Best reads of 2014 so far

It's been a busy and productive year for me, finishing off my debut collection of short stories Dying Embers for publication by Satalyte Publishing. However, I've also found the time to read some excellent short story collections, and a marvelous novella. (Not that I like the word novella; wasn't L'Etranger by Camus only a hundred pages, yet honoured with the title of novel?)

So in no particular order, here are some of my favourites of the year so far.

Eric Brown's intriguing collection, Ghostwriting. It kicks off with the
memorable The Man Who Never Read Novels

Tenebrous Tales by Christopher Barker includes a haunting story
inspired by the great Nick Drake. What's not to like?

Another great book from Tartarus Press,
Mercy and Other Stories by Rebecca Lloyd treats the
reader to 16 fascinating, otherwordly tales. Review soon

The aliens are coming! You'll be intrigued by the complex,
poignant world created by Mark Fuller Dillon in
All Roads Lead To Winter. Review soon

Enter The Dark is Light Enough For Me at your peril;
these scarily bizarre tales grab you and won't let you go.
A suitably dark collection from John Claude Smith

I'm a huge fan of Warren's work, and The Gate Theory
is essential reading. Compellingly so!

David Haynes's latest is atmospheric storytelling at its best

If you're afraid of the dark, don't read this grimly superb collection
edited by Ross Warren; For the Night is Dark focuses on
that most primeval of fears. Great writers, great stories

I'd love to review all these books and more, but there aren't enough hours in the day, so keep an eye open for the few I manage. In the meantime, I'm happy to suggest you get hold of these publications and have a good read. The Night is Dark, indeed!