Halloween Reads: Classic Monsters Unleashed

Classic Monsters Unleashed: Book 1

462 pages

Released July 12th 2022 by Crystal Lake Publishing (what a name, right?)

Stories of famous monsters in a new horror anthology featuring Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, and many others.

Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Moreau, the Headless Horseman, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, the Wicked Witch of the West—they’re all here, in this collection of horror short stories that reimagine, subvert, and pay homage to our favorite monsters and creatures.

Written by the biggest names in the genre—including Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Lisa Morton, Owl Goingback, Richard Christian Matheson, Maurice Broaddus, Dacre Stoker, Seanan McGuire, Linda D. Addison, Alessandro Manzetti, Tim Waggoner, John Palisano, Mercedes M. Yardley, Lucy A. Snyder, Gary A. Braunbeck, Rena Mason, and Monique Snyman.

And monstrously illustrated by Colton Worley and Mister Sam Shearon.

I must admit – it was the inclusion of Lisa Morton that put this one on my radar. As many may know, I’m utterly obsessed to all of Morton’s literary works. The combination of the Queen of Halloween with our favourite modern monsters equals a must-read for all horror fans!

Each of the stories in this anthology holds readers interests. It is so rare that every entry in a collection of stories is fantastic. There are no duds here!

Monster lovers of the world, this one is for you!

The mix of old & new characters is phenomenal. As a Creature From The Black Lagoon maniac, I was so chuffed with the feminine spin on the monsters story. It played through my mind like a classic horror film. Incredible imagery, world building and dialogue. This praise extends to each story. The group of writers did an outstanding job.

This magical little collection is currently available as a free read on kindle unlimited. Be warned – you will want to purchase a copy after reading. It’s one of those special collections that will be a yearly spooky season indulgence. The stunning artwork alone is enough to warrant the need of a physical copy to engross yourself with.

If you find yourself to be a in a bit of a reading rut, I can promise you that this group of stories will make you excited about reading again. Just in time to gobble up all the spooky storytellings.

Humble brag: I had to share this photo of my two favourite creatures! One is my husband, the other just lives on my wall. Creature is from Rubies (it is darn hard to track them down) If you can get your hands on one, you won’t be disappointed! Hubby is wearing Vixen by Micheline Pitt Pet Semetary collection

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