When Things Get Dark

Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson

By: Ellen Datlow - editor

Narrated by: Nicol Zanzarella, Cassandra Campbell, Erin Moon, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Bernadette Dunne, Kate Mulligan, Feodor Chin, John Lescault

A chilling anthology in tribute to the genius of Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson is a seminal writer of horror and mystery fiction, whose legacy resonates globally today. Chilling, human, poignant, and strange, her stories have inspired a generation of writers and listeners.

This anthology, edited by legendary horror editor Ellen Datlow, brings together today’s leading horror writers to offer their own personal tribute to the work of Shirley Jackson.

Featuring Joyce Carol Oates, Josh Malerman, Carmen Maria Machado, Paul Tremblay, Richard Kadrey, Stephen Graham Jones, Elizabeth Hand, Kelly Link, Cassandra Khaw, Karen Heuler, Benjamin Percy, John Langan, Laird Barron, Jeffrey Ford, M. Rickert, Seanan McGuire, Gemma Files, and Genevieve Valentine.

©2021 Ellen Datlow (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

The last story is the best one.

Overall I found it quite bland but there were a couple of stand out stories. If I was reading a paper copy, I probably wouldn't have finished it. As an audiobook it's an ok listen.

Exceeded expectations

Most stories are decent or above average. Some were incredibly good! I was genuinely surprised by the quality

So good...

I'm always impressed by Ellen Datlow's edited anthologies. Every single story was just so good. Narration was also great. Some of the stories linger longer than others; for me, it was "For Sale By Owner" and "Skinder's Veil."

Great Weird Fiction

I love weird fiction so this was overall a success for me. I would note, however, that many of the stories are only loosely horror, with some mildly spooky vibes rather than being out-and-out spooky or scary. I recommend it! One of the narrators gave odd intonations to the story she read which was a bit unfortunate (it changed the vibes of the story to be less spooky than it would have been had I read it off the page), but it didn't detract from the anthology too much.

Love this collection!

Excellent stories that engage the imagination! Skinder's Veil, Tiptoe, In the Deep Woods; the Light is Different There, For Sale by Owner, and Hag are stories I return to time and again.