I haven't read anything by Ronald Malfi before and I do enjoy a good horror story every now and again and I'm pleased I did because out of the 5 short stories, there was only 1 I didn't particularly enjoy and that was The Separation but the other 4 more than made up for it.

Well written, great characters, a plethora of general creepiness, blood and gore ... what more could you want?

Mr Malfi is definitely an author I will look out for in the future and thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of They Lurk.

So first of all I may be bias because I love Ronald Malfi. I have read most of their works and I enjoy it. And there was no deviation in this book because I also loved these.

I really liked the diversity of this collection. Although they all have that perfectly unnerving quality they each something different to the table. Some of these novellas had me crawling in my skin. This is definitely one I'm glad I kept the lights on for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the free ARC!

I did not like this one as much as Malfi's full length novels. I feel that his strengths lie in atmosphere and worldbuilding, and that does not have room to shine here. My favorite from this collection was Skullbelly for this reason, though.

My previous experience reading Ronald Malfi ended with him becoming an author that I wanted to keep an eye on. In my review for Black Mouth I likened his work to Stephen King's IT, though much preferred it to that work. In an admission that might get my book lover card revoked, I don't really think too highly about King's work, and don't think it's all that special. And in that book Malfi showed me that not only could he take a similar idea and structure, but he could make it so much better. It was like he'd learned from those who'd came before and made it much more elegant and entertaining. As such, when I was offered the chance to read his latest collection of novellas I was absolutely certain that I needed to see what They Lurk had on offer.

The first story in the collection is actually my favourite, and it did that wonderful and awful thing that shorter stories do in that when it ended I was at a point in the narrative where I was desperate for more but there was none. That wonderful mix of 'oh my god that was great' and 'how dare the story end now!?', a feeling that gives a sadistic bit of fun when it happens. 'Skullbelly' tells the story of John Jeffers, a former cop turned private detective who's been hired by the families of four teens. Months before the group of friends headed out on a trip together, travelling to a small town named Coastal Green. Having gone out into the woods on a camping trip, one of the teens returned days later, covered in blood and in a dazed condition.

With the local police seemingly unable to find the three missing teens, and no answers coming from the survivor, Jeffers heads to Coastal Green himself to try to find out what happened three months ago. However, he finds a small, sleepy town where the cops are barely there, the locals don't really seem to know much, and life runs a lot slower than in the big city. The main bulk of 'Skullbelly' is a mystery story, as we follow Jeffers on his job to find answers, questioning the locals, trying to check into the story in the reports. And it makes for an interesting narrative. The setting of Coastal Green feels like one that's familiar to those who've watched things like The X-Files, especially episodes where something strange happens in a small town. It also gave me slight Alan Wake vibes for some reason.

The story gives small hints at what might have happened to the teens, and slowly builds a creepy atmosphere that doesn't try too hard to be scary. Malfi doesn't push fantastical elements or frightening scenarios in order to get under your skin, and instead keeps the promise of answers just out of reach in order to do so. That being said, the story does seem to end in a way that makes it very clear in regards to an explanation for the reader; and does so in a way that felt incredibly satisfying. That being said, I wanted much more of this story, I wanted a longer narrative, I wanted to see Jeffers pursing the case more, and I wanted to see the perpetrator. It was a fantastic ending because it's one of those stories that is going to stick in my head, that I'll think of years from now and go 'damn it was good, I want more!' in the same way the best mysteries or cancelled TV shows leave you feeling.

The second story, 'The Separation', goes for a completely different tone, and I think that it's my least favourite of the book. It tells the story of Marcus, a professional psychologist who travels to Germany to help his friend, Charlie. Charlie is a professional boxer whose wife has recently left him. The separation has left him shaken and depressed, and he's slipping into a worse and worse condition as time goes by; which is why his promoter and friends have reached out to Marcus for help. Marcus arrives to find Charlie sleep deprived, depressed, and a shell of the man he was. As he tries to help him out Charlie starts to complain about everything feeling off, like things have shifted ever so slightly. Marcus is unsure how to help his friend, but is determined to get him back on the right path.

In all honesty, I found 'The Separation' very slow, and it was the story in which I had the most trouble getting through because I just kept putting the book down to do other things instead. Not a huge amount happens across most of the story, and it's just more and more incidents of Charlie being tired, of not remembering going out around the estate at night, and Marcus either being determined to help him or pissed off at him. Yes, the ending was something of a surprise and made me go 'oh what?!' out loud, but the journey to get to that point wasn't fun enough for me to get much out of it. Also, the story features a scene of violence against an animal. The book doesn't contain any kind of trigger warning for this, which is a huge shame, and this story might be best skipped for those who would find the slow killing of an animal upsetting.

In comparison to this, 'The Stranger' was a story that I absolutely couldn't put down, and had to read in one sitting. David and his girlfriend are driving across America, on a journey that is starting to make David realise that perhaps he doesn't actually want to be with his girlfriend, with the excessive time together making him see all of her 'imperfections'. Trying to get away from her for a bit as they check into a small motel in Florida, he heads to the bar for a break and a drink. However, on the way back to the room he notices a weird man he met earlier in the night sitting inside his car. David attempts to get the man out, but he keeps stopping them. Eventually the police arrive and try to get him out, but the stranger just stares out the window, not responding. When the stranger produces a weapon the crowd of onlookers watch as something straight out of their nightmares begins.

I can't say much about 'The Stranger', as the things that happen in the story are shocking and twisted, and any real description of them would take away from the 'what the hell!?' moments; of which there are a few. This is the story that feels most like a nightmare, like something awful conjured up from the depths of your mind, the kind of thing that you'd experience during a night terror, and it made my skin crawl more than once reading it.

'After The Fade' is an interesting story. Starting off as the tale of a man looking to break up with his girlfriend, he arranges to meet her at one of the local bars in town, an old haunt of his where he used to play the piano. Shortly after the two of them arrive at the bar a woman comes stumbling inside, her expression slack, her movements groggy, and blood coming out of her nose. She collapses to the ground, dead. Its then that everyone in the bar notices the thing in the back of her head, the large insect that bore a hole into her skull; sharp and dangerous looking. The group manages to kill the insect before it can hurt anyone else, but it's then that they notice that it didn't come alone.

The building is swarmed by more of the bugs, and the people are forced to lock themselves inside. With the television down, no one answering their phones, and no sign of anyone else, the group have to begin to grapple with the idea that the insects are everywhere, and that they might not survive the night. 'After The Fade' is a classic base under siege story with a cool horror twist. The insect creatures make for a fun monster for the people in the bar to have to contend with, and Malfi uses them inventively, with some super creepy moments scattered in there.

But the story isn't just about the monster bugs and the nightmare situations they bring with them, it's a very human story, with a big focus on the people. Everyone in the building is given a moment or two to do something, something that sets them apart and different, and there are a few times where personalities clash and the biggest danger starts to become each other. And, like some of the other stories here, it has a little something at the end that will absolutely surprise.

The final story, 'Fierce', centres on teenagre Connie and her mother Elaine. Driving home in a snowstorm, the back of their car loaded up with presents for christmas, their conversation is tense as Connie is mad at her mother for not letting her take a gap year from study to travel the world. When a truck seems to come out of nowhere and the two vehicles crash their day goes from bad to worse. Elaine heads over to the truck driver to echange insurance details, and Connie watched as her mother is savagely beaten with a crowbar. As the attacker comes after her Connie is forced to flee into the snow covered forest in order to survive. But it's only the beginning of her nightmare.

'Fierce' feels a lot like your classic 'hillbilly horror', as Connie has to deal with a frightening murderous figure that lives out in the middle of nowhere with a house of horrors who wants to do awful things to her and her mother. Think The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Wrong Turn and The Hills Have Eyes and you're not far off the tone of this story. Whilst this might be a genre that people will be familiar with, and one that seems to be one of the least innovative in terms of creativity, 'Fierce' still manages to be a really entertaining and engaging story with some very tense and creepy moments in it.

They Lurk is an interesting mix of stories, most of which I really enjoyed. There are a couple in here that work perfectly for short stories, and a few that feel like the opening chapters to much bigger tales. Each story seems to try something a bit different, and focuses on different types of horror. But even with the variety they have, each story remains well written, with interesting and engaging characters; something that seems to be a hallmark for Malfi's work.

Special thanks to NetGalley, author and Publishers, for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts. I really enjoyed this book. Ronald is such an amazing author. I loved all of the short stories. I kinda would love for him to do a full length book of the first story in this book. I loved it and just wanted more of the character and his story! Overall, a delightful summer scaries to read while its hot out or cold out. 4 out of 5 stars!

Anyone that has been with me on my reviewing journey here on Goodreads will know that I am a huge fan of Ronald Malfi. I have loved every novel of his that I've read so when I saw an opportunity to read this short story collection, I grabbed it, even though I don't typically care for short stories. I wanted something to satisfy my Malfi craving while waiting for his next release.

Skullbelly - Four teenagers walk into the woods but only one returns bloodied and catatonic. Jim Jeffers, a private investigator, has been hired by the families to solve the mystery of what happened. What he discovers is beyond our comprehension. 3 stars!

The Separation - Marcus is called to Germany to help with a friend that is in a severe depressive state after his marriage dissolved. Marcus can't believe the state of his once prize-fighting friend. He's frail and sunken in on him self claiming he has been displaced. By what or by whom is the question? 4 stars!

* Trigger Warning - A horse meets a violent death on page. Beware my animal loving friends.

The Stranger - David and his young girlfriend have been traveling by car across the country when they decide to stop for the night at a rundown motel. When David returns to his room after having a couple drinks at the motel bar he notices a stranger is sitting in the drivers seat of his car. What follows is a gruesome and gory nightmare. 4 stars!

After the Fade - Tommy is meeting his girlfriend at the local watering hole where he intends to break the news that he wants to break up but before he has a chance to explain this to Lauren a woman comes into the bar bleeding from the nose and collapses. It's only then when Tommy, Lauren, and their fellow patrons realize that something has attached itself to the back of the woman's skull. This may be the last call for everyone. 4 stars!

Fierce - A mother and her 18 year old daughter are traveling home on a snow covered road when out of nowhere a truck careens into them. I assure you the accident is the least of their concern once they meet the other driver! RUUUUUUNNNNNNNN!!!!!! 2 stars!

I did enjoy my time with this but not as much as I do his full length novels. His books are always rich in atmosphere and his character development superb. That's hard to do with short stories so my level of investment varied from tale to tale. In his author's note at the end Malfi explains that the first four stories have been previously published and that the last story was his newest addition. I was most surprised that his newest was my least favorite. The rest are perfectly serviceable snack size treats! 3.5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for my complimentary copy.

I'm a huge fan of Ronald Malfi and his amazing horror stories, so I was thrilled to get my hands on his latest collection, They Lurk. However, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed by some of the stories in this book. Don't get me wrong, this is still a solid collection of creepy tales, but it didn't blow me away like his previous one did. The stories that really stood out for me were Skullbelly and They Lurk, which were both terrifying and original. I learned from the afterwords that these stories were written earlier in his career, which might explain why they felt less polished and impactful than his more recent work. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but not his best work in my opinion.

Didn’t like this one as much it was a bit of a slow burn and the only novella in it that I enjoyed was the first one. But I’m still looking forward to what Ronald Malfi writes next!

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of They Lurk by Ronald Malfi. He is one of my favorite authors, so I was so excited to get this book. It is a series of 4 previously released novellas. Each one is creepier than the last.

Monsters, parasites, possession, oh my!

The first four novellas in They Lurk were released previously while the last novella is new. As a reader who loved Malfi's most recent novel, Black Mouth, and really enjoyed his novella collection published last year, Ghostwritten, it's spectacular to see just how far Malfi's craft has progressed since writing the first four novellas in this collection.

My favorites of the five novellas were The Separation, After the Fade and Fierce.

If you enjoy survival horror, Stephen King-esque stories, and delving into the bizarre, then there's something for you in this collection.

I give They Lurk by Ronald Malfi 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐💫 (rounded up to 4 stars for NetGalley)

Thank you Titan Books & NetGalley for this eARC. They Lurk is out TODAY!

They Lurk is a collection of five novellas about the evil that lurks just out of sight waiting to strike. The first four novellas in the collection were previously published by DarkFuse in 2009. Now they are being reprinted by Titan with the addition of a new novella Fierce which is a 100% must read. The novellas seemed to be ordered from least amount of tension and horror to the most. The first two novellas were quiet slow burn stories and then things really kick off from there with ever increasing dread until the ultimate peak in Fierce.

Skullbelly- A private investigator is hired by the families of a group of campers that go missing in the Pacific Northwest where he learns the terrifying local legend of the cryptid, Skullbelly. The character study of the PI, the backwoods small town atmosphere, and the truly horrifying description of Skullbelly were enough to keep interest in this slow burn story. 3.75 stars

The Separation- A group of friends and attendants try to help a professional boxer that has started to feel displaced after a bad break up. This was a weird unique story that left me wondering what was truly happening until the very end. 3.5 stars

The Stranger- A couple on a road trip find a stranger in their car in a motel parking lot. This one really ramps up into some really disturbing body horror. 4 stars

After the Fade- A group of people are stuck in a bar during an infestation of big deadly insects. This novella was a truly horrifying apocalyptic novella featuring plenty of nightmare fuel. 4.5 stars

Fierce- A mother and daughter are thrown into the ultimate fight for survival after getting in a car accident during a snow storm. This is one amazing survival story with tension that keeps ratcheting up throughout and left me literally squirming with dread. 5 stars

My Average Rating: 4.15 out of 5 stars

I previously read this when it was four novellas a few years ago, this one includes an additional fifth story. This beautifully showcases the growth in Malfi’s writing, although even the earlier stories are fantastic twisted takes. His style is so compelling to read, the stories grow like roots and bury themselves into your psyche and fester.

Skullbelly- a PI is called in to search for missing teenagers in the forest, the police are strangely reticent to help.
The Separation - a therapist tries to help an old friend but his behaviour is bizarre, is it just depression or something else.
The Stranger - David finds a man sitting in his car, who is he and what is he doing?
After the Fade - a dystopian creature feature that will make your head itch
Fierce (the new story) - a mother and daughter’s fight for survival after a car accident in the snow.

I enjoyed these stories, not as much as his recent novella collection, Ghostwritten, but i find it impossible not to enjoy his writing. As always I would prefer he had written these as full length novels but that’s because I love to read anything he writes and don’t like them to end!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ebook. Opinions are my own.

A delightfully spine chilling collection of stories about people encountering the uninvited. It’s deeply unsettling and goosebump inducing at a few points. I’m a pretty tough cookie so if I’m creeped out, you know it’s a good ‘un! The whole out of place concept just really makes me uneasy in the best, tingly terrifying way!

Stand out story for me was The Stranger. I loved everything about it! Overall the book was a 4 but this story 100% gets 5 munched fingers out of 5.

Whilst not scrimping on the fear factor, Ronald Malfi’s story collections are definitely a little lighter hearted than his novels and I really enjoy that aspect! I’m always here for a little fun in my frights!

This was five short stories written by Ronald Malfi. They were very creepy and entertaining. Ronald Malfi never fails to amaze.
Thanks NetGalley and Titan books for this ARC that will be released July 18, 2023!

Ronald Malfi's "They Lurk" presents readers with a collection of novellas that showcase the author's mastery of storytelling and his ability to immerse readers in captivating narratives. Each novella within this book stands as a testament to Malfi's talent in crafting engrossing tales that linger in the mind long after reading.

The novellas in "They Lurk" encompass a diverse range of themes, settings, and characters, ensuring a varied reading experience. Malfi's ability to create atmospheric worlds is on full display as he transports readers from eerie small towns to remote cabins in the wilderness, and even to haunting landscapes of the mind. Each story is a self-contained journey that holds its own unique flavor, offering a different perspective and delivering its own chilling revelations.

One of the notable strengths of these novellas is Malfi's adeptness at developing complex characters within the limited space. From the protagonists grappling with their inner demons to the enigmatic figures lurking in the shadows, every character feels authentic and multi-layered, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narratives.

Malfi's prose is hauntingly beautiful and evocative, enhancing the overall reading experience. His descriptive prowess allows readers to visualize every scene with vivid clarity, immersing them in the unsettling and often macabre atmospheres of each novella.

Ronald Malfi can do very little wrong in my eyes, and They Lurk is no exception.

His writing is sharp and immersive, and the cohesion between all five novellas and the theme he presents throughout is perfectly blended. Four of these stories, he tells us, were previously released in a very limited run, with the fifth being an entirely new release. Malfi's writing is always phenomenal, his flair for storytelling second to few if any, and while he can invoke many emotions within his readers, he rarely strays too far from safety. His books will give you chills but rarely unsettle.

Until now.

It Lurks is more than Malfi dipping a toe in the darkness, he dives right in! Those layers of safety and comfort we've come to expect are shed, and he takes us on a journey through the darker recesses of his mind. And boy does it pay off!
A personal favourite was hard to choose, especially between The Stranger, After the Fade and Fierce, so I'm not going to try, but I will say this; if you're a steadfast Malfi fan like myself, or you're a horror fan in general, this collection does not disappoint! Get your hands on a copy as soon as it releases.

Huge thanks to Titan Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

The most perfect title!

Five short stories by one of the masters of the macabre.

Each story was written in Malfi’s usual, impeccable style. The first four stories are not new, but I had not read them before, and I really enjoyed them. After The Fade was a favourite, with The Separation the one I liked least, but that does not mean to say it wasn’t very good, just didn’t thrill me like the other three. However Fierce, the last story in the book and a new offering was exceptional! The author has certainly upped his game and goes from strength to strength.

No duff stories, all to be read with the lights on!

Totally recommend, an excellent read.

Thank you NetGalley.

You really can’t go wrong with anything written by Ronald Malfi. The novellas are a nice change of pace, each story creepy and unique.. I flew threw this book and can’t wait for more.

Ronald Malfi does it again! This is the third Malfi book I've read so far this year and all three of them have had me completely hooked from the start. His writing style is so cinematic, gritty and sinister. I love it!