the true home of british horror

BERNIE HERRMANN’S
MANIC SEXTET

Six Dark Novelettes

Edgar Allan Poe suggested that the short story was the ideal vehicle for the dark tale, yet some of the finest ever written — to take just two examples, Algernon Blackwood's 'The Willows' and H. P. Lovecraft's 'The Colour Out Of Space' — are far longer. The novella, or novelette, is an enduringly popular form in the field of imaginative literature, yet few books celebrate it exclusively.

This collection seeks to show how the longer short story, or the very short novel, is ideally suited to the demands of creating an atmosphere, telling an involving tale, and developing compelling characters. The authors here are all masters of their craft: they know how to combine economy with broad visions of fear.

Let their chill melody seduce you; discordant imagery awaits; infectious rhythms will drive you wild with dread.

Six outstanding pieces from some of today's bleakest prodigies. Let the music commence...

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• Recommended by Ellen Datlow for the BRAM STOKER AWARD
• SIX "Honorable Mentions" in THE YEAR'S BEST HORROR & FANTASY 2006
• Nominated for the BRITISH FANTASY AWARD

— g f p —

TABLE OF CONTENTS


introduction by Mike O'Driscoll

Paul Finch
Hobhook
(YBF&H: Honorable Mention)

Donald Pulker
Forced Perspective
(YBF&H: Honorable Mention)

Andrew Hook
Live From The Hippodrome

Gary McMahon
Like A Stone
(YBF&H: Honorable Mention)

Adam L. G. Nevill
The Other Occupant
(YBF&H: Honorable Mention)

Rhys Hughes
The Hydrothermal Reich
(YBF&H: Honorable Mention)

Simon Strantzas
Fading Light
(YBF&H: Honorable Mention)


Cover by Ben Baldwin

PUBLICATION DATE: December 2005

Trade paperback; ISBN: 0-9550922-2-1
signed by Gary Fry

UK, £5.99 + £1 P&P
USA, $11 + $3 P&P (airmail)
© gray friar press 2009