BOOK SPOTLIGHT: “This Beautiful Darkness”

"This Beautiful Darkness is thirteen stories that reveal the darkness in the human heart. From a father teaching his son how to kill, to a woman who inherits a haunted bed, these are the nightmares living in the shadows. This tenth anniversary edition is a celebration of terror with a bonus story just for you."

BOOK(S) SPOTLIGHT: “RoadKill” and “Roadkillers”

"Road Kill": "A town with much to hide. A young man with nothing to lose. A past born of blood and built on bones. Even the monsters of Munsonville, Michigan, will fear the fury of a stranger's vengeance. All that is buried will be revealed." "Roadkillers": "When it comes to family, there is nothing off limits, nothing too far, nothing that cannot be done in the pursuit of revenge and the truth. For Tilling Diem, there is no bottom, just down, down, down. In this rural gothic follow-up to ROADKILL, one man's search for his own justice will unite him with a power bent on bloody revenge at any cost."

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: “A Shadow Over Ever”

"A Shadow Over Ever" follows Pete Anders, a troubled man seeking revenge on Halloween but unaware of the dangerous forces guiding him. Blending elements of fantasy and horror, the narrative explores themes of existence and power. This unique novel, born from a short story, reflects the author's eccentric personality and promises an unforgettable experience.

Found Footage Review: THE AMASOL PROJECT/NIGHTBOUND

Over the past year, the author reviewed short films by an emerging filmmaker, particularly highlighting "The Amasol Project" and "NightBound." While both films exhibit Rios's growth and creativity, they suffer from reliance on dialogue and digital effects. The potential for improvement lies in reduced narration and more tangible scares. Rios's passion is evident.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: “Cemetery Earh”

"Cemetery Earth" depicts the end of humanity in a dark world reclaimed by the dead, driven by an unseen force. The author initially created a short story about a zombie attack during a war, which grew into a larger collection of interconnected tales featuring the character Hunter. The book combines elements of horror and resilience against extinction.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: “Red Dreams”

The author recommends "Red Dreams" as an ideal introduction to their writing, citing its horror anthology as a collection of stories blending real-world and supernatural horror. With fifteen tales that explore darkness and fear, the book showcases the author's style and themes, making it accessible for new readers.

The Conjuring Universe…A Eulogy

In writing thia, I accept that there are plana for more tangential movies, and perhaps a show, but it ia my hope we have seen the last of this 'verse. I say this as someone who loved many of the films, and like most of the rest. The time has come, though. Especially when the… Continue reading The Conjuring Universe…A Eulogy

Found Footage Review: V/H/S: Halloween

The latest entry in the found-footage horror franchise presents several short films themed around Halloween, but struggles with coherence and originality. While one episode excels in creepiness, others fall flat or feel silly. Overall, the collection lacks depth and connection to Halloween, leaving the reviewer disappointed and unable to recommend it.

The Spooky Chris Podcast: A Conversation with Author JC Vande Zande (Blood of the Witness Tree)

On this episode I have another great conversation with author JC Vande Zande, who returns to talk about his newest novel: "Blood on the Witness Tree," a sequel to "The Dance of Rotten Sticks." It's a great conversation that gets into book promotion, how Van writes, the new book, and his advice for someone interested in writing.

A Year In Review – 2025

It feels like it was a quiet year for me, but really, it wasn't. Not really.

Movie Review: MANOR OF DARKNESS

MANOR OF DARKNESS follows a desperate brother and sister aiming to rob a posh estate to finance their ailing mother’s care. As they uncover secrets within the home, the film evolves from a typical horror narrative into something more intriguing. Despite some flaws, it offers a unique, suspenseful experience worth watching.

Found Footage Movie Review: BODY & SOUL

BODY & SOUL is a found footage film depicting police officers on duty, initially engaging with the public effectively. However, it falters when the plot shifts to a tense chase in the woods, becoming disjointed with two bickering officers and lacking narrative depth. Despite its promising concept, the film ultimately disappoints.

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CHILDREN UNDER THE HOUSE (found-ish footage)

THE CHILDREN UNDER THE HOUSE is an analog horror film presented through VHS interviews between a therapist and a non-verbal girl who claims to see deceased children. This unique storytelling technique evokes imagination and fear, despite some emotional delivery issues. It's a chilling, low-budget film worth watching for horror enthusiasts.