Citing two classic anthology series from the 1970s as his inspiration, editor Mark Morris’s ambition for the new Spectral Book of Horror Stories series is for it to become a watchword for genre excellence. This first volume goes a long way towards achieving that with an always interesting and sometimes deeply chilling selection of short horror from both established and newer writers. There’s some unevenness, the peaks and troughs marking an editor willing to take risks with his selections rather than play safe. A few of the contributions are so understated as to appear incomplete, yet there are enough standout pieces to make this essential reading for anyone with an interest in the state of the horror genre. Highlights include Alison Littlewood’s masterclass in the stealthy revelation of family horrors and Alison Moore’s “Eastmouth”, which beautifully captures the sinister timelessness of an off-season seaside resort, twisting the everyday mundane and making it disturbing. Rio Youers’ “Outside Heavenly” is a breathtaking dissection of the awful price of turning a blind eye to abuse, but the best story is saved for last, with Stephen Volk’s masterpiece of suppressed disquiet and family secrets that can never be buried.
• The Spectral Book of Horror Stories is published by Spectral (£10).
