Kenneth W. Cain

Despite rushing through this book in almost one sitting, despite the action starting almost from page 1, the story felt somehow slow and especially 'silent' - but in a weird, good way. Does that make sense?
The subject of the book was really scary, most of all I guess because it was based on current conditions - so what if something like the disturbing scenario would happen in reality? It doesn't seem that far-fetched, or does it?
While the novella was too short to delve into all characters with decent depth, it provided enough information to feel connected to and care about them. This was in equal measure an uncomfortable and unputdownable read.

When Nick joins a TV production to explore an old mine that took his grandfather's life, he is intent on finding out what happened in the past, maybe even finding some remains he can bury to get closure. But what he and his team find in the caves is something more sinister and deadly than they ever could have imagined.
A scary story that slowly leads to a gruesome but therefore also unavoidably predictable discovery. There was some nice creepy atmosphere, but I wished the group would have been forced to remain underground the whole time. That would have added a much greater level of claustrophobia and dread. Bottom line: a solid horror novella with a consequent twist.

Finally, the second Midnight anthology has arrived and just like 'Midnight in the Graveyard',
it features a Best-Of of today's horror authors and also introduces some new authors I hope to read more of in the future. There is not one disappointing story to be found, only loads of well-written traditional, original and also unexpected ideas that lead you into the twisted land of demons, witches, possession and other horrors. The biggest strength of this volume is its widespread variety, though I especially enjoyed stories with a humorous streak.
Among my favorites are 'The Corn Maidens', 'Legion Cast Forth', 'What I Wouldn't Give', 'Dog Eat God', 'Discovering Mr. Jones', 'The Gods of Our Fathers', 'Diminishing Returns' and 'Witches' Night'. My personal number one story is the hilarious 'A Night Above' - the first and only story that made me pity the demon...