ALL THESE SUNKEN SOULS

An entertaining and eclectic horror anthology centering Black characters sure to scare and delight.

Editor Moskowitz has collected 10 horrific tales showcasing a variety of subgenres, from zombies (as in her own contribution, “No Harm Done”) to haunted houses (“The Consumption of Vienna Montrose” by Joelle Wellington) and monsters lurking in the dark (“Lights” by Kalynn Bayron). Some of the standouts include “All My Best Friends Are Dead” by Liselle Sambury, a twisty take on the Bloody Mary classic showcasing a sleepover slaughter, and “Mother, Daughter, and the Devil,” an eerie fable from Donyae Coles told in a mesmerizing and lyrical voice. Continuing the theme of teeth that appears in Coles’ story, Sami Ellis’ “The Teeth Come Out at Night” gives a new twist to babysitting horror stories. Black protagonists provide new perspectives on a genre that traditionally is somewhat limited in representation; these inclusive takes on well-known tropes offer readers not only delightful chills and thrills but also a new and necessary lens through which to view the fears that haunt us all in the night. Overall, this is an accessible, fast-paced, and often startling collection. Fans of Stephen King and Jordan Peele will be eager to dig into this modernized take on age-old scary stories.

One to enjoy with the lights on.