Synopsis:

Each year, people all over the world celebrate special festivals and days, shining light on what they wish to remember and revere. But sometimes, inhabitants of the dark arrive with the desire to disturb proceedings. Dark Celebrations is a collection of twelve short stories… and the holidays will never be the same.

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This collection of short stories has been burning a hole in my Kindle for probably a year now – I’ve read the first story at least three times because every time I pick the book up to read the entire collection, a Big Life Event happens and I put it aside.

FINALLY, I’ve read it and I’m glad I did! I’ve read two of Demmer’s short story collections in the past (and reviewed them here if you want to check them out) and apart from the classic horror vibes, the thing that always stands out the most for me is the author’s love of words. The language is vibrant and packs so much atmosphere into the story that they stick with you long after you’ve finished reading.

This collection of short stories follows the theme of festival/holiday celebrations – each one features a celebration and a classic monster, connected to a central plot in the last two stories which was a nice touch. Some of the stories are genuinely disturbing and there’s a fair amount of limb loss in this collection – so I hope you like body horror and gore!

I always know that when I read any of this author’s stories, I’m going to get a much needed hit of well written dark horror.  Can you say any fairer than that?