Long ago I read My Favorite Horror Story, which included “The Pattern,” by Ramsey Campbell. I thought it was fabulous. I even scared the pants off some friends telling the story (very roughly) by the campfire one night.
So when I saw *The Darkest Part of the Woods * in the library, I grabbed it. By about halfway in, I determined it was truly unreadable, flipped to the end, found out the upshot, and was greatly underwhelmed. I’m wondering which was the fluke - the good short story or the dull novel. Or is he good at short fiction, bad at longer stuff?
Also, I’m looking for some good scary fiction in general. I like Stephen King (at least his early stuff), but I’ve read almost everything he’s written. I liked some of Dean Koontz’s early work, but now he makes me gag. I’m not sure where to start with Clive Barker - *Weaveworld * was good, but not horror. I like H.P. Lovecraft quite a bit. Zombies are of interest, as are vampires. I’ve dispensed with The Haunting of Hill House, Hell House, and I Am Legend. I put *House of Leaves * on a lazy suzan so I could read it. I’ve read *Dracula * a few times - still effective after all these years. I slogged through The Throat, by Peter Straub, didn’t like it; but I love Ghost Story.
Help me out if you can. For some reason I’m in such a mood to be scared silly and have to leave the lights on at night. Thanks!
I find Ramsey Campbell very frustrating, for the most part. He’s fabulous at setting up a story and establishing an atmosphere of dread around sympathetic, interesting characters. BUT, I think the man has no idea how to wrap up a story. he’s all set-up and development, no payoff. Of his work, I’ve enjoyed The Long Lost and Hungry Moon the most.
For Clive Barker, you’re always going to find a mix of fantasy and horror. Good places to start would be The Hellbound Heart and The Damnation Game. A really kick-ass collection of short stories by him is the Books of Blood (which includes the terrific “In The Hills, The Cities.” Oh, and The Thief of Always is targeted to older children, but it’s creepy and a fantastic read.
Neil Gaiman writes some excellent fiction that is like Clive Barker, only less bloody and graphic, and more funny. Consider picking up his Coraline (also for children) or the short-story collection Smoke and Mirrors.
If you don’t mind pretty gory stuff, I recommend Graham Masterton. He’s a British author who doesn’t get nearly enough exposure in the States, IMO.
If you like Lovecraft, try Masterton’s “Prey,” which is a Lovecraft homage. Other good ones that aren’t too hard to find are “The Devil in Grey,” “The House that Jack Built” (warning: very gory), and “The Doorkeepers.” Stay far, far away from “Unspeakable,” though: it’s terrible.
If you haven’t read 999 yet, it’s got 29 mostly good short stories and a novella or two that are worth reading. Ramsey Campbell is represented, as are a number of other contemporary horror writers. As is to be expected from any anthology, a few of the stories aren’t as good as the others, but I enjoyed reading most of it (be aware that some of the tales are kinda icky).
If you liked Peter Straub’s Ghost Story, you’ll love his Floating Dragon. Some of his other novels veered away from pure horror but those two are the real thing.
And give the books of Graham Masterson a try. Very scary writer.
I am re-reading this now. I’d forgotten everything about it, which is one of the benefits of growing old and forgetful.
AerynSun, The Throat is the third in Straub’s Blue Rose trilogy. You need to read Koko and Mystery first, and The Throat will then enthrall you.
How bad do you want to be creeped out? Stewart O’Nan’s A Prayer for the Dying isn’t particularly gory, but it will worm its way into your brain and stay there.
There’s another horror recommendations thread here
Ah, that explains a lot. Maybe I will try *Koko * one of these days. But not too soon - I’ve got so many lovely recommendations here!
As far as gore, I don’t mind (especially when it’s in print form). I read “Guts” and lived, so I think I can probably handle it.
And hey, Miss Mapp, delivering links to the stories - can’t get much better than that!
My library happened to have *Long Lost * as well, so I’ll probably be starting there. But I welcome further recommendations wholeheartedly - you can never have a (pleasure) reading list that’s too long.
I forgot I wanted to comment on this - very impressive reading of my likes. Right now I’m listening to *Anansi Boys * on audio, having read *American Gods * in a few days. I’m also amidst the *Sandman * collection, somewhere around number 5. So I’ll definitely check out his creepier stuff. (I found Gaiman when I read Good Omens - isn’t it a requirement of SDMB membership to love Good Omens?
