I was pleased to be part of this anthology and now having read it, I can honestly say that I think it’s the best one yet. Really! I enjoyed every single story. I thought, this one is my favourite, and then I read the next one and thought the same. I like to pick out a favourite when I read an anthology, but it’s impossible.
Spookiest? Possibly The Wound that Walked. That would give me nightmares. The most inventive was perhaps The Spectator. When you think the story is coming to an end, there’s even more and it’s astounding. The Glass Wall caught my imagination as I love time travel, especially like this.
I also proud to say with the help of Canva templates, I put the cover together.
So let’s begin.
Here Now More Than Ever
The anthology starts with a poem by Chrissy Moon who you can always rely on for meaningful words. A story in poetry that captures your imagination.
The Lockdown by Aidan J Chopping
What a brilliant opening for the first story of the book. I was hooked. What lies a hundred floors down a mountain? The story is the stuff of nightmares. Would you believe this author is fifteen years old? I was shocked when I discovered that, what a talent.
Waiting For Grandpa by M J Elliott
This was cleverly done. All appears normal and we meet a ghost. But I’ve read this author’s books before and he’s so clever with a twist. I didn’t see that coming.
The Spectator by Thomas Woldering
This tale was incredible and I’d say the author’s imagination knows no bounds, which is exactly what happens to the main character Arthur Metas. His ghostly presence travels as he dies, it’s just wow.
Wall of Glass by Mary Woldering
Just when I thought I’d seen the best stories, we have this one. Time travel back to 1962, and the stark realisation that there was no social media, especially for the protagonist who is an influencer. Not only that, it’s a good story with the ending which was clever.
The Wound that Walked by Cathy Lee Chopping
I thought this was a slightly strange title, that was until I began reading. The beginning was extremely powerful as many people cope with pain, but the way the author described it was perfect. Then, the story took off and it turned into something very chilling.
Séance by Frank Slight
Presented like a true story, I was hooked at what would unfold. It absolutely sucked me in. I became totally absorbed in Ann’s story that started with a séance she never wanted to go to.
The Ghostly Tomb by Mina
The poem in the middle of the book is perfectly placed and keeps the ghostly theme running nicely. A chill in the middle!
Feeding Time by Cassandra Jones
This story was pure horror, well told by the author. The monsters were truly terrifying as they went on their rampage. Eventually, there would be no humans left.
To Have One’s Cake by Michael Harding
This was a clever tale of the macabre and I wanted more. There were lots of questions I wanted answers to in this complete story. It was clever, a small insight into what could have been a bigger tale.
Hallow Manor by Danielle Jacks
Nothing better than a scary manor for a ghost story. Especially one where a murder happened, I enjoyed this. I’ve read this author’s romance stories before and they are great. There is not a shred of romance in this one and it’s fun to see that she can also turn her hand to scary story too!
The Silver Shroud by Eliza Mary Coe
This was great. A witch who helps a police detective solve crimes. In this case a demented spirit on a killing spree. It was well told and I felt there could be a whole series about this duo.
The Plant on the Wall by Danny Buenaflor
Again, I thought this was an odd title, but once more it all becomes clear in this impressive tale of two friends. One discovered this plant growing in the wall. This isn’t just any plant, this one has intelligence, so much so it makes it incredibly creepy with what it can do. Definitely, a clever story.
Ouija by Frank Slight
Another great ghostly tale that has everything you’d expect from a scary story, an Ouija board, a graveyard, and being chased by a ghost. A young man learns a lesson and later in life recalls his one and only terrifying encounter.
Showdown by Chrissy Moon
A fabulous end to the book as it began with the alluring words from Chrissy. When fear takes hold we are afraid to turn off the television that we are barely watching to go to bed. The night is not our friend and bed is no rest. I shivered at the closing line.
The Ghostly Rites anthology is available on Amazon for a small cost. Or you can download it for free at World of Stories bookshop.
If you like these types of stories, may I recommend my The Black-Eyed Boy & Other Stories. Eleven paranormal tales available through my bookshop.
