The Darkest Night

Twenty-two holiday tales of horror comprise this spine-tingling collection edited by Ryan (Another Fine Mess). Featuring stories from well-known authors like Josh Malerman and Rachel Harrison, as well as Jamie Flanagan, Kristi DeMeester, and Nat Cassidy, this anthology shows the grisly side of the winter holiday season. The book is narrated by a full ensemble, including Imogen Church, Helen Laser, and Lisa Flanagan, among others, who not only differentiate each of the tales but also set the tone. Fans of any type of horror will find something to love here, from stories with supernatural creatures in the dead of winter to stories with elves looking for a lighter workload to the horrors of holidays with friends and family. Standouts include Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon’s “Wintry Blue,” where a young child meets a monster; Jamie Flanagan’s “Bruiser,” about a haunted nursing home; and Nat Cassidy’s ghastly tale of a child attempting to get on Santa’s naughty list. Movie producer George C. Romero narrates the foreword, briefly discussing the history of Christmas ghost stories.