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What Tangled Webs
A new series of scaries from Dan Dillard, author of Demons and Other Inconveniences. What Tangled Webs includes more stories of the macabre. Includes the novella, "The Wager" where Jacob Kane finds himself living in a hell on Earth. He's lost the woman he loves, his peaceful life, and worst of all, his soul. What has the devil got in store for him? Bounty hunting the worst, most despicable people on the planet.
285 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2010
5 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Dan Dillard
31 books44 followersJust write!
Dan writes. Well, actually, he types... so he's more of a typist than a writer. If he's any good at it is really up to you, and none of his business.
Leave a review, seriously, it's okay.
Dan lives in small town Midwest and writes and makes short films. He owes his imagination to his two beautiful children, and the guts to put it out there to a loving...and patient wife.
If you'd like more info, he's on facebook and instagram... just ask him.
for more info:
IG @demonauthor_films
http://www.facebook.com/DemonAuthor
Dan writes. Well, actually, he types... so he's more of a typist than a writer. If he's any good at it is really up to you, and none of his business.
Leave a review, seriously, it's okay.
Dan lives in small town Midwest and writes and makes short films. He owes his imagination to his two beautiful children, and the guts to put it out there to a loving...and patient wife.
If you'd like more info, he's on facebook and instagram... just ask him.
for more info:
IG @demonauthor_films
http://www.facebook.com/DemonAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 12, 2015
Ok, this short story was MESSED UP. Steve must have been working for the Bad Guy if he didn't volunteer the cost of the healing. I also disagree with how the "guy upstairs" allowed the final decisions to go regarding the cost for the healing. It was well written and sad and creepy and terrifying, but I don't agree with the theological interpretation in it.
I got this for free on the Kindle a while ago. Not sure what it is going for now, but I wouldn't pay for it. It's the message, not the way it's written. I would definitely want to read more by this author, but will be prepared for theological ideas that don't mesh with mine. Three solid stars.
I got this for free on the Kindle a while ago. Not sure what it is going for now, but I wouldn't pay for it. It's the message, not the way it's written. I would definitely want to read more by this author, but will be prepared for theological ideas that don't mesh with mine. Three solid stars.
December 23, 2010
**SOME ELEMENTS OF THE STORIES ARE GIVEN AWAY BELOW. SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT**
I feel like writing a full review, so I'll go by story:
Lament of the Devil- Very interesting view of how the devil would look at different souls. I normally am not a fan of poetry, but this one was good. :)
Deliver Us From Evil- Good short and to the point. I love that Dan was able to write a scene like this, because of the bashing on the male species. Even though it turned macabre, the story was still good. It had enough detail to keep me reading but enough to keep you wanting more.
Epi3Demic- Just typing out the title now finally got me to understand it, haha. It was a very interesting idea, and could possibly happen. I worry about technology advances sometimes. When they finally invent Neuro-headsets, I'll be very scared, haha. But this story has a touch of darkness as well as a lovely cliff-hanger that leaves you wanting more of the terrifying story. You really do seem to like cannibalism, by the way. xD
Quid Pro Quo- By far my favorite tale in the book. This story has a little more to do with the paranormal side of things, and less on the gruesome blood and guts that appear throughout the book. The story of both Laura and Louis ends sadly, but has a harshness to it that I personally love. Steven is an interesting character-there and not there. I think it'd be interesting to see what Dan could do if this story was added on to. -hinthintnudgenudge-
Rite of Passage- I'm not going to lie here: this story freaked me out. It also didn't become clear to me what exactly was going on until the end of the story, which is a sign of good writing. =) Gruesome and good, I gobbled it up. ;)
Out, Damned Spot- Not one that I particularly liked, but it was probably just me. Staring at things in the dark drives me insane too, though, so I could still connect.
Briar Trace- Creepy little story. Not one of the best in the book. It seemed a little unfinished.
What Tangled Webs- The books namessake kept me reading, wanting more. I don't like spiders, and so the thought of this ever happening to me is absolutely nauseating, but it makes for a good story. The moral of the story is probably to make sure of your fiancee's ring size before buying. ;)
The 'A' Word- Very odd indeed, but one that I loved. Creepy things like that always make me flinch and look in the dark before going to sleep each night. Very well written, and I must say, you have a very dark mind indeed.
Saranormal- Another one dealing on the more paranormal side of things, which is always good for me. It's the kind of story like 'The Others' (if anyone's ever seen it), and I liked it very much. I might not really believe in the machines that supposedly 'make you see and hear ghosts', but there was really no use for them in the end, which made me happy. A pair of eyes is really all you need for the truth.
The Wager- Ah, here we are. The longest 'short' story in the collection, with a total of eleven chapters. It really is a heartbreaking story in the end, but the people that 'Kane' ends up killing really did deserve it. It's hard to believe that there actually are sick people like that in the world. By the by, the story had a nice plot, and I especially love the time jumps. (As an aspiring writer, I also like to play with time.) The story was a nice finish to a good book.
All in all, the book was good. There were good elements and bad elements, but the former definitely seemed to outweigh the latter. Especially when I won this book (signed and all) off of the Giveaways page on this site. If I see any of Dan's other books in stores or happen to come across them online, I'll definitely give them a chance. His next book, The Unauthorized Autobiography of Ethan Jacobs will definitely be showing up on my 'to-read' list.
Good job, Dan. =)
I feel like writing a full review, so I'll go by story:
Lament of the Devil- Very interesting view of how the devil would look at different souls. I normally am not a fan of poetry, but this one was good. :)
Deliver Us From Evil- Good short and to the point. I love that Dan was able to write a scene like this, because of the bashing on the male species. Even though it turned macabre, the story was still good. It had enough detail to keep me reading but enough to keep you wanting more.
Epi3Demic- Just typing out the title now finally got me to understand it, haha. It was a very interesting idea, and could possibly happen. I worry about technology advances sometimes. When they finally invent Neuro-headsets, I'll be very scared, haha. But this story has a touch of darkness as well as a lovely cliff-hanger that leaves you wanting more of the terrifying story. You really do seem to like cannibalism, by the way. xD
Quid Pro Quo- By far my favorite tale in the book. This story has a little more to do with the paranormal side of things, and less on the gruesome blood and guts that appear throughout the book. The story of both Laura and Louis ends sadly, but has a harshness to it that I personally love. Steven is an interesting character-there and not there. I think it'd be interesting to see what Dan could do if this story was added on to. -hinthintnudgenudge-
Rite of Passage- I'm not going to lie here: this story freaked me out. It also didn't become clear to me what exactly was going on until the end of the story, which is a sign of good writing. =) Gruesome and good, I gobbled it up. ;)
Out, Damned Spot- Not one that I particularly liked, but it was probably just me. Staring at things in the dark drives me insane too, though, so I could still connect.
Briar Trace- Creepy little story. Not one of the best in the book. It seemed a little unfinished.
What Tangled Webs- The books namessake kept me reading, wanting more. I don't like spiders, and so the thought of this ever happening to me is absolutely nauseating, but it makes for a good story. The moral of the story is probably to make sure of your fiancee's ring size before buying. ;)
The 'A' Word- Very odd indeed, but one that I loved. Creepy things like that always make me flinch and look in the dark before going to sleep each night. Very well written, and I must say, you have a very dark mind indeed.
Saranormal- Another one dealing on the more paranormal side of things, which is always good for me. It's the kind of story like 'The Others' (if anyone's ever seen it), and I liked it very much. I might not really believe in the machines that supposedly 'make you see and hear ghosts', but there was really no use for them in the end, which made me happy. A pair of eyes is really all you need for the truth.
The Wager- Ah, here we are. The longest 'short' story in the collection, with a total of eleven chapters. It really is a heartbreaking story in the end, but the people that 'Kane' ends up killing really did deserve it. It's hard to believe that there actually are sick people like that in the world. By the by, the story had a nice plot, and I especially love the time jumps. (As an aspiring writer, I also like to play with time.) The story was a nice finish to a good book.
All in all, the book was good. There were good elements and bad elements, but the former definitely seemed to outweigh the latter. Especially when I won this book (signed and all) off of the Giveaways page on this site. If I see any of Dan's other books in stores or happen to come across them online, I'll definitely give them a chance. His next book, The Unauthorized Autobiography of Ethan Jacobs will definitely be showing up on my 'to-read' list.
Good job, Dan. =)
October 11, 2012
When the blurb says this is a short, it means it! So I will make my review short also. It was ok.
October 6, 2023
What is this about?
From the beginning, this story had me wondering what it was about. It's a short read but very intriguing. It drew me in right away. I had to know more. The life lesson in the story is spot on. Well written and very engaging.
From the beginning, this story had me wondering what it was about. It's a short read but very intriguing. It drew me in right away. I had to know more. The life lesson in the story is spot on. Well written and very engaging.
December 26, 2024
I got a free Audible code for this book on Reddit (thank you!).
As with most collections of short stories, there were some I liked more than others. But overall, this was an awesome book, the narrator was amazing, and I loved it!!
As with most collections of short stories, there were some I liked more than others. But overall, this was an awesome book, the narrator was amazing, and I loved it!!
June 29, 2012
With a somewhat skeptical eye, I began Dan Dillard's horror anthology What Tangled Webs." Having just completed Dillard's Demons and Other Inconveniences, I prepared myself for the let-down that often occurs when a reader is first amazed by the writings of an author they’d never read before and then sorely disappointed when anything else read never
lives up to the original--like when, as the reader, you question if perhaps the author had experienced a rare stroke of creative genius during the first read or if they simply got complacent having received such rave reviews for the first novel. With that being said, I prepared myself for said let-down and opened my Kindle. *Insert funky disco tune here!*
Dillard can write a darn good horror story! Several times I put down my Kindle, wishing someone sat next to me who I could elbow and say, "Can you believe this guy?" or "This is craziness. Pure craziness!" I just wanted to share all the feelings I experienced with someone who could understand how psyched one gets by an amazingly-written story. So, I reviewed Dillard's anthology with the following system:
I like to give each story its own rating with a rating of five stars being ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, 3 stars being MEH, IT WAS OKAY, and 1 star being COULD HAVE WENT WITHOUT READING IT. My rating for the stories included in What Tangled Webs are as follows:
Lament of the Devil– 5 (Dillard once again opens his collection of scaries with a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking)
Deliver Us From Evil– 3 (The story starts interesting enough with a truly despicable character that the reader should have no trouble disliking. My issue is with the execution of the ending. I had some questions as to the "how" that I would have liked answered.)
Epi3Demic– 4.5 (A great story that reminded me of several tv shorts I’d seen. There seemed to be a small inconsistency toward the end of the story but that could be my mistake. I would have loved to have known the exact cause of what it was that was causing the "epi3demic".)
Quid Pro Quo– 5 (A great story that's simply amazing, making one wonder if given the choice…what would they choose?)
Rite of Passage– 4.5 (I loved this story. And the way in which little William spoke – "Franks" – how endearing! The ending was truly unexpected, and I would have liked to have known the "why," but I’m annoyingly curious like that.)
Out, Damned Spot– 3.5 (Dillard writes the best characters. I so mean that.)
Briar Trace– 4.5 (I really enjoyed this story. I almost thought it was a carry-over from his previous book Demons and Other Inconveniences but, when I realized it was not, I wasn’t disappointed. Again I would have liked a few questions answered.)
What Tangled Webs– 4.5 (I almost skipped this one when I came across the word ‘spider’ in the first line. My arachnophobia coupled with the likes of Dan Dillard couldn’t be good. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I delved into this story of two people who couldn’t have been more right for each other.)
The ‘A’ Word– 5 (A chilling story with an unexpected and hard-to-stomach ending. It might be slightly offensive to those who fail to remember it’s just a story…right?)
Saranormal– 3.5 (A really good story, but I found myself confused by the ending though.)
The Wager– 5 (This masterpiece is what makes this short story collection a 5. I couldn’t even find fault with the ending--only because I’m hoping and praying and wishing that the author turns this novella into a full-blown novel or even a series! An amazing story with a cast of characters so real that you’ll forget you’re reading as your mind brings these characters and this story to life. Bravo!)
Dillard amazes me, yet again, in What Tangled Webs. I can’t say enough about the writing style, characterization, or creativity woven into each story. I look forward to reading more by this author who affirms my saying that talent can be learned but a gift is truly something divine. Dillard is indeed a gifted writer.(Originally Reviewed for Risque Reviews)
lives up to the original--like when, as the reader, you question if perhaps the author had experienced a rare stroke of creative genius during the first read or if they simply got complacent having received such rave reviews for the first novel. With that being said, I prepared myself for said let-down and opened my Kindle. *Insert funky disco tune here!*
Dillard can write a darn good horror story! Several times I put down my Kindle, wishing someone sat next to me who I could elbow and say, "Can you believe this guy?" or "This is craziness. Pure craziness!" I just wanted to share all the feelings I experienced with someone who could understand how psyched one gets by an amazingly-written story. So, I reviewed Dillard's anthology with the following system:
I like to give each story its own rating with a rating of five stars being ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, 3 stars being MEH, IT WAS OKAY, and 1 star being COULD HAVE WENT WITHOUT READING IT. My rating for the stories included in What Tangled Webs are as follows:
Lament of the Devil– 5 (Dillard once again opens his collection of scaries with a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking)
Deliver Us From Evil– 3 (The story starts interesting enough with a truly despicable character that the reader should have no trouble disliking. My issue is with the execution of the ending. I had some questions as to the "how" that I would have liked answered.)
Epi3Demic– 4.5 (A great story that reminded me of several tv shorts I’d seen. There seemed to be a small inconsistency toward the end of the story but that could be my mistake. I would have loved to have known the exact cause of what it was that was causing the "epi3demic".)
Quid Pro Quo– 5 (A great story that's simply amazing, making one wonder if given the choice…what would they choose?)
Rite of Passage– 4.5 (I loved this story. And the way in which little William spoke – "Franks" – how endearing! The ending was truly unexpected, and I would have liked to have known the "why," but I’m annoyingly curious like that.)
Out, Damned Spot– 3.5 (Dillard writes the best characters. I so mean that.)
Briar Trace– 4.5 (I really enjoyed this story. I almost thought it was a carry-over from his previous book Demons and Other Inconveniences but, when I realized it was not, I wasn’t disappointed. Again I would have liked a few questions answered.)
What Tangled Webs– 4.5 (I almost skipped this one when I came across the word ‘spider’ in the first line. My arachnophobia coupled with the likes of Dan Dillard couldn’t be good. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I delved into this story of two people who couldn’t have been more right for each other.)
The ‘A’ Word– 5 (A chilling story with an unexpected and hard-to-stomach ending. It might be slightly offensive to those who fail to remember it’s just a story…right?)
Saranormal– 3.5 (A really good story, but I found myself confused by the ending though.)
The Wager– 5 (This masterpiece is what makes this short story collection a 5. I couldn’t even find fault with the ending--only because I’m hoping and praying and wishing that the author turns this novella into a full-blown novel or even a series! An amazing story with a cast of characters so real that you’ll forget you’re reading as your mind brings these characters and this story to life. Bravo!)
Dillard amazes me, yet again, in What Tangled Webs. I can’t say enough about the writing style, characterization, or creativity woven into each story. I look forward to reading more by this author who affirms my saying that talent can be learned but a gift is truly something divine. Dillard is indeed a gifted writer.(Originally Reviewed for Risque Reviews)
January 31, 2011
"Lament of the Devil" this short story is written in poem verse. It flows so smoothly as it comments on what type of person the devil likes.
"Deliver Us From Evil", Rob is a delivery guy one who does not have high morels especially with the ladies. This story is all about how it is unwise to get on the wrong side of a woman. Very unwise.
"Epi3Demic" has a Sheriff investigating some murders. Turns out there are lots of murders going on. The Sheriff and his Deputies come up with a weird situation that is causing all the deaths. The ending is predictable.
Spelling and grammer need to be checked better.
"Quid Pro Quo" has a healer healing but what is the cost of the healing to those healed? The ending just sort of ends but not with a moral or any real explanation that delivers a punch line. The story just ends.
"Rite of Passage" this story takes one surprising turn. A young boy learns this adoption house is far different than any other.
"Out, Damned Spot" one spot on a bedroom ceiling can cause all kinds of trouble. One man's frustration with his life can to.
"Briar Trace" has a Sheriff investigating a call about a child alone at home. This story just is. It really has no meaning at all. The Sheriff does come across as a likable person but thats it.
"What Tangled Webs" a spider attack is nothing to laugh at. Well in this case maybe it is as one man gets what he deserves. This story is told well and has a perfect ending. It even builds a little suspense.
"The A Word" what exactly is going on here is uncertain. Was it a dream or real? Who knows. It does have some nice chilling moments though.
"Saranormal" here we have some paranormal investigators. We follow along as they are on an investigation. Another well written and thought provoking story.
"The Wager" this is a story about love. Jacob you will feel sorry for. Ol' Harry pays him a visit, yes Ol' Harry is the Devil himself. They make a wager.
Poor Jacob gets to work for the Devil. It is not an easy job. The Devil is a manipulative creature. Jacob's dealings with him are not as he expected. Jacob's love though gives him hope and strength.
This collection of stories starts out slow but builds in intensity. You will be riveted by some of these scary tales. And thankfull they are only stories or are they?
Richard Vasseur
"Deliver Us From Evil", Rob is a delivery guy one who does not have high morels especially with the ladies. This story is all about how it is unwise to get on the wrong side of a woman. Very unwise.
"Epi3Demic" has a Sheriff investigating some murders. Turns out there are lots of murders going on. The Sheriff and his Deputies come up with a weird situation that is causing all the deaths. The ending is predictable.
Spelling and grammer need to be checked better.
"Quid Pro Quo" has a healer healing but what is the cost of the healing to those healed? The ending just sort of ends but not with a moral or any real explanation that delivers a punch line. The story just ends.
"Rite of Passage" this story takes one surprising turn. A young boy learns this adoption house is far different than any other.
"Out, Damned Spot" one spot on a bedroom ceiling can cause all kinds of trouble. One man's frustration with his life can to.
"Briar Trace" has a Sheriff investigating a call about a child alone at home. This story just is. It really has no meaning at all. The Sheriff does come across as a likable person but thats it.
"What Tangled Webs" a spider attack is nothing to laugh at. Well in this case maybe it is as one man gets what he deserves. This story is told well and has a perfect ending. It even builds a little suspense.
"The A Word" what exactly is going on here is uncertain. Was it a dream or real? Who knows. It does have some nice chilling moments though.
"Saranormal" here we have some paranormal investigators. We follow along as they are on an investigation. Another well written and thought provoking story.
"The Wager" this is a story about love. Jacob you will feel sorry for. Ol' Harry pays him a visit, yes Ol' Harry is the Devil himself. They make a wager.
Poor Jacob gets to work for the Devil. It is not an easy job. The Devil is a manipulative creature. Jacob's dealings with him are not as he expected. Jacob's love though gives him hope and strength.
This collection of stories starts out slow but builds in intensity. You will be riveted by some of these scary tales. And thankfull they are only stories or are they?
Richard Vasseur
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 25, 2011What Tangled Webs is the latest story collection from Dan Dillard, who also gave us the collection Demons and Other Inconveniences. There are nine short stories of the macabre and the disturbing, as well as a novella about Satan, and a fun and dark poem to whet the readers’ appetite.
The book begins with the poem “Lament of the Devil”, about the tasty souls the Devil will partake of, and it finishes with the novella “The Wager”, about Jacob Kane, a fisherman who meets and falls in love with Caitlin. Caitlin’s father decides that she will marry someone else and Jacob leaves town in anger and despair to get drunk. While at a seedy tavern, he meets Old Harry and makes a wager that he will get Caitlin by any means necessary. Old Harry turns out to be Satan. Jacob returns to town weeks later, but he thought he was only gone overnight. Jacob’s plans to win Caitlin don’t go so well and he loses his wager. Satan’s plans for Jacob have only just begun.
My favorite story is “Rites of Passage” a twisted tale about a group of young children living in an orphanage, which gives new meaning to being adopted. Mrs. Spivey runs the home and welcomes the newest child, William, a six-year-old boy who doesn’t understand how things work just yet. Another great story is “The ‘A’ Word”, about a stalker who has decided that it’s time to kill his prey. It also delves into a neighborhood secret….and this one’s a doozy. “Epi3Demic” couldn’t have been written at a better time. In this story, people around the country begin tearing their friends and loved ones apart—literally--after seeing a 3D movie. “Deliver Us from Evil” is the story of a woman’s revenge against a guy who picked the wrong chick to mess with.
All of the stories are well-written and there isn’t a bad one in the bunch. They are all sufficiently gruesome. Dan Dillard has proven again that his imagination is twisted enough to warrant a place in the horror genre. I recommend picking up both of his collections. Highly recommended
Contains: violence, gore, adult language and sexual situations
Reviewed by: Colleen Wanglund
The book begins with the poem “Lament of the Devil”, about the tasty souls the Devil will partake of, and it finishes with the novella “The Wager”, about Jacob Kane, a fisherman who meets and falls in love with Caitlin. Caitlin’s father decides that she will marry someone else and Jacob leaves town in anger and despair to get drunk. While at a seedy tavern, he meets Old Harry and makes a wager that he will get Caitlin by any means necessary. Old Harry turns out to be Satan. Jacob returns to town weeks later, but he thought he was only gone overnight. Jacob’s plans to win Caitlin don’t go so well and he loses his wager. Satan’s plans for Jacob have only just begun.
My favorite story is “Rites of Passage” a twisted tale about a group of young children living in an orphanage, which gives new meaning to being adopted. Mrs. Spivey runs the home and welcomes the newest child, William, a six-year-old boy who doesn’t understand how things work just yet. Another great story is “The ‘A’ Word”, about a stalker who has decided that it’s time to kill his prey. It also delves into a neighborhood secret….and this one’s a doozy. “Epi3Demic” couldn’t have been written at a better time. In this story, people around the country begin tearing their friends and loved ones apart—literally--after seeing a 3D movie. “Deliver Us from Evil” is the story of a woman’s revenge against a guy who picked the wrong chick to mess with.
All of the stories are well-written and there isn’t a bad one in the bunch. They are all sufficiently gruesome. Dan Dillard has proven again that his imagination is twisted enough to warrant a place in the horror genre. I recommend picking up both of his collections. Highly recommended
Contains: violence, gore, adult language and sexual situations
Reviewed by: Colleen Wanglund
January 2, 2011
WHAT TANGLED WEBS is the latest story collection from Dan Dillard, who also gave us the collection DEMONS AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES. There are nine short stories of the macabre and the disturbing, as well as a novella about Satan, and a fun and dark poem to wet the readers’ appetite.
The book begins with the poem “Lament of the Devil” about the tasty souls the Devil will partake of, and it finishes with the novella “The Wager” about Jacob Kane, a fisherman who meets and falls in love with Caitlin. Caitlin’s father decides that she will marry someone else and Jacob leaves town in anger and despair to get drunk. While at a seedy tavern he meets Old Harry who he makes a wager with—that he will get Caitlin by any means necessary. Old Harry turns out to be Satan. Jacob returns to town weeks later, but he thought he was only gone overnight. Jacob’s plans to win Caitlin don’t go so well and he has lost his wager. Satan’s plans for Jacob have only just begun.
My favorite story is “Rites of Passage” a twisted tale about a group of young children living in an orphanage. Mrs. Spivey runs the home and welcomes the newest child William, a six-year-old boy who doesn’t understand how things work just yet. It gives new meaning to being adopted. Another great story is “The ‘A’ Word” about a stalker who has decided that it’s time to kill his prey; it also delves into some neighborhood secrets….and this one’s a doosey. “Epi3Demic” couldn’t have been written at a better time. People around the country begin tearing their friends and loved ones apart—literally--after seeing a 3D movie; and “Deliver Us from Evil” is the story of a woman’s revenge against a guy who picked the wrong chick to mess with.
All of the stories are well-written and there isn’t a bad one in the bunch. They are all sufficiently gruesome. Dan Dillard has proven again that his imagination is twisted enough to warrant a place in the horror genre. I recommend picking up both of his collections.
The book begins with the poem “Lament of the Devil” about the tasty souls the Devil will partake of, and it finishes with the novella “The Wager” about Jacob Kane, a fisherman who meets and falls in love with Caitlin. Caitlin’s father decides that she will marry someone else and Jacob leaves town in anger and despair to get drunk. While at a seedy tavern he meets Old Harry who he makes a wager with—that he will get Caitlin by any means necessary. Old Harry turns out to be Satan. Jacob returns to town weeks later, but he thought he was only gone overnight. Jacob’s plans to win Caitlin don’t go so well and he has lost his wager. Satan’s plans for Jacob have only just begun.
My favorite story is “Rites of Passage” a twisted tale about a group of young children living in an orphanage. Mrs. Spivey runs the home and welcomes the newest child William, a six-year-old boy who doesn’t understand how things work just yet. It gives new meaning to being adopted. Another great story is “The ‘A’ Word” about a stalker who has decided that it’s time to kill his prey; it also delves into some neighborhood secrets….and this one’s a doosey. “Epi3Demic” couldn’t have been written at a better time. People around the country begin tearing their friends and loved ones apart—literally--after seeing a 3D movie; and “Deliver Us from Evil” is the story of a woman’s revenge against a guy who picked the wrong chick to mess with.
All of the stories are well-written and there isn’t a bad one in the bunch. They are all sufficiently gruesome. Dan Dillard has proven again that his imagination is twisted enough to warrant a place in the horror genre. I recommend picking up both of his collections.
August 18, 2011
I was attracted to the title and I didn't even know this was one of Dillard's until I cracked it open. I recently read Pig Man and, since I loved that, assumed I would love this too. Happily, I was right.
Out, damned spot is a wonderfully psychotic read. Told from the husband's POV, we learn that he is unhappy in his marriage and stuck in the rut of routine in a very OCD sort of way. His wife obviously craves closeness, to which he very much acknowledges (in his mind) and promptly ignores. That is, until this damned spot appears on the ceiling, growing larger with each sighting and taunting him until he is sure it is his wife's physical manifestation of her inner frustration out to get him.
I highly enjoyed this grim little tale. Dillard has a way of sucking you in from the opening line and holding your attention rapt until the bitter end. I always have a smile on my face at the cookiness of his characters while creep factor simultaneously revs my heart. I never know how he is going to end it, but I'm beginning to see that he doesn't shy away from shock value, and I totally love that!
I think Dillard just might be one of my new favorite authors!
Out, damned spot is a wonderfully psychotic read. Told from the husband's POV, we learn that he is unhappy in his marriage and stuck in the rut of routine in a very OCD sort of way. His wife obviously craves closeness, to which he very much acknowledges (in his mind) and promptly ignores. That is, until this damned spot appears on the ceiling, growing larger with each sighting and taunting him until he is sure it is his wife's physical manifestation of her inner frustration out to get him.
I highly enjoyed this grim little tale. Dillard has a way of sucking you in from the opening line and holding your attention rapt until the bitter end. I always have a smile on my face at the cookiness of his characters while creep factor simultaneously revs my heart. I never know how he is going to end it, but I'm beginning to see that he doesn't shy away from shock value, and I totally love that!
I think Dillard just might be one of my new favorite authors!
February 6, 2011
I won this as a First Reads book. Thank you to Dan Dillard and GoodReads.
I had alot of fun with this book. It's a group of short stories that remind me of the 1/2 hour horror shows that I used to watch growing up. I could see several of these being made into screenplays.
The stories were all quick reads with a little twist at the end ... some I could see coming, some were a pleasant (if I can use that with these kind of tales) surprise.
I would have liked to see some of these stories fleshed-out into longer novels with more character development. Though I have to admit that they were entertaining little tidbits they way they are.
Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. A fun, quick, sometimes gruesome read.
I had alot of fun with this book. It's a group of short stories that remind me of the 1/2 hour horror shows that I used to watch growing up. I could see several of these being made into screenplays.
The stories were all quick reads with a little twist at the end ... some I could see coming, some were a pleasant (if I can use that with these kind of tales) surprise.
I would have liked to see some of these stories fleshed-out into longer novels with more character development. Though I have to admit that they were entertaining little tidbits they way they are.
Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. A fun, quick, sometimes gruesome read.
June 23, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Darker than the others I've read by Dillard this follows the stories of Louis, a young severely ill boy with parents who can't afford the necessary medical care, and Laura, a terminally ill cancer patient whose husband is desperate to save her. Both are recommended to see Steven an alternative healer who has the power to take away their illnesses. But as with everything in life, nothing is free and both Louis and Laura begin to see what comes from cheating Death. Superbly written and thoroughly engrossing, this is a fantastic read and perfectly balanced to send chills up and down your spine.
October 10, 2011
Eleven tales (why, oh, why couldn’t it have been thirteen?) which should be offered with the caveat, Not to be Read in the Dark. Well-written and reminiscent of the works of Robert Block and Richard Matheson, these stories start off mundane enough but within a few pages, they plunge the reader into more horror than one would expect. Guaranteed to give you chills and more than a couple of shivers, because several of them—with just a stretch of the imagination—could actually happen…and that’s the hook of true horror, that little planting of the seed of belief. Definitely not to be read at night in a quiet house while you’re alone. Keep the lights on.
June 22, 2011
Our narrator is a not so happily married man who is struggling to keep his resentment and disdain for his wife under wraps until one day a spot appears on the ceiling above their bed. It seems to appear only at night and as their troubles grow, so does the spot. As our narrator's obsession with the spot grows his grip on reality begins to slip. A well written and enjoyable quick read, the tension builds quickly leading to the fatal finale, great for filling a spare few minutes.
October 19, 2011
I have become a big fan of Dan Dillard's shorts. This short did nothing for me. Nothing grabbed my attention. The story just kind of happend.
I will continue to read Dan Dillard stories, I just cant recommend this to anyone.
I will continue to read Dan Dillard stories, I just cant recommend this to anyone.
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November 19, 2017Two terminally ill patients cheat death by having their maladies 'taken away' by a healer. But, having partaken of the exchange, the 'cure' is decidedly worse than the disease. Very 'Twilight Zone' like.
May 11, 2012
Interesting short story. Young egotistical package delivery man dumps his girl because she will not "put out". He is asked to deliver a package to a mysterious recipient. Needless to say his ex-girl exacts her revenge.
October 30, 2013
(short story)
Another one of his short stories that are no longer available on Amazon, for some reason. I found it for free about a year ago and decided to give it a try this month. This story TOTALLY went where I didn't expect it to go. Definitely an interesting end.
Another one of his short stories that are no longer available on Amazon, for some reason. I found it for free about a year ago and decided to give it a try this month. This story TOTALLY went where I didn't expect it to go. Definitely an interesting end.
February 4, 2016
It was OK--a quick read at only about 7 pages. It is actually one of the stories from the collection "What Tangled Webs". I did not like it well enough to try the whole book. It was a read for the Cuss and Discuss Challenge for June 2012 in Calling All Bookworms.
April 12, 2011
I love the humor thrown into his terrifying stories. As each story passes I find the book harder and harder to put down. I look forward to reading more from the twisted mind of Dan Dillard!
January 20, 2012
This was not a book for me. It was not my type of reading and I just could not get into it at all. Thank goodness it was a quick read.
July 2, 2011
Some of the stories were mediocre, but I particularly enjoyed "Out, Damned Spot" and Kane's story. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the latter.
August 3, 2011
Short story about the price of healing at the hands of an alternative healer. Was it really worth it? How long can you really survive?
October 26, 2011
Dillard's creepy little tale again reminds us that sometimes getting what we desire so much is not all that it is cracked up to be.
July 10, 2012
Something is bothering the husband. Is it the wife's dissatisfaction? Very short story.
September 20, 2012
Another cautionary tale for adults. Good story.
August 12, 2011
Creepy little short story. Guess the fella has some issues. Good, quick read.
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