A. S. Chambers provides answers to these questions and many more in this collection of short horror stories concerning such themes as vampires, cowboys, confectionery and dentistry.
Have a quick taste and see just what lurks in the shadows...”
At 96 pages, this is one of the shortest short story collections I’ve come across, but Chambers crams in nine tales of varying terrors in between the pages. For anyone after gallons of blood splat might find themselves disappointed, as this collection is more old school, Tales of the Unexpected type lore. Chambers writes well, keeping things light, with a wry, sophisticated humour, but maintaining a definite underlying sinister seam, which isn’t so mature as to alienate younger readers. Whilst I enjoyed each tale for different reasons, I felt Chambers undersells a few of the stories, than there was more to be said. But the author’s notes reveal that there is more to be said in subsequent and future stories.
My favourite tale by far, is the opening High Moon, which condenses a much more epic western horror tale into fourteen pages, whilst 53, Bell Court comes a close second, as a paper boy fears something that DEFINATELY lurks behind the door of his least favourite delivery.
If a more subdued, light hearted horror affair is your cup of tea, then you won’t go wrong with Oh Taste and See.