Another antho consumed. Wow. When I chose this ARC I did so for a few reasons. I chose it because I love Bob and Steve. I chose it because the cover is heart eye emoji. And I chose it because, honestly, what is more terrifying than learning you live next door to a deranged psycho, or worse still, a personable serial killer? Actually, I'll tell you what's worse. Learning it the hard way.
Going into this book I wasn't aware of the TOC but as it turns out it starred many of my fave indie authors and people. RE Sargent and Steven Pajak edited the antho and also each have a story inside, plus; Gage Greenwood, MJ Mars, Candace Nola, John Durgin, Megan Stockton, Jay Bower, Mike Salt, Rebecca Rowland, Jeremy Megargee, Nick Roberts, and Brian Asman who I have all read before. The only new-to-me author was Nikki Noir. The plot of The Challenge was thick with sexy times (horrific in nature at that) which is not my general cup of tea, but I always appreciate a good story. It was quick and dirty and I love when the douchebag gets his just desserts!
Stands out for me were:
Bleeding from the Inside by John Durgin--- Jenny has moved to her late mother's house to escape an abusive relationship only to discover her new neighbour, Nancy, might be in a similar predicament with her husband, Martin. Jenny is lonely and obsessed with figuring out what is causing such piercing, pained screams to come from the house at night. But she should have probably just stayed home...
Toddler Toy Graveyard by Candace Nola--- A family just trying to live their best lives have their world turned upside down when their wicked witch of a neighbour decides to ruin their lives. Her trickery spans from throwing rocks at the kids while they play by the creek, to digging holes in the yard so they trip and fall, to spreading green glass shards all through the yard, causing one of the boys to land in hospital because he falls and gets all torn up. She is brutal and diabolical, but let's just say, she's not the only one on the street with a trick up her sleeve.
The Only Good Guy in Your Life by Gage Greenwood--- two next door neighbours become best friends as children and spend their whole lives leaning on each other. Their friendship seems perfect until their mom's both die in a car accident one night. You would think their friendship would be a godsend in such a situation but then a secret truth comes out. And who do you turn to when your best friend is the one you're trying to hide from?
The other stories are also brilliant:
Pine Ridge Homeowners Association - by Jay Bower: a young couple in their new home finds a terrible secret hidden beneath the stairs.
The Moondial - by MJ Mars: A young girl tries to take responsibility for an accident but get's in over her head.
The Girl Next Door - by Steven Pajak: Sometimes the evil neighbour lurking, is you.
The House Special - by Rebecca Rowland: When the problem takes care of itself.
Agoraphobia - by Mike Salt: (this one gets a heavy mention too) What happens when you hole yourself up in your apt for years because they are after you. Thinking you must be crazy cause everyone thinks you are. Only to find out... you were right?
Come to the Shed - by Nick Roberts: What if the man in your kid's closet is also in yours?
Under Floorboards - by Jeremy Megargee: Sometimes the voyeur just wants to be loved, too.
What's your name? - by RE Sargent: You think you know your neighbours...
Solitary - by Megan Stockton (holy shit this was wild too) Nowhere is as cramped as solitary confinement.
There Goes the Neighborhood - by Brian Asman: Poor Doug, if only he really were Daniel Renfield.
Tons of different voices, all with a good story to tell. When I read horror, I am hyper-suspicious of all the characters, especially the ones who seem the most innocent. Therefore most of the twists I suspected but I was pleasantly surprised by one in particular. No spoilers though, so you'll have to read it if you want to try and figure them all out yourself!
4.5/5 stars from me :)
Where to find this antho: Amazon: https://a.co/d/bOjgKpO
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