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CREPSHOW
Edited by James Aquilon
Disgusting Books (June 18, 2026)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham
CREPSHOW James Aquilon’s latest anthology, and it’s reminiscent of the old 1982 film of the same name. It is a major anthology and with an all-star table of contents, this book does not disappoint and perfectly follows the spirit of the film.
Here’s what you get:
“All Bound with Boards” by Jonathan Maber. Even if you’re into zombie stories, there’s a great twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all. Beautifully done.
“Hide” by Simon Bestwick. A trio of hunters track down and kill an unusual quarry.
“Five is the Best Number” by Gwendolyn Kist. A beautifully written tale of revenge.
“Dead Line” by Dennis Crosby. Once you’re on that train, it can take a long, long time to get off. Nice twist at the end.
“Little House (of Terror)” by James Aquilon. A broken-up couple buys one of those tiny houses that are all the rage these days, hoping that living closer together will make them a closer couple. he loves He, not so much. But he discovers something in the garden that ensures they will always fit in this house.
“When the Mask Falls” by Tim Wagoner. A story about what happens when someone combines blind ambition, lack of talent and a desire to follow directions.
“The Big Makeover” by Lisa Morton. The whole world is changing – from junk food! Believe it or not, as ridiculous as the premise sounds, this is one scary story!
“Instant Karma” by Keith Ra DeCondido. Two schools of karate are at odds, “but those who choose to fight have already lost” – Spade.
Thomas E. “Longing from the Dusty Shelf” by Sniegoski. A man wants to kill his wife with the help of a supernatural being. Nice twist at the end.
Nick Roberts’ “If You Wait and Know” is a grotesque tale of man vs. bats.
“Heart of the Predator” by David Avallone. A study of predator and prey during World War II.
“Companion Piece” by Nancy A. by Collins. An interesting story about hoodoo and the price paid for using it.
“Blood and Tinies” by Steve Niles. They remembered the Christmas killings. This reader is sick of Christmas murders, and there was nothing particularly new under the sun here, and overall it was an unfortunate way to end the anthology. Usually, anthologies start and end with the strongest stories, and Blood and Tininess was too weak for the exemplary ending needed for this high-profile anthology.
That being said, my favorite story in the book was a three-way tie: “With All the Nailed Just Right” by Jonathan Maber, “The Great Makeover” by Lisa Morton, and “When the Mask Falls” by Tim Wagoner.
Christmas is fast approaching and this would be a fabulous book to give as a gift. Great writing at a low price so you can buy one for yourself and one for that horror fan you’re having trouble coming up with a gift for.
James Aquilon hit another one out of the park. Bravo.
5 out of 5 stars
About Carson Buckingham
Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made his way through life doing all kinds of things, most of which involve fire. He is currently employed as a freelance writer on a work release program. In his spare time, he studies forensics, hoping to use his newfound knowledge to evade the authorities next time. He’s originally from Connecticut, but now lives in Kentucky, and Connecticut is glad to be rid of him.
