Review: The October Music by A.C. Cross

Rating: 9/10

Synopsis

Horror doesn’t have to be in-depth. The October Music is a collection of nearly 100 tales of creep, horror, terror, and dread. From existential and cosmic horror to vampires, werewolves, and simple terrible, awful luck, there is a story here for every taste. Sit down, curl up, and make sure your windows and doors are locked nice and tight before letting The October Music fill your senses with darkness.

Review

You know what, I’ll admit that there are a few things that scare me. For example, I don’t like spiders. Or razors. Oh, and I get really creeped out by the smell of oranges (no joke – urgh). Ahem. Anyway, there are few things that scare me, but still I bravely put myself forward to read The October Music by A.C. Cross before its release so that you’re prepared.

Tainted Love

I’ll come right out and say that Cross’ collection of creepy capers is a real treat for horror fans. Over a hundred flash fiction stories that range from interment to cute little demon friends. Expect plenty of blood splatter and unsettling scares in between. There really is something for everyone.

There is a lot to be said for a collection that keeps the macabre flowing on every page. Cross is like a modern day Cryptkeeper, striking the delicate balance between letting the reader’s mind do the gruesome work and challenging us with downright terrifying scenes. And given how much I enjoyed his previous title, The Boddicker Letters, I was pleased there was some near-Lovecraftian stories included too.

Just Can’t Get Enough

For someone who doesn’t read a lot of horror, that didn’t matter when I read The October Music. I was compelled to read just one or two more stories with each sitting. A little bit like horror Pringles. There were moments when I was grossed out, mortified, aghast, thoroughly depressed and all of these challenges were exactly what I want from a book like this. I wanted to be scared and godammit I was certainly scared.

If you enjoyed Bad Dreams in the Night by Adam Ellis, or you enjoy scrolling through one-sentence horror stories on Reddit then you’ll find this is an unmissable book. It’s also perfect for those of you who just want something you can pick up, freak out, and put down again whenever you need a little scare.