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Between A Spider's Eyes: an anthology of the macabre

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What do you get when you take eight of the most prolific voices on the indie horror scene and barricade them in a cellar for one hundred and seventy-three days with little food or water but unlimited paper and three pens each?

Well, you get a lot of things, let me tell you. Most importantly, once you look beyond the gnawed fingertips, broken ankles, and buckets of feces, you find a collection of stories that in all its depraved glory promises to slowly peel away the almost-healed scabs of what you believed was finally an escape from the revulsion that greets you each morning with open arms. I have looked deep into the corners of what they have to offer, and it is truly disturbing, to say the least.

Now free, Beauregard, Bedlam, Dixon, Ennenbach, Havok, McHardy, Volpe, and Watts invite you to walk with them through levels of psychological terror and extreme horror, ending in a slow waltz with the macabre and bizarre, as they watch from a safe distance, arguing about what is the most efficient way to remove the brain stem from a partially decomposed Appalachian Freemason.

247 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2021

12 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

River Dixon

20 books89 followers
River Dixon has unknowingly found himself trapped in the incessant heat and beauty of Arizona. It is here, along with his family, that he finds solace stringing together words in an attempt to find a structure or sequence that may one day make sense of all this. River can be found hanging out at thestoriesinbetween.com where he shares his poetry and short fiction.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Mort.
Author 3 books1,628 followers
July 15, 2021
4.5 STARS

Potter’s Grove Press brought together eight of the rising names in the extreme horror and splatterpunk genre to create this anthology which punches you in the face like a monkey throwing feces at the zoo.
And, while these stories may not be as extreme as some of the previous works by these authors, it is a damn fine collection to have.
Here’s what you can expect:

Aron “Am I wearing pants right now?” Beauregard explains why you can never trust someone with a permanent smile on their face.

Elizabeth “I am not a professional” Bedlam explains why wall-sex in a disgusting place can give you something even worse than Herpes.

River “A poet, you know’it” Dixon gives plastic surgery by a family member a critical eye.

M. “Drop the Mike” Ennenbach gives a very original take on sky cum.

Rayne “A little psychotic” Havok writes a letter to the once-perfect man.

Simon “Gross-out recluse” McHardy gives in to the voices in his head…and it explains a LOT!

Daniel “Nobody messes with the hair!” J. Volpe tells you a story about a cocksucker…

Regina “The degenetrix” Watts gives a surprisingly heartwarming story about love and drugs.

***

They are all worth the read, but three things I need to note:
Blobert was totally hilarious, I loved that one the most.
The Water Revival was a truly horrific yet goreless story, but I wasn’t a fan of the ending.
Telepathol was a story which really made me feel and I really connected to it...I'm such a fucking softie.
Profile Image for MadameD.
585 reviews56 followers
October 5, 2022
I had the privilege to receive an early copy of BETWEEN A SPIDER’S EYES🕷🕷🕷 🕸. Thank you very much River Dixon!!
I was so excited to read this anthology with all these amazing writers, and I wasn’t disappointed. All the stories were delightful !!

CARLA’S CONUNDRUM by Aron Beauregard was unexpected. It started in a depressing mood then, it end in a brutal gruesome way. I liked it! It was my first time reading a Beauregard’s story and it won’t be my last .

POACHED EGGS by Elizabeth Bedlam was captivating and gruesome. Sex in a dirty restroom isn’t recommended. Ron could tell you about it. When I started this story I didn’t know how it was going to end. And I liked it. I like the way Elizabeth Bedlam tell her horror stories.

THE WATER REVIVAL by River Dixon was excellent!
He has written a wonderful horror story. I went through a wide range of emotions. I was intrigued, by the relationship between the father and his son. I was saddened by this young man situation. All his life was full of suffering. But paradoxically the person who loves him the most is the one who butchered him . I was devastated by the hatred he inspired despite himself. I was horrified by the cruelty the person he wants to please the most inflicted on him. And finally amazed by the endurance of this tortured boy . How can this sweet boy, who spent his entire life like a guinea pig for a mad scientist blinded by despair, could be happy?
What I loved about this story is all the paradoxes. For me this story is the most horrific and disturbing, in this anthology. The psychological aspect blowed my mind away . A must read!

BLOBERT by M.Ennenbach was fun and gory. I liked it! I want a Blobert too !😆

SINCERELY, CHARLOTTE by Rayne Havok was perfectly sinister. I loved it. I like the way she tell her stories. In this story she showed us, how deep love can turned, into deep hatred. And, could end in a brutal justified death . Felix you should have been a better man. I don’t know why but I always finish Rayne Havok’s stories with an evil grin 😈 on my face.

PERPETUAL DISTURBANCE by Simon McHardy was perfect! It’s not a secret, I’m a huge fan of his stories since Mother Maggot. So I couldn’t wait to read this story. And I wasn’t disappointed. This story was original , gross, and very well written. I don’t know where he find his ideas, but he has a talent to turn something pleasant and enjoyable into the most disgusting thing ever. I’ll need a little bit of time before I see( or did something else ) sperms without thinking of Matt and his friend the dirty condom. My husband won’t be happy!😆 Matt suffering was hilarious. Each time he crossed an inanimate object, I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen. The king, did his magic again 👑.Simon McHardy is like an evil genius . He has a wild imagination, totally unpredictable, without inhibition . What a funny read. I loved it !😆

JUST A FRIEND by Daniel J.Volpe was a great short violent revenge story . I liked it!

TELEPATHOL by Regina Watts was unexpected. It was a sweet, bloody revenge story. I liked it!

I highly recommend this anthology! The stories aren’t extreme, but I think horror’s fans would enjoy it !
Profile Image for Janie.
1,173 reviews
August 3, 2021
Wow! That is my reaction after finishing this completely satisfying collection of stories by eight of the best up and coming authors of horror. Potter's Grove Press has every reason to be proud of this book. I was totally immersed in each and every story.

In Carol's Conundrum by Aaron Beauregard, a woman obsessed by puppets desperately needs an outlet for her frustrations. She needs to vent, and does so in a gruesome way through ventriloquism.

Poached Eggs by Elizabeth Bedlam is a sincere warning against having sex in a public rest room. The results are truly horrific. Many eggs were harmed in this story, but don't feel sorry for them.

The Water Revival by River Dixon is a heart-breaking and shocking story of family and body modification. The trials that the son goes through will put tears in your eyes. Demonstrated are the ugly things that family members put each other through while also showing the power of love, however twisted.

Blobert by M. Ennenbach is about, well ... space sperm. It has quite the appetite, but develops a bond with one person. Yeah, a man and his space stuff. This is no Lassie story.

In Sincerely, Charlotte by the inimitable Rayne Havoc, a wife who has been cheated on writes many letters describing scenarios in which she kills her husband. Her psychiatrist attempts to get her out of this writing phase, but has justice been served?

Oh, Simon McHardy! Always a pleasure! I loved Perceptual Disturbances, in which a schizophrenic finds sentience in objects. Things like to boss him around. I think the pen got its just desserts.

In Just A Friend by Daniel J. Volpe, a teenaged girl is picked on and abused one too many times. A stranger appears in the middle of a snowstorm to offer her a means to revenge. Needless to say, the results are colorful.

The final story, Telepathol by Regina Watts, tops off this succession of gripping stories perfectly. A drug is developed that allows humans to share memories telepathically. But what happens when a human shares his new dog's memories? The ending of this tale is truly unforgettable.

I highly recommend this collection to everyone who enjoys horror. I enjoyed each and every story equally. My sincere thanks go to River Dixon for sharing this ARC with me!
Profile Image for Rayne Havok.
Author 38 books685 followers
November 12, 2021
The stress I felt trying to come up with a story for this was unmatched. Each of these authors has such a strong voice in a variety of styles. How the fuck could I fit in there? I felt like a fraud for even trying to... try!(I got over it, put on a clean pair of big-girl panties after shitting those, and I'm glad I did)

That aside, holy fricken moly! This was a rockstar opening from Aron with alphabetical encore after encore of some of the best short stories I've read.

I thoroughly loved this and appreciate Potter's Grove for smooshing us all together.
Profile Image for Hail Hydra! ~Dave Anderson~.
314 reviews11 followers
November 27, 2021
Sparky scrambled faster, darting through the living room and into the open kitchen. Wet smacking sounds slorped through the house and were soon joined by the unpleasant chomping of a dog scarfing wet food.
Profile Image for Vicky Lelove.
124 reviews46 followers
August 4, 2021
With thanks to River Dixon, I was delighted to receive a early copy of this anthology. Some of my favourite indie horror Authors of the last year or two, all webbed together and certainly ones who have helped my sanity stay somewhat sane, with the sheer craziness in the world, right now.
So yeah.. this was a enjoyable experience, indeed.

Carla's Conundrum by Aron Beauregard.
When a ventriloquist gets an ultimatum from her husband, its either him or her puppets. She chooses her puppets with dire straits.

Poached Egg by Elizabeth Belham.
Could you resist a week of fun in Daytona Florida, with a silver foxed biker ??
Crystal couldn't and possibly ended up with a STD unknown to man but definitely one that's breeding in their urinals.

The Water Revival by River Dixon.
This one will get you in the guts, not with the gore but absolute sadness. A child wanting love, approval and acceptance of thy mother and father, will allow any kind of abuse to happen too them.

Blobert by M. Ennenbach.
When space gets blueballs and ejaculates its glob of blob cum on a trailer trash park. Ursa the meth head has the trip of his life watching the blob consume his neighbours while he reminiscences about his past lover.

Sincerely Charlotte by Rayne Havok.
Revenge is best served by a letter.. When a woman bares her soul on being blinded by love of her husband and then blinded by hate when he turns out to be a monster. It turns dark.. real quick.

Perceptual Disturbance by Simon McHardy.
When Matt the schizophrenic forgets to take his meds, he's suddenly joined by a few friends, like Reggie the used condom and Ezi the meat cleaver. Funny and full of gore.

Just a Friend by Daniel J. Volpe.
Kaelle Reick gives good head but unfortunately not always for good reasons. When them reasons decide to all show at once, Kaelle soon learns.. any thing goes in a horror novel.

Telepathol by Regina Watts.
Jack wants the passion back in his life, especially the love of his wife Marie but instead of going the viagra way or getting rid of Marie's dead beat brother who is staying with them. He decides on the Telepathol way of telepathy tripping and getting a memory of his wife's childhood loving dog Brutus. Jack the next day heads to the pound bringing back a similar dog for Marie and that's when the horror begins.
526 reviews48 followers
December 28, 2021
Alright this is probably my favorite anthology ever. It's an all-star author line up that definitely didn't disappoint. All fucking 10 star stories full of gore brutality and violence also very psychologically fucked up I mean what more can you ask for. If you are new to the indie horror scene and are overwhelmed by the amount of content and authors. Start with this anthology it'll give you a very tiny taste of what these amazing authors have to offer. Just fucking Bravo to each and every author in this book.
Profile Image for Renée.
226 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2021
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year as some of my favourite authors are in this collection. They certainly delivered! All of the stories are bloody brilliant. The Water Revival by River Dixon is my favourite, it is a heartbreaking, unforgettable read.
Profile Image for Corrina Morse.
818 reviews128 followers
August 15, 2021
Just Finished BETWEEN A SPIDERS EYES And What Can I Say?? WOW!! 🖤
I'm Not Normally One For Anthologies I Have To Admit, But Every Now And Then I Indulge, And How Could I Not With This Amazing Line Up!!??!! 😁
And It Did Not Disappoint!
Normally With Anthologies There Are One Or Two That Let The Side Down (In My Opinion Anyway!) NOT THE CASE WITH THIS ONE......GENUINELY, EVERY... SINGLE... STORY WAS AWESOME!
You Want Horror, Fear, Blood, Gore, Humour, Guts, Weirdness, Vileness...? You Got It!! 100%!! I Cannot Honestly Pick A Fave, They Were All That Good!!
5 Out Of 5 Spiders From Me 🕷🕷🕷🕷🕷
Profile Image for Lindsay Crook.
1,073 reviews37 followers
August 21, 2021
This is the first time I actually read a whole anthology. I normally just read the authors I know of just two of three stories but this one holy cow. I devoured this from cover to cover. This was a superb star studded anthology. Every author wrote amazing shorts . This has made me definitely want to read more River Dixon. Great job to all the authors.
Profile Image for KillerBunny.
269 reviews158 followers
October 9, 2021
What can I say, every stories were phenomenal. I did know some authors in the book but not everyone, I was pleasantly surprised by each of them.

Aron Beauregard story was disturbing and creepy, a great reminder of my favorite horror movie, Dead Silence. 💀💀💀💀💀/5

Elizabeth Bedlam made the best body horror i've read in years. 💀💀💀💀💀/5 (+1)

River Dixon story was not only great it kept me hooked on every line, wondering what's going to happen. 💀💀💀💀💀/5

M. Ennenbach story was like being on drug, it was funny and dark, it was great 💀💀💀💀/5

Rayne Havok is a fantastic author, this is my second story by her, and I freaking loved it. I think that's what the horror/splatterpunk needed. More psycho women characters ! 💀💀💀💀💀/5

Simon McHardy story was my first from him and it won't be the last. It was perfect. The theme was great and different very graphic and disgusting. I loved it. 💀💀💀💀💀/5

Daniel J. Volpe is my favorite author of the year and it's not for nothing. He mix blood, sex and disturbing at perfection. he sure is an artist at his craft. 💀💀💀💀💀/5

Regina Watts had a perfect idea for a story, it was unique to say the least. It was a bit sad but graphic and very well written. 💀💀💀💀💀/5
Profile Image for Stefanie Duncan.
412 reviews30 followers
August 28, 2021
This book is a must-read!

It starts out with a banger of a story by Aron Beauregard and each story after continues to surprise you. The story by River Dixon will haunt my dreams for a while. Rayne Havok story is excellent as all her other stories ( and yay for friends). Simon McHardy delivers as story that will make you gag at least once, Daniel J Volpe delivers a perfect story about what happens when you push a person to far, Blobert by M. Ennenbach is literally a trip, Regina Watts shows you why a dog is a man's best friend and Elizabeth Bedlam makes you re-consider those nasty restrooms at gas stations.

Defiantly a 5 Star book and introducing me to authors I haven't read yet.

Profile Image for Dakota Dawe.
195 reviews10 followers
August 12, 2021
First of all, there is not a single story in this collection that disappoints. Each story captivated me and many of these left me feeling broken, disgusted, anxious, heartbroken, and all around hurt. My favorite story was from River Dixon, an author I haven’t read before. His story was so haunting and he absorbed me into the pages, making me feel like I was right there in that mansion. The one that caused me the most emotional distress was Daniel Volpe’s. That scene (you’ll know exactly what scene I mean) was written so realistically and made me physically uncomfortable while I read it. I just wanted to help that poor girl and kick the shit out of some nerdy highschoolers. It was a dream come true to see so many talented authors all in one place, it’s an indie horror fan’s wettest dream.
Profile Image for Cory.
52 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2021
Carla’s Conundrum by Aron Beauregard: very well written short story with a nice twisted ventriloquist tale!!! Mary Shaw from Dead Silence ain’t got nothin on Charlotte!!! 5 stars!!!

Poached Eggs by Elizabeth Bedlam: it was an engaging story but I feel the author could have went more in depth on a certain aspect. 4 stars!!!

The Water Revival by River Dixon: good story but I feel like more could have been done with it. I hated the mother in this one. 4 stars!!!

Blobert by M. Ennenbach: This was my least favorite story. Was well written but just weird lol. 3 stars!!!

Sincerely, Charlotte by Rayne Havok: I loved how she made this out like a letter and blurred it with reality!!! 5 stars!!!

Perceptual Disturbances by Simon Mchardy: this was the first thing I’ve ever read by him and won’t be the last. Good, gross fun. I will never look at a condom the same again 😂. 5 stars!!!

Just A Friend by Daniel Volpe: always be careful whose hands you put your trust in and also be careful of how you treat ppl. 5 stars!!!

Telepathol by Regina Watts: this is the first thing I’ve read by her but won’t be my last. It starts off slow but the more you read the more you wanna know what happens next. Always trust a dogs judge of character!!! 5 stars!!!

Every story was written well by these talented authors and can see why they were chosen to be a part of this book. Some I already knew why they were picked to be a part of it of course. I’m happy I purchased it and if you like extreme horror I highly suggest you buy a copy as well!!!
Profile Image for renee w.
266 reviews
November 25, 2022
Well hot Damn , I say. This anthology was brilliant . 8 of my favorites in one book. Ranging from
A puppet Master
Horrific rash
A child destined to be loved
A hell of an acid trip
Love letters to the missing
A schizophrenic with too many friends
A scorned girl
A new dog
Not one story in this 📖 was disappointing. If anything I needed to bleach my 👁 👁 out after a few. If you are looking for vile , horrific ,basically depraved look no further . 5 🕷
Profile Image for Michael.
755 reviews55 followers
August 5, 2021
Recieved an ARC. This book from Potter's Grove Press is so good. Some of my favorite writers. 8 awesome disturbing stories. I really enjoy the cover of this book. Aron Beauregard wrote a fantastic story for the start of this anthology. The stories were all solid 4-5 stars. The stories are pretty lengthy too. I will read anything I can get my hands on from all these authors. I will purchase this in paperback.
Profile Image for Scott .
51 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2021
A very worthwhile anthology featuring work from an all-star team of contemporary horror hard hitters. The tone of the collection offers a sustained feeling of eerie anxiety as each story slowly builds until a non-telegraphed twist ending is dropped on your head like a proverbial safe. With some minor exceptions, none of the contributors get as gag-worthy graphic as in their solo work. But, that's not to say there isn't plenty of gross (I'm looking at you Mr. McHardy--as usual!) and teeth grindingly grotesque material to be found tucked into these pages. I savored my time taking in each tale, and rather than laying out another story-by-story synopsis, I would simply recommend "Between a Spider's Eyes" to both established fans of these steadily gaining cult status sickos, and those looking to take a chance on indie authors whose bibliographies you'll very likely start seeking out as soon as you slip this one into your bookcase.
Profile Image for Thomas Hobbs.
914 reviews8 followers
September 7, 2021
I enjoyed all 8 stories. Some stood out for me like the space cum, and the dog memories, and the guy that was doing random stuff from inanimate objects( really fucked up story BTW, but still loved it). Besides the spider web on the back cover and the front cover, I was kinda disappointed. I was expecting a spider story and not 1 of the 8 stories had nothing to do with spiders.
Profile Image for Ryder Kinlay.
Author 6 books94 followers
August 11, 2021
Firstly, I want to thank River Dixon for providing me an ARC copy of BASE for an honest review.

Well, well … all I can say is f**king hell, this has to be the best collection of stories I’ve read in a damn long time. It punched you in the guts and I’m sure most of these stories will fester in my brain for a long time.

It grabs you by the throat and then throttles you until the very end. I love all the authors - each had their own style, a fantastic story, and did an awesome job. But the one that hit the hardest and I was totally unprepared for was Volpes. Damn. It was brutal and punched me in the gut. It sadly resonated with me and made me flinch. I’m still shaking. It was really good.

Credit to River and Potters Press for making this anthology happen and bringing together some of the best in the indie horror business. If I could give this more stars I would. I’m going to make this my first paperback purchase. I LOVED it!!! Do yourself a favour, buy this damn book!
Profile Image for Brian Bowyer.
Author 62 books274 followers
May 30, 2022
An Awesome Anthology!

I enjoyed all the stories, but River Dixon's "The Water Revival" and "Blobert" by M. Ennenbach were my favorites. Highly recommended!
17 reviews
April 17, 2022
What a FUN ride!!!

I love a good, and gross story to cringe over, and this book definitely gave that to me!!!! Give it a ride yourself!
Profile Image for Kirsty Crane.
24 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2021
Loved this collection, it was really cool to get to read some favourite authors but also try some new ones! Some really creepy and some really funny, a couple I felt would have made awesome full length stories. Definitely recommend!!! I couldn't put this down, but be warned Simon mchardys stories will have you gagging and laughing!
Profile Image for Todd Love.
Author 40 books100 followers
January 1, 2022
Great collection of authors and stories. Simon McHardy and Daniel Volpe were my top 2 stories. Each story was great. Definitely a book to read. All these great authors under on roof - AMAZING!
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