This was a book with a lot going for it. But where we were promised a dark, inverted twist on Cinderella, we're left with a story that ends on a flat, disappointing note.

You can always trust that any collection of stories by Junji Ito will be a wonderfully creepy and creative experience. And with this collection of some of his earlier works, The Deserter does not disappoint.

I absolutely loved My Best Friend's Exorcism. But I went into it thinking I wouldn't. As much as the author clearly loves the '80s horror aesthetic, the B-movie vibe of this book's packaging really undersells it.

Once more, Laura Purcell demonstrates she a master of the Victoria Gothic. With Bone China, she delivers yet another chilling story that creeps up on you, then leaves you wondering what is true and what is madness. 

I enjoyed The Terror, but at times I felt this was almost despite the writing rather than because of it. The best description I can think of is this novel is “very Stephen King”. Whether this is a blessing or a curse is up to you. 

An English Ghost Story is a novel of interesting ideas, poorly handled. There is a lot in here that could have made a fascinating story. Unfortunately, Newman doesn’t deliver on any of these.