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Secret Faces
“If you are hiding from yourself, don’t expect anyone else to see you.”
Everyone has a secret. Everyone is someone else when the world isn't looking. Sometimes that person is good, sometimes that person is not. In Bram Stoker Award-winning author Kealan Patrick Burke's latest terrifying collection of short stories, you'll meet thirteen people who discover the horror of what happens when those secret faces are removed and the true darkness that dwells within us all is unleashed.
Table of Contents:
Home
Stalled
The End of Us
The Red Light is Blinking
Mother/Nature
I’m Not There
Memory Lane
Terminal
Forced Entry
The Quiet
The One Night of the Year
Pig
Hoarder
With an introduction and story notes by the author.
Everyone has a secret. Everyone is someone else when the world isn't looking. Sometimes that person is good, sometimes that person is not. In Bram Stoker Award-winning author Kealan Patrick Burke's latest terrifying collection of short stories, you'll meet thirteen people who discover the horror of what happens when those secret faces are removed and the true darkness that dwells within us all is unleashed.
Table of Contents:
Home
Stalled
The End of Us
The Red Light is Blinking
Mother/Nature
I’m Not There
Memory Lane
Terminal
Forced Entry
The Quiet
The One Night of the Year
Pig
Hoarder
With an introduction and story notes by the author.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2016
21 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Kealan Patrick Burke
195 books2,343 followersHailed by Booklist as “one of the most clever and original talents in contemporary horror,” Kealan Patrick Burke was born and raised in Ireland and emigrated to the United States a few weeks before 9/11.
Since then, he has written six novels, among them the popular southern gothic Kin, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, many of which are in various stages of development for film/TV.
In 2005, Burke won the Bram Stoker Award for his coming-of-age novella The Turtle Boy, the first book in the acclaimed Timmy Quinn series.
As editor, he helmed the anthologies Night Visions 12, Taverns of the Dead, and Quietly Now, a tribute anthology to one of Burke’s influences, the late Charles L. Grant.
More recently, he wrote the screenplays for Sour Candy (based on his novella), and the remake of the iconic horror film The Changeling (1980), for the original film's producer, Joel B. Michaels.
He also adapted Sour Candy as a graphic novel for John Carpenter's Night Terrors.
His most recent release is Cottonmouth, a prequel to Kin. The Widows of Winding Gale, a maritime horror novel set in Ireland, is due for release in October as a signed limited edition from Earthling Publications.
Kealan is represented by Valarie Phillips at Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
He lives in Ohio with a Scooby Doo lookalike rescue named Red.
Since then, he has written six novels, among them the popular southern gothic Kin, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, many of which are in various stages of development for film/TV.
In 2005, Burke won the Bram Stoker Award for his coming-of-age novella The Turtle Boy, the first book in the acclaimed Timmy Quinn series.
As editor, he helmed the anthologies Night Visions 12, Taverns of the Dead, and Quietly Now, a tribute anthology to one of Burke’s influences, the late Charles L. Grant.
More recently, he wrote the screenplays for Sour Candy (based on his novella), and the remake of the iconic horror film The Changeling (1980), for the original film's producer, Joel B. Michaels.
He also adapted Sour Candy as a graphic novel for John Carpenter's Night Terrors.
His most recent release is Cottonmouth, a prequel to Kin. The Widows of Winding Gale, a maritime horror novel set in Ireland, is due for release in October as a signed limited edition from Earthling Publications.
Kealan is represented by Valarie Phillips at Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
He lives in Ohio with a Scooby Doo lookalike rescue named Red.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 6, 2016
“…I figure if you’re here with me now, then clearly we share some common interests, not the least of which is an appreciation of blunt force fiction.” - KPB
Secret Faces is a very well done collection of shorts from one of the masters of dark fiction. Kealan seems to thrive in the short format and it is definitely on display here.
HOME - Callum Dover is having a “Once in a Lifetime” day.
STALLED – A bad time for the Hershey squirts.
THE END OF US – The world, despite its own ugliness is not built to support the ugly.
THE RED LIGHT IS BLINKING –Internet trolls all covered in Mountain Dew and Doritios. Aren’t they always?
MOTHER/NATURE – Trees gone wild. Take the seed and run.
I'M NOT THERE – Can you see me now? How about now?
MEMORY LANE – Wetting the whistle for the upcoming Cassandra Quinn novel. It’s wetted.
TERMINAL – I hate airline terminals. So does Adam, but he has more skin in the game than I do.
FORCED ENTRY – Eloise in the old folks home. Waiting for “them.”
THE QUIET – The punishment fits the crime.
THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR – The yearly Halloween ritual with Rufus.
PIG – Let’s hop in a chat room.
HOARDER – The Art of selling cleaning products.
It has taken me a long time to develop an appreciation for stories in the shorter format (and I still do struggle on occasion), but I have to wonder sometimes why some authors make it so easy for me. KPB is definitely one of those. A solid 4.5 Stars and Highly Recommended.
Secret Faces is a very well done collection of shorts from one of the masters of dark fiction. Kealan seems to thrive in the short format and it is definitely on display here.
HOME - Callum Dover is having a “Once in a Lifetime” day.
STALLED – A bad time for the Hershey squirts.
THE END OF US – The world, despite its own ugliness is not built to support the ugly.
THE RED LIGHT IS BLINKING –Internet trolls all covered in Mountain Dew and Doritios. Aren’t they always?
MOTHER/NATURE – Trees gone wild. Take the seed and run.
I'M NOT THERE – Can you see me now? How about now?
MEMORY LANE – Wetting the whistle for the upcoming Cassandra Quinn novel. It’s wetted.
TERMINAL – I hate airline terminals. So does Adam, but he has more skin in the game than I do.
FORCED ENTRY – Eloise in the old folks home. Waiting for “them.”
THE QUIET – The punishment fits the crime.
THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR – The yearly Halloween ritual with Rufus.
PIG – Let’s hop in a chat room.
HOARDER – The Art of selling cleaning products.
It has taken me a long time to develop an appreciation for stories in the shorter format (and I still do struggle on occasion), but I have to wonder sometimes why some authors make it so easy for me. KPB is definitely one of those. A solid 4.5 Stars and Highly Recommended.
May 24, 2016
It is no secret than Kealan Patrick Burke is on my very short list of "must read" authors. In fact that list gets shorter all the time. I literally purchase every book I see his name on, often before even reading the description. The reason for that is simple. I have enjoyed everything he has ever written. Secret faces included.
All 13 stories were good, some were exceptionally good. The ones that had the most impact for me were the following.
The first story "Home" about a man who rushes home during a storm for his daughter's 16th birthday only to find something obviously amiss with the celebration, had me almost scared to turn the page.
In "Stalled" a man's urgent need to find a bathroom has dire consequences.
"The Red Light Is Blinking" is the story of revenge against internet trolls. For best enjoyment crack open a bag of Doritos while you read.
In the story "I'm Not There" a man loses his reflection...and discovers how to get it back.
In "Memory Lane" a quick trip to the store for milk goes sour.
"Terminal" is every nightmare you've ever had about an airport.
A father regrets not listening when he had the chance, in "Quiet"
"The One Night Of The Year" is of course a tale of Halloween, and "Hoarder" is an excellent story of a salesman who attempts to sell cleaning products to a hoarder.
I would highly recommend this anthology for anyone who enjoys short horror stories.
All 13 stories were good, some were exceptionally good. The ones that had the most impact for me were the following.
The first story "Home" about a man who rushes home during a storm for his daughter's 16th birthday only to find something obviously amiss with the celebration, had me almost scared to turn the page.
In "Stalled" a man's urgent need to find a bathroom has dire consequences.
"The Red Light Is Blinking" is the story of revenge against internet trolls. For best enjoyment crack open a bag of Doritos while you read.
In the story "I'm Not There" a man loses his reflection...and discovers how to get it back.
In "Memory Lane" a quick trip to the store for milk goes sour.
"Terminal" is every nightmare you've ever had about an airport.
A father regrets not listening when he had the chance, in "Quiet"
"The One Night Of The Year" is of course a tale of Halloween, and "Hoarder" is an excellent story of a salesman who attempts to sell cleaning products to a hoarder.
I would highly recommend this anthology for anyone who enjoys short horror stories.
October 8, 2016
KPB is my favorite author right now. In my eyes, he can do no wrong. If horror shorts are your thing, he is the master. Below are the 13 short horror stories that make up 'Secret Faces'. Some are a slow burn and catch you off guard. Others will slap you around from the beginning and send you home crying.
HOME – Callum Dover. Family man. But is he the one they want?
STALLED – Roger finds that his last meal isn't agreeing with him. If you're like me, the last thing you want to do is stop at a gas station at night. But when your stomach has other plans, here goes nothing!
THE END OF US – When all you want is your love to come back to you, no matter the cost.
THE RED LIGHT IS BLINKING –Internet trolls, Mountain Dew, Doritos and the inability to escape the thing that got you in this predicament to begin with. Is trolling really worth it in the end?
MOTHER/NATURE – It's like The Happening during the apocalypse, except you can't trust your significant other. DON'T YOU GO NEAR THAT TREE!
I'M NOT THERE – You can see me? You sure? Because that mirror is telling me otherwise.
MEMORY LANE – But...but. Don't you know me? I come in here all the time, I think.
TERMINAL – I can't stand the TSA either. Especially when I feel like they are staring into my soul.
FORCED ENTRY – Oh, Eloise. Is this really what it looks like to get old because...nope. No thanks.
THE QUIET – This one hits like a ton of bricks, right in the feels.
THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR – YOU CAN HAVE MY HOUSE, BUT YOU AIN'T TAKIN MY DAWG.
PIG – Short, creepy, perfect.
HOARDER – Have you ever seen the show? Imagine that with a creepy, bipolar elderly woman and a Pine-Sol knockoff salesman. But instead of roaches and dead cats, something undetectable lurks.
Do yourself a favor and purchase this book.
This review and others can be found on my blog: https://readlistenreview.wordpress.com
HOME – Callum Dover. Family man. But is he the one they want?
STALLED – Roger finds that his last meal isn't agreeing with him. If you're like me, the last thing you want to do is stop at a gas station at night. But when your stomach has other plans, here goes nothing!
THE END OF US – When all you want is your love to come back to you, no matter the cost.
THE RED LIGHT IS BLINKING –Internet trolls, Mountain Dew, Doritos and the inability to escape the thing that got you in this predicament to begin with. Is trolling really worth it in the end?
MOTHER/NATURE – It's like The Happening during the apocalypse, except you can't trust your significant other. DON'T YOU GO NEAR THAT TREE!
I'M NOT THERE – You can see me? You sure? Because that mirror is telling me otherwise.
MEMORY LANE – But...but. Don't you know me? I come in here all the time, I think.
TERMINAL – I can't stand the TSA either. Especially when I feel like they are staring into my soul.
FORCED ENTRY – Oh, Eloise. Is this really what it looks like to get old because...nope. No thanks.
THE QUIET – This one hits like a ton of bricks, right in the feels.
THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR – YOU CAN HAVE MY HOUSE, BUT YOU AIN'T TAKIN MY DAWG.
PIG – Short, creepy, perfect.
HOARDER – Have you ever seen the show? Imagine that with a creepy, bipolar elderly woman and a Pine-Sol knockoff salesman. But instead of roaches and dead cats, something undetectable lurks.
Do yourself a favor and purchase this book.
This review and others can be found on my blog: https://readlistenreview.wordpress.com
April 27, 2016
KPB loves short stories and it shows. Each and every story contained within SECRET FACES is a nugget of love from this author - much like a special dish from a creative chef.
We get a special little 'extra' in this book. In the foreword, one of the things Kealan talks about are his favorite short story collections. It's a long list, one that will keep most of us happily reading for a long time if we haven't already read these.
But, SECRET FACES is the specialty on the menu tonight. Each story has a special twist and I happily flipped pages to see some new, some reprints and most I had never read. It was time and money well spent and I highly recommend this.
We get a special little 'extra' in this book. In the foreword, one of the things Kealan talks about are his favorite short story collections. It's a long list, one that will keep most of us happily reading for a long time if we haven't already read these.
But, SECRET FACES is the specialty on the menu tonight. Each story has a special twist and I happily flipped pages to see some new, some reprints and most I had never read. It was time and money well spent and I highly recommend this.
May 21, 2016
Disappointing collection of short stories from Burke. None of them wowed me and some were less than thrilling. The quality of writing is not the problem, just the payoffs for most. Not bad but not the best collection of stories from Burke. 2.5 stars bumped to 3 because of my fondness for Burke's other works.
September 9, 2020
Oh my heart. Its leaking. What is this?
From the first line of the introduction, Kealan captured my heart. I am a sucker for authors that communicate via "Dear Reader" stemming from my love of Jane Eyre and I am not too badass to admit it. Introducing us to many authors and short story collections, Kealan Patrick Burke stokes the fire under an otherwise snuffed out flame of my short fiction enjoyment. He doesn't just make me want to read it, when I have been so reluctant in the past, but he makes me want to love it. Thank you for that, Sir.
Home
A ghost story with a heartbreaking twist, my soul cracked a bit with this one.
Stalled
More crime than horror, Roger shows us our true selves often show up when our lives depend on it.
The End of Us
CW: suicide
Kealan took us down the deep, dark rabbit hole of depression in the wake of a breakup. I wept. Coincidentally, today marks the 6 year mark of a relationship that I ended in March. I connected with Doug in ways I wasn't aware I needed to. The emotion was real, tangible. I could reach out to the words and feel the anguish, the guilt, the dismemberment of every single memory made and I knew this was more than a story, this was personal. Later, I read the story notes. I wept, again.
The Red Light is Blinking
CW: bullying
Like Hunger Games but only the best troll can win.
Mother/Nature
CW: domestic violence
In an Eco-dystopian post-apocalyptic world, females are our only hope. It took her 12 years, but she finally was able to avoid the punches and stand her ground. As a DV survivor, the sentiments of the main character rung true and genuine. Just remember, you are not alone and help is out there. ♥️
I'm Not There
Am I a vampire?
Am I a ghost?
How annoying would it be to put in contacts if you couldn't see your reflection?
I'm Not There begs the question, are you present in your own life?
Memory Lane
Losing my sense of self has to be up there on "most terrified of" lists. Memory loss and brain fog happen to be a side effect of a life saving medication I have to take. I conquer my difficulty by constantly using my brain. I read 8+ hours a day, do complicated puzzles, write and edit stuff, and constantly try to learn new things. If I was to wake up one day and suddenly didn't now who I was, I'm not sure I would want to stick around to make new memories.
Terminal
I am not afraid to fly, or of terminals, but I am afraid of people touching me, so Kealan's deserted terminal sounds like Heaven. Until it wasn't.
Forced Entry
The beginning of this story threw me. I was so disconnected and lost that I was unsure if this was really written by Kealan. And then the ending established it was definitely written by Kealan.
The Quiet
As a parent/caregiver to 7 children, I often fantasize about people losing their ability to speak. If someone could invent a mute button for voices, that would be great. However, on the other hand, I am a talker. If you have ever had the joy of being in a conversation or DM with me, you know I will talk until I am told not to. (PS You can tell me to shh, I don't get offended) Communication has to have balance. There needs to be a give and take, a listen and speak. In this eerie tale, we explore the consequences of that imbalance.
The One Night of the Year
A Halloween story! This story gave off a creepy Jeepers Creepers vibe.
Pig
Written as a text/IM exchange, Kealan accurately describes the pigsty women trudge through on the regular.
Hoarder
This story made me want to "Spring Clean" in September. Everything must go! Marie Kondo who? But seriously, some of the best descriptive passages I have read are in these 13 pages. I could feel the weight of the trash entering my "bubble". I am going to go wash my hands.
Story Notes
I love these. Every author should follow suit and include story notes. These short paragraphs give the reader a more well-rounded experience of your work. Once we understand your motives and can confirm (or deny) our thoughts the emotional connection solidifies. I especially connected with the bullying essay KPB included and the small glimpse into his personal life.
March 17, 2022
A very interesting take on horror! I will definitely take up on the author’s suggestion to explore some of his recommended horror reads. As per the title of the book hinted, each stories in Secret Faces reveals a hidden persona or a twist in the plot. I personally enjoyed Home, Stalled, The Red Light is Blinking and The One Night of the Year. The horror element in these stories are on the mild side, with thriller and crime being injected in the mix. Even though I have read horror stories that were more gore and errie, I still enjoy the stories in Secret Faces!
June 3, 2016
I absolutely love Kealan Patrick Burke. Love the way he writes. So beautifully descriptive I feel like I am there. Also a big fan of short stories, so this was great for me. There is also a delightful narrative at the end telling about each of the stories that was a huge plus for me. Highly recommended from me!
Want to read
September 21, 2016The cover just killed me.
November 14, 2019
"We all have them don't we, ...
... the side of us we seldom let people see?"
Ja, ich habe es wieder getan und nein, ich bereue es nicht, denn auch diese Anthologie von Kealan Patrick Burke konnte mich begeistern, auch wenn es ein paar Stories gab, die mich nicht komplett abholen konnten. In "Secret Faces" wird der Leser mit 13 Geschichten konfrontiert, die das Dunkle, das jedem innewohnt, näher beleuchten. Burke schafft bei jeder Story eine unheimlich beklemmende Atmosphäre und so sitzt man da mit dem Buch in der Hand, zieht die Decke immer höher und versucht das mulmige Gefühl in der Magengrube zu ignorieren, nur um am Ende dann oftmals mit offenem Mund auf den letzten Satz der Geschichte zu starren und sich zu fragen, ob man das gerade wirklich gelesen hat. Seine Stories sind wie eine Droge, gut dosiert bringen sie den vollen Genuss. Nicht zu viel, nicht zu wenig und jeden Rausch unbedingt abklingen lassen bevor man sich dem nächsten hingibt.
Absolut packen konnten mich in dieser Sammlung: HOME, STALLED, I’M NOT THERE, MEMORY LANE, THE QUIET, THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR und HOARDER.
Jede einzelne dieser Geschichten hat sich beim Lesen förmlich eingebrannt. Intensiv, fesselnd, schockierend und auch traurig - eine Mischung, die berührt.
Auch in diesem Kurzgeschichtenband gibt es einmal mehr Leseempfehlungen vom Autor und auf den letzten Seiten des Buches zu jeder Story einige Anmerkungen, in denen Burke kurz beschreibt wie er auf die Idee zum jeweiligen Thema kam. Ich wünschte nur, mehr Autoren würden uns diesen tieferen Einblick gewähren, denn das ist einfach großartig.
Es ist wirklich schade, dass Burkes Geschichten nur vereinzelt ins Deutsche übersetzt wurden. Sein Schreibstil ist besonders und sehr bildhaft, man kann sich in die Charaktere und die Situationen, in denen sie sich befinden, ohne Mühe hineinversetzen. Die Gedanken und Gefühle beschreibt er so lebendig und authentisch, dass man sich einfach nicht entziehen kann. Man findet sich selbst wieder. Den Horror oder Terror, den seine Erzählungen enthalten, kann man nicht abschütteln, weil er trotz aller Phantastik, die vielleicht enthalten ist, so real und greifbar ist, dass es einem Angst macht.
Für mich ist Burke mittlerweile ganz oben auf dem Siegertreppchen der Kurzgeschichtenschreiberlinge angelangt und die nächste Anthologie liegt natürlich schon bereit.
"If you are hiding from yourself, don't expect anyone else to see you."
... the side of us we seldom let people see?"
Ja, ich habe es wieder getan und nein, ich bereue es nicht, denn auch diese Anthologie von Kealan Patrick Burke konnte mich begeistern, auch wenn es ein paar Stories gab, die mich nicht komplett abholen konnten. In "Secret Faces" wird der Leser mit 13 Geschichten konfrontiert, die das Dunkle, das jedem innewohnt, näher beleuchten. Burke schafft bei jeder Story eine unheimlich beklemmende Atmosphäre und so sitzt man da mit dem Buch in der Hand, zieht die Decke immer höher und versucht das mulmige Gefühl in der Magengrube zu ignorieren, nur um am Ende dann oftmals mit offenem Mund auf den letzten Satz der Geschichte zu starren und sich zu fragen, ob man das gerade wirklich gelesen hat. Seine Stories sind wie eine Droge, gut dosiert bringen sie den vollen Genuss. Nicht zu viel, nicht zu wenig und jeden Rausch unbedingt abklingen lassen bevor man sich dem nächsten hingibt.
Absolut packen konnten mich in dieser Sammlung: HOME, STALLED, I’M NOT THERE, MEMORY LANE, THE QUIET, THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR und HOARDER.
Jede einzelne dieser Geschichten hat sich beim Lesen förmlich eingebrannt. Intensiv, fesselnd, schockierend und auch traurig - eine Mischung, die berührt.
Auch in diesem Kurzgeschichtenband gibt es einmal mehr Leseempfehlungen vom Autor und auf den letzten Seiten des Buches zu jeder Story einige Anmerkungen, in denen Burke kurz beschreibt wie er auf die Idee zum jeweiligen Thema kam. Ich wünschte nur, mehr Autoren würden uns diesen tieferen Einblick gewähren, denn das ist einfach großartig.
Es ist wirklich schade, dass Burkes Geschichten nur vereinzelt ins Deutsche übersetzt wurden. Sein Schreibstil ist besonders und sehr bildhaft, man kann sich in die Charaktere und die Situationen, in denen sie sich befinden, ohne Mühe hineinversetzen. Die Gedanken und Gefühle beschreibt er so lebendig und authentisch, dass man sich einfach nicht entziehen kann. Man findet sich selbst wieder. Den Horror oder Terror, den seine Erzählungen enthalten, kann man nicht abschütteln, weil er trotz aller Phantastik, die vielleicht enthalten ist, so real und greifbar ist, dass es einem Angst macht.
Für mich ist Burke mittlerweile ganz oben auf dem Siegertreppchen der Kurzgeschichtenschreiberlinge angelangt und die nächste Anthologie liegt natürlich schon bereit.
"If you are hiding from yourself, don't expect anyone else to see you."
April 29, 2016
Right off the bat Kealan had me and the first story ‘Home’ is fantastic. I was so engrossed in the story I had no chance to see the twist quietly waiting. This books has stories that are dark and some that cut deep and others with an ending that sneaks up on you. Kealan reaches right in and rips out your heart. He shows us the ugly side of humanity. The story telling is haunting and again I'm thrilled after finishing Kealan's latest book.
September 27, 2018
I wanted to like this more than I did, as I'm a fan of many of Burke's other works, but these stories, by and large, fell flat in their attempts to evoke fear or dread. There are much better short story collections out there to spend your time and money on (Burke actually gives the reader a good list of these in the introduction to this work.)
May 26, 2019
"We're not that different are we? We both live in filth. Yours surrounds you, mine is inside me, and neither one of us will ever be able to scrub ourselves clean because we've let the dirt get too bad. We've become it, and it's become us."
I live in fear of opening a book by Kealan Patrick Burke and absolutely hating it. I mean how can one man have so many amazing stories?! This can't last right? Well after finishing Secret Faces I can definitively say that I've enjoyed, if not loved, everything he's written. Secret Faces was such a well rounded collection of the lies we tell ourselves and others each with it's unique Burkean twist. Burke is king of a twist ending. He has a way of making his reader comfortable then completely blindsiding them with what is usually a gut punch ending and I love it!
Three of these stories I've seen before but that did not detract from the impact, quite the opposite actually. I love when Burke's short stories appear in different collections. I always reread them for a few reasons.
1) it's so comforting to hear (read?) his voice. He's a magnificent storyteller and I'm going to squeeze every ounce of story out of him that I can.
2) certain stories are in certain collections for a specific reason. I'm going to read it in a different light. Home appeared in both Dead of Winter and this one, yet different things were taken away each time.
3) the collection would feel incomplete if I skipped it.
I love his inclusion of the author notes at the end. I thoroughly enjoy the glimpses into his real life and the inspiration behind the stories. It makes it feel personal.
I live in fear of opening a book by Kealan Patrick Burke and absolutely hating it. I mean how can one man have so many amazing stories?! This can't last right? Well after finishing Secret Faces I can definitively say that I've enjoyed, if not loved, everything he's written. Secret Faces was such a well rounded collection of the lies we tell ourselves and others each with it's unique Burkean twist. Burke is king of a twist ending. He has a way of making his reader comfortable then completely blindsiding them with what is usually a gut punch ending and I love it!
Three of these stories I've seen before but that did not detract from the impact, quite the opposite actually. I love when Burke's short stories appear in different collections. I always reread them for a few reasons.
1) it's so comforting to hear (read?) his voice. He's a magnificent storyteller and I'm going to squeeze every ounce of story out of him that I can.
2) certain stories are in certain collections for a specific reason. I'm going to read it in a different light. Home appeared in both Dead of Winter and this one, yet different things were taken away each time.
3) the collection would feel incomplete if I skipped it.
I love his inclusion of the author notes at the end. I thoroughly enjoy the glimpses into his real life and the inspiration behind the stories. It makes it feel personal.
September 15, 2020
Y'all, KPB has got one sick twisted mind. I love it! These short stories are amazing. They make you stop and look over your shoulder and I had goosebumps the entire time!!! This collection has 14 short stories. Scary, weird stuff!!!!🖤💀
November 10, 2023
I love Kealan’s stories, they are lyrical, creative and tap into life turned grotesque, where the normal twists into something unexpected. I am never disappointed and these are perfect slices of darkness that are completely engaging. His characters seem so normal and then they’re not, situations seem everyday and then the punch in the guts. Some creep up on you and others slap you awake.
The “End of Us” broke my heart and is my favourite here, the depths of grief and depression written with such power. But all of them were fun dark tales showing the masks we all wear and what happens when they are torn off. Excellent!
Also Kealan designs book covers including his own and they are wonderfully insane. As always his books never disappoint, read them, read them all!
Home - a father battles a snowstorm to get home for his daughter’s 16th but finds the house empty.
Stalled - a man’s poor food decision leads to an isolated gas station toilet.
The End of Us - a dark heartbreaking glimpse into grief.
The Red Light is Blinking - where do internet trolls belong?
Mother Nature - a woman finds purpose at the end of the world
I’m not here - a reflection on identity
Memory Lane - a problem with memory
Terminal - a bored businessman tries to board his flight
Forced Entry - a women’s home is her castle
The Quiet - fathers, sons and decisions
The One Night of the Year - a man’s love for his dog
Pig - a message exchange
Hoarder - a salesman’s last call
The “End of Us” broke my heart and is my favourite here, the depths of grief and depression written with such power. But all of them were fun dark tales showing the masks we all wear and what happens when they are torn off. Excellent!
Also Kealan designs book covers including his own and they are wonderfully insane. As always his books never disappoint, read them, read them all!
Home - a father battles a snowstorm to get home for his daughter’s 16th but finds the house empty.
Stalled - a man’s poor food decision leads to an isolated gas station toilet.
The End of Us - a dark heartbreaking glimpse into grief.
The Red Light is Blinking - where do internet trolls belong?
Mother Nature - a woman finds purpose at the end of the world
I’m not here - a reflection on identity
Memory Lane - a problem with memory
Terminal - a bored businessman tries to board his flight
Forced Entry - a women’s home is her castle
The Quiet - fathers, sons and decisions
The One Night of the Year - a man’s love for his dog
Pig - a message exchange
Hoarder - a salesman’s last call
August 31, 2023
This collection of 13 stories by Kealan Patrick Burke is as excellent as I expected it to be. I loved every one of them, but as always, there are standouts. The writing in The End Of Us, and The Quiet, is absolutely brilliant. Stunning stuff. Memory Lane is a scary little tale. And my 3 favourite stories are the final three in the book...
~The One Night Of the Year
~Pig (LOVE)
~Hoarder (EEK)
I'm a huge fan for very good reason.
~The One Night Of the Year
~Pig (LOVE)
~Hoarder (EEK)
I'm a huge fan for very good reason.
August 18, 2025
Touki's club first book for the month of august. Hehe
And once again, I finish it late. 👀
Very good short story collection from the bebi KPB, it's been a while I hadn't read anything by him.
The writing is still as sharp as ever, with beautiful sentences that make you wanna weep.
All very strong stories, some I resonated with more than others, but that's the magic of a collection. You never know what you're gonna get, but it's always a fun time if it's KPB.
And once again, I finish it late. 👀
Very good short story collection from the bebi KPB, it's been a while I hadn't read anything by him.
The writing is still as sharp as ever, with beautiful sentences that make you wanna weep.
All very strong stories, some I resonated with more than others, but that's the magic of a collection. You never know what you're gonna get, but it's always a fun time if it's KPB.
June 29, 2023
Loved this, it was really creepy!
August 11, 2018
Okayyyyy, friends! Unpopular opinion time!
There's been a lot of hype over KPB on bookstagram and Goodreads. I kept seeing posts of Kin and Blanky by people I followed with gushing reviews and 5 star ratings. So, I was, like, hey! Let me try this guy out. Plus the cover of Kin is absolutely gorgeous, oh mah gawd!! And it's set in my home state, so of course that's what I started with! So I begged my husband to please, please, please buy me this book. And he eventually relented, thank Christ. The beginning of Kin was a little slow for me, but I needed up really loving it and it's on my list of favorite horror read this year.
After Kin I decided to read more of KPB, because, all of my booky friends are just so over the moon with his writing. So I read Blanky, and Jack & Jill, and Sour Candy.
And.....
I wasn't impressed. And it made me sad. I wanted to love those other pieces of writing as much as everyone else did. I think I rated all three 4 stars, even though, in reality, they were 3 star ratings in my book. I just wanted to love them THAT bad.
I know what you're thinking. Where are you going with this? What's the point?
The point is, don't give up on an author if one or two of their novels don't leave you all heart-eyed and giddy. I decided to give KPB another chance and I'm sooooooo glad I did.
This collection of short stories is just impeccable. There isn't one story here that I didn't love. The author states at the beginning that he is very fond of short story collections and it shows in his writing. Even though I loved everything in this collection, The End Of Us is probably my favorite. It gave me chills. Also, can we talk about the Story Notes at the end??? I LOVE this!! Why don't all authors do this? Even with full-length novels?? I love when authors confide in us where they get their ideas and what inspired them to write particular pieces.
Long story short, I highly recommend this collection and I look forward to reading the rest of KPB's published short story collections.
There's been a lot of hype over KPB on bookstagram and Goodreads. I kept seeing posts of Kin and Blanky by people I followed with gushing reviews and 5 star ratings. So, I was, like, hey! Let me try this guy out. Plus the cover of Kin is absolutely gorgeous, oh mah gawd!! And it's set in my home state, so of course that's what I started with! So I begged my husband to please, please, please buy me this book. And he eventually relented, thank Christ. The beginning of Kin was a little slow for me, but I needed up really loving it and it's on my list of favorite horror read this year.
After Kin I decided to read more of KPB, because, all of my booky friends are just so over the moon with his writing. So I read Blanky, and Jack & Jill, and Sour Candy.
And.....
I wasn't impressed. And it made me sad. I wanted to love those other pieces of writing as much as everyone else did. I think I rated all three 4 stars, even though, in reality, they were 3 star ratings in my book. I just wanted to love them THAT bad.
I know what you're thinking. Where are you going with this? What's the point?
The point is, don't give up on an author if one or two of their novels don't leave you all heart-eyed and giddy. I decided to give KPB another chance and I'm sooooooo glad I did.
This collection of short stories is just impeccable. There isn't one story here that I didn't love. The author states at the beginning that he is very fond of short story collections and it shows in his writing. Even though I loved everything in this collection, The End Of Us is probably my favorite. It gave me chills. Also, can we talk about the Story Notes at the end??? I LOVE this!! Why don't all authors do this? Even with full-length novels?? I love when authors confide in us where they get their ideas and what inspired them to write particular pieces.
Long story short, I highly recommend this collection and I look forward to reading the rest of KPB's published short story collections.
July 20, 2019
There is a recurring theme that stitches together most of the stories that weave the tapestry of Secret Faces, but I don’t want to share that theme with you. It would be much better if you read and discover that theme for yourself. I’m never one to ruin the effect of a great book. I will say that although this book is amazingly written and filled with dread and fear—as I have found that to be the case with all of Kealan Patrick Burke’s (KPB) works—many of the stories were heartbreaking for me. My heart went out to many of the characters as I knew what awaited them after the story ended. In KPB’s Story Notes, he talks about this “main theme” a few times and that it is one of his greatest fears. After reading Secret Faces, it has now become one of mine. I love the vividness of KPB’s descriptions throughout this book but especially in the stories, Mother/Nature, The One Night of the Year and Hoarder (that story terrified me). Thank you for your eerie and uncanny works. Also, thank you for your suggested short story collections in your Introduction.
December 28, 2024
𝙒𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚?... 𝙒𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙝. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙢����, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙗 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙚'𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙙. 𝙒𝙚'𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙨 (Kealan Patrick Burke, 𝘏𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳).
In 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨, Kealan Patrick Burke(KPB) reveals the multifaceted terrors in the seemingly mundane.
Then adds:
*plot twists
*satire and sententiae (moral comments about life/behaviour)
*supernatural and mysterious elements
to amplify truths, sufferings, and horrors.
I enjoyed all 13 tales and my favorites are 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙚𝙩 and 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧.
Finally, like most reviewers, I appreciate and love the author's notes because they provide us glimpses of KPB's personal life and humble background that inspired these amazing stories.
Indeed he has lived many lives and has transformed them into worthy stories(refer to About the Author section too).
In 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨, Kealan Patrick Burke(KPB) reveals the multifaceted terrors in the seemingly mundane.
Then adds:
*plot twists
*satire and sententiae (moral comments about life/behaviour)
*supernatural and mysterious elements
to amplify truths, sufferings, and horrors.
I enjoyed all 13 tales and my favorites are 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙚𝙩 and 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧.
Finally, like most reviewers, I appreciate and love the author's notes because they provide us glimpses of KPB's personal life and humble background that inspired these amazing stories.
Indeed he has lived many lives and has transformed them into worthy stories(refer to About the Author section too).
September 6, 2016
These are great short stories
I am a bit leery of cold reading unfamiliar kindle author's horror collections, after some truly atrocious, badly spelled, poorly written forays,BUT...this book has given me new faith in cold reading an entire collection by a completely unfamiliar writer. I found all the stories to be well thought out and enjoyable. Some are obviously going to be better than others, but none were dull, or blatantly hokey, and a few dance with true brilliance and beauty, giving real depth to the feelings of unease that they bring. I will gladly read other offerings by this author.
I am a bit leery of cold reading unfamiliar kindle author's horror collections, after some truly atrocious, badly spelled, poorly written forays,BUT...this book has given me new faith in cold reading an entire collection by a completely unfamiliar writer. I found all the stories to be well thought out and enjoyable. Some are obviously going to be better than others, but none were dull, or blatantly hokey, and a few dance with true brilliance and beauty, giving real depth to the feelings of unease that they bring. I will gladly read other offerings by this author.
November 5, 2016
I first became aware of Mr. Burke's work by reading Sour Candy. (If you've not read it yet, GO NOW and read it.) Little wonder he's received the praise that he has. His writing style adds a very rich layer to the craft. You don't see it as horror, but as some time of strange art form instead. Cannot recommend his work enough.
October 10, 2019
And the Punchline...?
Liked the themes, but I set up, and character development but the endings didn't hit. Not necessarily the outcome, but the way the ending was delivered. Just seemed like the stories built but fizzled.
Liked the themes, but I set up, and character development but the endings didn't hit. Not necessarily the outcome, but the way the ending was delivered. Just seemed like the stories built but fizzled.
August 27, 2016
Every now and then I like to hit a collection of short stories. Great collection by a great author.
November 5, 2016
Excellent
I was never a fan of horror movies or books til I came across Kealan Patrick Burke now I read his books and love them all..
I was never a fan of horror movies or books til I came across Kealan Patrick Burke now I read his books and love them all..
April 9, 2017
As others have noted in their reviews, KPB has mastered the short story. Thirteen of his together in a collection? Jackpot.
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