In this collection of 18 stories, Carson Buckingham adds her own unique flavor to many familiar horror tropes and the result is a delicious buffet of nightmare fuel covering a diverse array of themes including body horror, cursed objects, black magic, living dolls, imaginary friends, and much more.

My top five favorites include: 

“Oil King” – A seven year old’s imaginary friend becomes an increasing source of concern for her single mother, who consults a psychiatrist for help. The situation seems harmless enough at first—until the imaginary friend reveals itself, much to the psychiatrist’s horror. 

“Red Squares, Black Squares” – A young man enlists in the military just before his wedding. The problem is, he failed to tell his wife. During his absence, she proceeds with planned renovations to their home and finds an old G.I. Joe doll hidden behind a wall. The doll happens to be dressed in the same red and black flannel shirt worn by her husband, but that’s just a coincidence… right? 

“For Number 11” – An epistolary tale told through a letter written by William H. Taft, 27th president of the United States. Upon Taft’s death, the letter, along with a mysterious book, is delivered to his close friend Charles Evans Hughes, 11th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. During his time as governor of the Philippines, Taft encountered a cult that practiced black magic in the name of St. Rita of Cascia. One of Taft’s guides gifted him with a book of spells, but as the would-be president soon learned, using it for personal gain resulted in dire consequences.

“CU239” – A woman finds herself in a parallel reality, where her job makes no sense at all and society at large is populated by strange, eccentric characters with bizarre habits and little regard for the value of life. How did she arrive here? More importantly, how will she return to her world?

“Lemminaid” – A cruel and cunning businessman becomes stranded in a town where he once purchased, and subsequently closed, a chemical plant that was also the area’s largest employer. While waiting for a tow truck, the man observes an enterprising young boy selling “Lemminaid” for two cents per glass and decides to give him some pointers. Impressed by the kid’s business acumen, the man buys a cup of lemonade—a decision he soon regrets.