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These Things That Walk Behind Me
David Surface
Lethe Press (October 1, 2024)
Reviewed by Mario Guslandi
The second collection of dark stories by David Surface confirms that he’s an extraordinary new talent in the area of horror short fiction. For a reviewer of collections and anthologies, currently overwhelmed by a wave of mediocre books passed off as new masterpieces, reading Surface’s stories is a refreshing change and a very pleasant experience.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that each and every story included in the present volume is outstanding, but the general level of the tales is remarkably high and some really deserve a special mention.
“Give Me Back My Name” is a superb piece of psychological horror where a man lying about his past has to face some unpleasant realities.
“The Devil Will Be At the Door,” an excellent, very dark story, full of dread and deeply unsettling, revolves around an abandoned house where Evil itself seems to dwell.
The atmospheric, very disturbing “That the Sea Shall Be Calm” takes place on a ship which keeps navigating but fails to reach its destination.
“When the Circus” is yet another great story where a man has to experience some weird, paranormal events occurring on a certain night.
Great stuff.
