Nightmares

Nightmares author, Dan Sihota, politely contacted me through Goodreads to ask if I would be interested in reading and reviewing his book. The short story collection is independently published and consists of nine tales which Sihota describes as 'modern horror'. This means no vampires, but instead spooky tales that incorporate mysticism, spirits and supernatural happenings.

I am not particularly a horror fan so appreciated the lack of gratuitous gore although one story, Torture, was too relentlessly sadistic for me so I did speed-read it! Sihota writes diverse characters from different cultures and his stories are set in Britain, India and America. I liked The Bus Journey and The Field best - two very different tales, but with interesting settings, characters and final flourishes that were satisfying. I think tighter editing could help with creating a stronger sense of atmosphere. The prose does tend to ramble and divert at times which, in the build-up, can work well as a wave heightening and then releasing tension. However, I did find it distracting when stories reached their climax and would have preferred sharper focus. As in a genuine nightmare, several tales stop suddenly - almost like a waking up - which is an interesting device and works well.

I am pleased to have read Nightmares and am happy to recommend it, in October, as a good Halloween collection. Just maybe not as a book for bedtime!