I love short horror stories, and what a perfect title for this collection of 16 dark tales. That Which Grows Wild encompasses myth, urban legend, and fairy tales for grown ups that could make the Brothers Grimm shiver.

The author conjures up worlds where spontaneous combustion is the norm, a never ending full moon allows werewolves to prowl as they please, and the voices of long lost loved ones call to you from sink holes. There is a re-imagining of beauty and the beast, where Belle is ugly on the inside, and "Dreams of A Little Suicide" which may be familiar to you if you know of the urban legend surrounding a hanging munchkin that people claimed could be seen in The Wizard Of Oz. My absolute favorite was "A Serving Of Nomu Sashimi" in which a low performing sales rep gets let in on the secret of the big earners. This book was like a trip down memory lane that suddenly leaves you abandoned in unknown territory just when you thought you knew where you were. From a horror lover, that is high praise.

I received a complimentary copy for review. ( )

Eric J. Guignard’s collection was recommended to me, and I’m glad it was. Gives me new hope for horror fiction, being his writing can be smart and thoughtful, with only hints of horror sometimes, and still be engaging. Theres no explicit material, no stereotype monsters. Just good stories, good writing. Hoping for more of his work to be made available. ( )