Creepshows: The Illustrated Stephen King Movie Guide : Book Review

"Creepshows" by Stephen Jones is an incredibly chilling collection of horror short stories that will captivate and thrill any fan of the genre. With each story expertly crafted, Jones delivers spine-tingling suspense and explores unsettling themes that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the standout stories in this collection is "The Snow," which opens the book. In this tale, a group of tourists find themselves stranded in a remote village during a winter storm. However, it soon becomes clear that there is something far more sinister at play than just the weather. Jones skillfully builds tension throughout the story, keeping readers guessing until the shocking conclusion.

"The Night Doctor" is another notable story in the anthology. It follows a young woman working the night shift at a hospital who encounters a strange figure that only comes to life during the late hours. This story is a perfect example of Jones's ability to blend supernatural elements with psychological horror, creating an immensely unsettling reading experience.

A unique addition to the collection is "Judge Dredd: Swine Fever," a collaboration between Jones and graphic novelist Kevin O'Neill. This story merges the horror genre with the world of comics, offering a gripping tale of law enforcement and twisted experiments gone wrong. The combination of Jones's storytelling and O'Neill's artwork creates a visually stunning and compelling read.

Taking readers back to Victorian England, "The Age of Desire" explores the obsession of a renowned painter to capture beauty, driving him to horrifying lengths. Jones beautifully captures the essence of the era, immersing readers in a world of art and dark desires.

What are readers saying?

Stephen Jones' anthology "Creepshows" has garnered a range of reviews from readers, with opinions varying on the overall quality of the book. Numerous reviewers lauded the collection for its diverse assortment of horror stories, praising its ability to keep them engaged and on the edge of their seats. They appreciated the variety of writing styles showcased throughout and commended the skillful storytelling displayed by the authors. Additionally, many readers enjoyed the inclusion of both well-known and emerging writers, as it added a fresh perspective to the genre. The thematic breadth of the stories also received positive feedback, with topics ranging from supernatural creatures to psychological terrors.

However, despite these positive aspects, there were readers who expressed disappointment with "Creepshows". While they found the overall experience engaging, some felt that there were inconsistencies in the quality of the individual stories. Several tales were criticized for being weak and predictable, failing to deliver the anticipated chills. Furthermore, some reviewers noted a lack of cohesion among the stories, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

The editing of the anthology was also a subject of criticism. Readers pointed out numerous typographical errors and formatting issues that proved distracting and detracted from their reading enjoyment. Notably, these editing problems were particularly prevalent in the digital edition, leading readers to suggest that more attention should have been paid to ensuring a polished publication in that format.

Despite these criticisms, many readers found "Creepshows" to be an enjoyable and worthwhile read. They appreciated the creativity and diversity present in the anthology, as well as the genuine sense of horror that Jones was able to create. The book's ability to evoke various emotions, from spine-chilling dread to thought-provoking contemplation, was also highlighted by several reviewers.

In summary, Stephen Jones' "Creepshows" presents a mixed collection of horror stories that evoke both excitement and disappointment among readers. While some praised the book for its diversity and gripping storytelling, others found inconsistencies and editing issues that hindered their reading experience. Ultimately, whether or not readers will view this anthology as a valuable addition to their horror collection seems to be a matter of personal preference.

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