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The Garden Where Black Flowers Grow and other stories
‘The Garden Where Black Flowers Grow’ collects together twenty-seven of Tim Jeffreys short stories. The reader will find within these pages straight-forward horror stories such as 'The Stairs to the Attic' and 'Night is Peeping''; darkly humorous tales like ‘Soft Clocks’ and ‘Horror Story’; sinister adult fairytales like 'The Hand-Made Tail' and 'Alice and the Scarecrow’; as well as poetic, thought-provoking non-horror pieces like 'Spanish Landscape'. The majority of these stories take the reader on a tour of dark places – down deserted streets where evil forces lurk in the cracks of the everyday, or into the thoughts of the troubled and the mad. They will dredge up subconscious fears and probe the corners of the mind. There are ghosts, ancient evil, lost lovers and lost Gods. There are Sirens, malevolent spirits, unnamed creatures locked in attics, and personal demons loosed from the mind.
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2008
About the author
Tim Jeffreys
117 books47 followersTim Jeffreys’s debut novel, The False Ones, was published by Crossroads Press in February 2025. Reviewers described it as a “beautifully written supernatural mystery” and “British folk-horror that gives that isolated creepiness coupled with body-snatchers horror.” He has also published various novellas and short story collections, including a ghost story, Holburn, published by Manta Press. His short fiction has appeared in Supernatural Tales, The Alchemy Press Book of Horrors, Nightscript, Stories We Tell After Midnight, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Shadowplays from P.S. Publishing, The Ghastling, and many other places.
He lives in Bristol, UK, with his partner and two children. Visit him online at www.timjeffreys.blogspot.co.uk.
He lives in Bristol, UK, with his partner and two children. Visit him online at www.timjeffreys.blogspot.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 11, 2012
I won this through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This collection of twenty-seven tales is utterly superb and showcases the author's versatility and ability to switch from one genre to another with ease. Although many of the tales do have a horror twist to them they are superbly complimented by the more human tales found in this collection and despite the differences between some of the stories they feel like they belong together. As each one is so unique I will once again have to review each one in isolation:
The Garden Where The Black Flowers Grow - I loved this tale which follows Ben Champion as he becomes embroiled in a power beyond his control at number 6 Upper Maudlin Street. A horror tale with a dark and very human twist and depth to it.
Their Eye Were Flints - this is a chilly tale that begins with a simple kidnapping that quickly turns into something far more sinister and even more chilling. You will never look at 'them' the same way again.
Soft Clocks - A disturbing tale where our narrator's dreams become real each morning and refuse to leave without saying or doing anything, but simply remain. Makes one wonder what our dreams really do mean and what they may really represent.
Bones in the Meadow - this tale follows Jim, Kelvin and Ste as they go camping in a far flung corner of the UK only to discover they are not really alone and are the desired company of something in the woods. Despite it's horror/ghost story overtones this is a surprisingly touching tale that hints at something a little deeper that spirits aren't always credited with...they were once human after all.
The Monkey and the Munequita - I wasn't too keen on this tale, which tells of Munequita as many a suitor comes to win her heart but are turned away for the slightest indiscretion, despite her finding such traits so appealling in her monkey companion.
Two Cards on the Table - this is another one I loved that follows William T Moffat as he awakes one night to find a rather unusual card game taking place in his garden. Upon joining the game it quickly becomes clear that there is a lot more at stake than just winning. This is a fabulous story that really makes you think...what would you play for?
Night is Peeping - this is another tale that cunningly combines horror with humanity as Amy stumbles across our narrator after a camping trip gone bad, the reasons for which are quickly apparent but their intent may have been mis-construed. This story hints at a lot more than it reveals leaving a sorrow with the reader, only gently suggested by the narrator.
The Graveyard Cats - although only two pages long this tale creates the incredible sense of loss and grief that the narrator feels with superb ease. The presence of the cats although initially disturbing quickly becomes something more as the narrator's state of mind materialises.
Alice and the Scarecrow - this is a classic horror tale that plays on those childhood fears of the scarecrows in the fields and what they really are when nobody is looking.
The World Outside - this tale hints at a post-apocolyptic world where humanity can no longer live outside, instead they live in the Tower where no-one can see out and rules and hierarchy are strictly enforced, yet as dusters begin to missing Myrtle quickly discovers there's a lot more out there than she originally thought.
Spanish Landscape - this is a pleasant journey through the Spanish landscapes, given as little flashes of paradise both physically and spiritually.
The Hand-Made Tail - another classic tale, written in a similiar style to the original Grimm's stories that tells of a cat who demands a new tail from a young girl whose pet birds he has just eaten. But he underestimates her and quickly pays the price.
I Retched Hard and Man Spewed Forth and Crawled Away - this is a strange little tale but one with a resonance and depth that be-lies its length. It tells of one who has rid themselves of their vice yet they still cannot escape them as they come back a-knocking on their door.
The Lord of All Horizons - although this begins with a disturbing and chilling scene it quickly changes to show how a gentle word can make a big difference, no matter who it's to or who it's from.
Scattered Hearts - this is a heart-wrenching tale of letting go when its the last thing that you want to do, no matter what the emotional cost.
The Stairs to the Attic - this is a very Royston Vasey-esque tale as Alfred and Carla try and protect their secret in the attic.
The People Under the Bridge - this is a brilliantly dark story that will absolutely yank at the heartstrings as we discover what really happens to those who slip beneath the bridge.
The Death of Old Sunny - this is an incredibly well written tale that shows how the smallest things can make a big difference for both good and for bad and how one should appreciate the little things, lest they be gone tomorrow.
The Magic Eye - this is an incredibly touching tale following Clare as she tries to adapt to the loss of her father and her new step-father. Written in such a way that the reader can decide what is really going on, is it a child's imagination running away with her or is it something more (personally I think it's something more...)
The Half Dream - this is another chilling yet heartbreaking tale that follows Parker as he tries to continue his life without his beloved Emily, but as time passes he discovers that she is not gone forever but is simply lost in the half-world of reflections and static and so begins his quest to find her.
Horror Story - this was a surprisingly funny tale involving a very image conscious Geoffrey and a GENTLEMAN'S HAIRSTYLIST' with immensely funny results.
Lovers of Carrion - I loved this tale, it had all the dark morbid-ness I love in a tale with the added bonus of showing Nature at her most ruthless. And best of all it has many a Raven in it (which as an utterly unabashed Poe fan, is one of my favourite birds).
Shipwreck Town - this is a very chilling tale that tells of Adam and his rescuers, Warren and Abs and how, although they left the woods, they didn't really escape it.
A Matter of Life and Death - *spoiler alert* this tale really appealed to the ecologist in me as it is told through the eyes of the creator (whomever you wish this to be) and their never ending challenge of creating the perfect lifeform and their realisation that mankind may not be it (I'm inclined to agree on that one).
Under the Oak - this is a beautiful little tale showing how strong true love can really be.
Dream Woman - this tells the story of Jim as he finally meets the woman of his dreams, literally, and despite what those dreams tell him he stills follows his destiny. A slightly satirical look at fate and where it can lead you.
View From Burano - a beautifully relaxing short that takes you away to a quiet little beach on a quite little island, leaving all your cares behind.
This collection of twenty-seven tales is utterly superb and showcases the author's versatility and ability to switch from one genre to another with ease. Although many of the tales do have a horror twist to them they are superbly complimented by the more human tales found in this collection and despite the differences between some of the stories they feel like they belong together. As each one is so unique I will once again have to review each one in isolation:
The Garden Where The Black Flowers Grow - I loved this tale which follows Ben Champion as he becomes embroiled in a power beyond his control at number 6 Upper Maudlin Street. A horror tale with a dark and very human twist and depth to it.
Their Eye Were Flints - this is a chilly tale that begins with a simple kidnapping that quickly turns into something far more sinister and even more chilling. You will never look at 'them' the same way again.
Soft Clocks - A disturbing tale where our narrator's dreams become real each morning and refuse to leave without saying or doing anything, but simply remain. Makes one wonder what our dreams really do mean and what they may really represent.
Bones in the Meadow - this tale follows Jim, Kelvin and Ste as they go camping in a far flung corner of the UK only to discover they are not really alone and are the desired company of something in the woods. Despite it's horror/ghost story overtones this is a surprisingly touching tale that hints at something a little deeper that spirits aren't always credited with...they were once human after all.
The Monkey and the Munequita - I wasn't too keen on this tale, which tells of Munequita as many a suitor comes to win her heart but are turned away for the slightest indiscretion, despite her finding such traits so appealling in her monkey companion.
Two Cards on the Table - this is another one I loved that follows William T Moffat as he awakes one night to find a rather unusual card game taking place in his garden. Upon joining the game it quickly becomes clear that there is a lot more at stake than just winning. This is a fabulous story that really makes you think...what would you play for?
Night is Peeping - this is another tale that cunningly combines horror with humanity as Amy stumbles across our narrator after a camping trip gone bad, the reasons for which are quickly apparent but their intent may have been mis-construed. This story hints at a lot more than it reveals leaving a sorrow with the reader, only gently suggested by the narrator.
The Graveyard Cats - although only two pages long this tale creates the incredible sense of loss and grief that the narrator feels with superb ease. The presence of the cats although initially disturbing quickly becomes something more as the narrator's state of mind materialises.
Alice and the Scarecrow - this is a classic horror tale that plays on those childhood fears of the scarecrows in the fields and what they really are when nobody is looking.
The World Outside - this tale hints at a post-apocolyptic world where humanity can no longer live outside, instead they live in the Tower where no-one can see out and rules and hierarchy are strictly enforced, yet as dusters begin to missing Myrtle quickly discovers there's a lot more out there than she originally thought.
Spanish Landscape - this is a pleasant journey through the Spanish landscapes, given as little flashes of paradise both physically and spiritually.
The Hand-Made Tail - another classic tale, written in a similiar style to the original Grimm's stories that tells of a cat who demands a new tail from a young girl whose pet birds he has just eaten. But he underestimates her and quickly pays the price.
I Retched Hard and Man Spewed Forth and Crawled Away - this is a strange little tale but one with a resonance and depth that be-lies its length. It tells of one who has rid themselves of their vice yet they still cannot escape them as they come back a-knocking on their door.
The Lord of All Horizons - although this begins with a disturbing and chilling scene it quickly changes to show how a gentle word can make a big difference, no matter who it's to or who it's from.
Scattered Hearts - this is a heart-wrenching tale of letting go when its the last thing that you want to do, no matter what the emotional cost.
The Stairs to the Attic - this is a very Royston Vasey-esque tale as Alfred and Carla try and protect their secret in the attic.
The People Under the Bridge - this is a brilliantly dark story that will absolutely yank at the heartstrings as we discover what really happens to those who slip beneath the bridge.
The Death of Old Sunny - this is an incredibly well written tale that shows how the smallest things can make a big difference for both good and for bad and how one should appreciate the little things, lest they be gone tomorrow.
The Magic Eye - this is an incredibly touching tale following Clare as she tries to adapt to the loss of her father and her new step-father. Written in such a way that the reader can decide what is really going on, is it a child's imagination running away with her or is it something more (personally I think it's something more...)
The Half Dream - this is another chilling yet heartbreaking tale that follows Parker as he tries to continue his life without his beloved Emily, but as time passes he discovers that she is not gone forever but is simply lost in the half-world of reflections and static and so begins his quest to find her.
Horror Story - this was a surprisingly funny tale involving a very image conscious Geoffrey and a GENTLEMAN'S HAIRSTYLIST' with immensely funny results.
Lovers of Carrion - I loved this tale, it had all the dark morbid-ness I love in a tale with the added bonus of showing Nature at her most ruthless. And best of all it has many a Raven in it (which as an utterly unabashed Poe fan, is one of my favourite birds).
Shipwreck Town - this is a very chilling tale that tells of Adam and his rescuers, Warren and Abs and how, although they left the woods, they didn't really escape it.
A Matter of Life and Death - *spoiler alert* this tale really appealed to the ecologist in me as it is told through the eyes of the creator (whomever you wish this to be) and their never ending challenge of creating the perfect lifeform and their realisation that mankind may not be it (I'm inclined to agree on that one).
Under the Oak - this is a beautiful little tale showing how strong true love can really be.
Dream Woman - this tells the story of Jim as he finally meets the woman of his dreams, literally, and despite what those dreams tell him he stills follows his destiny. A slightly satirical look at fate and where it can lead you.
View From Burano - a beautifully relaxing short that takes you away to a quiet little beach on a quite little island, leaving all your cares behind.
May 13, 2012
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reader. This book is actually really good! The stories seem to be classic horror stories and leave the reader to come up with their own conclusions for each story. I would recommend this book to every fan of the horror genre. This will not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews