Good morning, House of Madness anthologists:
As I've mentioned several times previously, I'm a sucker for anthologies both written and on screen. Why settle on one long story when I can have three or four smaller ones; if the tales are compelling, of course. Sometimes, in fact a lot of the time a novel on a singular subject is what appeals to me, but every now and then it's nice to change things up, and hit a nice anthology or even a book filled with short stories - the variety keeps things fresh during your lust for more horror. Nothing hits quite like a short story from Ray Bradbury or Richard Matheson, but Stephen King has proven time and time again with his anthology novels that he's the master tale caster, and "If It Bleeds" does not disappoint in any of its four tales:
"Mr. Harrigan's Phone" - What would you do if you were able to communicate with the dead via an old cellular phone you left in their pocket? Would you simply keep in touch and exchange well wishes on birthdays and anniversaries, or would you dip your toes in something more sinister if the opportunity arose? Hard to catch a killer eternally asleep six feet under, I'd assume.
"The Life of Chuck" - In a crumbling world existing across several dimensions, a man named Chuck has a story to tell, but just whose story and who is allowed to tell it isn't up to him.......or is it?
"If It Bleeds" - Our favourite crime fighter and overall oddity Holly Gibney is back, and so is one of those hideous monsters she thought was one of a kind all those years ago. This time instead of living in the shadows, the monster relishes the limelight, and it's up to Holly to stop him before the bloodshed flows like a river.
"Rat" - Drew has one wish in life, to write a novel. He's had short stories published in The New Yorker, but a novel has always eluded him, and trying once before almost killed him. Drew decides to try again, and he's got the perfect idea in his head that he envisions coming to fruition as easy as 'dictation', but as is with everything, there will be a cost. Is Drew's novel worth the price of admission? Even Drew isn't so sure...
And there we have it, not just one, but four great stories from the horror master Stephen King. Even if a story isn't your favourite, it's still impossible to put down because it's so articulately written in plot and characters, that I dare you to put it down and not return. This anthology is no exception, and made me especially giddy for King's new novel "Holly" dropping in September.
Madness Meter: 9/10
