Dread Softly

By: Larrinaga, Caryn

Book Overview

A woman struggles to outsmart the demon who bargained for her father's soul. An elderly shut-in with a monstrous secret is tormented by a door-to-door salesman. Six-eyed creatures congregate on the ceiling of a remote bungalow, puzzling a newly rescued tabby cat. An imp's loyalties are torn between a vulnerable child and the god of dreams.

In her debut horror collection, award-winning author Caryn Larrinaga spreads her nightmares under your feet. Fed by the dread her anxiety brings her, each of these eleven tales is a journey into an unsettling universe just parallel to our own-one populated by haunted objects, unwanted urges, and creatures from beyond human understanding. Dread softly.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0999020072
• ISBN13: 9780999020074
• Release Date: September 2021
• Publisher: Twisted Tree Press
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

5 out of 11 stories are favorites, amazing collection imo

I received a paperback ARC of Dread Softly, authored by Caryn Larrinaga, from Twisted Tree Press Publication, for review consideration. Cover: Rooster Republic Press. What follows below is my honest review, freely given. I rated this debut collection 5 stars. NO SOLICITING Jacko was my Nannie’s African Grey parrot; he could impersonate both of my grandparents well enough to fool even them into coming downstairs at his calling, and then he would chuckle. He would get along well with Frankie I think. Like all good stories, I am left wanting to know more. EMPIRE OF DIRT A favorite. The title’s connection to the story is just brilliant imo, which had this audacious Resident Evil feel to it. Great for fiction, very much never want to have happen in reality. Love it. THE FISHERMAN A favorite. When you think about it, deep down in your darkest corners of your apocalyptic loving mind—the part that knows gasoline doesn’t last long enough for 10 seasons of your favorite zombie show to have working cars—this is what happens out there. THE DEVIL’S WAY OUT This one is a kick to the gut. Difficult to read, in that heart rending way you cannot really prepare for. Fair warning. FAMILY TIME I never seem to get stories that involve grandfather clocks, not sure why. I focus too much on the why of the clock maybe? WATCHERS’ WARNING Top favorite. I’ve always operated under the rule that if I hear creepy things in my living space, and my cat is still sleeping; everything’s cool, no spooky danger. I hear a noise and my cat freaks out or goes on point? Panic time! So this story made me deliriously happy. UNTIL DEATH A favorite. Can’t give any detail without really spoiling it, it’s flash fiction I believe. Made me think. Makes me think still, actually. A FRIEND IN NEED This is just a messed up story, full stop. I like it, well written, but messed up. I could see this being an episode of a show or even a movie. THE BUMP What I really enjoyed about this one was the feeling of a schoolyard tale, passed from one class to the next. Year after year, growing in detail and casualties. THE THING INSIDE JACKY JENSEN’S GARAGE A favorite. I want to believe. If you are old enough to get the reference, congrats. If not, sorry, use Google. INGUMA WE TRUST Night terrors have been my jam since I was a wee lass, so this story was really interesting to read. I liked the lore.