Slice of Paradise: A Beach Vacation Horror Anthology - edited by Ben Long & Andrew Robert
Slice of Paradise: A Beach Vacation Horror Anthology was edited by Ben Long and Andrew Robert. It was published on February 16, 2022 by DarkLit Press, and it weighs in at 336 pages. There are seventeen short horror pieces that explore the darker side of paradise.
I grabbed a copy of this book on release day. DarkLit Press did a freebie promo, and I couldn’t pass it up. Not only did I see some authors’ names whose works I’ve enjoyed reading, the cover made me smile. That shadow! It’s subtle, yet it hints at the fun read you’ll have before you’ve even cracked open the book.
I take notes while I’m reading. One of the comments I wrote down was “Andrew Robert did a great job selecting these pieces. Just finished the eighth story and WOW!” There are so many great stories in this collection. If you enjoy bad relationships that take a deep dive into darkness, this is your book! I loved the diversity of relationships, too.
Even though the stories involve beaches and the ocean, I didn’t get bored reading any of them. They each had enough of a distinct flavor that I didn’t confuse them or feel like I had any “repeats.”
If I could have had one wish while reading Slice of Paradise, it would have been to read this book on the beach or on the lanai of a beach resort. I can only imagine how the sounds of the waves and beachgoers would enhance the reading experience. I know it would have had me thinking twice about going in the water. The serene settings in these stories, normally seen as relaxing and enjoyable locations, are anything but peaceful. The authors take tranquil vacation spots and turn them into hellish nightmares. Some of these stories were truly unsettling, which thrilled me. I even got some gore!
At the end of the book, there is a section discussing the Hundred Word Horror Winners. Both pieces were in the collection, and I really enjoyed reading them.
“Of Murder and Mermaids” by Kelly Brocklehurst
“She Waits” by Jack Harding
Both authors did a fantastic job creating drabbles that form comprehensive and enjoyable stories.
I love short story collections and have read quite a few lately. Even though some of the stories don’t make it on my “Top” list, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good stories. The ones I shout out are the stories that gave me the biggest “jolt” while reading them. I have already gone through the author section and followed many of the authors I wasn’t following. Anthologies are the best way to get a taste of an author’s voice and whet your appetite for more of their work.
My Top 7 Stories & the comments I jotted immediately after reading them:
“Secret Beach” by Mark Towse: Lots of action and suspense/thrills in this one!!! I loved it!
“Night Dive” by Drew Starling: Holy crap! I LOVE this story!!!!! Gore! Horror! Tension! Suspense! Creature! YES!!!!!
“Paradise Lost” by Sheri White: I keep thinking I’ve read the best one and then I read another! WOW!
“They Eat People You Know” by Rowan Hill: Great!!! Excellent story, and way to entice the reader!
“The Guardian” by Philip Fracassi: Wow! Definitely horror! Another great story full of suspense and action!
“Astorgos” by Ashlei Johnson: Really fun story! I loved all of the action! The interactions between the characters were believable and fun to read.
“Out of the Shadows” by Spencer Hamilton: Really enjoyed this one. Excellent braiding of the past and present in the story!
*In order of publication
Beach Bodies: A Beach Vacation Horror Anthology is a second collection of beach horror shorts. Fun fact - if placed side by side, the covers fit together!
