Sara Tantlinger crafts haunting and evocative literary works that delve into the strange and the macabre. Her writing, often inspired by horror traditions and the occult, features a strong lyrical voice and unsettling imagery. Tantlinger is known for her willingness to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche and the supernatural. Readers will find her distinct style capable of creating a chilling atmosphere while also prompting deep reflection.
Issue #9 of Unnerving Magazine includes fiction by G.V. Anderson, Paul Michael Anderson, Christopher Stanley, Sara Tantlinger, and Liz Schriftsteller. Gwendolyn Kiste digs into 60 years of Psycho. Eddie Generous takes Neil Gaiman's MasterClass. Sarah Pinborough (Cross Her Heart, Behind Her Eyes) and Jessica Harper (Suspiria, Phantom of the Paradise) talk first scares.
Set in the late 19th century, the story delves into the chilling crimes of H.H. Holmes, notorious for his operations within the infamous "Murder Castle" in Chicago. Often regarded as America's first serial killer, Holmes's heinous acts reveal a dark chapter in American history, blending elements of horror and true crime. The narrative explores the sinister allure of his elaborate schemes and the impact of his gruesome legacy on the perception of criminality in society.
The follow-up anthology to Strangehouse Books' Stoker-nominated NOT ALL MONSTERS, edited by Stoker Award-winning author and poet, Sara Tantlinger. CHROMOPHOBIA brings together the talents of twenty-five authors, newcomer and veteran writers alike, who explore the role of color in horror and deliver stories that use color in creative, unconventional, and unnerving ways. Featuring stories by: Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito; Jo Kaplan; Sonora Taylor; Ali Seay; Chelsea Pumpkins; Pippa Bailey; Jess Koch; G.G. Silverman; EV Knight; Kathryn E. McGee; Bindia Persaud; Jaye Wells; Lauren C. Teffeau; Geneve Flynn; Red Lagoe; KC Grifant; Christa Wojciechowski; Christine Makepeace; K.P. Kulski; Jacqueline West; Lillah Lawson; Tiffany Morris; J.B. Lamping; Jeanne E. Bush; Nu Yang.
Set against a haunting backdrop, this installment weaves together dark folklore and holiday themes, focusing on the mythical figure of Krampus. The narrative explores the clash between festive cheer and ominous traditions, as characters confront their fears and desires during the holiday season. With rich, atmospheric storytelling, it delves into the consequences of misdeeds and the importance of redemption, offering a unique twist on Christmas tales that intertwines horror and morality.
Exploring the themes of death and devastation, this poetry collection vividly captures the harrowing impact of the Black Plague. Sara Tantlinger, a Bram Stoker Award-winner, crafts darkly beautiful verses that reflect on this historical horror, immersing readers in the emotional and physical toll of the pandemic. Through evocative imagery and poignant language, the poems invite contemplation of suffering and resilience in the face of tragedy.
"How can a tale be brutal and tender, grotesque and beautiful all at the same time? I don't know, but Sara Tantlinger achieves it in To Be Devoured. Hypnotic, erotic, and gory, this is a novella that will sear itself into your imagination. Highly recommended!" -Jonathan Janz, Author of Marla and The Siren and the Specter "Sara Tantlinger's To Be Devoured capitalizes on our macabre preoccupation with the uglier side of nature, with love that topples into obsession, and with madness that is strangely beautiful in its barbarity. Her writing is equivalent to those unremitting avian beings her protagonist is so enamored of: It will hook its talons through your flesh, sink its neck into the ribboned edges of your wounds, and only relinquish your blighted body when it has swallowed your very soul." -Christa Carmen, author of Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked, winner of the Indie Horror Book Awards for Best Debut Collection "Vultures, obsession, and an unnatural hunger: What more can you want in a horror story? With To Be Devoured, Sara Tantlinger has done it again as she ratchets up the terror in wonderfully surprising ways while crafting prose that's always a heady blend of the vicious and the vibrant. A book that's absolutely not to be missed!" -Gwendolyn Kiste, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Rust Maidens