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

Excellent collection

While I don’t think there was a bad story in the bunch, “Tiptoe,” by Laird Barron, deserves a special mention as the best of the best.

Barron’s ability to describe tension becoming terror, against a background of nostalgia, is incredible.

I didn’t want the story to end, and I’d have happily listened to a novel based on this theme. That’s not to say that the writing feels spare. Barron uses exactly as many words as needed to deliver this gut punch of a story - which is exactly what Shirley Jackson did so perfectly, in story after story.

Wonderful collection, inspired by one of the most insightful and incisive writers of the last century. Well worth the credit if you enjoy short fiction, or stories from just outside the border of what we usually call “reality.”

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."

The Stories Are Good

Good stories written in Shirley Jackson style...some better than others.

The narration is ok...some of it is wooden and dry.