Quickie Book Review: Monster Gallery edited by George Wilhite

I make no qualms about the fact that I love short fiction. Anyone who can grab the readers attention in a short amount of time and satisfy that craving for a good, quick story deserves much respect. What earns even more respect are those who take the short story one step further, into the realm of flash fiction.

Flash fiction stories are much, much shorter, usually between 75 and 1,000 words. For me, I love the challenge of writing something so quick, crafting a compelling story with some sort of twist, and even more, reading the flash fiction works of others is just as much fun.

Like the 93 stories in the anthology Monster Gallery. Each tale of terror focuses on a monster of some kind, ranging from the traditional vampires and werewolves to new creations like a man-eating tunnel or from where restaurants actually get those wines you drink. A few of the authors even take something traditionally non-scary and turn the tables, such as with one of Santa's elves or a lonely cat waiting for someone to come home.

A great collection, and I'm not just saying that because two of my own stories can be found within its pages. They're perfect little tidbits, just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.

Monster Gallery
edited by George Wilhite
Pill Hill Press
trade paperback, 196 pgs.

purchased book

Image from Pill Hill Press.