A gritty, impressive collection of dark tales.
Ball’s latest collection invites readers on a thrilling journey through 16 tales of inner turmoil, hauntings, and horrors. In “The Customer,” a humble shopkeeper’s world is upended by the specter of a man who, in a fit of madness, took the lives of his own family before his own. In the chilling tale, “Stay of Execution,” a convict on death row is struck with a sudden realization that he yearns to cling onto life, despite the ominous and foreboding circumstances. Prepare to be chilled and disturbed by “I Need a Friend”, as Ball delves into the twisted mind of a deranged serial killer who seeks the perfect friend through meticulously selecting his victims and unleashing a gruesome murder spree.
Through introspective monologues, Ball explores the twisted logic and desperate desires that drive his flawed yet relatable characters. The young teacher in “Boogeyman” hesitantly approaches her boss, fearing the repercussions of revealing what she has discovered about a student. Little does she know; the boogeyman is closer than she ever imagined. Most of the sixteen stories in this collection are haunted by demons, both literal and figurative. These intruders enter into the minds of unsuspecting individuals, causing chaos or sparking vigilantism. But the true monsters here are the inner demons of anxiety, loneliness, and fear of losing one’s sanity. As the world comes to an abrupt end, a young woman is faced with an unresolved conflict in “When the World Ended.” Despite the chaos and destruction surrounding her, she discovers a newfound strength within herself.
In “Nuts To You,” loneliness begets madness as a weathered veteran wages war against squirrels in his garden. The old man’s fixation on the furry creatures soon turns into a peril for the community, uniting them against him. Meanwhile, in “The Crossroads,” a young man is struck with a sudden realization that his life has been filled with happiness and contentment, despite never achieving great success. Ball’s prose carries the essence of timeless folktales, weaving together threads of urban legends and ghost stories. Yet, it is not mere linguistic trickery that makes these tales feel authentic and resonate with readers. Rather, it is Ball’s deep understanding and contemplation of universal themes – human angst, anxiety, loss of sanity, and fears – that gives his writing its poignant impact. Each story is crafted with delicate sensitivity and masterfully concludes with a startling twist, inviting readers to reflect on these age-old struggles through a fresh lens. A triumph!
Madhouse
Stephen Ball
Pub date December 20, 2022
ISBN 979-8370216305
Price $17.25 (USD) Hardcover, $10.25 Paperback, $1.99
