Book Review: MOOD SWINGS

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Mood Swings (Black Shuck Shadows #36)
Dave Jeffrey
Black Shuck Books (July 25, 2024)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham

In an effort to introduce readers to horror and speculative fiction, Black Shuck Shadows has released a series of micro-collections of which Dave Jeffery’s Mood Swings is number 36 out of (currently) 37. The eight works in this collection are not blood and guts and veins in the teeth, but something oh so much more delicate and oh so much more unsettling…sort of like a Maxfield Parrish painting, but in dark shades of grey, with a spot of red here and there. It is cerebral horror at its best.

Here is what you may expect if you read this book, which I wholeheartedly recommend that you do:

“Restoring Scarlett” – An embalmer who has a preternatural ability to restore broken, mangled bodies.

“Once” – A heartbreaking story of a devoted couple.

“Last Rose of Summer” – A serial killer who isn’t quite as smart as he thinks he is.

“Masquerade” – A Dorian Gray type of person who is a really slow learner.

“Where There’s a Will…” – A nasty man dying of Alzheimer’s is allowed one last bit of clarity.

“Disturbia” – A strange story about a sudden worldwide onset of fear and anxiety.

“Different” – Is it possible to make amends to someone after they die? Graves, Inc. thinks so.

“And Your Fear Will Define You” – This story and “Restoring Scarlett” were my favorites, although they all are so good, I had trouble choosing. In this one, a wealthy landowner finds a gypsy camping on his land, and in trying to intimidate her into leaving, kicks her fire and accidentally burns her caravan to the ground. The title of this story is the curse of that gypsy…and what a curse it is!

Dave Jeffery is the author of 18 novels, two collections, and numerous short stories. He is a member of the Society of Authors, the British Fantasy Society (where he is a regular book reviewer), and the Horror Writers Association.

I couldn’t possibly recommend Mood Swings more highly, and I urge you to pick up a copy. Not only will you want one for yourself, but this will make a great stocking stuffer come Christmas, or a perfect no-reason gift right now for someone who loves great horror.

The printed book is available on Amazon. Currently, if you wish an e-book, it may be had here: https://blackshuckbooks.co.uk/shadows-36/

5 out of 5 stars.

About Carson Buckingham

Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her way in life doing all manner of things, most of which involve arson. She is currently employed as a freelance writer on a work release program. In her spare time, she studies forensics, in hopes of applying her new knowledge to eluding the authorities more effectively the next time. She is originally from Connecticut, but now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.

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