Whispers In The Night: Horror and Suspense by Black Writers

by Brandon Massey

BEYOND YOUR DARKEST DREAMS—
From the deceptive safety of your very own bed to the seeming stillness of country roads and the bustle of urban streets, your darkest realities reveal themselves as you enter hidden realms, crossing the threshold into one man's tortured mind—a mind haunted by the mocking, derisive voices of his youth. Quench your insatiable thirst for terror at a bar where the drinks are abominable and the patrons never leave. Relive the infamous, harrowing Middle Passage that brought millions of African slaves to America, but this time with a spellbinding twist. .

LIE YOUR DEEPEST FEARS.
From scenes of pulsating ecstasy to unspeakable tragedy, surrender yourself to a world inhabited by bizarre sex cults and violent gangs. Meet the malevolent entities that feed on human misery in the midst of a hurricane's wrath. Endure a sweltering summer on a swamp inhabited by mischievous spirits intent on possessing the most innocent within their slimy grasp. Submit to the tantalizing temptation and the irresistible pull of the unknown in eighteen stories that will illuminate the horrors within—and without. And whatever you do, don't turn off the lights.

"Showcases the best in horror and suspense by noted African American writers."
—Library Journal on Dark Dreams

"Funny. horrifying. the end is always unexpected. a book worth reading if you like looking over your shoulder or peering into dark corners."
—The Rawsistaz Reviewers on Voices from The Other Side: Dark Dreams II

"Strong. a volume whose universal human themes will resonate with many readers."
—Publishers Weekly on Dark Dreams.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies, Fiction

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

Here’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)

I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.

I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.

Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.

My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.

I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.

I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.

Reviews

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are various authors in this novel. I can only grade each one accordingly based on my reading tastes.
(1) 2.5, disappointed after the mystery shocker then left me empty, no real conclusion or ending.
(2) 3, story was bit different, facing bullying that lasted in adult years drove the person to become delusional.
(3) 2, the story repeated itself intentionally but finally had a decent closing.
(4) 1, unsure where this story was going and who this 5 or 6 year old kid really was...and what a mouth!
(5) 1, couldn't get into it at all
(6) 3.5/4, the ending stuck with me
(7) 5, enjoyed throughout with shocker
(8) 2.5, domestic violence to the extreme
(9) 3, ending is a killer
(10) 1, I like the Native American approach but oddly didn't work for me
(11) 5, zombies at large and surprised how the two ladies actually get out of South of Chicago
(12) 3, like some of the spiritual aspects added while working on the nurse station; Daniel believed that the mentally addled was actually demon-possessed
(13) 1
(14) 1
(15) 1
(16) 1
(17) 1
(18) 1
(19) 3, love with a zombie was weird but worked for me
(20) 1, a bore

40/20=2 stars

Leisure read 2016; also requested a copy for the library I work for.

[Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful read that still doesn't top the first book in the series, but comes close.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Summer” by Tananarive Due kicks open this anthology and lets us know that nothing is safe. If this series has done nothing else, it’s let me know that I need to move her collection up to the top of my TO READ pile. Dark Dreams is excellent at getting authors in front of us that we need to be reading, and the whole anthology series is worth your time.

[Em H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

[2.5 stars rounded up]

I picked this up back in October because I wanted to make sure I read some Black horror; I certainly didn't think it would take me this long to finish the collection, but here we are.

Unfortunately, this collection just didn't work for me. There were some great stories, but there were also a lot of mid stories, and stories I just downright did not enjoy. The best stories are the first and last, in my opinion.

The best part about reading collections with different authors is that you, hopefully, walk away with some new authors to check out, and I did, so even if I didn't fully love my time with the collection as a whole, I'm excited to have some new Black horror writers to check out.

Individual ratings and quick thoughts below.

* "Summer" by Tananarive Due: 5/5--loved this story. It was the perfect length and revealed just enough.

* "And Death Rode With Him" by Anthony Beal: 3/5-- interesting concept, but felt quite repetitive. I think this would have worked better as a novella.

*Are You My Daddy?" by Lexi Davis: 2/5--did not like the main character, and ultimately just didn't find this story that interesting.

* "To Get Bread and Butter" by Randy Walker: 2/5--again, interesting concept, but just okay execution. Not really much substance.

* "Dream Girl" by Dameon Edwards: 1/5-- did not like this one, because again, I did not like the main character. He was insufferable.

* "My Sister's Keeper" by Chesya Burke: 3/5--definitely interested in reading more by Burke. I liked the family dynamics in this story, and it's ultimately more heartbreaking than horrifying.

* "The Wasp" by Robert Fleming: 3/5--good writing and I found it compelling--horrid circumstances for the MC.

* "Hell is for Children" by Rickey Windell George: 5/5--loved the writing and imagery in this one. Great concept.

*"Flight" by Lawana James-Holland: 2/5--just okay.

* "Hadley Shimmerhorn: American Icon" by Michael Boatman:3/5--decent zombie short story.

* "Nurse's Requiem" by Maurice Broaddus: 3/5--I wish this one had a bit more oomph, but really liked the concept.

* "Wet Pain" by Terence Taylor: 3.5/5--again, really liked the concept of this one, and would definitely check out more by this author.

*"The Taken" by Tenea Johnson: 3/5--interesting concept but unsure how I felt about the execution.

* "Mr. Bones" by Christopher Chambers: 2/5--I can appreciate what this one tried to do, but it didn't work for me.

* "RIP Crew" by B. Gordon Doyle: 1.5/5--didn't love the characters or the story.

* "Power and Purpose" by L.R. Giles: 3/5--fun and I liked the MC; the ending didn't quite stick the landing for me.

* "The love of a zombie is everlasting" by Tish Jackson: 2/5--liked the cheeky tone of this one, but it was just okay.

* "Ghosthunter" by Brandon Massey: 4/5--predictable, but fun. Good writing.

[Cynthia Papin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandon Massey is a master of blending contemporary horror with deep emotional resonance, and Whispers in the Night is a powerful testament to his skill. This novel delivers a chilling and atmospheric experience that will satisfy any fan of supernatural suspense, easily earning its strong four-star rating.

The Premise: Haunting Secrets

The story centers on a protagonist who moves into a seemingly idyllic, old house in a quaint neighborhood, hoping for a fresh start. However, the house holds more than just history; it is steeped in a dark past, and the protagonist soon finds themselves tormented by unsettling phenomena—the titular whispers—and terrifying visions. What sets Massey apart is his ability to ground this supernatural terror in the very real, human struggle of dealing with trauma and loss. The haunting isn't just about jump scares; it's intricately tied to family secrets and the inescapable echoes of past injustices.

Strengths: Atmosphere and Character Depth

The atmosphere is the strongest element of this book. Massey excels at building a slow, creeping dread. The terror is psychological long before it becomes physical, making the reader question the reality of the events alongside the main character. The house itself feels like a character, oppressive and alive.

Secondly, the character development is excellent. The protagonist is flawed, relatable, and their internal conflict is just as compelling as the external horror. Their journey toward uncovering the truth is driven by personal need, which gives the high-stakes plot emotional weight. The secondary characters are well-drawn and serve not just as plot devices, but as integral parts of the community that both protects and hides the house's dark history.

The pacing is generally fantastic. It begins with a slow burn, meticulously establishing the setting and characters, then ratchets up the tension steadily toward a frantic and satisfying climax.

The Missing Piece (Why 4, Not 5)

While the book is incredibly strong, the reason it lands at four stars rather than five is a slight predictability near the novel's end. The ultimate reveal of the haunting's origin, while satisfyingly thematic, felt telegraphed a little too early. A few of the supporting characters' motivations, while crucial to the twist, could have been layered with more ambiguity to maintain that final surprise. This is a minor quibble, however, as the journey to the reveal remains compelling and intense.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Whispers in the Night is a must-read for those who enjoy ghost stories that prioritize character and atmosphere over gore. Brandon Massey crafts a sophisticated horror novel that explores how the past is never truly dead, only waiting for the right moment to speak. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, emotionally rich, and genuinely chilling read to keep you up late, this one belongs on your bookshelf.

[Tiffany Lynn Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I have to be honest, I struggled with the urge to dnf this book. Not because it was bad, despite skipping three of the tales I largely found the writing to be over all good. It was simply a matter of most of them not being horror.
My favorites where To Get Bread and Butter with it's take on OCD, the heartbreaking Hell Is For Children, Flight that introduced a fascinating historic monster and the utter perfection, WET PAIN. I also wouldn't mind revisiting the survivors of Hadley Shimmerhorn: American Icon, but over all the other works didn't stick with me.
I might pick up the other collections at some point when I want to find a new author but as of right now I'm in no rush.

[Wendy]

I really liked the Tananarive Due story, but the others were a bit too raw for me. I stopped reading after Hell is for Children.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

First few stories were so good but most of the stories in the second half fell flat...

[Dark Recesses]

DARK DREAMS III: WHISPERS IN THE NIGHT
Edited by Brandon Massey
Dafina Books
Trade paper, $14.00


In 2004, when Brandon Massey brought together the best of the best of the African American horror/fantasy writing community to create the Dark Dreams anthology series it contained wholly refreshing and exciting takes on the common horrors of man, told from a distinctively African American point of view. It was, in some ways, a wakeup call for the vast majority of horror readers (and even some editors) that there was a whole section of writers out there being neglected in the ever-widening scape of horror and dark fantasy.
And now we’ve hit number three in the anthology series and I must say I miss the halcyon days of the first two collections. WHISPERS IN THE NIGHT is a fine collection, but in no way does it match the superior quality of past offerings.
To be sure, there are some spikes on the radar.
Lexi Davis’ ‘Are You My Daddy?’ is just plain laugh out loud funny as this baby-daddy finds himself father to a kid that just won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
Maurice Broaddus (one of my fav writers, period) gives a bone chilling existential slap to the face with ‘Nurse’s Requiem’.
Randy Walker’s ‘To Get Bread and Butter’ may be the finest example in writing of what true madness is and how simple it is to cross that thin line between being picky and O.C.D.
And, of course, Massey’s own story, ‘Ghostwriter’ is good stuff. It’s written with passion and élan.
But the other stories are just ‘okay’.
And that’s the main problem for me. I wanted this to be better than okay. They should be better than okay. They shouldn’t read like trunk stories, without focus or thematic approach. This anthology series has proven itself to be a powerful voice for African American writers in general- not just African American horror and dark fantasy writers. The vein is still full and ripe and it needs to be tapped for something more than mediocrity. These stories, each and every one of them, should be the best of the best, and should blow other anthologies out of the water. It should, in short, give Stephen Jones and run for his money for each and every one of the genre related anthology awards.
Perhaps the problem is that many of the writers had nothing significant to say about modern horror. There are several attempts at urban horror, but nothing that stands out and tries to redefine the sub-genre. There are stories of love and dysfunctional relationships, but this is all too self centered and provides no gestalt for the passive reader. No one tried to cleave the genre boundaries asunder. And in this uncertain horror day and age, as writers, white, black, polka dotted- whatever- we need to swing as broad a sword as we can to redefine the literary niche we’ve been assigned. If any one anthology series has a chance to do it, I think Massey’s Dark Dreams could do so. But he’s got to make his contributors dig deeper for that kind of power.
This wasn’t deep enough for me.




--Nickolas Cook

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers In The Night is third in the Dark Dreams series featuring nineteen speculative short fiction stories from veteran and upcoming authors. Massey has done a credible job assembling a variety of stories that offer differing themes and varying degrees of horror which may also appeal to some suspense/mystery fans. He anchors the anthology with the traditional `old fashioned' ghost story opening with Tananarive Due transporting the reader to Florida just in time for the emergence of the swamp demons (Summer) and closes with his self-authored tale about visiting the cemetery to remedy writer's block (Ghostwriter) .

Massey fills the anthology with stories that have political or socially-conscious themes such as slave reparations (The Taken), drug use in the

inner-city (My Sister's Keeper), spousal (The Wasp) and child abuse (Hell Is For Children). Humor is sprinkled in the mix when a "special" boy looks for a father (Are You My Daddy?) and love is in the air when a zombie claims her soul mate (The Love of a Zombie Is Everlasting) . Spirituality is at the forefront when a man's faith in God is challenged by a demon (Nurse's Requiem), false and true prophets clash (Power and Purpose), and the aftereffects of internalized intra-race discrimination manifest themselves on an unsuspecting office worker (Scab).

Although I found most stories engaging, there were three tales that I thought were notable:

And Death Rode with Him by Anthony Beal - Paradise Pub, a gritty bar in the middle of a desert, has a television that only gets channel 66 and seemingly "permanent" patrons who routinely drown their sorrows in a powerful yet strange elixir.

WET PAIN by Terence Taylor - a very touching tale that reveals misery does indeed love company in a twist on how unconquered racism of yesteryear festers and destroys friendship, family, and community amid the atrocities of Hurricane Katrina.

Mr. Bones by Christopher Chambers - a timely tale that is appropriate in the wake of the Michael Richards/Don Imus controversies. It examines the tortured souls of minstrel show performers who "sold out" their own people with disastrous results only to find themselves reincarnated in a hellish cycle of torment as modern day rapper/hip hop artists.

While some stories appealed to me more than others, I found that this collection challenges the imagination and gets high marks for creativity. I think Massey was extremely successful in his attempt to showcase old and new talent in horror and speculative fiction. I will be on the look out for independent work from these writers as well as Dark Dreams IV.

[Jeannie Sloan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any anthology some of the stories were really quite good while others were kind of flat.There was one story that I did wish I had not read about female genital mutilation.It was just too gross and way to upsetting.It literally made me sick.
Some of the stories deserve 4 stars but by and large the other ones deserve 2 and 3 stars.
I understand from the reviews that the first book in this series is supposed to be the best so I have ordered it from the library .We will see.

[Marya · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a mixed bag, and I mean that in a good way. The short stories in this book go from smart to funny to classy to sexy (if you're a guy. I guess.) With such a wide variety, it was inevitable some would appeal to me more than others. Two or three of the stories employ heavy metaphors, and I found myself more interested in what the authors thought of big topics (light skin vs. dark skin, the legacy of blackface, etc.) via this medium.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An assortment of short horror tales from different authors.
It's a really good compilation.
I grew up loving Stephen King. I also like a few of Dean Koontz's books.
But Stephen made me a fan of horror novels.
Then I was introduced to Tananarive Due and Brandon Massey years ago.
I've been a fan of both ever since.

[LaDonna Richerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My personal favorite collection written by African American writers. There are some really great stories in this book. There are also some stories that are not so good. With that said I thought it was good overall

[Jenny]

I don't like short stories to start with and when I started #3 the language was bad enough I figured forget it.

[Suki Niko · Rating 1 out of 5]

PERSONAL NOTES: same story over and over

[Effing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most anthologies, this one is pretty middle-of-the-road. I don't remember reading any stories I really and truly loved, but there were some interesting ideas in there.

[Ray Pettiford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a fan of short story collections, but this is a great read!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good collection of horror short stories by African American writers. I liked most of them and it was a good, diverse collection. Great Halloween reading!!