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Not Before Bed
A collection of dark tales to tingle your spine and goose your bumps. While reading, you'll encounter tentacle pods, bogeymen, dark gods; vamps, zombies, werewolves, and Things with no name.Barricade your door. Say goodbye to your loved ones. Check behind the curtains and in the wardrobe. But don't read it alone, and definitely Not Before Bed.Author Craig Hallam has previously been published in New Horizons and Murky Depths, both leading magazines in the UK Speculative Fiction arena."Intense, Provocative, Unique." - Lizzette E. Manning"I read the opening segment IN BED! Thanks for that sleepless night!" - Michelle Green"I loved the twisted little stories of [Craig Hallam's} imaginings. Whether the tale is deliciously creepy or falls into the realm of the downright weird, each one will leave you turning page after page into the wee hours of the morning." - D.H. Nevins
182 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2011
8 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Craig Hallam
22 books78 followersCraig Hallam is an international best-selling author from Doncaster, UK. His work spans all aspects of Speculative Fiction and Mental Health non-fiction, and poetry.
Since his debut in the British Fantasy Society journal, his tales have nestled between the pages of magazines and anthologies the world over. His novels and short stories have filled the imaginations of geeks, niche and alternative readers with their character-driven style and unusual plots.
Craig has recently chronicled his experiences of living with depression and anxiety in the international best-seller, Down Days. Topping the Amazon charts in the UK and US at the start of COVID, the book has since been a finalist for the Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year Awards and read the world over.
His latest novel, Make Believe, is the first book in an exciting new series called The Hexford Witches, based entirely in the Yorkshire Dales.
Craig’s next project is a literary Gothic series based in contemporary Yorkshire. The first book will highlight the ghosts of the area’s industrial past and the families who were left broken by the closure of the local mines. While one man grieves for the loss of his wife and is hunted by recurring visions of a large black dog hunting him, his granddaughter is also preyed upon by the boys and men of an honourless society.
Find Craig’s books and social media at: Linktr.ee/craighallamauthor
Since his debut in the British Fantasy Society journal, his tales have nestled between the pages of magazines and anthologies the world over. His novels and short stories have filled the imaginations of geeks, niche and alternative readers with their character-driven style and unusual plots.
Craig has recently chronicled his experiences of living with depression and anxiety in the international best-seller, Down Days. Topping the Amazon charts in the UK and US at the start of COVID, the book has since been a finalist for the Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year Awards and read the world over.
His latest novel, Make Believe, is the first book in an exciting new series called The Hexford Witches, based entirely in the Yorkshire Dales.
Craig’s next project is a literary Gothic series based in contemporary Yorkshire. The first book will highlight the ghosts of the area’s industrial past and the families who were left broken by the closure of the local mines. While one man grieves for the loss of his wife and is hunted by recurring visions of a large black dog hunting him, his granddaughter is also preyed upon by the boys and men of an honourless society.
Find Craig’s books and social media at: Linktr.ee/craighallamauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 26, 2011
A superb collection of fourteen chilling tales that you really shouldn't read before bed (unless you're like me and you really can't help yourself). Hallam has a knack for building the tension and fear slowly with Laughter on the Landing, Sarah and the Monster and Albert while giving the reader a short sharp shock with March of the Broken, The Fly Man and the title tale Not Before Bed (which by the way may be the shortest but it packs the biggest punch). Hallam also takes the more traditional horror genres and gives them his own unique twist with the original viewpoints of Daisy Chained, Hunting Grounds and Sleeping with the Dead. Each story is very well written and the style changes to suit the story being told with reflections of Poe and Stoker in some and Lovecraft in others. Hallam uses his words carefully weaving the story and atmosphere together to pull the reader in and keep them there until the very last moment. I can't quite bring myself to pick a favourite from these stories but the one that sent the biggest shivers down my spine was the title tale Not Before Bed, which takes your own night fears and gives them a voice, and it's not one you really want to hear.
August 25, 2017
Not Before Bed by Craig Hallam
“From the acclaimed author of 'Greaveburn' comes a collection of tales to tingle your spine and goose your bumps. Enter worlds filled with tentacle pods, bogeymen, dark gods; vamps zombies, werewolves, and things with no name.
Not Before Bed isn't just a title...it's a warning.”
I’ve tried getting into Lovecraft. I bought a best of and dug in. I don’t think reading it in the height of summer helped, but I just couldn’t get into it. I’ve come across Lovecraft in the works of authors continuing the mythos he’s created; I get it, Old Ones and tentacles and what not, but as for the man himself. Just no. Didn’t turn me on.
Before reading “Not Before Bed” I was aware of the Lovecraftian influence, and still thought why not. The truth is, this stands up on its own, whether you’re aware of the Lovecraft mythology or not, Hallam makes it his own. But not only are the tales genuinely unnerving, they’re funny as well. I mean really funny. Not only are you getting horror here, you’re getting some fine written British dark comedy as well. Hallam welds humorous prose into the direst of situations. All the traditional horror stalwarts are on show here along with a generous helping of tentacles, the best of which is the aptly named “Lovecraft” which mixes the jadedness of the dating scene with tentacle love. Sheer brilliance this, one of the funniest horror shorts I’ve ever read. Another favourite is “Oestrids”, that deals with a Triffids-like invasion, which the last man on earth takes on with a hilariously grisly trial and error set of experiments.
Even through his writing, you can tell Craig Hallam is a likeable sort of fellow, and you can detect his positive influences clearly. There’s the sharp, sardonic wit that is unmistakeable British, and the creepy gothic of the classic seeping into every page.
I won’t ruin any of the tales, but rest assured, there’s something for everyone and each is unique as the last. Halloween is coming and it’s not all about the scares you know, it’s good to laugh as well. Even if it’s maniacal giggles.
5/5
“From the acclaimed author of 'Greaveburn' comes a collection of tales to tingle your spine and goose your bumps. Enter worlds filled with tentacle pods, bogeymen, dark gods; vamps zombies, werewolves, and things with no name.
Not Before Bed isn't just a title...it's a warning.”
I’ve tried getting into Lovecraft. I bought a best of and dug in. I don’t think reading it in the height of summer helped, but I just couldn’t get into it. I’ve come across Lovecraft in the works of authors continuing the mythos he’s created; I get it, Old Ones and tentacles and what not, but as for the man himself. Just no. Didn’t turn me on.
Before reading “Not Before Bed” I was aware of the Lovecraftian influence, and still thought why not. The truth is, this stands up on its own, whether you’re aware of the Lovecraft mythology or not, Hallam makes it his own. But not only are the tales genuinely unnerving, they’re funny as well. I mean really funny. Not only are you getting horror here, you’re getting some fine written British dark comedy as well. Hallam welds humorous prose into the direst of situations. All the traditional horror stalwarts are on show here along with a generous helping of tentacles, the best of which is the aptly named “Lovecraft” which mixes the jadedness of the dating scene with tentacle love. Sheer brilliance this, one of the funniest horror shorts I’ve ever read. Another favourite is “Oestrids”, that deals with a Triffids-like invasion, which the last man on earth takes on with a hilariously grisly trial and error set of experiments.
Even through his writing, you can tell Craig Hallam is a likeable sort of fellow, and you can detect his positive influences clearly. There’s the sharp, sardonic wit that is unmistakeable British, and the creepy gothic of the classic seeping into every page.
I won’t ruin any of the tales, but rest assured, there’s something for everyone and each is unique as the last. Halloween is coming and it’s not all about the scares you know, it’s good to laugh as well. Even if it’s maniacal giggles.
5/5
December 2, 2011
A collection of thrilling and chilling stories, this book was a lot of fun to read. The way that Mr. Hallam builds suspense makes the stories really come to life.
There are many different kinds of stories in this collection: paranormal, quirky, some even have humor in them. But they all have a unique voice and viewpoint that adds originality to the bunch. I loved the mixture of Lovecraft-style horror with the stronger, gag-worthy images. It shows a good handle on many kinds of horror stories.
Something that I found very interesting was the stories that had no dialogue. That is not an easy thing to accomplish, and yet they are the ones that stayed with me the longest. It’s pretty difficult to make a scary story with just mood and atmosphere, but the author handled it well.
This is a wonderful collection that will please most readers of horror stories, mainly because the variety in the writing. There is something here for everyone, and even if you don’t enjoy one of the stories, give the other ones a try, they are worth it.
There are many different kinds of stories in this collection: paranormal, quirky, some even have humor in them. But they all have a unique voice and viewpoint that adds originality to the bunch. I loved the mixture of Lovecraft-style horror with the stronger, gag-worthy images. It shows a good handle on many kinds of horror stories.
Something that I found very interesting was the stories that had no dialogue. That is not an easy thing to accomplish, and yet they are the ones that stayed with me the longest. It’s pretty difficult to make a scary story with just mood and atmosphere, but the author handled it well.
This is a wonderful collection that will please most readers of horror stories, mainly because the variety in the writing. There is something here for everyone, and even if you don’t enjoy one of the stories, give the other ones a try, they are worth it.
August 4, 2019
Not Before Bed is a great collection of short stories from Craig Hallam, who is the author of Greaveburn and the Alan Shaw series.
Let me just say how impressed I was with the breadth of subjects and the cool twists and turns Craig manages to pull off with great subtlety after first leading you somewhat down the garden path. Then he pulls the rug from under you when you think you know where the story is going.
Great work Mr. Hallam - more please...
Let me just say how impressed I was with the breadth of subjects and the cool twists and turns Craig manages to pull off with great subtlety after first leading you somewhat down the garden path. Then he pulls the rug from under you when you think you know where the story is going.
Great work Mr. Hallam - more please...
May 18, 2011
I first encountered Craig Hallam's writing in Murky Depths, an enjoyable blend of art and fiction that is produced in the United Kingdom. I was intrigued by his writing--there's a very confident approach to voice and pacing in the work--so I was happy to dive into Not Before Bed. I've been reading these stories in sips and swallows over the last few busy weeks, and I'm happy to say they've provided many moments of entertainment.
The collection runs from the atmospheric to the darkly visceral, with some nice injections of humor in the prose along the way (there is a Robocop reference I couldn't help but snort at). The influences and subjects were diverse: some supernatural, others of the creature-feature variety; some Lovecraftian, others of the undead category.
What really made the collection go for me is the afore-mentioned voice/pacing combination. Hallam uses fragments really well--I like the fluidity of the prose as he underscores action with simple, succinct phrases. I also liked the dialogue. It wasn't tag-heavy and it felt very authentic. I like the use of italics for emphasis, and the descriptions. Consider this snippet from "Laughter on the Landing":
Then a sound from inside my own apartment. If it hadn’t been for the silence, I would
never have heard it.
Poit.
I leant to see around my feet which were up on the coffee table.
A drip. A splotch of dark crimson on the oak surface. For a second, I watched it as if
waiting for something to happen. It did. Another droplet fell in the same spot.
Plit.
Drawn upward, my eyes widened.
On the ceiling, a line of the same fluid had trickled before dripping. It was leaking
through the floorboards in Jenny’s apartment...
The tension in most of these stories is an excellent slow build, and they deliver the goods in the third act.
There were a few minor typos and some of the font types and sizes were inconsistent (I read the Smashwords edition--which I believe was an advance copy), but there was nothing that detracted from what is an otherwise strong collection. "Laughter on the Landing" and "Sarah and the Monster" were two of my favorites; they also best communicate the notion espoused in the collection's title.
Still (and if you're like me), you'll want to give these tales a look just before bed. Read them when the lights are down, when the sounds of the house settling add that wonderful little kick that makes good dark fiction so fun to read.
The collection runs from the atmospheric to the darkly visceral, with some nice injections of humor in the prose along the way (there is a Robocop reference I couldn't help but snort at). The influences and subjects were diverse: some supernatural, others of the creature-feature variety; some Lovecraftian, others of the undead category.
What really made the collection go for me is the afore-mentioned voice/pacing combination. Hallam uses fragments really well--I like the fluidity of the prose as he underscores action with simple, succinct phrases. I also liked the dialogue. It wasn't tag-heavy and it felt very authentic. I like the use of italics for emphasis, and the descriptions. Consider this snippet from "Laughter on the Landing":
Then a sound from inside my own apartment. If it hadn’t been for the silence, I would
never have heard it.
Poit.
I leant to see around my feet which were up on the coffee table.
A drip. A splotch of dark crimson on the oak surface. For a second, I watched it as if
waiting for something to happen. It did. Another droplet fell in the same spot.
Plit.
Drawn upward, my eyes widened.
On the ceiling, a line of the same fluid had trickled before dripping. It was leaking
through the floorboards in Jenny’s apartment...
The tension in most of these stories is an excellent slow build, and they deliver the goods in the third act.
There were a few minor typos and some of the font types and sizes were inconsistent (I read the Smashwords edition--which I believe was an advance copy), but there was nothing that detracted from what is an otherwise strong collection. "Laughter on the Landing" and "Sarah and the Monster" were two of my favorites; they also best communicate the notion espoused in the collection's title.
Still (and if you're like me), you'll want to give these tales a look just before bed. Read them when the lights are down, when the sounds of the house settling add that wonderful little kick that makes good dark fiction so fun to read.
February 27, 2012
A great collection of horror stort stories ranging from Lovecraftian to werewolves to that thing that goes bump under your bed. Each story is finely crafted by Craig Hallam in an enjoyable and easy to read way while still having each story have it's own voice and feel. I think that is one of the most remarkable things about this collection. While it is easy to see how all of the stories came from one author, each story was told with a voice all it's own that was perfect for that specific sub-genre of horror.
Craig out did himself with his variety of stories. The dark sci-fi in Mandy in the Jar-O have an alien abductee's horrific realization that her wildest dreams of being wanted are not so wonderful. The Lovercraftian tale of Albert that has little dialogue but such gripping description that every pool of water larger than the size of a drop suspect from harboring tenticled elder gods. These stories have the ability to catch and hold a readers attention. After every story I was left asking "When can I read a full story about this?"
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves horror. But I espechially recommend it to anyone who wants to look into horror for the first time. It will give you a great primer for the genre and help you find a niche inside of it you will like.
Good job Craig
Cheers!
Craig out did himself with his variety of stories. The dark sci-fi in Mandy in the Jar-O have an alien abductee's horrific realization that her wildest dreams of being wanted are not so wonderful. The Lovercraftian tale of Albert that has little dialogue but such gripping description that every pool of water larger than the size of a drop suspect from harboring tenticled elder gods. These stories have the ability to catch and hold a readers attention. After every story I was left asking "When can I read a full story about this?"
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves horror. But I espechially recommend it to anyone who wants to look into horror for the first time. It will give you a great primer for the genre and help you find a niche inside of it you will like.
Good job Craig
Cheers!
June 15, 2011
I absolutely love this book. Craig has a unique way of telling stories that leaves the reader hooked from the beginning. I haven't read that much of spec fiction, but enjoyed immensely every tale that was included in this collection.
Some of the stories don't have dialogue, but in all honesty, they don't really need it. He's able to weave a tale in such a way that you find yourself so immersed, so focused that you lose track of what you're doing. At least, I did. I found myself imagining every scene of each story as I read it and in some cases, wanted to read more of these short stories.
This book is a definite must-read. Truly recommend it.
Some of the stories don't have dialogue, but in all honesty, they don't really need it. He's able to weave a tale in such a way that you find yourself so immersed, so focused that you lose track of what you're doing. At least, I did. I found myself imagining every scene of each story as I read it and in some cases, wanted to read more of these short stories.
This book is a definite must-read. Truly recommend it.
November 20, 2011
Very well put together book and stories. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the book I read before this. Some of the stories really grabbed my attention leaving me in suspense wanting to read the next page. I wasn’t a fan of all the stories and I felt some weren’t as good as the one before it. Some of them were rather short but every story was easy to understand and grasp as to what was going on. Overall I think it was a very good book to read.
August 7, 2011
I loved the twisted little stories of Mr. Hallam's imaginings. Whether the tale is deliciously creepy or falls into the realm of the downright weird, each one will leave you turning page after page into the wee hours of the morning. And above all else, Not Before Bed is FREE! What more could a reader ask for?
September 26, 2011
While I really liked some of these stories, the quality of the story telling was variable. Most of the stories are good, some are truly scary, and then some are mediocre.
I would say there is a little bit here for everyone.
I would say there is a little bit here for everyone.
January 13, 2015
I loved the twisted little stories of Mr. Hallam's imaginings. Whether the tale was deliciously creepy or fell into the realm of the downright weird, each one left me turning page after page into the wee hours of the morning. I found this book to be the prefect spine-tingling diversion.
January 22, 2012
Very fun book to read when the lights go out!!!
December 26, 2011
Some were better than others. The one that included references to Doctor Who was AWESOME!
January 11, 2012
I loved this collection of short stories. Great Vacation Reading.
September 30, 2014
there were two stories I liked. the rest were either boring, not scary or seemingly pointless.
June 15, 2016
short stories, some rather confusing
October 18, 2019
Earlier this year, I attended a book festival for Indie authors. There, I met and chatted to Craig Hallam, whose books appeared to lean towards steampunk, not a genre I’m particularly interested in. Nevertheless, inspired by his enthusiasm, I decided to dip a toe into his writing waters, and what better way to get a taste (if you don’t mind me mixing my metaphors) than by reading a collection of short stories?
Not Before Bed is billed as a collection of dark tales, and there’s certainly a dark edge to it, though not always as dark as I’d expected. In some cases, the darkness is tinged with humour, and there are a range of themes covered, often with an intriguing twist, not just in the tail, but in the approach taken to a normally familiar subject.
One of the great things about collections of short stories is that, in a world where time is increasingly pressured, it allows us the opportunity to dip into reading when moments allow. This is a book I can recommend for dipping into – though there is a danger that, once you start, you’ll want to move on to the next story, and the next…
Not Before Bed is billed as a collection of dark tales, and there’s certainly a dark edge to it, though not always as dark as I’d expected. In some cases, the darkness is tinged with humour, and there are a range of themes covered, often with an intriguing twist, not just in the tail, but in the approach taken to a normally familiar subject.
One of the great things about collections of short stories is that, in a world where time is increasingly pressured, it allows us the opportunity to dip into reading when moments allow. This is a book I can recommend for dipping into – though there is a danger that, once you start, you’ll want to move on to the next story, and the next…
March 15, 2018
Okay I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but three stars?!
Maybe I'm biased because I love Craig's work. I love his beautiful use of imaginary in every book of his I have read that really draws me in. This book is no different.
I rarely give 5* to a book because I'm mean like that. I agree with some of the other comments that some of the stories weren't to my taste. Some of them had me really gripped and left me wanting more, some of them didn't. That said I still think they were all beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A great read for busy people because you can read one story and not have to remember what was happening. Keep up the good work Mr Hallam and I will keep buying your books!
Maybe I'm biased because I love Craig's work. I love his beautiful use of imaginary in every book of his I have read that really draws me in. This book is no different.
I rarely give 5* to a book because I'm mean like that. I agree with some of the other comments that some of the stories weren't to my taste. Some of them had me really gripped and left me wanting more, some of them didn't. That said I still think they were all beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A great read for busy people because you can read one story and not have to remember what was happening. Keep up the good work Mr Hallam and I will keep buying your books!
November 1, 2020
I was sent this book for an honest review on behalf of Inspired Quill.
Hallam's chilling collection of short stories is sure to leave readers sleeping with the lights on. These fourteen tales are full of twist and turns with no two stories alike and Hallam adding his personal flair to some well known horror tropes. From vampires to werewolves to the bogey man, there is definitely something for every type of horror fan. The author does a great job of building suspense throughout the stories that even some of the stories without dialogue had me on the edge of my seat. It's hard to pick a favorite story from the collection because I genuinely really enjoyed all of them. This book is a fun read for horror fans and a great addition to any Halloween reading list.
Hallam's chilling collection of short stories is sure to leave readers sleeping with the lights on. These fourteen tales are full of twist and turns with no two stories alike and Hallam adding his personal flair to some well known horror tropes. From vampires to werewolves to the bogey man, there is definitely something for every type of horror fan. The author does a great job of building suspense throughout the stories that even some of the stories without dialogue had me on the edge of my seat. It's hard to pick a favorite story from the collection because I genuinely really enjoyed all of them. This book is a fun read for horror fans and a great addition to any Halloween reading list.
December 10, 2019
It says Not before bed, for good reason. Great stories, lots of variety and Mr Hallam loves to lull you into a false sense of security, then delightfully shock, so if you are faint of heart, please heed his warning or enjoy riding the adrenaline rush of fight or flight as you turn the pages.
November 16, 2017
I was not a fan of this book. It wasn't what I thought it would be. I was looking for creepy, but it just wasn't up to par.
April 6, 2016
It's a collection of 13 short horror stories and though the blurb warns you to get ready to be scared, I didn't find them that scary. I don't know maybe I've just read too many horror stories? There was a recurring theme of tentacle creatures and my favorite story happened to involve one of those. Lovecraft is about a woman who decides to make her own man and ends up with a blob like alien creature instead. I loved how she and the creature connected and I did feel sad at the end. My other favorite story was Albert which is about a fisherman who is like the last person in this deserted seaside village which holds a dark secret.
The stories are well written and there is enough subtle in them to grip you, but it is easy to work out what's going on. Like with the female werewolf story or the zombie one. The longer stories make it for me though because the suspense is kept up for longer in those. For me though, I did want it to be a lot more darker and threatening. The monster in the room story was interesting but I think a lot more tension could have been created. I didn't see any major faults with any of the stories or the writing really. It's a good mix of stories that covers the popular horror and supernatural aspects and characters.
I think if you are looking for some short stories that you can just dip in and out of or even some inspiration to write some of your own, then this would be a good book to get. It's small so easy to take places and doesn't take long to read. Though if you are looking for something bigger and better in the horror short story area then check out The Mammoth Books of New Horror. They bring a new one out every year, but there are also lots of other ones in the series.
Reading this book has made me want to read Hallam's novel Greaveburn, which I think is a fantasy novel. Reading the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, it seems good and my type of book. So, it's on my list and hopefully I'll get it soon.
The stories are well written and there is enough subtle in them to grip you, but it is easy to work out what's going on. Like with the female werewolf story or the zombie one. The longer stories make it for me though because the suspense is kept up for longer in those. For me though, I did want it to be a lot more darker and threatening. The monster in the room story was interesting but I think a lot more tension could have been created. I didn't see any major faults with any of the stories or the writing really. It's a good mix of stories that covers the popular horror and supernatural aspects and characters.
I think if you are looking for some short stories that you can just dip in and out of or even some inspiration to write some of your own, then this would be a good book to get. It's small so easy to take places and doesn't take long to read. Though if you are looking for something bigger and better in the horror short story area then check out The Mammoth Books of New Horror. They bring a new one out every year, but there are also lots of other ones in the series.
Reading this book has made me want to read Hallam's novel Greaveburn, which I think is a fantasy novel. Reading the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, it seems good and my type of book. So, it's on my list and hopefully I'll get it soon.
February 2, 2015
This collection of short stories is a grab bag, with a little bit of everything. The main course is horror but has some fantasy to it as well. A great mix of werewolfs, vampires, walking dead you name it. A great read.
Laughter on The Landing: A yell from above startled the writer but what he finds later is beyond a bloody thought. 4 Stars
Mandy in The Jar-O:
As I read this I kept humming the tune by Metallica " Whiskey in the Jar." An alien experience for a woman trapped in a tube filled with water. 3.5 Stars.
March of the Broken: A poetic romp, Well written 5 stars.
Lovecraft: A girl in the search for love with the wrong taste. Finds an alien created from a spell out of a book. Its E.T. with a bizarre love twist. 5 stars. Very well written.
Upon Walking: "Dreams are unbelievable by their own nature. They don't hold to laws of time or space and pay no heed to our human logic" quoted from author. Was it really a dream? 3 Stars
Sara and the Monster: a bedtime story under the covers, a voice hidden in the shadows and a pawn off to Sara's Stepfather ends with a scream but who? 5 Stars
Albert: Albert is in a mental hospital and have his rants and stories about what he seen, his sociologists takes out on a journey to find the truth. Starts out good, but falls out of interest. 3.5 Stars
Sleeping with The Dead: freaking awesome man takes a body from the morgue in the search for love. Very Funny my type of story. 5 stars.
Laughter on The Landing: A yell from above startled the writer but what he finds later is beyond a bloody thought. 4 Stars
Mandy in The Jar-O:
As I read this I kept humming the tune by Metallica " Whiskey in the Jar." An alien experience for a woman trapped in a tube filled with water. 3.5 Stars.
March of the Broken: A poetic romp, Well written 5 stars.
Lovecraft: A girl in the search for love with the wrong taste. Finds an alien created from a spell out of a book. Its E.T. with a bizarre love twist. 5 stars. Very well written.
Upon Walking: "Dreams are unbelievable by their own nature. They don't hold to laws of time or space and pay no heed to our human logic" quoted from author. Was it really a dream? 3 Stars
Sara and the Monster: a bedtime story under the covers, a voice hidden in the shadows and a pawn off to Sara's Stepfather ends with a scream but who? 5 Stars
Albert: Albert is in a mental hospital and have his rants and stories about what he seen, his sociologists takes out on a journey to find the truth. Starts out good, but falls out of interest. 3.5 Stars
Sleeping with The Dead: freaking awesome man takes a body from the morgue in the search for love. Very Funny my type of story. 5 stars.
May 19, 2012
I don’t usually read speculative fiction but I’m glad that I downloaded Not Before Bed. This is a collection of short stories from the fabulously twisted mind of Craig Hallam!
There are plenty of great stories to entertain you on a cold, dark night. I enjoyed reading each and every one of them, though my favourites are Laughter on the Landing, Sarah and the Monster, Lovecraft and Albert. I like it when you can read a collection of short stories and have so many good ones to try to pick the best from.
Once I had started each story I had to read to the end. One of the longest stories in the collection is – Albert. I thought it was an excellent narrative tale that draws you into his world. Craig’s writing brings each story to life.
Well done, Craig. I look forward to reading new stories and your debut novel.
There are plenty of great stories to entertain you on a cold, dark night. I enjoyed reading each and every one of them, though my favourites are Laughter on the Landing, Sarah and the Monster, Lovecraft and Albert. I like it when you can read a collection of short stories and have so many good ones to try to pick the best from.
Once I had started each story I had to read to the end. One of the longest stories in the collection is – Albert. I thought it was an excellent narrative tale that draws you into his world. Craig’s writing brings each story to life.
Well done, Craig. I look forward to reading new stories and your debut novel.
March 3, 2015
I don’t usually read speculative fiction but I’m glad that I downloaded Not Before Bed. This is a collection of short stories from the fabulously twisted mind of Craig Hallam!
There are plenty of great stories to entertain you on a cold, dark night. I enjoyed reading each and every one of them, though my favourites are Laughter on the Landing, Sarah and the Monster, Lovecraft and Albert. I like it when you can read a collection of short stories and have so many good ones to try to pick the best from.
Once I had started each story I had to read to the end. One of the longest stories in the collection is – Albert. I thought it was an excellent narrative tale that draws you into his world. Craig’s writing brings each story to life.
Well done, Craig. I look forward to reading your new novel.
There are plenty of great stories to entertain you on a cold, dark night. I enjoyed reading each and every one of them, though my favourites are Laughter on the Landing, Sarah and the Monster, Lovecraft and Albert. I like it when you can read a collection of short stories and have so many good ones to try to pick the best from.
Once I had started each story I had to read to the end. One of the longest stories in the collection is – Albert. I thought it was an excellent narrative tale that draws you into his world. Craig’s writing brings each story to life.
Well done, Craig. I look forward to reading your new novel.
December 21, 2011
Hallam’s collection of short tales is delightfully chilling. I do not agree with the title though. These are exactly the stories to read just before bed (teens to adults only.) In fact, I can picture a group of campers sitting around the fire, while one reads the stories out loud. Or even better, a group of girls at a slumber party, sitting together as the host reads the stories and then watches as every little sound makes someone in the group jump.
It is obvious that Hallam has a knack for stringing just the right words together to build suspense before throwing in a twist or quirk that allows for even more impact at the climax. I am delighted to add this book to my collection.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway.
It is obvious that Hallam has a knack for stringing just the right words together to build suspense before throwing in a twist or quirk that allows for even more impact at the climax. I am delighted to add this book to my collection.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway.
May 6, 2011
OMG - From the first word I was hooked. Quite a semblance of "tales from the darksidesque" stories to definitely not read before bedtime. Each story stands on its own. Very well written and delivered. I feel I should be paying for this collection. I would definitely read more from this author. Great job.
November 13, 2011
*****THIS WAS A GOODREADS.COM FIRST READ CONTEST WIN!******
This was an interesting short story read. I would of gave it five stars but it was just not scary enough for me. lol
*****THIS WAS A GOODREADS.COM FIRST READ CONTEST WIN!******
This was an interesting short story read. I would of gave it five stars but it was just not scary enough for me. lol
*****THIS WAS A GOODREADS.COM FIRST READ CONTEST WIN!******
April 3, 2015
I have been reading this off and on for a long time. OK book.
December 12, 2012
I'll be keeping this promising horror writer on my read list.
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