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Spin a Black Yarn by Josh Malerman

Title: Spin a Black Yarn

Author: Josh Malerman

Genre: Horror/Speculative Fiction

Published: August 15, 2023 by Random House

I received a copy for review through NetGalley.

 

Spin a Black Yarn is a collection of 5 novellas that have memorable new spins on common genre norms. Malerman takes on a haunted house, a serial killer, space travel, dangers of AI, and revenge. These are very familiar yet his stories are wholly unique and surprising as these themes are turned on their head. These are novellas I will not soon forget.

Half the House is Haunted explores a brother and sister's relationship growing up in a house that was half haunted. What does that mean? Which half? 4 stars

Argyle follows a dying man's confessions of dark twisted desires that he never acted on. This was really disturbing and effective story despite his lack of actual murder. 5 stars

Jupiter Drop is about a man dealing with a tragic accident that decides to take a vacation to Jupiter where he will be able to drop through Jupiter in luxury. He soon finds out that you can not run far enough to escape your problems. 5 stars

Doug and Judy Buy the House Washer takes on a couple that are self-obsessed and want the prestige of owning The House Washer that will clean everything in the house perfectly, but they don't expect for all of their dirty little secrets to be exposed as well. This story made me laugh and got quite tense in the second half. 4 stars

Egorov is about brothers who seek revenge on the man who killed their third triplet by haunting him to madness. A great idea with some great scenes of horror with a gothic flare. It was a bit slow, but shined in moments 3 stars

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


 

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