My Two Cents: YOU ARE THE THING THAT SCARES IN THE WOODS by Desiree Horton

In her new short story collection You Are The Thing That Scares in The Woods, Desiree Horton brings together new and previously published stories to delight and terrify readers.

The volume includes "The Station Master" and "Wicked Hands" (both of which I've previously reviewed) and numerous shorter works showcasing Horton's skills as a writer, and her gift for crafting dark, atmospheric horror. Besides the aforementioned "Station Master" and "Wicked Hands," here are my personal favorites of the bunch:

"Black Dove" opens the collection on a strong note, providing both the source for the book's title, as well as a fresh take on body horror. A young woman yearns for self identity and escape from beneath the oppressive thumb of her overbearing older brother, and finds both in an unexpected -- and horrific -- fashion.

"Brightside Bunny and the Lessons of Hell," a macabre fable about being careful what you wish for, and one that begs the question: When naughty children or mouthy teens get to be too much, where can exasperated parents turn for help?

"Eggnog," which I've read before in another anthology, but still loved just as much the second time around. A woman who is desperate to impress her snooty sister during the holiday season creates an irresistible Yuletide cocktail with disastrous results.

"What Jenny Meant," in which a late-night encounter between a grocery store clerk and a bizarre customer takes a dark, terrifying turn.

Horton is a marvelous storyteller, and she's in top form here. You Are The Thing That Scares in The Woods highlights her diverse and imaginative range, delivering plenty of twists, turns, and moments that truly terrify within its pages. Whether you're already a fan or just discovering her work, it's a great collection you're not going to want to miss.

You Are The Thing That Scares in The Woods is available here.