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Horror Stories Paperback – February 29, 2020

4.1 out of 5 stars 366 ratings

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This collection features a menagerie of horror stories. Some are scary. Some are disturbing. Some are funny. Meet werewolves, vampires, zombies, psychopaths, aliens, cannibals, ghosts, and various things that go bump in the night.

Previously published in dozens of anthologies and magazines, some of these tales are mild, but some are extreme. Let the reader beware...

The stories include:

Finicky Eater - It's after a nuclear war, and a mother and her son are in a fallout shelter, the food long long...
The Screaming - Van Helsing and vampires, in 1960s England.
Mr. Pull Ups - A body modification tale taken to the extreme.
The Shed - Two burglars find the door to hell.
Them’s Good Eats - Rednecks vs. aliens, on a spaceship ride of horrors.
First Time - A coming of age tale where all may not be what it seems.
Forgiveness - A dying serial killer asks for a priest to hear his last confession.
Redux - Ghost story noir, about a private eye and a deadly haunting.
The Bag - What's in the bag? You really don't want to know...
Careful, He Bites - Lycanthrope flash fiction.
Symbios - A sci-fi novella about man's first encounter with alien life, and how things can quickly turn bad.
A Matter of Taste - Zombie flash fiction.
Embrace - A bit of gothic horror.
Trailer Sucks - Some trailer park jerks kidnap a vampire.
Marky - Flash fiction, from a twisted point of view.
Punishment Room - A horrific suspense tale about a not-so-distant future.
The Confession - Terrible crimes, told entirely in dialog.
Basketcase - Hardboiled noir with a horrific twist.
The Agreement - A gambler pays the ultimate price to get out of a debt.
Well Balanced Meal - The worst restaurant you've ever been in.
S.A. - A werewolf novella about a Shapeshifters Anonymous group that must battle Santa Claus.
Dear Diary - A very twisted pom pon girl reveals the secret of her inner strength.
Mr. Spaceman - We've come to mate with earth women.
Appalachian Lullaby - What do you do with a radioactive monkey?
Treatment - A troubled boy talks to a psychologist, but are either what they seem?
A Sound of Blunder - A parody of Bradbury, co-written with F. Paul Wilson.

If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, the Konrath scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book

HORROR STORIES by JA Konrath
Scary - 10
Violent - 9
Funny - 2
Sexy - 2

The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

What They're Saying About Joe Konrath's Writing

"It's the best piece of fiction I've read in several years. It simply NEVER lets up." - James Rollins, author of The Last Odyssey

"Fast and ferocious, this is a dangerous thriller that will take a bite out of you." - Jonathan Maberry, author of V-Wars

"Bring on the sequel!" - BookPage

"A startling novel, from its thrilling onset to horrific closing pages." - Michael Laimo, author of Dead Souls

"Oozes with stylistic violence." - Shots.uk

"A bloody, terrifying, hurtling assault across a landscape of non-stop mayhem. A guilty, guilty pleasure." - F. Paul Wilson, author of The Keep

"An absolutely relentless nightmare. Horror fans will be wiping blood out of their eyes with glee." - Jeff Strand, author of Pressure

"Fans of gross-out horror will love it." - Publishers Weekly

"You'll probably need a shrink when you're done." - Edward Lee, author of The Backwoods

From the Author

JA KONRATH BIBLIOGRAPHY

For the completists, or those with a bit of obsessive/compulsiveness, or the folks that just like my stuff and want to know how it all connects, I have a lot of recurring characters and intertwined series. If you need to know the best reading order, or how to make sure you haven't missed anything, check out the bibliography page on my website. You can also visit there to see when a new title will be released.

If you're just looking for a quick checklist, here are my main series.

These do not have to be read in any particular order, but I encourage you to read them all.

JACK DANIELS THRILLERS
#1-Whiskey Sour
#2-Bloody Mary
#3-Rusty Nail
#4-Dirty Martini
#5-Shot Of Tequila
#6-Fuzzy Navel
#7-Cherry Bomb
#8-Dead On My Feet
#9-Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch)
#10-Shaken
#11-Stirred (with Blake Crouch)
#12-Dying Breath
#13-Everybody Dies
#14-Rum Runner
#15-Last Call
#16-White Russian
#17-Shot Girl
#18-Chaser 
#19-Old Fashioned
#20-Bite Force
#21-Jack Rose
#22-Witch Brew
Bonus #2.5-Lady 52 (with Jude Hardin)
Jack Daniels Stories Vol. 1 (Novella Collection)
Jack Daniels Stories Vol. 2 (Novella Collection)
Jack Daniels Stories Vol. 3 (Novella Collection)
Jack Daniels Stories Vol. 4 (Novella Collection)
Banana Hammock (Novella Collection)

THE KONRATH DARK THRILLER COLLECTIVE
#1-The List
#2-Origin
#3-Afraid
#4-Trapped
#5-Endurance
#6-Haunted House
#7-Webcam
#8-Disturb
#9-What Happened To Lori
#10-The Nine 
#11-Second Coming
#12-Close Your Eyes
Bonus #4.5-Holes in the Ground (with Iain Rob Wright)
Bonus #5.5-Draculas (with Blake Crouch, Jeff Strand, F. Paul Wilson)
Bonus #6.5-Grandma? (with Talon Konrath)

TIMECASTER
#1-Timecaster
#2-Timecaster Supersymmetry
#3-Timecaster Steampunk

CODENAME: CHANDLER (with Ann Voss Peterson)
#1-Flee
#2-Spree
#3-Three
#4-Hit
#5-Exposed
#6-Naughty
#7-Fix (with F. Paul Wilson)
#8-Rescue
#9-Free

STOP A MURDER PUZZLE BOOKS
#1-How: Puzzles 1-12
#2-Where: Puzzles 13-24
#3-Why: Puzzles 25-36
#4-Who: Puzzles 37-48
#5-When: Puzzles 49-60
#6-Answers
Stop A Murder Complete Cases (Book 1-5)

MISCELLANEOUS
65 Proof - Collected Short Stories
The Globs Of Use-A-Lot 3 (With Dan Maderak)

EROTICA
Writing as Melinda DuChamp


MAKE ME BLUSH series
#1-Kinky Secrets Of Mister Kink
#2-Kinky Secrets Of Witches
#3-Kinky Secrets Of Six & Candy

ALICE series
#1-Kinky Secrets Of Alice In Wonderland
#2-Kinky Secrets Of Alice Through The Looking Glass
#3-Kinky Secrets Of Alice At The Hellfire Club
#4-Kinky Secrets Of Alice Vs. Dracula
#5-Kinky Secrets Of Alice Vs. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
#6-Kinky Secrets Of Alice Vs. Frankenstein
#7-Kinky Secrets Of Alice's Christmas Special
#8-Kinky Secrets Of Alice's New Year Ball

JEZEBEL series
#1-Kinky Secrets Of Jezebel And The Beanstalk
#2-Kinky Secrets Of Puss In Boots
#3-Kinky Secrets Of Goldilocks

SEXPERTS series
#1-The Sexperts - Kinky Grades Of Shay
#2-The Sexperts - Kinky Secrets Of The Pearl Necklace
#3-The Sexperts - Kinky Secrets Of The Alien

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0858TVFVM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 29, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 278 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8619932157
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 366 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
366 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this collection of horror stories well-written and entertaining, particularly suitable for Halloween reading. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its originality, with one customer noting how the author paints vivid pictures through his writing. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's value for money, its gross content, and quick pacing.

65 customers mention "Story quality"53 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the collection of horror stories, finding them well written and suitable for horror fans, though some note they are not too scary or suspenseful.

"...If you're not squeamish and can appreciate a good scare, then I'm sure you'll find a bunch of stories in here that you'll enjoy...." Read more

"Some really great stories in this collection, and I thought most of them were a lot of fun. Had a few good laughs" Read more

"...Mr. Pull Ups" was easily one of the most original and disturbing pieces I've read in a long time, while his flash-fiction is lunchtime reading at..." Read more

"...Honestly, this may be one of the best collections of short stories I have ever read and at only 2.99, it was almost a steal...." Read more

38 customers mention "Enjoyment"35 positive3 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and perfect for Halloween reading, with one customer noting it's lunchtime reading at its best.

"...that range from creepy to gross, from boilerplate to fresh, from scary to funny...." Read more

"...This book was entertaining, but don't expect any real scares or great writing." Read more

"...pieces I've read in a long time, while his flash-fiction is lunchtime reading at its best...." Read more

"...the territory of "torture porn" than classic horror, but were enjoyable nonetheless...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with several noting it is well written, and one customer highlighting the effective word play.

"...The narrator does a fantastic job of bringing these short stories to life...." Read more

"...Some of the stories were pretty brutal, and the author did a good job at making you feel everything he was describing...." Read more

"...Well written, and the author definitely knows his craft....but I'm a mother and a grandmother and I got this for the author.....a big swiping slap..." Read more

"It's readable. It has 25 short stories...." Read more

9 customers mention "Creativity"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's creativity, noting that each story is filled with originality.

"...Mr. Kilborn does have a good imagination, but some of the stories are not developed enough or just not scary...." Read more

"...Mr. Pull Ups" was easily one of the most original and disturbing pieces I've read in a long time, while his flash-fiction is lunchtime reading at..." Read more

"...or under 500 word quickies, the stories are well developed and original...." Read more

"...Each one filled with originality and well written. Some were very disturbing, others were humorous, in a creepy way. I liked it!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Content quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the content quality of the book, describing it as a great collection, with one customer noting its comprehensive nature and another mentioning the helpful introduction by Konrath.

"...Regardless of this, there's so much great content in here that every type of horror fan should love it...." Read more

"...One of the best parts of this book is the short introduction that Konrath, as he looks back in time, provides before each story...." Read more

"This book has it all. Zombies, vampires, ghosts and gross outs. Just what I'm looking for in horror. Yay!" Read more

"Great Collection..." Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic value.

"...This collection is a fantastic value at around 25 stories for just $2.99...." Read more

"...of short stories I have ever read and at only 2.99, it was almost a steal...." Read more

"...my mom and wife agree that the story "Forgiveness" is easily worth the purchase price of a regular novel...." Read more

"...As a side note, I purchased this for the Kindle, and the value is amazing...." Read more

4 customers mention "Grossness"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book gross.

"...The stories are alternately scary, suspenseful, funny, and totally gross, the author can write ridiculous scenarios in a way that lets you buy into..." Read more

"...As described, some are scary, some twisted, some gory, some gross. They're all over the map. A quick read that kept me turning pages." Read more

"...The stories a amusing and disgusting at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a scare." Read more

"This book has it all. Zombies, vampires, ghosts and gross outs. Just what I'm looking for in horror. Yay!" Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book.

"...stories that are short and effective, with easy language that makes for quick pacing. "..." Read more

"If you're looking for quick, gruesome, gory, descript horror stories, this is the book for you...." Read more

"Kilborn got me again with a fast paced page turner that really delivers. Highly recommend" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2010
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Jack Kilborn / JA Konrath is one of my favorite horror authors, and I've found that pretty much all of his books are worth reading. In the past couple of years he has released a TON of content that can be purchased for your Kindle (with no physical edition), and Horror Stories is one of these products. Basically it's a collection of horror stories that range from creepy to gross, from boilerplate to fresh, from scary to funny. The stories are mostly good, with a few misses - I'll run down some of my favorites here:

    Dear Diary - Teenage drama in diary-form, written by a sweet little girl with a really dark secret.

    Trailer Sucks - What would happen if a bunch of trailer park rednecks managed to capture a hot female vampire?

    The Screaming - A cool old-school Van Helsing vampire story that takes place in 1960s England.

    First Time - Coming of age story about a growing boy/man's "first time". I saw the ending coming, but it was still well done.

    Finicky Eater - People stuck in a bomb shelter after nuclear war, trying to figure out what to do about food. Reads like a really gross Twilight Zone episode.

    This collection is a fantastic value at around 25 stories for just $2.99. If you're not squeamish and can appreciate a good scare, then I'm sure you'll find a bunch of stories in here that you'll enjoy. My only real criticism is that this collection doesn't quite seem as tight as you would expect a finished product to feel. It's hard to put my finger exactly on it, but some of the stories seem kind of like filler to me, but maybe they just weren't my style. Regardless of this, there's so much great content in here that every type of horror fan should love it.

    I'd buy Horror Stories II for sure - get on that one Mr. Konrath/Kilborn!
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Some really great stories in this collection, and I thought most of them were a lot of fun. Had a few good laughs
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2010
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As far as short stories go, these were decent. They just seemed too short to actually be horror. There wasn't enough time to build up enough suspense & horror. These stories don't grip you but they are entertaining. Read them after "Afraid" & "Trapped" and you will probably come away feeling unsatisfied & irritated. But, sometimes that is the nature of a short story, it deosn't have the time to "wow" you like a normal novel. Jack Kilborn's flair for visual writing and knack for building intense feelings of suspense & attachment to his charaters is totally wasted in short story form. It takes time to build just the right dramatic affect, and he does it so perfectly, just not in this collection.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2011
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Simply put J.A. Konrath may be the most underrated author of all time. Ever since stumbling across him by accident one fateful day, I have been unable to stop downloading and reading his many books. Sure I've read 4 or 5 of his full length novels, but it's the short stories that truly showcase his talent. Move over Stephen King because Konrath has a thing or two to show you.

    In "Horror Stories" you have 26 collected shorts from the vast catalogue of Konrath's stuff (most of which have never been published or are found in rare or out of print magazines and anthologies). Of the 26 stories, I only found 2 that I didn't like: "The Shed" and "Embrace". Now don't get me wrong, neither are really "bad" works, they just fail in comparison to the rest of the incredible gathered stories here.

    Aside from "Symbiosis" which I had just downloaded and read, the rest of the 24 stories were some of the best shorts I have ever read. You have a pull up competitor fighting to beat the record ("Mr. Pull Ups") (which was the best in this whole collection), rednecks in space ("Them's Good Eats"), a psycho stuck in a bombshelter ("Finicky Eater"), a tale of what happens when a bunch of white trash trailer parkers come across a vampire ("Trailer Sucks") as well as a whole slew of others ("The Bag", "The Punishment Room", "The Agreement" and the one story that actually made me laugh out loud while reading "S.A".)

    Honestly, this may be one of the best collections of short stories I have ever read and at only 2.99, it was almost a steal. If you like your horror mixed with some twisted dark humor and a lot of disturbing content, "Horror Stories" is for you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoy short story collections. You can read one here and there and if you don't like one you can flip a few pages and move on to the next. This collection had a wide range of stories. A Matter of Taste, Embrace, Punishment Room,Basketcase, The Agreement were some of my favorites from the book. I looked past the editing, when the stories catch me I can look past a lot, but I really didn't notice anything too major. The other stories were strong but not as memorable as the ones I picked as my favorites. I am tiring of vampire stories. I know everyone trys to offer their own twist. Basketcase was one that stuck with me...I see her in my head, and imagined a horrid smell. Definately not for young ones.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Claire Hansen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've loved everything that I've read by this author sofar.

    This book is a collection of horror stories.
    Some are blindingly obvious, (but you're warned about that beforehand in the little foreword that comes with every story), some are gory and disgusting and will gross you out completely, some will hit you on a more psychological level, and some are just downright silly(you'll see what I mean about silly when you get to the story about werewolves and Santa Claus ;D ). But they're all enjoyable to read. Well written, a good narrative.
    The second story, set (badly) in Britain is, as another reviewer has commented, completely inaccurate but I wouldn't say it really mattered all that much, I ignored the inconsistencies because I didn't really care so long as the story itself was a good read, which it was.
    I don't have anything bad to say about it, it kept me occupied, the amount of gore and blood and general grossness is right up my street, some of the stories make you think and some make you laugh.
    I'd recommend this author :)
  • Leslie Briones
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Read for Horror Lovers
    Reviewed in Japan on June 6, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Here is Kilborn's collection of short horror stories that range from terrifying, amusing, funny or just plain gross. It was a nice break for me from reading long novels and this book has something for everyone. I highly recommend for all Kilborn fans out there to check this out. It's a nice, refreshing read from the horror novels out there in the market. I've read this in two sittings and I just couldn't wait to read more. Kilborn is one author who never disappoints and I always look forward to read his work.

    There were some typos but nothing major to nitpick on. This was an enjoyable read.

    Rating - 4.5 stars
  • Joerg Hasenfratz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amüsant, zynisch, spannend, gruselig
    Reviewed in Germany on May 13, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ich hatte von dem Schreiber noch nie gehört und von dem Kauf daher nicht viel erwartet.

    Das Buch ist wirklich klasse es bietet alles was ich von einem Band mit Horror-Kurzgeschichten erwarte. Mein Englisch ist, da ich beruflich viel auf englisch kommuniziere gut, daher verstehe ich das Buch ohne Probleme, ich bin mir allerdings nicht sicher, in wie weit es für Anfänger der englischen Sprache geeignet ist.

    Trotzdem, mein Fazit: einfach super!
    Report
  • fluffyredfox
    4.0 out of 5 stars horror and humour
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Overall, this is one of the funniest horror books I have read, that said its not perfect and has its fair share of errors and boring moments. His longer novels are well worth a read!

    Finicky Eater: The A-bomb has dropped and Jack Kilborn serves up some yummy food possibilities, the more it continues the more gross it becomes.

    The Screaming: JK states at the blurb beginning that he wanted to get the local vernacular correct, big fat no from me. Did he miss the fact that 50p was not in circulation until 1969 (the story is set in 1960s - so just on the cusp, but bad research). Another inconsistency is the journey "out of town" is only 15 miles away but takes TWO hours on the train! I know British Rail has its issues, but seriously what was it powered by, snail juice?
    Once I got over these really annoying parts the actual story was ok, and only ok, all been done before and nothing new was added. Blah

    Mr Pull Ups: an obsession with becoming the no.1 entry into the Guinness Book of Records goes sadly wrong. I was not expecting the final line... great stuff.

    The Shed: strange, just strange! Two would be criminals get their punishments.

    Them's Good Eats: two hillbillies get ubducticated, awesome! I tale of piggy revenge! This has to be my favourite, seriously gruesome but so sweet in payback! Some really good humour in this short.

    First Time: two boys and a slaughter house. Very short and a bit pointless, for me.

    Forgiveness: a serial murderer gives his confession. Some truly sickening moments, with a climatic ending, very well told as I felt myself becoming quite tense.

    Redux: a ghostly revenge, cleverly done. Shame about the random errors in spelling and editing.

    The Bag: a truly repulsive story on so many levels, no spoilers here. For sheer disgusting thoughts and gore; top marks.

    Careful, He Bites: this reminds me of my favourite novel Werewolves anonymous! I was treated to a were-canary in this short tale, so disgusting what the cat does but giggles abound!

    Symbios: some good ideas in this sci-fi story, but as I don't generally read that genre maybe its all been done before. A revolting tale of greed and need.

    A Matter of Taste: this really made me giggle, a zombie family argue at the dinner table. Who knew that mentioning Waldorf Salad could make me snort out coffee!

    Embrace: JK does state this is over flowery, but wow its worse than that. I was so bogged down in flowers I missed the whole point of the story.

    Trailer Sucks: JK really seems to have a hatred of animals as most stories seem to torment them in some ways, its most off putting for an animal lover. Karma is also one of his themes, which I do really like! This one is high on that list as some Red Necks capture a female vampire and do some unspeakable things, karma is a bitch!

    Markey: again with the animals. Plus I did not like this one as it touches too much on mental health issues. I liked the staccato way of writing tho'.

    Punishment Room: a tale of torture, most uncomfortable, but with a stranger ending! JK manages to really ratchet up the tension in this one.

    The Confession: completely told as a narrative this is inspired. Sweet, bloody revenge. I actually enjoyed the descriptions of torture, mostly due to WHO they were targeting. Awesome.

    Basketcase: just gross, but in a weird and fun way. JAK can certainly show you the appeal of being a basketcase.

    The Agreement: when some warped mobster is going to torture you, make sure you listen to the agreement! Very clever.

    Well Balanced Meal: omg my stomach was churning, glad I had not eaten. I can see why it won a Gross Out completion, just glad I was not in the audience. Am still gagging just thinking about this.

    S.A. : at the beginning of all the stories JK has a little blurb on why, how and where it was written and published. This blurb was very funny, but not as much as the actual story. Totally inspired, this novella (its too long to be called a short) has some amazing nods to the genre and fantastical ideas. Some of the scenes are hysterical I don't think a chocolate cupcakes will never again pass my lips again. This is my ALL time favourite story from JK. Were-coral still has me in stitches.

    Dear Diary: teenage girls are so twisted. Feeding, JK is also obsessed with food. Not a yummy story, but a very good one though.

    Mr Spaceman: I found myself snorting with laughter a lot through this rapid fire short. Aliens vs hookers, yeah no contest!

    Appalachian Lullaby: Red Necks, monkeys and Uranium - what could go wrong?

    Treatment: I am running out of words to describe funny, this was brilliant - I cant say anymore for spoilers!

    Sound of Blunder: poor Willie he seems to have every ailment going, poor Bruno the beagle and you have to love Nana. Aliens, dinosaurs... you name it, plus this has so many body parts in it you will struggle to keep up. It does ramble a bit but then I think the aim was to make you feel like you had eaten the pound cake. Not the greatest story to finish on though.
  • Mr. Ralph Young
    3.0 out of 5 stars Horror Stories
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2011
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Some decent stories and some not so decent ones. I didn't really find any of them creepy, a lot of them relied on blood and gore rather than suspense. However it was enjoyable and, for the price, worth a purchase. I enjoyed the authors novels much more than I enjoyed this collection.