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Mephisto Disco
Welcome to Mephisto Disco, the debut short story collection from Simon Paul Wilson.
Within, you’ll find tales of ancient trees and their horrific fruit, a group of ghost hunters exploring a haunted house in Japan, a girl who suddenly becomes the last person on Earth, and nine more tales of magical realism and horror.
Dare you enter Mephisto Disco?
Within, you’ll find tales of ancient trees and their horrific fruit, a group of ghost hunters exploring a haunted house in Japan, a girl who suddenly becomes the last person on Earth, and nine more tales of magical realism and horror.
Dare you enter Mephisto Disco?
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2022
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Simon Paul Wilson
13 books35 followersSimon Paul Wilson is a U.K. based writer of horror, sci-fi, and magic realism.
He is the author of GhostCityGirl, the first in a cyberpunk horror trilogy, See You When The World Ends, and Baggage, co-written with Matt Wildasin.
When not writing, Simon listens to post and prog rock at a very loud volume. He also plays a mean air bass.
He is the author of GhostCityGirl, the first in a cyberpunk horror trilogy, See You When The World Ends, and Baggage, co-written with Matt Wildasin.
When not writing, Simon listens to post and prog rock at a very loud volume. He also plays a mean air bass.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 26, 2022
What a rollercoaster ride of modern horror in its different variations. Those 12 stories have everything you'll expect. Dreary perspectives for the future, mutations, cannibalism, bullying, haunted places and dangers caused by excavating a disastrous past. Favorites? Yep, starting with the first one "The Nothing Tree" (my ultimate favorite) to "Sea Monsters", "Sushi", "Kibou" and "Satan's Claws are Coming to Town" (love that wording). Strong voice and content, great cover and outstanding title. You won't do wrong with this package. Can highly recommend this story collection.
April 25, 2022
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Late last year, I had the pleasure of reading ‘See You When the World Ends’ by Simon Paul Wilson. It was eerie, disarming and subtly worked its way under my skin.
Recently, I posted on my social media channels that if anyone needed any help, to let me know. Now, typically if I’ve agreed to blurb a book, I’ll not do an in-depth review (I honestly don’t know why I decided that haha!), but in the spirit of wanting to help – and Simon is a great guy – I offered up a blurb and here is a review that I sent along for Kendall Reviews.
What I liked: In this, Simon’s first collection, we get 10 stories that cover a wide array of topics, but in each one, the reader will get sucked in and ultimately left feeling nervous and a bit uneasy. From the first story, to the last, Paul Wilson makes sure we don’t fully know what is about to happen and when it does, wowsa, look out.
The Nothing Tree – This one starts out with an almost ‘Adam and Eve’ storyline before things take a turn and we see the awful truth of the fruit that grows from the tree.
Chaos Division – this was a funny enough story, but not one that I really clicked with. The absurdity of it is going to work with some readers and not so well with others.
Mia and Michelle – this one is a really quick story that leaves us on a very open-ended cliffhanger. I enjoyed the limited knowledge we had and how each reader is going to fill in a lot that isn’t said or shared.
Watching – super creepy story that starts out in one direction and quickly takes us in another. Really enjoyed this one and the pacing of it was spot on.
Tears – an interesting story that follows our main character as they prepare to take their own life. They reflect on certain moments that didn’t affect them like they thought it would. A very moving piece.
The Kimura House – ghost hunters enter a supposed haunted house. This is a story line that is frequently done to death, but Paul Wilson does a great job of ramping this one up and giving the reader some chills.
Sea Monsters – an interesting story about a world now flooded and the reality that things have changed. Really engaging.
Sushi – a story following a young girl at a new school in a new country, this was topical but also an uncomfortable read.
Kibou – this story starts off easy enough and then when a very disarming event occurs, it ramps up the unnerving tension. Borderline anxiety-inducing.
The Final Sound – an engaging story that starts off with a well and then really takes off running. Loved the music references and the way it built and came to a crescendo.
What I didn’t like: A few of the stories fell a little flat for me, but that happens in every collection. I will say, I enjoyed each one, just some more than others. Reader mileage will always vary with collections.
Why you should buy this: Simon Paul Wilson has an easy way of telling a story, and it really grabs you and pulls you along. This was a blast and I read it over the course of a work day, in between seeing patients and on my breaks. I would definitely recommend you give this a go whether you’re a previous fan of his work or a new one.
Late last year, I had the pleasure of reading ‘See You When the World Ends’ by Simon Paul Wilson. It was eerie, disarming and subtly worked its way under my skin.
Recently, I posted on my social media channels that if anyone needed any help, to let me know. Now, typically if I’ve agreed to blurb a book, I’ll not do an in-depth review (I honestly don’t know why I decided that haha!), but in the spirit of wanting to help – and Simon is a great guy – I offered up a blurb and here is a review that I sent along for Kendall Reviews.
What I liked: In this, Simon’s first collection, we get 10 stories that cover a wide array of topics, but in each one, the reader will get sucked in and ultimately left feeling nervous and a bit uneasy. From the first story, to the last, Paul Wilson makes sure we don’t fully know what is about to happen and when it does, wowsa, look out.
The Nothing Tree – This one starts out with an almost ‘Adam and Eve’ storyline before things take a turn and we see the awful truth of the fruit that grows from the tree.
Chaos Division – this was a funny enough story, but not one that I really clicked with. The absurdity of it is going to work with some readers and not so well with others.
Mia and Michelle – this one is a really quick story that leaves us on a very open-ended cliffhanger. I enjoyed the limited knowledge we had and how each reader is going to fill in a lot that isn’t said or shared.
Watching – super creepy story that starts out in one direction and quickly takes us in another. Really enjoyed this one and the pacing of it was spot on.
Tears – an interesting story that follows our main character as they prepare to take their own life. They reflect on certain moments that didn’t affect them like they thought it would. A very moving piece.
The Kimura House – ghost hunters enter a supposed haunted house. This is a story line that is frequently done to death, but Paul Wilson does a great job of ramping this one up and giving the reader some chills.
Sea Monsters – an interesting story about a world now flooded and the reality that things have changed. Really engaging.
Sushi – a story following a young girl at a new school in a new country, this was topical but also an uncomfortable read.
Kibou – this story starts off easy enough and then when a very disarming event occurs, it ramps up the unnerving tension. Borderline anxiety-inducing.
The Final Sound – an engaging story that starts off with a well and then really takes off running. Loved the music references and the way it built and came to a crescendo.
What I didn’t like: A few of the stories fell a little flat for me, but that happens in every collection. I will say, I enjoyed each one, just some more than others. Reader mileage will always vary with collections.
Why you should buy this: Simon Paul Wilson has an easy way of telling a story, and it really grabs you and pulls you along. This was a blast and I read it over the course of a work day, in between seeing patients and on my breaks. I would definitely recommend you give this a go whether you’re a previous fan of his work or a new one.
June 7, 2022
This collection is the first writing I have read from Simon, which is hard to believe because both Baggage and See you when the world ends are on my kindle, patiently waiting for me to read them. What can I say? It’s my own fault. My bad, Simon.
Mephisto Disco has 13 (? I think) short stories comprising its whole, each story differing enough from the others that one gets a feel of the breadth of storytelling available here.
Starting off with probably my second favorite of the shorts, “The Nothing Tree”, Wilson lures the reader in with a fantastic premise, a hint of oriental culture, a nasty turnaround, and a messy ending. Messy as in – not a nice ending. You aren’t going to be going home with a feel-good about the world flush at the end of the book. Nope. Wilson lets you know right up front that here, there are probably no nice endings. Only pain. I think the summary at the end of this was down to nerves, not required, but perhaps for some the closure that was needed.
The short “Watching” was probably my favorite, I got the “twist” fairly early on, just probably the way my mind works or that I write a lot about that genre, but the wording was sublime. It felt more like a piece of poetry than a short, something Shane Douglas Keene (for whom I have the deepest admiration, a poet that made me want to try to read poetry) might have penned. Poetically beautiful enough to stand out as a gem, and the fact it was my highlight of this collection speaks volumes.
As with all collections, some stories resounded with me more than others, the humor of “Chaos Division” didn’t land as planned, but that is down to having grown up with an ADHD order-obsessed mother, spoons in the fork draw was just too close to home for me to see the humor – nothing the author could have done about that one. Again, I get it, I think other people will have a blast.
I have to give credit to the excellent cover art, this time from Matt Wildasin, (link to Twitter here) it made me want to bump this up on my TBR list, really good work. Like – phenomenal work, I do love me some comic-art styled covers.
This is a collection that is going to satisfy. It’s short – it feels like it was over before it really got going, but the stories would make me want to get more from Simon, so I guess I’ll be bumping the two other books higher up my TBR mountain.
I’m giving this a 4 out of 5 ⭐ ‘s, this served as a great intro to Simon’s work. Simon, I will be reading you again, soon.
My Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this book, for review purposes.
Mephisto Disco has 13 (? I think) short stories comprising its whole, each story differing enough from the others that one gets a feel of the breadth of storytelling available here.
Starting off with probably my second favorite of the shorts, “The Nothing Tree”, Wilson lures the reader in with a fantastic premise, a hint of oriental culture, a nasty turnaround, and a messy ending. Messy as in – not a nice ending. You aren’t going to be going home with a feel-good about the world flush at the end of the book. Nope. Wilson lets you know right up front that here, there are probably no nice endings. Only pain. I think the summary at the end of this was down to nerves, not required, but perhaps for some the closure that was needed.
The short “Watching” was probably my favorite, I got the “twist” fairly early on, just probably the way my mind works or that I write a lot about that genre, but the wording was sublime. It felt more like a piece of poetry than a short, something Shane Douglas Keene (for whom I have the deepest admiration, a poet that made me want to try to read poetry) might have penned. Poetically beautiful enough to stand out as a gem, and the fact it was my highlight of this collection speaks volumes.
As with all collections, some stories resounded with me more than others, the humor of “Chaos Division” didn’t land as planned, but that is down to having grown up with an ADHD order-obsessed mother, spoons in the fork draw was just too close to home for me to see the humor – nothing the author could have done about that one. Again, I get it, I think other people will have a blast.
I have to give credit to the excellent cover art, this time from Matt Wildasin, (link to Twitter here) it made me want to bump this up on my TBR list, really good work. Like – phenomenal work, I do love me some comic-art styled covers.
This is a collection that is going to satisfy. It’s short – it feels like it was over before it really got going, but the stories would make me want to get more from Simon, so I guess I’ll be bumping the two other books higher up my TBR mountain.
I’m giving this a 4 out of 5 ⭐ ‘s, this served as a great intro to Simon’s work. Simon, I will be reading you again, soon.
My Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this book, for review purposes.
August 12, 2022
Oh, I really struck the jackpot when I won a copy of this in a competition run by the author! It was already on my to-read list after I'd read the review on the Kendall Reviews website, and I'd previously read 'See You When The World Ends' by the same author so I knew how good he was.
This is a hugely enjoyable collection of strange and often darkly witty short stories, with an influence of Japanese horror and folklore that makes the book something special.
My personal favourites were:
CHAOS DIVISION: brilliantly witty, with horror building away beneath the absurdity and humour.
THE KIMURA HOUSE: a compelling tale of investigating a haunted house in Japan, it rattles along and builds to an ending that succeeds in fulfilling the unfolding story's creepy promise.
MUTATION NATION: fast-moving apocalyptic horror, which particularly spoke to me thanks to a grim touch of satire that felt all-too plausible!
One nice touch for those intending to buy the paperback is that the lettering is actually printed at a decent size that doesn't require the reader to squint. My ageing eyes were grateful for that!
My only nitpick is that the edition I read did have a smattering of typos.
In summary: short, pacy, and engaging tales covering a wide range of modern horror. Recommended!
This is a hugely enjoyable collection of strange and often darkly witty short stories, with an influence of Japanese horror and folklore that makes the book something special.
My personal favourites were:
CHAOS DIVISION: brilliantly witty, with horror building away beneath the absurdity and humour.
THE KIMURA HOUSE: a compelling tale of investigating a haunted house in Japan, it rattles along and builds to an ending that succeeds in fulfilling the unfolding story's creepy promise.
MUTATION NATION: fast-moving apocalyptic horror, which particularly spoke to me thanks to a grim touch of satire that felt all-too plausible!
One nice touch for those intending to buy the paperback is that the lettering is actually printed at a decent size that doesn't require the reader to squint. My ageing eyes were grateful for that!
My only nitpick is that the edition I read did have a smattering of typos.
In summary: short, pacy, and engaging tales covering a wide range of modern horror. Recommended!
July 25, 2022
Simon Paul Wilson's debut collection is packed with fun, quick reads. Many of the stories here are quite short. While all of them are entertaining, my favorites tended to be the longer stories, not because of a difference in quality so much as I just tend to prefer longer tales over flash fiction pieces.
The opening story, "The Nothing Tree," was possibly my personal favorite. It starts out as a tale of young love, before going some place quite shocking that I didn't expect. Its originality sets the tone for the collection as a whole.
"Chaos Division" is a bizarre story of one man's sudden descent into a perplexing reality when his home is invaded in the middle of the night by agents of the titular organization.
"The Kimura House" is a creepy haunted house tale set in an abandoned home in Japan. I love a good ghost story and this one is a stellar example of that subgenre.
"Sea Monsters" takes place in a post apocalyptic flooded world. A young girl living in a man made floating island community is warned that there are worse monsters than those in the ocean.
If you like a good revenge tale, I highly recommend "Sushi," the story of a bullied girl's revenge on her tormenter.
"Mutation Nation" is another post apocalyptic story, this time set in a London that has seen most of its population turned to monsters. The monsters in this were very unique and cool, and I'd love to see a movie or tv show made of this one.
These are just a few of the excellent stories in Wilson's collection. I will definitely be reading more from him in the future.
The opening story, "The Nothing Tree," was possibly my personal favorite. It starts out as a tale of young love, before going some place quite shocking that I didn't expect. Its originality sets the tone for the collection as a whole.
"Chaos Division" is a bizarre story of one man's sudden descent into a perplexing reality when his home is invaded in the middle of the night by agents of the titular organization.
"The Kimura House" is a creepy haunted house tale set in an abandoned home in Japan. I love a good ghost story and this one is a stellar example of that subgenre.
"Sea Monsters" takes place in a post apocalyptic flooded world. A young girl living in a man made floating island community is warned that there are worse monsters than those in the ocean.
If you like a good revenge tale, I highly recommend "Sushi," the story of a bullied girl's revenge on her tormenter.
"Mutation Nation" is another post apocalyptic story, this time set in a London that has seen most of its population turned to monsters. The monsters in this were very unique and cool, and I'd love to see a movie or tv show made of this one.
These are just a few of the excellent stories in Wilson's collection. I will definitely be reading more from him in the future.
July 11, 2022
3.75*
July 7, 2022
A fine collection
Mephisto Disco is a fine collection of short stories which I finished in one sitting. If I had to pick a favourite I would go for Satan's Claws are Coming to Town. This is the first book I have read by this author but I now hope to read more of his stuff!!
Mephisto Disco is a fine collection of short stories which I finished in one sitting. If I had to pick a favourite I would go for Satan's Claws are Coming to Town. This is the first book I have read by this author but I now hope to read more of his stuff!!
June 16, 2022
I absolutely adored Wilson's See You When The World Ends and was keen to experience more of his work. Mephisto Disco is a fine collection of short stories and flash fiction which show skill in their variety and execution. We have monsters, killers, ghosts, and even the devil himself. Wilson certainly has an easily identifiable style which is strangely comforting even when he's explaining someone having their face eaten off. Think of him as a neutral guide through terrible tales and you'll see what I mean. Wilson isn't afraid to scratch away at raw emotion and this is on display in Tears which is a powerful exploration of mental health which is both moving and relatable. There is a lot of variety here and a wide range of horrors to uncover. My personal favourites are creepy opener The Nothing Tree, Mutation Nation (which could be a novella), and the terrifying The Kimura House. Honourable mention for Kibou which is a deliciously barren tale that provokes deep introspection. Mephisto Disco would provide an excellent starting point for people wanting to experience Wilson's unique voice as he uses every tool at his disposal. A creepy and haunting read which will leave you wanting more.
April 29, 2022
I hope you enjoy my first short story collection.
I am very proud of this one!
Thanks for reading my humble scribbles.
I am very proud of this one!
Thanks for reading my humble scribbles.
July 15, 2022
I have just finished Mephisto Disco by the Simon Paul Wilson. The title and cover art were enough to grab me and convince me that this was going to be a worthwhile endeavour. This principle can sometimes lead to disappointment but thankfully this was not the case! I have read Simon’s other published works and I simply love his style, beyond even the subject matter. He does not try to over complicate what he wants to say and just tells you a story, like he was sat in front of you. Personally, think this is the mark of a great story teller. That aside, the content still has to be there… and it is. There is a wide ranging scope of horror in all its possible guises with everything from the demonic and the paranormal to reality based human on human awfulness. My only complaint and frustration, as is often the case with me and short stories, is that I always want more of the story! I know that’s not the point so it is certainly not a black mark against this little compendium. Nice work Mr Wilson… Still waiting for GhostCityGirl 2!!!
June 1, 2022
Stellar Collection
Simon Paul Wilson has delivered an incredible collection of short stories. The tension building is spot on, the twists are well executed, and the characters feel absolutely genuine. Every single story hit for me, but to highlight a few favorites:
Chaos Division is a hilarious story with a perfectly absurd ending that reminded me of some of Jeff Strand’s shorts.
Sushi is a heart wrenching tale of school bullying with a very satisfying ending.
The Kimura House is my favorite story in the collection. Master class tension building.
I simply cannot recommend this book enough. Simon has yet to disappoint, and Mephisto Disco sets a high bar for short story collections.
Simon Paul Wilson has delivered an incredible collection of short stories. The tension building is spot on, the twists are well executed, and the characters feel absolutely genuine. Every single story hit for me, but to highlight a few favorites:
Chaos Division is a hilarious story with a perfectly absurd ending that reminded me of some of Jeff Strand’s shorts.
Sushi is a heart wrenching tale of school bullying with a very satisfying ending.
The Kimura House is my favorite story in the collection. Master class tension building.
I simply cannot recommend this book enough. Simon has yet to disappoint, and Mephisto Disco sets a high bar for short story collections.
September 29, 2022
This is a really scary disco! S P Wilson is the unrelenting dj, who decides the pace and style. Some stories are fast and your heartbeat quickens to a painful level. Others are slow and keep your throat in a lethal grip. And I like it!
This one have earned a place next to Craig Wallwork's "Human Tenderloin", so both are now on my bedside table, where I can easily reach them for a reread nighttime story.
This one have earned a place next to Craig Wallwork's "Human Tenderloin", so both are now on my bedside table, where I can easily reach them for a reread nighttime story.
May 28, 2022
As short story collections go this one is a win. Each and ever story is excellent. Not a bad read. Creepy, eye candy that sticks with you after the turn of the last page. This is a must read for 2022. I'd say top 5 so far this year.
June 12, 2022
*minor cryptic spoilers below*
A wide range of stories from straight up horror, through creepy and one that reminds me of the Twilight Zone, to 'everything seems normal...until we find out it's not' (something Simon Paul Wilson does particularly well).
I'd rather be where Yuko Zen is (i.e. 'somewhere else') than facing these creatures; and that globally antagonistic protagonist?...I'm running for the hills (but not the hill mentioned in the story). Talk about 'See You When the World Ends' (which has nothing to do with this story but is also a great read).
Curious? You should be. Go read it.
A wide range of stories from straight up horror, through creepy and one that reminds me of the Twilight Zone, to 'everything seems normal...until we find out it's not' (something Simon Paul Wilson does particularly well).
I'd rather be where Yuko Zen is (i.e. 'somewhere else') than facing these creatures; and that globally antagonistic protagonist?...I'm running for the hills (but not the hill mentioned in the story). Talk about 'See You When the World Ends' (which has nothing to do with this story but is also a great read).
Curious? You should be. Go read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
I read an ARC of this book and I was greedy and read it quickly. I loved every story and I wanted to read it again on its release, especially since a new story was added.
You have everything here, folklore, horror, cosmic horror, science-fiction, an apocalyptic situation and all are written very well.
The author decided on a vast range and each tale shows his talent. There are creepy stories that unsettle, which are my favourite kind, and ones that were quite weird, in a really good way.
An excellent horror collection and that cover is a work of art too
You have everything here, folklore, horror, cosmic horror, science-fiction, an apocalyptic situation and all are written very well.
The author decided on a vast range and each tale shows his talent. There are creepy stories that unsettle, which are my favourite kind, and ones that were quite weird, in a really good way.
An excellent horror collection and that cover is a work of art too
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews