beenJoe R. Lansdale - Christmas with the DeadOne man is determined to have christmas, Zombies be damned!
I really liked the idea of having the zombies attack each other as well, I did wonder before this if it had ever been done, well it has now.
Mark Samuels - Losenef ExpressUntil checking on here, I was stuck as to the identity of the author in the story, not having seen any pictures of Wagner of read that much of his work. Still greatly enjoyable though, as has been any other work of Mr.Samuels' I've read.
Christopher Fowler - Oh I Do Like To Be Beside the SeasideYobs, dodgy tranny pantomime dames, an alcoholic arcade owner & a town that won't let you leave. Chistopher Fowler on top form (I always breeze through his short story collections).
Kirstyn McDermott - We All Fall DownLesbian couple Holly & Emma are at loggerheads on a car journey & search out the nearest house after a near fatal encounter with a kangaroo. Really liked this & wasn't expecting it to go the way it did.
spoiler highlight to read
A bit like a cross between Ambrose Bierce & Ken Grimwood's Replay (the ending at least).Norman Partridge - Lesser DemonsThe author admits to not being that keen on Lovecraft, so was surpised to be asked to contribute to Black Wings. This was an attempt at a Jim Thompson-like approach. I've never read any Thompson, so couldn't comment on that, but it's a great pulp approach & no mythos names used, works here.
Steve Rasnic Tem - TellingAnother artist story & a nicely creepy one. Beware what you create.
Caitlín R. Kiernan - As Red as RedEnjoyable vampire story, but one of the weaker stories of the anthology for me, in comparison to the rest.
Ramsey Campbell - With The AngelsVery effective tale from Mr. Campbell, with very much the flavour of the Pan horrors. I really do need to read more of his short stories.
Richard L. Tierney - Autumn Chill Smile bringing mythos-based poem from Tierney, good to see he's still writing.
John Langan - City of the DogThis one got my interest straight away, any story about Ghouls will do. I've been interested ever since I read 'Pickman's Model'. Brilliant.
Karina Sumner-Smith - When the Zombies WinA nice short one to round off. Thankfully as Zombies are impossible, we won't have to worry about this (erm... did I hear a cry of Brainnns behind me? ;D )