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A Pantheon of Thieves and Other Weird Tales
Find Obsession. Find Madness. Find Worship.From the gothic imagination of Coy Hall comes A Pantheon of Thieves, a collection of eight horror tales that travel realms of the weird and uncanny. Here gods of memory, pain, and deceit hold a wicked blood court. Here gods open their eyes like a bright moon veiled in smoke. Here the gods of the dead, the gods of metamorphosis, and the gods of nightmare stand hopeful for unwary travelers.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2023
11 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Coy Hall
36 books242 followersCoy Hall lives in West Virginia, where he splits time as a professor of history and author. His books include Grimoire of the Four Impostors (2021), The Hangman Feeds the Jackal: A Gothic Western (2022), The Promise of Plague Wolves (2023), and A Séance for Wicked King Death (2023).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 18, 2023
I was familiar with Coy Hall’s work prior to this book, having read Grimoire of the Four Impostors, his collection of interwoven stories. As such, I was excited about A Pantheon of Thieves and Other Weird Tales.
Here are my thoughts on the individual pieces:
Night of the Rat’s Nest begins in 1918, and Hall creates a strong a sense of place amidst the genuine horrors of the Second Battle of the Marne. The main character is John Black Elk, a Lakota man drafted into a war he (reasonably) wants nothing to do with. Near the beginning, he thinks to himself “I’m losing my mind,” which foreshadows the Weird elements to come and calls into question the reliability of the narrator. The bulk of the plot occurs after the battle; Black Elk has returned home and strange things begin to seep into his reality. A poignant World War I era story, and a powerful start to the book.
The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund brings the reader to Europe in the 1300s, where we meet Fitzgibbon, a man who has lost his family to the Black Death. The plague has drawn wolves to the village, and one of them in particular (the titular she-wolf) has an interesting experience in store for the MC. This story is just dripping with grotesque imagery, perhaps a bit much for my personal tastes, but it worked well on a technical level. I thought the ending was brilliant, as it shattered my expectations of what was leading up to it, without appearing cheap or gimmicky.
Hour of the Cat’s Eye reminded me of the stories from Grimoire of the Four Imposters. And while it’s one of my favorites, I’m finding it harder to describe. It’s the type of story that seems more about the experience of reading it than about the plot itself. The language is immersive, and the balance of historical setting with dark fantasy elements (a trademark of this author) is well done. I could not guess Tristram’s fate, and the narrative drive kept me turning the pages.
A Pantheon of Thieves brings us into a more modern era than the previous stories, the U.S., in the 1980s. Not only does it deviate from the older type of settings we’ve come to expect, it also brings a marked shift in tone; I consider this a good thing, as I prefer short story collections with variety. Overall, a unique story that combines SF-tinged psychic powers with the general feel of an old EC Comics story. Pulpy and fun (albeit in a horrifying way), it truly embraces the Weird Tales part of the book’s title.
Undead Hellcats is a short, punchy tale that brings to mind Harlan Ellison’s stories of 1950s juvenile delinquents from The Deadly Streets. It was very entertaining and had a darkly cruel ending, but I think Hall’s style works best when it has more room to breathe. Ultimately, a solid piece that would be stronger on its own, had I not read it alongside the rest.
The Frost Giant: Night of the Rat’s Nest II is absolutely the most surprising inclusion here, and also one that begs for a reread at some point. This is science fiction with a tinge of Lovecraftian horror, brimming with ideas and complete with an unsettling, futuristic atmosphere. The prose is strong, among the best I’ve read from an indie writer. One part that stood out for me was the description of the lush forests of Alta Sub-Four juxtaposed against the cityscapes. I admit some of the plot was lost on me, but I loved the tone and world-building. It would be wonderful to see Coy Hall take this story as a sketchpad and expand it into a dark Space Opera saga.
Wasp Wing showcases the author’s skills at character development. Dani is a sympathetic character, and I rooted for her as she went through this harrowing experience. I really got a strong sense of who she was and became invested in her internal struggles. Of course, it’s not without its own Weird elements and an empowering spin on a body horror trope.
Scourge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein is the longest piece in the book, more novelette than short story. Classification aside, I liked it so much that when I finished, I skimmed through from the beginning to see it in a new light. The characters are well written with realistic personalities, and the interactions between them carried the story. An enjoyable reimagining and a satisfying conclusion to the book.
In this collection, Coy Hall displays his strength for combining historical fiction with horrific elements, while also showing his willingness to expand into other styles. It will be interesting to see where his literary career takes him next.
Here are my thoughts on the individual pieces:
Night of the Rat’s Nest begins in 1918, and Hall creates a strong a sense of place amidst the genuine horrors of the Second Battle of the Marne. The main character is John Black Elk, a Lakota man drafted into a war he (reasonably) wants nothing to do with. Near the beginning, he thinks to himself “I’m losing my mind,” which foreshadows the Weird elements to come and calls into question the reliability of the narrator. The bulk of the plot occurs after the battle; Black Elk has returned home and strange things begin to seep into his reality. A poignant World War I era story, and a powerful start to the book.
The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund brings the reader to Europe in the 1300s, where we meet Fitzgibbon, a man who has lost his family to the Black Death. The plague has drawn wolves to the village, and one of them in particular (the titular she-wolf) has an interesting experience in store for the MC. This story is just dripping with grotesque imagery, perhaps a bit much for my personal tastes, but it worked well on a technical level. I thought the ending was brilliant, as it shattered my expectations of what was leading up to it, without appearing cheap or gimmicky.
Hour of the Cat’s Eye reminded me of the stories from Grimoire of the Four Imposters. And while it’s one of my favorites, I’m finding it harder to describe. It’s the type of story that seems more about the experience of reading it than about the plot itself. The language is immersive, and the balance of historical setting with dark fantasy elements (a trademark of this author) is well done. I could not guess Tristram’s fate, and the narrative drive kept me turning the pages.
A Pantheon of Thieves brings us into a more modern era than the previous stories, the U.S., in the 1980s. Not only does it deviate from the older type of settings we’ve come to expect, it also brings a marked shift in tone; I consider this a good thing, as I prefer short story collections with variety. Overall, a unique story that combines SF-tinged psychic powers with the general feel of an old EC Comics story. Pulpy and fun (albeit in a horrifying way), it truly embraces the Weird Tales part of the book’s title.
Undead Hellcats is a short, punchy tale that brings to mind Harlan Ellison’s stories of 1950s juvenile delinquents from The Deadly Streets. It was very entertaining and had a darkly cruel ending, but I think Hall’s style works best when it has more room to breathe. Ultimately, a solid piece that would be stronger on its own, had I not read it alongside the rest.
The Frost Giant: Night of the Rat’s Nest II is absolutely the most surprising inclusion here, and also one that begs for a reread at some point. This is science fiction with a tinge of Lovecraftian horror, brimming with ideas and complete with an unsettling, futuristic atmosphere. The prose is strong, among the best I’ve read from an indie writer. One part that stood out for me was the description of the lush forests of Alta Sub-Four juxtaposed against the cityscapes. I admit some of the plot was lost on me, but I loved the tone and world-building. It would be wonderful to see Coy Hall take this story as a sketchpad and expand it into a dark Space Opera saga.
Wasp Wing showcases the author’s skills at character development. Dani is a sympathetic character, and I rooted for her as she went through this harrowing experience. I really got a strong sense of who she was and became invested in her internal struggles. Of course, it’s not without its own Weird elements and an empowering spin on a body horror trope.
Scourge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein is the longest piece in the book, more novelette than short story. Classification aside, I liked it so much that when I finished, I skimmed through from the beginning to see it in a new light. The characters are well written with realistic personalities, and the interactions between them carried the story. An enjoyable reimagining and a satisfying conclusion to the book.
In this collection, Coy Hall displays his strength for combining historical fiction with horrific elements, while also showing his willingness to expand into other styles. It will be interesting to see where his literary career takes him next.
June 10, 2023
“A Pantheon of Thieves” was a collection of historical tales ranging in tone, style, and substance by Coy Hall. The most unique aspect of this collection is the diversity! Each story is totally different in various ways from the next one-the only common element is Hall’s knowledge of history. He used vivid storytelling with detailed descriptions that bring the scene to life in the reader's mind.
I love how he incorporated many historical elements in these stories: suffering from an infection, the black plague, open motor cars, heating iron pots in a fireplace, and soldiers. Each story gives the reader a different experience.
The collection includes eight stories:
The Night of the Rats’ Nest is a highly atmospheric cosmic horror story. The tension was palpable.
The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund story was set during the black plague with an ending that I did not expect.
Hour of the Cat’s Eye - This story centered around song- great atmosphere in the small village, and descriptions of his wounded leg. I loved this one. There was constant creepiness.
A Pantheon of Thieves. I had a hard time following this story.
Undead Hellcats- WOW! This one was action-packed, and a lot was happening. I would have liked this one to be a bit longer.
The Frost Giant: Night of the Rats Nest II. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Wasp Wing was chilling and atmospheric. Another one I loved!!
Scrounge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein dropped me into medieval times. I adored this story.
The ones that stood out for me were: Hour of the Cat’s Eye, Undead Hellcats, The Frost Giant: Night of the Rats Nest, Wasp Thing, and Scrouge of the Flesh Devil.
Read
May 19, 2023One of the first things I must say is that every time I pick up a book by Coy Hall I do so with confidence because I know it'll be great. A Pantheon of Thieves was no exception.
The opening story, Night of the Rats' Nest, took a few pages before something clicked, but that something was worth waiting for. So immersive! This one has stayed with me and will do for some time, I'm sure.
Another favourite of mine was Wasp Wing, possibly because the POV was female, or possibly because the metamorphosis elements were so well portrayed.
The final story, Scourge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein was another favorite of mine. The setting felt so tangible that I'm sure Coy Hall is a reincarnation of someone from Medieval times.
Great imagery throughout, dark endings that spare no mercy, and a surreal feel that could match any of the great weird fiction writers.
The range here is wide, but the voice is unmistakably that of Coy Hall.
The opening story, Night of the Rats' Nest, took a few pages before something clicked, but that something was worth waiting for. So immersive! This one has stayed with me and will do for some time, I'm sure.
Another favourite of mine was Wasp Wing, possibly because the POV was female, or possibly because the metamorphosis elements were so well portrayed.
The final story, Scourge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein was another favorite of mine. The setting felt so tangible that I'm sure Coy Hall is a reincarnation of someone from Medieval times.
Great imagery throughout, dark endings that spare no mercy, and a surreal feel that could match any of the great weird fiction writers.
The range here is wide, but the voice is unmistakably that of Coy Hall.
June 10, 2023
It's clear to me that Coy Hall is an author to keep your eyes peeled open for. If you're not signed on to Amazon updates for his work, perhaps you should go on ahead and correct that. This collection of horror and weird tales gives great insight to his unique skill set. Each story is the perfect length, and the whole book could be read in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed each tale, Night of the Rats' Nest, and it's sequel, The Frost Giant, being my favorites. And Scourge of the Flesh Devil! A Frankenstein tale, just brilliant. Highly recommended short tales collection penned by an amazing author.
May 16, 2023
Extraordinary!
This is a stunning collection, and Hall's prose is nothing less than exquisite. I enjoyed all these stories, but my favorites were "Night of the Rats' Nest," "A Pantheon of Thieves," and "Hour of the Cat's Eye." This is one you do not want to miss. Highly recommended!
This is a stunning collection, and Hall's prose is nothing less than exquisite. I enjoyed all these stories, but my favorites were "Night of the Rats' Nest," "A Pantheon of Thieves," and "Hour of the Cat's Eye." This is one you do not want to miss. Highly recommended!
June 28, 2023
What a collection. Hall creates historical horrors that feel urgent. He's a master at creating a mood of foreboding and terror. Five stars, obviously.
May 26, 2023
Some thoughts on each story.
NIGHT OF THE RATS' NEST: A tense beginning sets the tone perfectly for what's to come. There was a real trapped and hopeless feeling throughout this. I appreciated all the unsettling contrasts and comparisons that were effortlessly executed, the scurrying around in the mud, the devastation, the unknowing. Such a great start.
5 stars.
THE SHE-WOLF AND SAINT EDMUND: There was a sort of low, snarling pace feeling around this one , a real sense of treading dangerous territory with an inevitable outcome. Lots of nice touches. A little delirium, a little hope. Good stuff.
5 stars.
HOUR OF THE CAT'S EYE: A clever, well placed story in this collection. Loved the weave around the songs. Very cool. A real thought provoking ending, too.
5 stars.
A PANTHEON OF THIEVES: The title track of this collection felt a little disjointed compared to the rest, and even though I was left a little confused, it still felt like it belonged to be there.
4 stars.
UNDEAD HELLCATS: The dread at times in this one. Ooft. Would have loved this story to be longer.
Solid 4 Stars.
THE FROST GIANT: NIGHT OF THE RATS' NEST II: This one had me gripped from the start. Coy Hall really knows how to throw you right into the thick of it.
5 stars.
WASP WING: Again, I have to say the placement of these stories are spot on. This one had my emotions in a bit of a squeeze, made me feel a little claustrophobic. In a good way.
Superb.
5 stars.
SCOURGE OF THE FLESH DEVIL: A TALE OF FRANKENSTEIN: The final story wrapped the whole book up nicely. What I mean by that is this entire collection feels almost like a single, bizarre short novel.
5 stars again.
Favourite collection of the year so far.
Check it out.
NIGHT OF THE RATS' NEST: A tense beginning sets the tone perfectly for what's to come. There was a real trapped and hopeless feeling throughout this. I appreciated all the unsettling contrasts and comparisons that were effortlessly executed, the scurrying around in the mud, the devastation, the unknowing. Such a great start.
5 stars.
THE SHE-WOLF AND SAINT EDMUND: There was a sort of low, snarling pace feeling around this one , a real sense of treading dangerous territory with an inevitable outcome. Lots of nice touches. A little delirium, a little hope. Good stuff.
5 stars.
HOUR OF THE CAT'S EYE: A clever, well placed story in this collection. Loved the weave around the songs. Very cool. A real thought provoking ending, too.
5 stars.
A PANTHEON OF THIEVES: The title track of this collection felt a little disjointed compared to the rest, and even though I was left a little confused, it still felt like it belonged to be there.
4 stars.
UNDEAD HELLCATS: The dread at times in this one. Ooft. Would have loved this story to be longer.
Solid 4 Stars.
THE FROST GIANT: NIGHT OF THE RATS' NEST II: This one had me gripped from the start. Coy Hall really knows how to throw you right into the thick of it.
5 stars.
WASP WING: Again, I have to say the placement of these stories are spot on. This one had my emotions in a bit of a squeeze, made me feel a little claustrophobic. In a good way.
Superb.
5 stars.
SCOURGE OF THE FLESH DEVIL: A TALE OF FRANKENSTEIN: The final story wrapped the whole book up nicely. What I mean by that is this entire collection feels almost like a single, bizarre short novel.
5 stars again.
Favourite collection of the year so far.
Check it out.
May 16, 2023
An outstanding collection that sows seeds of excitement for the future of an immensely talented writer. Only Hall could bring you eight strange and weird tales, which would have you feeling as though you have travelled back in time to read pulp magazines in the 1950s. It's a skill of pure immersion that few can hope to accomplish, yet Coy Hall's love of history collides with a vivid imagination to achieve just that. Opening with "Night of the Rats' Nest," we have a cosmic horror set during (and just after) WWI which is a work of wonder and dread which ties in nicely with a future anthology The Scythian Wolf (publisher) is set to release. Let me move quickly forward to story six, "The Frost Giant: Night of the Rats' Nest II," for obvious reasons. Hall shows a love of science fiction with this one, and I can safely say it shines through because not only is it my favourite story in the collection, but perhaps my favourite bit of writing from this author. Hall has alluded to writing sci-fi going forward, and this story has me extremely excited about it. Story number three, "Hour of the Cat's Eye," runs it close as I found it to be breathtaking with regards to the creeping dread I felt throughout. Overall each story has the incredible depth of research and knowledge we are accustomed to with Coy Hall, and are all highly entertaining and polished.This collection would serve as a great introduction to the author, and no doubt have you seeking out his other work in quick time. From WWI to other worlds, to a fascinating reimagining of Frankenstein, this cements Hall's place as a must-read author.
June 6, 2023
A PANTHEON OF THIEVES AND OTHER WEIRD TALES is a phenomenal collection of eight short stories that brilliantly covers a wide spectrum from historical horror to science fiction. Hall is a great craftsman at telling a tale and his prose is exquisite, especially in his descriptions of the grotesque. My personal favorite stories were A PANTHEON OF THIEVES, NIGHT OF THE RATS' NEST and WASP WING. This book comes highly recommended and would be an excellent introduction to the wonderful work of the author.
May 29, 2023
For me, this was an enjoyable collection of fairly-short tales that represent a few different modes of grim storytelling quite well. In particular, I'd say that fans of cosmic and gothic horror, as well as those who enjoy period pieces with intriguing doses of historical elements and context will likely find a lot to like in this collection.
Admittedly, some of the tales struck me as a bit vague or abrupt in spots, making them feel almost skeletal, as if they were fragments hinting at larger, untold stories, but even these were well-crafted and robust enough to be reasonably satisfying despite their brevity. I also appreciated the use of some recurring themes and imagery that helped to tie many of the stories together and make them feel like fitting parts of the collection as a whole while being largely self-contained.
Ultimately, I'd say it's a testament to Hall's talent that my biggest recurring complaint regarding "A Pantheon of Thieves" is that it occasionally left me wanting more.
Admittedly, some of the tales struck me as a bit vague or abrupt in spots, making them feel almost skeletal, as if they were fragments hinting at larger, untold stories, but even these were well-crafted and robust enough to be reasonably satisfying despite their brevity. I also appreciated the use of some recurring themes and imagery that helped to tie many of the stories together and make them feel like fitting parts of the collection as a whole while being largely self-contained.
Ultimately, I'd say it's a testament to Hall's talent that my biggest recurring complaint regarding "A Pantheon of Thieves" is that it occasionally left me wanting more.
June 2, 2023
A fine collection that saves the best for last
Coy Hall's short fiction runs the gammet from contemporary weird tales, to sci-fi horror, to historical folk horror...and it's in this latter that the author's passion shines brightest, with his background as a history professor embuing the tales with a richly atmospheric spookiness that put me in mind of old Hammer horror films...and sure enough, as I began the final novelette, I found myself going, "Hang on...Is this a tale of *that* iteration of that famous character?" Imagine the grin of wicked glee that spread across my face as the answer "yes" became unmistakably apparent. Suffice to say, I devoured the rest of the story with a James Bernard film score playing in my head.
Coy Hall's short fiction runs the gammet from contemporary weird tales, to sci-fi horror, to historical folk horror...and it's in this latter that the author's passion shines brightest, with his background as a history professor embuing the tales with a richly atmospheric spookiness that put me in mind of old Hammer horror films...and sure enough, as I began the final novelette, I found myself going, "Hang on...Is this a tale of *that* iteration of that famous character?" Imagine the grin of wicked glee that spread across my face as the answer "yes" became unmistakably apparent. Suffice to say, I devoured the rest of the story with a James Bernard film score playing in my head.
June 6, 2023
Coy Hall never disappoints. The 8 stories contained herein are wonderfully eclectic in setting, but all manage to convey the same brooding feeling of dread. Medieval nightmares to more modern tales of the occult to science fiction. No one is better at writing historical fiction than Coy Hall. Standout stories for me include Hour of the Cat’s Eye and Scourge of the Flesh Devils, in which we get an extension of the Frankenstein tale, but there’s not a dull story in the book. In the hands of Coy Hall, one can’t help but feel they are in the hands of a developing master of horror. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
May 29, 2023
The best short stories are not short at all; they linger in the mind long after your eye has read the final line. They stand out and apart, as different from other stories as Tiffany glass from flat stained glass. They ripple and have movement. Read these stories at your delight and peril. You may think you will only read them once; but you may find yourself going back to re-read them. When the eye of the moon has closed, the villagers have gone home, the wasp and the rat have nested---you will still hear the beating of a heart under the floorboards.
August 7, 2023
This is the first I’ve read of Coy Hall’s work, but I thought very highly of it. A truly great collection. Spooky, with scads of atmosphere.
May 26, 2025
A funny thing, there - Coy Hall claims to be a historian, a professor of history, no less, and yet some of his stories contain basic historical mistakes, of the kind I'd expect from a high school student, maybe. A landsknecht in Thirty Years' War expected to carry identity papers? A peasant in an outback German village fluent in English folk songs? Another German outback village in early 1800s (apparently) where all the good people have English names? Spare me, please. These are failures of knowledge and concept.
Still, I readily admit the man has imagination. Sadly, besides the factual lapses, he often also lacks in writerly skills to put that which he'd imagined on paper, reaching for malapropisms when trying to sound erudite. And so, three stars is the most I can assign to this collection.
Still, I readily admit the man has imagination. Sadly, besides the factual lapses, he often also lacks in writerly skills to put that which he'd imagined on paper, reaching for malapropisms when trying to sound erudite. And so, three stars is the most I can assign to this collection.
February 7, 2024
Hall serves up a fascinating collection of horrors spanning multiple genres. Included are stories of Elder Gods, parapsychology, Gothic horror, zombies, metamorphosis, and even a deliciously grotesque sequel to Frankenstein. It's a wonderfully eclectic mix of deviant delights that illustrates Hall's versatility as a writer. Recommended!
February 17, 2024
This author always leaves me wanting & looking for more! Been reading up on Magdeburg ever since.
November 7, 2023
Awesome collection of Horror Short stories. Great stories well told.
May 16, 2023
Once upon a time, I got curious about the source book for Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO. More than anything, I wanted to know how author Robert Bloch had done the infamous shower sequence. He didn't have camera angles and flashy editing or the suggestion of Janet Leigh's naked body, so how was the experience going to be comparable? Don't worry. I'm not going to spoil it for you. All I want to say is that when I got to the end of reading the shower scene in Bloch's PSYCHO, I let out a noise that was something between a laugh and a scream. Folks, I made the same sound while reading "The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund" by Coy Hall.
That's just one of the stories in a book that manages to feel like it could have been written by multiple authors and yet has a single, controlling intelligence. You want genres? We got historical fiction, we got sci fi, we got hardboiled crime, and all of them painted with the tickling brush of Horror. Disturbing images appear and reappear throughout. There's a sense of almost invisible continuity spanning across both time and space. I can't do the experience sufficient justice. Readers familiar with Hall's previous work will not be disappointed. Newcomers are in for a treat.
There are eight stories in all and I want to give each of them their due:
"Night of the Rats' Nest" is a tale of cosmic horror set in the aftermath of the First World War. Hall generates menace like he's supposed to do in a story like this but I also appreciated how fully realized the main character came off in just a scant few pages.
"The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund" has a delicious Brothers Grimm quality to it. Hall can make a folk tale that has a truly timeless feel.
"Hour of the Cat's Eye" put me in mind of Michael Moorcock's THE WARHOUND AND THE WORLD's Pain and the film THE WICKER MAN. Hall's in his comfort zone here. I thought the ending was especially strong. Enjoy the ride.
"A Pantheon of Thieves" deals in telepathy, necromancy, and weird science. As ever, Hall delivers the gory goods. There's also a sense that we're getting closer to a cosmic truth hinted at in the first story in the collection, but do we really want to know?
"Undead Hellcats" is either a crime story dipped in horror tropes or it's a horror story told by a professional crime writer. I'll let someone else figure it out. The narrator's voice is a great performance. Lesson: Never bet against Hall when he feels like spreading his wings.
"The Frost Giant" is the only story in the book that could be dubbed science fiction. I don't say this lightly: In another era, I think it would have been a good fit for an anthology edited by Harlan Ellison. It's akin to Robert Silverberg's work. I liked it a lot and I hope Hall does more in the genre.
"Wasp Wing" is an intriguing story of metamorphosis and trauma. Is it the seed of a larger work to come? Beats me, but it impressed me in a similar way that the first story did with its lush language and vivid characterization.
"Scourge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein" delivers exactly what the title promises. We get the continuing adventures of the Shelley's Doctor and he hasn't learned a damned thing. It's a fun story and ends the collection on a wicked high note.
I want to close this review with my favorite quote from the book: "God smelled like woodsmoke and rotten meat." I mean, what more could you need, people? Get yourself a copy and start reading now.
That's just one of the stories in a book that manages to feel like it could have been written by multiple authors and yet has a single, controlling intelligence. You want genres? We got historical fiction, we got sci fi, we got hardboiled crime, and all of them painted with the tickling brush of Horror. Disturbing images appear and reappear throughout. There's a sense of almost invisible continuity spanning across both time and space. I can't do the experience sufficient justice. Readers familiar with Hall's previous work will not be disappointed. Newcomers are in for a treat.
There are eight stories in all and I want to give each of them their due:
"Night of the Rats' Nest" is a tale of cosmic horror set in the aftermath of the First World War. Hall generates menace like he's supposed to do in a story like this but I also appreciated how fully realized the main character came off in just a scant few pages.
"The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund" has a delicious Brothers Grimm quality to it. Hall can make a folk tale that has a truly timeless feel.
"Hour of the Cat's Eye" put me in mind of Michael Moorcock's THE WARHOUND AND THE WORLD's Pain and the film THE WICKER MAN. Hall's in his comfort zone here. I thought the ending was especially strong. Enjoy the ride.
"A Pantheon of Thieves" deals in telepathy, necromancy, and weird science. As ever, Hall delivers the gory goods. There's also a sense that we're getting closer to a cosmic truth hinted at in the first story in the collection, but do we really want to know?
"Undead Hellcats" is either a crime story dipped in horror tropes or it's a horror story told by a professional crime writer. I'll let someone else figure it out. The narrator's voice is a great performance. Lesson: Never bet against Hall when he feels like spreading his wings.
"The Frost Giant" is the only story in the book that could be dubbed science fiction. I don't say this lightly: In another era, I think it would have been a good fit for an anthology edited by Harlan Ellison. It's akin to Robert Silverberg's work. I liked it a lot and I hope Hall does more in the genre.
"Wasp Wing" is an intriguing story of metamorphosis and trauma. Is it the seed of a larger work to come? Beats me, but it impressed me in a similar way that the first story did with its lush language and vivid characterization.
"Scourge of the Flesh Devil: A Tale of Frankenstein" delivers exactly what the title promises. We get the continuing adventures of the Shelley's Doctor and he hasn't learned a damned thing. It's a fun story and ends the collection on a wicked high note.
I want to close this review with my favorite quote from the book: "God smelled like woodsmoke and rotten meat." I mean, what more could you need, people? Get yourself a copy and start reading now.
June 23, 2023
Coy Hall is a writer who does things differently. His treatment of weird horror - and horror in general - is a refreshing change from others in the genre which tend to tread the same paths. Blending historical elements and intelligent writing, he always provides an entertaining story and I have loved all those he has done before. In this collection, The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund, Hour of the Cat's Eye and Scourge of the Flesh Devil were particular favourites.
As a storyteller, you'll be hard pressed to find a better.
As a storyteller, you'll be hard pressed to find a better.
July 17, 2023
I devoured this in a single sitting. An excellent read!
Coy is particularly adept at exploring fascinating historical narratives while also firmly grounding his stories in authentic characters. Characters that live and breathe, even in stories as short as "The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund"—a glorious tale of medieval horror.
This truly is a sweeping anthology—within just eight tales, Coy traverses immense historical and human terrain. Well worth your time if you're looking for a short story collection. It's worth it even if you're not!
Personal favourite: Hour of the Cat's Eye.
Coy is particularly adept at exploring fascinating historical narratives while also firmly grounding his stories in authentic characters. Characters that live and breathe, even in stories as short as "The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund"—a glorious tale of medieval horror.
This truly is a sweeping anthology—within just eight tales, Coy traverses immense historical and human terrain. Well worth your time if you're looking for a short story collection. It's worth it even if you're not!
Personal favourite: Hour of the Cat's Eye.
July 3, 2023
Coy Hall can write. Plain and simple. His knowledge of history and his ability to weave that knowledge into entertaining stories combine to form an amazing collection. The opening story, “The Night of the Rat’s Nest”, is a cosmic horror story set in the aftermath of WWI, where there is no hiding from your fate. Each tale following takes you to a different place and a different nightmare. “Wasp Wing” is my personal favorite, but there’s only excellence throughout.
June 13, 2023
Another great book from Coy Hall! This collection is filled with thick atmosphere and sense of dread around every corner. The way Coy tells each story is so vivid. You can feel characters own madness within them and with how the world around them is viewed! Coy is one of the greats! Keep them coming!!!
October 27, 2023
This was an experience. I felt pulled back in time to a world without modern conveniences, steeped in lore, in gothic beauty and misery, and so much blood and death. Coy Hall's collection of short stories is absolutely breathtaking. My favorite story is The She-Wolf and Saint Edmund, but they are all SO GOOD! This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Excellent job on this one.
June 1, 2023
A person can pick up ANY Coy Hall book and 100% know they will be getting an excellent read. This book was no different, I loved it. I think my favourite story might have been Undead Hellcat but it was a very difficult choice to make because each one was exceptional. Real quality and depth
November 10, 2025
DNF after 4 of the stories and didn't enjoy any of them.
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