Synopsis:
A prematurely ageing girl learns to fly during the end of the world. A husband makes the ultimate sacrifice for his dying wife. Two brothers endure a rainstorm that lasts five years. A father tries to save his daughter from a sleeping epidemic. A man books into a hotel where the guests check in but never check out. A group of fine-dining cannibals worry where their next meal will come from. And a grieving mother goes in search of ghosts in a haunted house. Human Tenderloin is a collection of horror stories with heart. Some will goose the skin. Others will leave you bloated with terror. But each one will stay with you.
Edition:
E-Arc
Disclaimer:
I received a copy of Human Tenderloin from the author in exchange for review consideration. This has no impact on the content of my review.
Other Reviews of works by Craig Wallwork:
Trigger Warnings:
Hover for Trigger WarningsMy Thoughts:
Craig Wallwork is undoubtedly a talented storyteller. In Human Tenderloin we get 16 small examples of just how good he is. And there’s enough here that no matter what you’re into, he probably has a story for you. I’m not going to spoil anything by going into detail – it’s so hard to review short stories, even when they’re collected. So, I’m just going to say that my favorite thing about Human Tenderloin is the range. There really is a little bit of whatever you might want. Wallwork is definitely a Many Trick Pony (that’s a thing, right???).
Some of my personal favorite stories were:
Bird Girl
In which baby Madeline, who suffers from progeria finds unexpected freedom during an ecological apocalypse.
Time’s Flies
A family is haunted by the ghost of their grief.
Human Tenderloin
A fancy cannibal dinner party.
About the Author:
Craig Wallwork was born in Manchester, England. He is the three times Pushcart Prize nominated writer of over 40 short stories, and the author of the books The Sound of Loneliness, Bad People, Labyrinth of the Dolls, Heart of Glass, Human Tenderloin, Quintessence of Dust and Gory Hole. He lives in West Yorkshire, England.
Rating:
Seriously – go read it. Let me know if I’m lying. Because I just bet you find something you like.
You’ll have to buy from Amazon though. So I won’t link, but do you. It really is a good book and worth the read. Maybe request it from your library while you’re at it?
Human Tenderloin By Craig Wallwork Underbelly Books Published: September 15, 2021 ISBN: 9798536052891 Hardcover, Paperback, Ebook 220 Pages Author's Website
Ooooh! I need to snag this one!
I’d love to know what you think if you do read it!