Review: Dig into this one!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 20, 2013
Glimpses is a collection of short stories from the late horror master Rick Hautala. These stories have all appeared in other publications, but like many previously published collections, they make a fantastic read all in one place.Rick Hautala is a rare gem. His writing is what I call old-school and by that, I really mean old. Gothic horror dates back to the 1800s and it's a different breed of animal from today's popular style. Most modern horror is violent, bloody, and grisly. A century ago, horror meant creepy atmosphere, intense fear, and unnerving suspense. Reality bent until it almost broke and then left you pondering your own sanity. Hautala's writing does just that. In Glimpses, we fear the shadows, panic in the light, and scream when the nightmares become reality. Places like schools become houses of horror and fear. Family life becomes insanity. The joys of a childhood tradition, trick or treating, turn terrifying and much, much more. Instead of the stomach-turning, Hautala scares you near to death. His work is subtle, disturbing, and bizarre.Like anthologies, shorts story collections present challenges unique to the style of work. Not every story will work for every reader and Glimpses is no different. There are a few stories that did not resonate, but other readers might choose them as their favorites. The selections are well-chosen for their tone, style, and themes and there is something for everyone here.Even though these are all previously published and some may be familiar to you, dig into this one anyway. If you have never read Rick Hautala, this will be a marvelous introduction.  Hautala's writing is crisp. He creates a well-paced narrative full of shadows, darkness, and fear. He will be missed.