Peter Straub Book order

V ospalém americkém městečku se schází skupinka starých, seriózních pánů. Říkají si Klub gentlemanů, na svá setkání chodí zásadně ve smokingu a vyprávějí si historky. Některé jsou pravdivé a jiné smyšlené, v poslední době jsou však čím dál strašidelnější. Z pouhé zábavy, která měla starcům poskytnout rozptýlení vpoklidném životě, se postupem času stane noční můra. Jeden příběh se neustále vrací, a nepronásleduje jen je, ale nakonec i celé město. Příběh o něčem, co kdysi dávno spáchali. Nejdřív přijdou zlé sny, poté různé děsivé jevy a s nimi i poznání, že minulost nikdo nemůže pohřbít navždy. Důležitou roli v podivuhodných a tragických událostech, které se hrdinům dějí, hraje krásná žena mnoha tváří a její intriky. Členů klubu postupně ubývá a nastává chvíle posledního souboje proti tajemné síle, která na sebe dokáže vzít jakoukoli podobu a která si cílevědomě pohrává s lidskými osudy podle vlastních nepochopitelných plánů.

Featuring an array of short and impactful stories, this fourth issue of Penumbra showcases contributions from notable authors like Geoffrey Reiter, Michael Aronovitz, Joe Pan, and Scott J. Couturier. It also emphasizes the global reach of weird fiction, featuring writers from various countries, including Harris Coverley and Dmitri Akers from Australia, Norbert Góra from Poland, and Arthur Staaz from Northern Ireland, enriching the journal's diverse literary landscape.

Peter Straub delves into the complexities of human nature, portraying a diverse cast of damaged characters that span various social classes and moral spectrums. His exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche reveals a haunting landscape where righteousness and depravity coexist, inviting readers to confront the shadowy depths of their own imaginations.

Set against the backdrop of a rural quarry in 1955, the story unfolds a haunting tale of loss and survival. It follows a boy and his cousin who, in a moment of youthful abandon, dive into the water, but only one returns. This pivotal event sets off a chain of emotional and psychological repercussions, exploring themes of innocence, grief, and the complexities of childhood relationships. The narrative delves deep into the impact of that fateful night on the boy's life, revealing how a single moment can alter one's path forever.

This collection features engaging interviews with prominent figures in modern horror fiction, showcasing their insights and experiences. Darrell Schweitzer provides readers with a unique glimpse into the minds of these authors, exploring their creative processes, inspirations, and contributions to the genre. The compilation highlights the diversity and evolution of horror literature, making it an essential read for fans and aspiring writers alike.

In a world where the boundaries between life and death blur, the story follows Tom, a character grappling with the repercussions of his past and the haunting presence of a mysterious entity. As he navigates a surreal landscape filled with dark magic and existential dilemmas, themes of redemption, loss, and the quest for identity emerge. Clive Barker's vivid imagination and intricate storytelling create a richly layered narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and the afterlife, drawing readers into a hauntingly beautiful journey.

Eine alchimistische Mischung aus psychologischem Thrill und übernatürlichem Horror: Der Campus-Guru Spenser Mallon missbraucht seine Anhänger und führt ein okkultes Ritual durch, das in einer Katastrophe endet. Zurück bleiben eine grausam zerstückelte Leiche und die zerrütteten Seelen der Teilnehmer.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “One of the most adroit masters of the supernatural thriller” (San Francisco Chronicle) delivers a chilling novel about a man seeking the truth about what happened on a horrifying night on a Midwestern campus in the 1960s. • "Terrifying.... Impossible to put down." —Stephen King On a college campus, a charismatic guru and his young acolytes perform a secret ritual in a local meadow. What happens is a mystery—all that remains is a gruesomely dismembered body and the shattered souls of all who were present. Forty years later, one man seeks to learn about that horrifying night, and to do so he’ll have to force those involved to examine the unspeakable events that have haunted them ever since.

Peter Straub presents four stories that are offshoots of the fictional universe created in his Blue Rose trilogy. Each of the stories stands alone, but together they shine a revelatory light on the novels that inspired them.