Side Show: Tales of the Big Top and the Bizarre

Rating:
Summary: To set the record Straight
Review: I'm a fan of Jeff Strand's work and when I found out he had a short story in this title, I had to have it, especially after seeing that wonderful cover and reading the previous review.

However, the only horror I found within these pages was the fact that I wasted my money. Don't get me wrong, there are a few gems in here, but out of 39 tales, a few is not good.

And low and behold, the previous review listed here should be disqualified since Gary West is the author of Carnival danse, which is included in this book, hence the title of my review.

Now, a lot of the stories have grammatical errors, which I usually can overlook. I have yet to read a book completely free of errors, they happen, but it just seems as if this title was quickly put together since they are rather obvious.

If you seriously want to stir up your old fears of the traveling carnival, I recommend picking up a copy of the newly released "Carnival of Horror" edited by L. Marie Wood and published by Cyber-Pulp. There you will find true horror.

Rating:
Summary: Side Show
Review: Subtitled "Tales of the Big Top and the Bizarre," Buburuz' paperback anthology deals with the darker side of carnivals, circuses and sideshows in a manner that will send chills up your spine and, for those of you with a weaker constitution, turn your hair white.

The first things you notice about "Side Show" is the fantastic cover art by Chad Savage (aptly entitled "Here Kiddie, Kiddie, Kiddie") and the quality and care this publication has been given. Long known for being an outstanding editor, Ms. Buburuz once again struts her stuff.

Once inside "Side Show" you will find 38 stories and poems by many of the most prolific and respected writers currently working in the small press. A short list includes: Brian Rosenberger, Tim Curran, Michael Arnzen, J. L. Navarro, Kevin Donihe, and I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, if you're a reader of horror you will recognize these names and many of the others residing here.

There's no way I have the room to describe every story and poem featured, but here are a select few:

In Jarret Keene's "High Striker" an attempt by an upper class snob to impress his girlfriend goes terribly wrong inside the Mirror Maze. Tao Rae Tasmaine takes us into the mind of a freak in "I Juss Wanna Hode Hans and Bee Happee Sum of Theez Daz in Floreeda", and challenges us to decipher the intentional misspelling of almost every word. And Tyree Campbell shows us we shouldn't be to quick to dismiss an old man's predictions in "Spookum Doodles." Add to this a few poems by Donna Taylor Burgess, Julie Shiel and David Bain and you have the recipe for a wild and fun carnival ride into hell. Hold onto your hats!