This collection of uncanny tales invites us into a world where a subtle frisson awaits, a world where the sense that something is chillingly wrong lurks just beneath the familiar rituals of everyday life. A classic muscle car hides a dark, secret history. The shade of a lonely bride broods in a hotel room, longing for a friend. A cynical musician confronts a closet door that, without explanation, refuses to stay shut.
For the past dozen years, Tim Foley’s stories have appeared in journals and anthologies, offering modern takes on the supernatural tale, creating a sharp sense of unease in the reader. Gathered here in his first collection, these stories offer gentle mystery and creeping dread. Seventeen Tales Nocturnal, to be read late in the evening, when the spirits are near.
Dark bleatings, my nocturnal tribe! I’m here with a short story collection today. I think this one will be great for readers who enjoy suspenseful, creepy, uncomfortable horror (rather than loud, balls to the wall madness).
I do usually get into every individual story but alas, I’m an idiot, and I can’t because I’m a plonker that tipped a cup of tea on my notebook, ruining more than half of my notes. Instead, I’m forced to give a general overview but I do remember (and will talk a bit more about) a selection of my favourites.
Galen’s Closet
There’s something weird about Galen’s closet. People seem to go…elsewhere…when they enter it, particularly if they’re going in there to enjoy a specific activity. News spreads of this weirdness and before long, everyone wants to have a go in there. But, as with all mysterious things, there’s a price to be paid!
This is such a weird, interesting, and mysterious plot and I was very entertained.
Snowman, Frozen
This was in my Top 2 Favourites of the collection! The imagery is so disturbing – a true winter horror tale. Arthur is staying in a remote mountain cabin during winter, and he notices a snowman appears outside. It’s just out there, staring. And then it multiplies. He goes through quite the emotional turmoil and I totally felt for Arthur because I would too.
Deer
This was my other Top 2 Favourite. A guy hits a deer while he’s driving and then things very quickly go south for him in the most deranged way. It’s absolutely absurd, which made it fantastic.
Aneurism
This one gave me chills. A man suffers an aneurism and finds himself in a cycle immediately after of regaining and then losing consciousness. Annnnnd…there’s something happening when he’s unconscious that he wants to wake up from. It’s truly horrifying.
I’m sorry I can’t be specific about the other stories but I can tell you that I did overall really enjoy this collection, and came away after each tale with an eerie, freaked out feeling.
I think readers who enjoy getting quietly unsettled would really enjoy this. If you’d like to check out the book or the author, I’ve popped some links below for you:
Bleeeeat!
Happy Goat Horror 
Leave a comment