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Tales from the Fringes of Fear
Dragged fresh from the grave and pulled out of the haunted corners of a school locker, these thirteen new stories are a nod to the storytelling style of Tales from the Crypt and The Twilight Zone . Most kids don’t have to stress about things like exotic insects with a taste for human flesh when they go to class. But students at this school have to be ever vigilant. You never know when a supernatural pastry or a clay monster bent on revenge might be lurking just around the corner. Even a simple field trip to a local animal sanctuary can have s-s-serious consequences. A companion volume to Tales from Beyond the Brain , these stories are guaranteed to make you laugh like a hyena, shake your head in wonder or tremble with fear.
- GenresHorrorYoung Adult
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2020
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Szpirglas
35 books11 followersJeff Szpirglas has had a varied career. He's shoveled manure, worked in a steelyard (he hails from Hamilton, after all), and even frolicked in the offices at CTV Television and Chirp, chickaDEE, and OWL magazines, where he was the kids' page editor. His manure-shoveling days long behind him, Jeff currently teaches children by day and writes books/fights supervillains by night.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 19, 2020
This book of short stories is quite entertaining. Even though the intended audience is middle-grade readers, the stories are all interesting, intelligent, and pretty creepy. Unlike some other stories I've read for this age group, the purpose of these seems to be entertainment, rather than teaching lessons or morals. Also, there are scares aplenty, but no real gore. Some of the stories have an ick factor, but that will be appealing to many in the intended audience (looking at you big ball of snakes).
The stories were also open-ended. I enjoyed this, especially as I believe it leaves room for the reader to imagine their own endings. The author takes the reader all the way to the brink and leaves them there to wonder if the inevitable happens, or if the protagonist is able to worm their way out of the situation.
The types of tales ranged from sci-fi to horror. I think that all kids could find something to enjoy in this collection. The main characters are mostly middle-graders as well, and there are both boys and girls represented, so most will find someone with whom to identify. I think this is important for a reader, as it allows the question 'what would I do' in these situations.
I would definitely give this to a kid if they were interested in sci-fi or scary stories. It is a nice introduction to the genre of horror.
Thanks NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this before its publication date.
The stories were also open-ended. I enjoyed this, especially as I believe it leaves room for the reader to imagine their own endings. The author takes the reader all the way to the brink and leaves them there to wonder if the inevitable happens, or if the protagonist is able to worm their way out of the situation.
The types of tales ranged from sci-fi to horror. I think that all kids could find something to enjoy in this collection. The main characters are mostly middle-graders as well, and there are both boys and girls represented, so most will find someone with whom to identify. I think this is important for a reader, as it allows the question 'what would I do' in these situations.
I would definitely give this to a kid if they were interested in sci-fi or scary stories. It is a nice introduction to the genre of horror.
Thanks NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this before its publication date.
May 2, 2026
book was decent, Beyond The Brain was much better. This one mostly had forgettable stories which were too random or much too short that needed more pages to expand. The standout memorable concepts were
*Bad Moon Rising*: A school is in lockdown while kids with 3D glasses are trying to see the eclipse outside. They then spot something strange and a reveal happens with a kid in the classroom explaining how he wasn’t supposed to come to school today. Yep, a play on a school shooter story but with a different angle (title)
*Broken Record*: A kid spending time with his grandpa in his new mountainside house begins showing him his antique record player, until thing gets really Lovecraftian and a large-scale reveal kicks in.
*Screen Time*: Two movie lovers are in the basement watching horror VHS when one kid finds an old film recorder, but things take a turn when they watch the kid’s dad inside the TV telling them about something in the house which shouldn’t belong.
*The Way Of The Golem*: Revenge story with a Hebrew student who sneaks into his dad’s synagogue to get a book of spells, allowing to create and animate clay golems.
*Bad Moon Rising*: A school is in lockdown while kids with 3D glasses are trying to see the eclipse outside. They then spot something strange and a reveal happens with a kid in the classroom explaining how he wasn’t supposed to come to school today. Yep, a play on a school shooter story but with a different angle (title)
*Broken Record*: A kid spending time with his grandpa in his new mountainside house begins showing him his antique record player, until thing gets really Lovecraftian and a large-scale reveal kicks in.
*Screen Time*: Two movie lovers are in the basement watching horror VHS when one kid finds an old film recorder, but things take a turn when they watch the kid’s dad inside the TV telling them about something in the house which shouldn’t belong.
*The Way Of The Golem*: Revenge story with a Hebrew student who sneaks into his dad’s synagogue to get a book of spells, allowing to create and animate clay golems.
March 28, 2020
Tales From the Fringes of Fear is a nice middle grade horror collection. I began my own love of horror in my youth. It may have started with Tales From the Darkside on tv, but I quickly moved to scary picture books and then to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, RL Stine, Lois Duncan, Christopher Pike, etc. In 4th grade, my wonderful teacher introduced us to Ray Bradbury and and I feel in love with Sci Fi Horror.
Tales From the Fringes of Fear has elements of RL Stine's middle grade offerings (not quite nightmare level but pretty damn scary when you're 7) combined with Sci Fi Horror. I could see the influences of Lovecraft and Bradbury. This would have been a book I read over and over when I was little. It would have been one of the books I held onto even in adulthood and would pull out when I was in the mood for a short little story. In fact, it probably will be.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Tales From the Fringes of Fear has elements of RL Stine's middle grade offerings (not quite nightmare level but pretty damn scary when you're 7) combined with Sci Fi Horror. I could see the influences of Lovecraft and Bradbury. This would have been a book I read over and over when I was little. It would have been one of the books I held onto even in adulthood and would pull out when I was in the mood for a short little story. In fact, it probably will be.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
March 19, 2020
Tales from the Fringes of Fear is an interesting YA read. These short stories pierce the bubble of what scares young people today. Not gory, not graphic, but just the right amount fear to raise hairs, and send a little tingle down your spine.
From being lost to ghost stories, to your typical school drama Szpirglas spins these 13 short stories that twist and bend the imagination to find goes bump in the night.
This book reminded me of Night Gallery, Thriller, and the Outer Limits all rolled into one. I enjoyed this short read and I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up.
Also BIG thanks to NetGalley for providing this Good Read.
From being lost to ghost stories, to your typical school drama Szpirglas spins these 13 short stories that twist and bend the imagination to find goes bump in the night.
This book reminded me of Night Gallery, Thriller, and the Outer Limits all rolled into one. I enjoyed this short read and I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up.
Also BIG thanks to NetGalley for providing this Good Read.
May 14, 2020
This is a collection of 13 fun and freaky stories with a target audience of middle graders and yet you really don't have to be a kid to enjoy them. My favorites were Sweet As Pie where a trip to a farmer's market and a sweet treat turn into a nightmare for one unlucky girl, and The Way Of The Golem in which a lonely friendless boy creates some otherworldly companions. While the other stories were spine tingly fun those 2 were full on scary. If your kids have enjoyed Goosebumps or they watch Creeped Out I would highly recommend this book for them, and even for you.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
February 26, 2020
A collection of short, spooky tales perfect for young readers. The stories have a lot of fun elements to them and aren't overly creepy. Most of the endings have a twist ending like episodes of the Twilight Zone. Some of these endings didn't stick the landing for me. Overall, a good book to introduce young readers to horror.
September 2, 2020
I loved this collection of children’s horror stories - even as an adult reader! These stories are short, witty and imaginative and feel very similar to Goosebumps. I found myself both laughing and cringing (in a good way) at this collection; this is the perfect introduction to the spooky genre for any age reader! Thank you Jeff Szpirglas and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this collection of stories prior to its release date. You’ll definitely want to pick this one up as soon as it’s available on April 21st!!
May 6, 2020
Tales from the Fringes of Fear is a stellar middle grade horror anthology filled with spine-chilling short stories and illustrations that manage to be age-appropriate while still frightening readers of all ages. With squirm-inducing body horror, dystopian science fiction, clever monster tales, and tightly crafted ghost stories, this anthology is a terrific addition to any horror fan’s bookshelf.
The stories range widely in subject matter, with fresh takes on a variety of popular horror subgenres, but there’s a strong consistency of tone and quality. Author Jeff Szpirglas maintains a delicious sense of dread throughout and displays an affinity for ironic Tales from the Crypt-style endings. The illustrations are sparing, with just one full illustration per story, but they are effective: the black-and-white art gets under your skin and brilliantly enhances the terror of each story. Artist Steven P. Hughes achieves incredible light effects, creating stark contrast between the eerie glow of a television set or a computer screen and the inky shadows where unseen doom awaits the protagonists (and possibly the reader as well!). Hughes even works in a clever reference to John Carpenter’s The Thing, which older horror fans will appreciate.
I’m eager for more spooky stories from both Szpirglas and Hughes; luckily for me, this collection is billed as a companion volume to Tales from Beyond the Brain, which I plan to check out very soon. Tales from the Fringes of Fear will have readers of all ages looking for monsters under the bed, in the hallways at school, behind the walls, and even inside themselves. This frightening, darkly fun anthology is perfect kids’ horror.
The stories range widely in subject matter, with fresh takes on a variety of popular horror subgenres, but there’s a strong consistency of tone and quality. Author Jeff Szpirglas maintains a delicious sense of dread throughout and displays an affinity for ironic Tales from the Crypt-style endings. The illustrations are sparing, with just one full illustration per story, but they are effective: the black-and-white art gets under your skin and brilliantly enhances the terror of each story. Artist Steven P. Hughes achieves incredible light effects, creating stark contrast between the eerie glow of a television set or a computer screen and the inky shadows where unseen doom awaits the protagonists (and possibly the reader as well!). Hughes even works in a clever reference to John Carpenter’s The Thing, which older horror fans will appreciate.
I’m eager for more spooky stories from both Szpirglas and Hughes; luckily for me, this collection is billed as a companion volume to Tales from Beyond the Brain, which I plan to check out very soon. Tales from the Fringes of Fear will have readers of all ages looking for monsters under the bed, in the hallways at school, behind the walls, and even inside themselves. This frightening, darkly fun anthology is perfect kids’ horror.
September 4, 2020
** Full disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
This is a collection of horror stories aimed at the middle-grade age with a connecting thread of school and schoolyard experiences to tie them together.
It may seem odd to say this about a collection of horror stories, but this was a fun book. The imagination behind these stories is deliciously twisted and he found a way to make simple things horrifying.
Now, as an adult, I can't say any of the stories particularly scared me, but they were all eerie and effective and more than one stuck with me and gave me an unsettled and creepy feeling at night with the lights out.
The artwork starting most of the chapters was particularly effective, not overdone or heavy-handed, but just the right side of eerie to add to the tone of the stories.
While it wasn't overly scary for me as an adult, this is definitely a book where you have to know your reader and their limits. For an adult, none of these stories went too far but for young or more sensitive readers, they could be quite upsetting. Of course, that can be part of the fun of reading horror stories, can't it?
I am definitely going to track down a copy of his other horror collection, Tales from Beyond the Brain, it looks to be just as much fun as this one was.
This is a collection of horror stories aimed at the middle-grade age with a connecting thread of school and schoolyard experiences to tie them together.
It may seem odd to say this about a collection of horror stories, but this was a fun book. The imagination behind these stories is deliciously twisted and he found a way to make simple things horrifying.
Now, as an adult, I can't say any of the stories particularly scared me, but they were all eerie and effective and more than one stuck with me and gave me an unsettled and creepy feeling at night with the lights out.
The artwork starting most of the chapters was particularly effective, not overdone or heavy-handed, but just the right side of eerie to add to the tone of the stories.
While it wasn't overly scary for me as an adult, this is definitely a book where you have to know your reader and their limits. For an adult, none of these stories went too far but for young or more sensitive readers, they could be quite upsetting. Of course, that can be part of the fun of reading horror stories, can't it?
I am definitely going to track down a copy of his other horror collection, Tales from Beyond the Brain, it looks to be just as much fun as this one was.
March 24, 2020
A Great Resource for...
I feel this book of short, creepy stories would be a great resource for middle school teachers to use in writing lessons. Each story is quick and powerful. They are great examples of writing: a slow build of tension, surprise twists, dialog, the use of sound, smell, etc. Lots of techniques used in the group of stories.
Most of these stories take place in or around school!! Common objects are made into monsters or are the basis of the tale - art class paint, a classroom clock, library book. Eek. Lots of fun.
Teachers will have opportunities to use ‘finish the story’ and ‘rewrite the ending.”
It is also a good book option for reluctant readers in middle school. Not a long, drawn out novel - each creepy story is to the point and scary!
Thank you NetGalley and Orca Publishing for the ARC.
I feel this book of short, creepy stories would be a great resource for middle school teachers to use in writing lessons. Each story is quick and powerful. They are great examples of writing: a slow build of tension, surprise twists, dialog, the use of sound, smell, etc. Lots of techniques used in the group of stories.
Most of these stories take place in or around school!! Common objects are made into monsters or are the basis of the tale - art class paint, a classroom clock, library book. Eek. Lots of fun.
Teachers will have opportunities to use ‘finish the story’ and ‘rewrite the ending.”
It is also a good book option for reluctant readers in middle school. Not a long, drawn out novel - each creepy story is to the point and scary!
Thank you NetGalley and Orca Publishing for the ARC.
March 21, 2020
Tales From the Fringes of Fear is a middle-grade read but don't let that stop grown-up you from picking this one up as well. While the stories are fantastically fearsome for the younger crowd, they are still engaging enough for the young-at-heart.
Within these pages is an abundance of hair raising anecdotes that are as distinct as if they'd be written by different hands. For an author to have created a compilation of stories that reads more like an anthology is impressive. No two tales read the same. With different themes, tones, and characters, each story will resonant with younger readers.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
Within these pages is an abundance of hair raising anecdotes that are as distinct as if they'd be written by different hands. For an author to have created a compilation of stories that reads more like an anthology is impressive. No two tales read the same. With different themes, tones, and characters, each story will resonant with younger readers.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
June 17, 2021
I loved these tales, even if I’m not your typical thriller/horror enthusiast. They’re original, fun, classy and spooky all at the same time. Definitely not cheap or juvenile, like so many horror books. Indeed, although the stories mostly happen in school settings and involve teens, I think even adults could get a thrill out of them. Perfect for campfire read-alouds.
(This review is also at www.YAdudebooks.ca)
(This review is also at www.YAdudebooks.ca)
March 29, 2020
This was a very enjoyable middle-grade book. It was well written and has a good mix of comedy and horror. I would have loved to read this book when I was in middle school, and hope that my son will enjoy it when he gets to that age as well.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2021
These tales were full of terrors that came mostly out of nowhere. Things were normal and then bam there it is. The illustrations made them even better. Very R.L. Stineish my mind thinks. They took me back to the days we watched things like this on saturday mornings.
April 2, 2020
Thirteen hair-raising short stories perfect for both avid and reluctant MG readers.
June 30, 2021
Monster-loving teachers, detention that turns into an eternity, kids caught forever in an evil supply teacher's plan to create the ultimate painting ... these stories are disturbing, strange, short and absolutely perfect for middle-grade readers.
All the short stories in this collection are well-written, unusual, humorous at times, and with just the right amount of spooky. Highly recommend!
All the short stories in this collection are well-written, unusual, humorous at times, and with just the right amount of spooky. Highly recommend!
May 6, 2020
Campfire stories to scare your friends.
This book is filled with chilling stories to spook your friends or yourself. Not too scary but perfect to make you look under the bed or check out that sound that goes click in the night.
This book is filled with chilling stories to spook your friends or yourself. Not too scary but perfect to make you look under the bed or check out that sound that goes click in the night.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews