What Fresh Hell is This By Del Howison
Crystal Lake Publishing 2025
Reviewed by Mario Guslandi
Del Howison is an award-winning editor, journalist, fiction author and actor. He has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award four times (and won it once), for the Black Quill Award twice, for the Shirley Jackson Award and for the Rondo Hatton Award. Along with his wife Sue, he founded and has operated Dark Delicacies (America’s Home of Horror) in Burbank for 17 years.
His short story The Lost Herd was retitled The Sacrifice scripted by Mick Garris and directed by Breck Eisner and used as the premiere episode on NBC’s anthology show Fear Itself. He has co-edited five books including all three of the Dark Delicacies anthologies, The Book of Lists Horror, and Midian Unmade. His nonfiction includes When Werewolves Attack from Jabberwocky. He also co-wrote (under the pseudonym of D. H. Atrial) Vampires Don’t Sleep Alone with Elizabeth Barrial. His film acting appearences include Dahmer Vs Gacy, The Erotic Rites of Countess Dracula, Blood Scarab, and The Crystal Lake Massacres Revisted.
The present book collects a bunch of his horrific tales which really took me by surprise as an unexpected, very entertaining discovery.
Among his various stories ( all interesting and entertaining) I will mention my personal favorites.
“ The Resurrection of Father” is a ghoulish yet neat piece of fiction depicting the unusual events taking place in a peculiar family, while “ Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” is an extremely disturbing piece featuring a littlen girl endowed with a deadly power that even her father can’t control.
“ Alley Oops” , apparently Howison’s most famous tale, describes the unfortunate encounter of an old lady with a violent robber, which leads to unexpected consequences.
“ Vast Expanse of Nothing”, according to the author is not fictional but the actual report of the real facts about his brother’s death. Whatever the truth, it’s an exceptionally horrific yet quite moving report, bound to remain into the reader’s mind for a kong time.
“Lucky” is a tense,dramtic story featuring a female truck driver stuck on the middle of an epic ice storm.
I cannot recommend this collection enough; it is truly a remarkable compilation that showcases the author’s exceptional talent and creativity. Each piece resonates with depth and insight, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. I’m particularly looking forward to Howison’s next book, as I am eager to see how he continues to evolve his craft and what new themes he will explore in their forthcoming work. The anticipation for more of his writing builds after experiencing the brilliance of this collection.
Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long…
What Fresh Hell is This By Del Howison
Step into the twisted mind of Del Howison with this unflinching collection of dark tales. What Fresh Hell Is This? brings together stories from across Howison’s prolific career, each one exploring the eerie and the macabre, examining humanity’s deepest fears and desires. Drawing on his rich life experiences—from being baptized in a river and attending a private Christian college to his ownership of the famed Horror bookstore Dark Delicacies—Howison crafts tales that delve into the darkest corners of the human soul.
These tales push boundaries, blending the supernatural with psychological terror, and invite readers into worlds where the unimaginable becomes real. From paranormal happenings to supernatural horrors, Howison’s storytelling prowess ensures that these stories will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
Further Reading
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