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Tavern of Terror Vol. 1: Short Horror Stories Anthology

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Welcome to Hannigan’s, where every drink is served with a double shot of terror…

A small-town carpenter exterminates a nest of ravenous insects, only to find them building a new home deep within his flesh. A brilliant doctor’s medication unleashes supernatural vengeance upon a pair of remorseless killers. And a peaceful camping trip becomes a blood-soaked nightmare, when a local legend is unleashed…

Scare Street welcomes you to Hannigan’s, a delightfully cozy Irish pub on the road just ahead. Everyone at Hannigan’s has a story to tell. Tales of ghosts, ghouls, and other shadowy horrors. Whispered nightmares, guaranteed to make your skin crawl and keep you up at night.

So pull up a chair, order a drink, and try to relax. After all, these twelve bone-chilling tales are just local legends and drunken mutterings. They can’t really hurt you, can they?

But as the bottles are emptied and the warm fire dies down, you can’t help but wonder.

After all, every legend begins with a grain of truth…

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2022

433 people are currently reading
443 people want to read

About the author

Anne Lao

51 books

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5 stars
217 (38%)
4 stars
197 (34%)
3 stars
119 (20%)
2 stars
30 (5%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Horror Reads.
914 reviews324 followers
October 9, 2023
This anthology was a pleasant surprise. I saw it was free on Kindle so I decided to give it a go. Wasn't expecting much, to be honest. But, wow, this turned out to be a truly fantastic and frightfully chilling collection of horror stories!

The connecting theme is an Irish pub that is mentioned or used as a setting in these stories. But each of these tales is different enough to never feel stale and they run the gamut of horror genres. Some are slow burns that creep you out while others are more in your face right out of the gate. I was amazed at how well written and horrifying these stories are. There are even some which journey into new territory, giving us the chills with unique premises and great creatures.

There are currently nine books in this series and I'll happily purchase other editions since this one was free and impressed me so much. There's no reason to hesitate if you have a Kindle or Kindle app. It's free, it's terrifying, and perfect for spooky season. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
Author 1 book66 followers
July 19, 2022
Get ready for an evening of horror with these fantastic stories from Scare Street!

Tavern of Terror did not disappoint! I enjoyed almost every single story in the book, and cannot wait to see what they release next!

Dive into stories that include, a worm that invades your body, a woman who experiments with bugs on humans, a time traveler, vampires, werewolves, AND SO MUCH MORE!

There is something for everyone in this book!
Profile Image for Aviar Savijon.
1,220 reviews19 followers
March 27, 2023
Tavern of Terror

A great collection of stunning short stories of horror, suspense and thrills. Ian Foster's storytelling and others authors in this book was a terror treat of scares. I loved it!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Jenny Coyne.
870 reviews41 followers
March 5, 2024
4.5 stars

Often with anthologies, I find myself stuck with a mixed bag of stories and more often than not I only enjoy 30-50% of them. With this book I can honestly say that there were only 2 stories I didn't enjoy. The great part is that the reason I didn't enjoy them was the subject matter and not because the writing was subpar.

1. Bugs in people's orifices creeps me out (yes, I know... the author did a great job on that one. Very successfully creepy 😄)
2. Suicide is depressing.
Profile Image for David.
604 reviews14 followers
June 27, 2022
This is the first of a great new series from Scare Street. It features new stories from some of the best Scare Street authors. There is a tavern in town, Hannigan's, where your bloody Mary might be more authentic than you'd care to imagine. Strange things are afoot at Hannigan's. You might encounter all manner of beings while nursing your Tom Collins, from time travelers to serial killers to monkeys from the darkest region of Hell.
Go ahead, order that next round. Eat some peanuts. You'll want to stay awhile. It'll be a night to remember.
Profile Image for Icy_Space_Cobwebs .
5,649 reviews329 followers
January 15, 2023
Inaugurating an exciting new Series from those Spooky folks at Scare Street, TAVERN OF TERROR 1 incorporates 12 Scares from Scare Street authors we admire, 12 opportunities for readers to lock doors and windows, to peek inside closets and look under the bed, all the while hoping the noises are just your house settling...because after all, you're all alone.
417 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2023
Yawn

Is that what you call scary? I'm sorry but to me it was boring. I finished this book in a couple of hours and got nothing out of it. Better luck next time.
Profile Image for Laurie.
973 reviews49 followers
July 24, 2022
A collection of a dozen tales of horror, which all have in common Hannigan’s bar and it’s bartender, Harry. Half of the stories are by Ian Fortey, with a couple by Sara Clancy, a couple by Simon Cluett, and one each by David Longhorn and Kevin Saito.

While the stories are all good, some are more sci-fi than horror. I don’t have a problem with that- I read both- but some folks might be disappointed by that. What did disappoint me was that only the first couple of stories really involved Hannigan’s; in the rest of the stories, it barely rated a mention. And I swear I’ve read a lot of these stories before. Still, like I said, the stories are all well written and have great ideas in them! Four stars; I had to take a star off for not using Hannigan’s well.
443 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2023
This is a dozen short horror stories all with a touchstone of Hannigan's Tavern. A couple of the stories are presented as a customer telling either another patron or the bartender a tale of the macabre that happened to them. The rest of the stories refer to either getting a drink or meeting friends or being in the neighborhood of the bar. A few mention "the bar by the docks".
The mostly good to very good tales range from alien-like creatures to ghosts, bugs, vampires, mad scientists, werewolves, and psychopaths. They range from psychological thrillers to blood and gore. All seem to be well written but not all of them clicked for me. I am sure you will find something to love if you enjoy horror stories.
6,726 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2022
Entertaining haunting listening 🎶🔰

Another will written Scare Street novel of twelve horror haunting ghost demons monsters short stories by various authors (Short Horror Stories Anthology book 1). Twelve short stories each with different story lines interesting characters with lots of fun action misdirection relationships adventure thrillers leading the unexpected conclusions. I would highly recommend this novel to readers of fantasy haunting horror ghost stories. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening. 2022 👑👒😕🗾
Profile Image for Frank T.
162 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2024
I'd all but given up on horror short stories, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this first book in a series. I will still only purchase one book at a time in the series because I've made that mistake before only to be disappointed with future offerings.
I can say I enjoyed this book and can recommend it to others, obviously some stories are better than others but I can say that none of the stories left me wanting to punch myself in the face for sticking with them. Overall a good book and a good read and I will be looking to purchase other books from these authors.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
115 reviews
July 21, 2023
A good anthology overall but some stories were hit or miss.

I enjoyed this anthology collection. Most of the stories were good, if predictable. I enjoyed the story by Sara Clancy the best and fully intend to look into her other works. I also liked how each story was a quick read, making this a good book for people with busy schedules. Give it a try, you are bound to enjoy some of the stories.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,490 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2023
This audiobook was definitely spine tingling. What made it even better was the great narration from the narrator. The narrator did wonderfully bringing the stories and the characters to life. The stories definitely had me checking over my shoulders more than twice. I could not stop listening the books were perfect for anyone who loves a good scare .
Profile Image for SeveredTherapy.
Author 9 books1 follower
October 31, 2025
A fun collection of stories that worked quite nicely to finish on Halloween. All of them circle around a small pub, though towards the end, the connection was a bit more tenuous. Overall, well written and enjoyable. One or two pushed the limits, with most of them focusing more on the psychological aspect of horror, rather than straight gore. Actual rating: 4.5 / 5, rounded up.
Profile Image for Rose Haskins.
819 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2023
Bugs!!!!!

I hate bugs. I can't stand them. I have my house sprayed twice a year, and will more if I see one in-between appointments. That's the reason for a three. Maybe I should have gone with a five, as bugs creep me out.
Profile Image for Matthew F..
Author 9 books4 followers
May 3, 2023
This was a fun read.

Most of the stories were well written with decent endings. Two were clunkers with lackluster endings and I am a stickler for intriguing endings.
Will look into volume 2
8 reviews
June 26, 2023
Horror

Great read, especially before bed! Almost like Tales From the Crypt in your pocket. Entertaining and fun. All stories have a single commonality in this book. And thats the Tavern
Profile Image for Mark.
231 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2023
Quick Read with Stories to Chill Your Soul!

This is a fun collection of short stories that are quick to read, and have some interesting and fun takes on the supernatural horror genre. Ranging from biological infestations to vengeful ghost fans of horror will enjoy this volume.
Profile Image for Alexandria.
273 reviews
December 26, 2023
scary short stories

This is volume 1 of 10. Scary short stories to read in the dark. Each story is a masterpiece of horror and adventure. Many characters in different scenarios, waiting to give you a chill.
Profile Image for Stephen.
513 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2024
Chilling

Wonderful collection of stories. Each one was a worthy read. I enjoyed that they were loosely joined together by the tavern. If you like good horror or something thrilling then give this a try and see how many you can read.
88 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2025
A great collection of short stories ranging from gentle horror to thriller type. Didn’t love all of them but 2-3 were brilliantly written and great storylines so worth the read of the whole book just for those. Very enjoyable and an easy read.
238 reviews
December 3, 2025
Pretty good mix

Some kept me guessing, some even scared me a little but some didn't seem to capture me. And the last story felt like it was missing the ending.
I do love a good 'scary story' was a good book over all.
Profile Image for Ami.
2,407 reviews14 followers
December 11, 2025
Tavern of Terror vol. 1

This horror anthology is packed with eerie tales promising nightmares for the reader. I enjoyed it very.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from BookFunnel
Profile Image for Blanche Padgett.
170 reviews
August 17, 2022
great stories

There are a lot of good stories in this one. I liked the one about the woods and the last one
Profile Image for CJ.
68 reviews
January 16, 2023
Great book filled with thrilling stories. If u creepy stories this book is for you.
Profile Image for Glasgowgal.
749 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2023
Tavern of Terror

A good selection of short stories with a townie bar connection. Heads up, a couple stories should be avoided while eating!
1,840 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2023
Hannigan's Bar introduces some tales of terror, including the universe hopping man who didn't kill Hitler
353 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2023
A nice little horror anthology. It contained some body horror as well as slasher and ghost based stories. While most weren't too scary for me they were quite good.
Profile Image for Micky Parise.
550 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2023
Overall nice quick read, as usual with anthologies some good stories and some OK stories. None was worth writing about though. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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