The stories are clever, suspenseful, creepy, and mind-boggling, featuring both beautiful and eerie illustrations. These tales blend horror and mystery, delving into visions and nightmares that blur the line between fiction and reality. Translated from Spanish by James D. Jenkins and illustrated by Luis Pérez Ochando, the collection presents a unique reading experience.

The first tale explores the enigmatic lives of insects and their mysterious purposes. The second tale follows Dragan, who experiences mind control and bizarre behaviors. The third tale involves a husband witnessing his wife's strange sleepwalking and her erotic fascination with octopi, leading to a chilling conclusion. The fourth tale merges literature with supernatural elements, creating nightly hauntings. The fifth tale reminisces childhood memories, a haunted house, and a secret cave. The sixth tale chronicles the odyssey of a writer and a monk. The seventh tale features suitors under an unusual spell. The eighth tale centers on four high school friends reuniting after twenty years to uncover a long-buried demonic truth. The ninth tale involves cursed dolls, possessions, sinister stories, and a creepy mystery. The tenth tale addresses nightmares, childhood trauma, regret, secrets, beliefs, and marriage life. The remaining tales explore strange occurrences, peculiar cases, and a one-eyed woman.

This is a short story collection Buy a Mexican author the first story was about a Doctor Who studied insects and how they breed on the deceased and the death of his wife who died in the forest while at the same time in bed with him. I didn’t like the way this one ended I thought it was a blunt pointless ending I was really prepared for the rest of the book to not be so great but boy was I wrong. The rest of the stories were so good it made me go back and read the first one again thinking I must’ve missed something but no I didn’t, it really ended badly or at least that’s my opinion. The rest however are awesome awesome stories especially the one with the spelunker. If you’re like me and love a great short story collection the new definitely love The Secret Life Of Insects And Other Stories I want to thank the publisher and net galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

"The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories" is a collection of fourteen haunting and intriguing tales by author Bernardo Esquinca. The stories delve into the realms of horror and the supernatural, offering readers a diverse range of chilling narratives.

A few years ago, I read Bernardo Esquinca’s story, Señor Ligotti, in the fantastic Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories. I am not exaggerating when I say I think about this story at least once a month. This new collection gives Esquinca many more opportunities to imprint his brand of terror onto the brain of innocent readers.

“At first, Dragan didn’t connect what was happening with the baby chair.” I really loved this opening line from The Wizard’s Hour, an incredibly disturbing story about a father who falls into a trance whenever he hears the music from the aforementioned baby chair.

In Where I’m Going, It’s Always Night, a man picks up a hitchhiking mountain climber, who apparently attempts to rescue those who have died while spelunking. Again, things take an incredibly dark turn.

The ending to The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife literally made me say “oh my god!” out loud. An estranged couple, still living in the same house, start experiencing some erotic, aquatic weirdness.

Leprosy in the Walls was legitimately scary. Our narrator returns to the home of his youth, as it is about to be destroyed. Memories of tunnels, ghosts, and a flood.

Señor Ligotti appears in this collection too, and I enjoyed the re-read. A man desperate for a nice place to live makes a questionable agreement with a strange old man. Every millennial who will do anything to buy a house should read this cautionary tale before signing any documents.

I loved the story Demoness, about a reunion of Jesuit priests. There are references to an “event”, which is never fully revealed, but it is hinted that an exorcism was involved. One of my favorite aspects of short stories is when the reader is given just enough information to draw their own terrifying conclusions.

Dream of Me is a fantastic creepy doll story. A man collects cursed dolls (why would anyone do that?!), and receives one anonymously. He tracks down the sender and it obviously doesn’t end well. I loved the tiny doll stories interspersed throughout the tale.

The thing I love about Esquinca’s stories is that they have terrifying endings, which elevates the story into boundless areas of terror. This is such a great collection, and contains a great intro from Argentine horror writer Mariana Enriquez.

Thank you Valancourt for another fantastic horror collection!

These stories are unlike anything else I've ever read. Imaginative, vivid, and eerie, yet somehow matter-of-fact. I'm grateful this anthology is available for English readers. No doubt the work is even more stunning in print with the beautiful illustrations.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories by Bernardo Esquinca, Maria Enriquez in exchange for an honest review. These were some great short stories that were fun to read late at night. Very disturbing and would be fun around a campfire.

“The Secret Lives of Insects and Other Stories” – Bernando Esquinca (translated by James D. Jenkins, illustrations by Luis Perez Ochando, with a foreword by Mariana Enriquez)

‘Two things:

1) I’m going to talk to my wife for the first time in two years.

2) My wife is dead. She passed away two years ago under strange circumstances.

My thanks to @valancourtbooks and @netgalley for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this one is out now!

Read as part of #phillygirlstranslatedlit2023 for October – “translated horror or thriller”.

Published for what appears to be the first time in English, “The Secret Lives of Insects” is a collection of stories by the Mexican writer Bernando Esquinca, mostly set in or around Mexico City, covering multiple aspects of the horror and fantasy genre, collected over a decade of writing.

Esquinco seems to be very good at converting the normal into the strange and macabre. Take “Come to Me”, a mixture of zombie story, telenovela romance and “The Monkey’s Paw”, one of my favourite stories in the collection, based on the magical love potions flyers found in the streets. The horror can turn religious, such as in the Exorcist-invoking novella “Demoness”, or veer into space (“Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Dreams”) or even into the political (Tlatelolco Confidential).

There’s great variety here, but Esquinco focuses on aspects of sanity and writing – Enriquez points out his debt to Poe in her introduction, as well as his obsession with adding thoughts on the very act of story creation. They are littered throughout the book, mostly to its benefit, though the most direct reference to writing craft comes in the sinister “Señor Ligotti”, a story that I loved in style but hated in theme, if my reading of it was co rrect. I guess you’ll have to read it to agree with me or not!

Astrong collection, and that’s coming from a non-horror fan. If you like Poe or Enriquez, this is definitely worth a look.

This collection of horror and weird tales by Mexican author Esquinca failed to impress me. Most of the stories felt too short for what they wanted to tell. The endings were not satisfying nor did I find them horrifying. There were a couple of stories I enjoyed but overall I did not gel with this author.

1. A forensic entomologist's wife was murdered two years ago and he's now been convinced to visit a medium. Very creepy ending. (4/5)

2. The Wizard's Hour - After buying a musical chair for their baby the husband suddenly finds himself places he doesn't remember going to. Too short, it felt rushed and wasn't very interesting. (2/5)

3. Where I'm Going It's Always Night - A man driving through the night picks up a spelunker headed for the mountains. Creepy campfire type of story. (4/5)

4. The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife - A man's wife starts sleepwalking and telling him he is the creator, she also becomes obsessed with a vulgar painting of a woman with an octopus. Forgettable. (2/5)

5. The Paradoxical Man - A writer has terrifying nightmares every night and he fears going to sleep. Nothing works to get rid of them until he visits "The Order of the Crow". Very intriguing with a great ending. (4/5)

6. Leprosy in the Walls - A writer reminisces about his cousins' house where he spent a lot of his childhood. He starts having nightmares where he is walking in a tunnel but can only go forward. This was boring. We wait for it to get somewhere and when it does it's a letdown. (2/5)

7. Senor Ligotti - A bit complicated but it boils down to a writer being hounded by Senor Ligotti. I've read this before. It's rather predictable with a boring end. (3/5)

8. Come to Me - A woman goes to a Shaman for a spell to make the man she loves fall in love with her forever. Another story I didn't connect with. I found it predictable and boring. (2/5)

9. Demoness - Four people go to a high school reunion camp near the old unused school. They each were witnesses to the "event". This was much longer than any other story here so far and more enjoyable. We get a real feel for the characters and the horror they experienced at the "event". (4/5)

10. Dream of me - A man collects cursed dolls but is not superstitious. None of the dolls have ever done anything until he receives a mysterious doll in the mail. Another story that just fell flat for me. Nothing really happened. (2/5)

11. Pan's Noontide - This was really good. Usually, I don't like stories about Pan. A man who is a professor of ancient religions is being consulted on some ritualistic murders. Slowly gets creepy. (4/5)

12. Tlateloco Confidential - A student uprising on an ancient Aztec massacre sight proves disastrous for mankind. Predictable. (3/5)

13. Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms - A man's cousin is obsessed with the moon and he now paints it for a living. But this man does not believe man ever walked on the moon. I had to think a bit till I understood the ending. Just ok. (3/5)

14. Manuscript found in an Empty Apartment. - Very short. Two people investigate a mysterious woman. Interesting but just left me "meh". (2/5)

Bernardo Esquinca’s ‘The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories’ is a terrific short story collection, spanning all kinds of horror, from cosmic and psychological horror to more typical horror tropes, such as hauntings, possessions, zombies, flawed spells, and cursed dolls. Translated from the original Spanish into natural sounding, flowing English by James D. Jenkins, with creepy, full-page illustrations by Spanish artist Luis Pérez Ochando, it feels like the perfect Halloween present for all horror lovers. Still, deeper than that, the collection manages to impress with Esquinca’s absolute mastery not only of the horror genre, but also of mystery, thriller, and even science fiction; it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that he is a horror genius, each one of his stories unique, immediately dragging you in, with just the right length, whether a novella or a short story. I loved all the stories, but a few should be mentioned for their elegant prose and uncanny visuals: the superb and unparalleled "Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms," the stunning "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife," the bizarre "Come to Me," the trippy "Dream of Me," and the spooky "Where I'm Going, It's Always Night.” These are incredible stories, well worth everyone's time, memorable, with great emotional impact.

Huge gratitude to Valancourt Books and NetGalley for an ARC of the collection.

“His look was transparent, like the surface of a lake that shows you its bottom and invites you to immerse yourself in it.”

Bernardo Esquinca’s anthology takes route in the bizarre horror and weird fantastical mysteries set in Mexico.

This is a collection that ranges between several themes in brining truly creepy and unsettling stories to the reader. In one a man tries to figure out the cause of the death of his wife through the insane work of insects, in another a women has an odd erotic fascination with an octupi and one where high school friends are reunited after twenty years to face a demonic experience from their youth.

Each story takes shape around the weird and dark elements of the circumstances surrounding the characters. They blend genre in unique ways to tell the story with a chilling impact and sometimes dark humour.

I enjoyed every one of these and can see why this would be a popular collection to pick up especially during spooky season.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed. It was more creepy horror (which I prefer) than slasher horror. I especially enjoyed the short story about the forensic entomologist.

Not once before had I read any of Bernardo Esquinca's works, but I can say I was really pleased I did. This anthology of short stories is just what I needed at this point.

Influenced by some other famous writers Bernardo Esquinca writes crime fiction, fantasy, and horror. Through 14 short stories Valancourt Books has done an excellent job by exposing some of Bernardo's best short stories.

One of my favorite ones is definitely "Señor Ligotti", but there are some others like "The Paradoxical Man", "Come to Me, or "Pan's Noontide" which are not to be missed, as they include deities, gods and shamans among some great scary and/or intriguing elements that keep you unable to put the book down.

Something I really loved is that most stories take place in Mexico, and even more so that some take place in my hometown Mexico City.

I also want to express my appreciation to Valancourt Books and NetGalley for having entrusted me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I picked this up because I was interested in more Mexican horror, and to see what Mariana Enriquez had to say about the author in her short, haunting introduction. I ended up tearing through this in two days, and my god, the way that Esquinca weaves together religious imagery, the horrors of people close to you disappearing and not knowing what happened to them, along with a slight meta sense of the eerieness of writing, and a way of writing succinctly that these stories will be in my head for a while. Definitely pick this up this fall. You'll be in for a treat.

"The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories," graciously provided to me by Valancourt and Netgalley, is an anthology that swiftly ensnared my attention. The mere sight of it sparked an urgent desire to delve into its depths, and it proved to be a gateway to the captivating works of Bernardo Esquinca, an esteemed Mexican author whose literary prowess is truly remarkable. My appetite for his prose has been thoroughly whetted, and I am now intrigued to explore his offerings in the realm of Spanish literature.

In the realm of anthologies, bestowing a full five-star rating is an infrequent occurrence, as individual stories often elicit varying degrees of resonance. However, "The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories" defies convention by surpassing expectations, earning my profound admiration as I found myself thoroughly captivated by nearly every narrative gracing its pages. Remarkably, even a tale within the zombie genre, a category I am not particularly drawn to, managed to impress and enthrall.

Within these chilling pages lies a veritable tapestry of horror, wherein myriad themes weave a spellbinding narrative. Insects, creepy dolls, hidden dimensions, and space horror converge in haunting harmony, each tale executed with masterful precision. The stories breathe darkness, manifesting an unsettling and eerie atmosphere that resonates with the reader on a visceral level.

Among the anthology's exceptional tales, a handful emerged as personal favorites:

- "The Secret Life of Insects"
- "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife"
- "Come to Me"
- "Dream of Me"
- "Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms"

Of these, "Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms" stands supreme, captivating my very soul. In the realm of space horror, a genre that strikes genuine fear within me, this tale ventures into the great unknown, exploring the enigma of space and the uncharted expanses of Earth's lunar domain. The subtlety with which it navigates its course and probes the mysteries of the cosmos left an indelible mark, a narrative that shall linger within my consciousness for times untold.

The anthology's allure is further enriched by the inclusion of Luis Pérez Ochando's artistry, urging me to secure a physical copy to relish and savor every visual nuance. These stories, illuminated by the accompanying illustrations, beckon me to embark on a re-reading voyage, where I shall imbibe their essence anew.

In summation, "The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories" stands as a mesmerizing and multifaceted horror anthology, an opus brought to life by the skilled craftsmanship of Bernardo Esquinca. Within its pages, one encounters an unsettling ambiance interwoven with thought-provoking narratives, forging a collection that merits the most enthusiastic of endorsements and a steadfast five-star rating. I yearn for the forthcoming opportunity to revisit these haunting tales and bask in the chilling artistry held within the embrace of its physical manifestation.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Valancourt Books for the eARC of this collection!**

Short story collections are always hit or miss for me, but I really did enjoy most of the stories in this collection. While most of the stories toed the line between psychological thriller and horror, a few were outright scary.

The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories is one of a few collections of translated horror that I have read. I thought the translation was well done, and nothing felt clunky to me so I have to assume everything came across as how it was intended by the author.

My favorite stories from this book were The Paradoxical Man and Senor Ligotti - both of which explored the "haunting" of an author. Other 5 star stories for me were The Dream of The Fisherman's Wife, and Where I'm Going, It's Always Night.

My only complaint with this collection was the large variation in story length. There were two stories in here that were basically novellas, and I had a hard time keeping my rhythm while reading this on breaks at work. Other than that, this was an amazing read and will be perfect for the upcoming spooky season!

Check this one out if you like horror, short stories that make you think, and psychological thrills!

a collection of fourteen darkly atmospheric horror stories that will chill you to the bone. Esquinca is a master of the macabre, and his stories are full of suspense, dread, and the supernatural.

The stories in this collection range from the creepy to the downright terrifying. In "The Secret Life of Insects," a forensic entomologist tries to solve the murder of his wife, who was killed in a forest at the same time she was asleep in bed with him. In "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife," a woman's strange obsession with octopi leads her down a dark path. And in "Come to Me," a woman visits a witch doctor who promises to forge an unbreakable bond between her and the man of her dreams, but things go horribly wrong.

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories!
I recommend!!

I just reviewed The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories by Bernardo Esquinca, Mariana Enriquez. #TheSecretLifeofInsectsandOtherStories #NetGalley

"It didn't matter: the best stories have a way of making us forget the name of the author but never the plot; those are the ones that return to us in the form of dreams"
- "Demoness" from The Secret Life of Insects and Other Stories by Bernardo Esquinca

Most collections of short stories have a few that just didn't work for me, but surprisingly, that was not the case with this collection-I really liked or loved each story! I found myself (day)dreaming of these stories long after I finished reading- a sure sign that they are ingrained into my subconscious.

The author Bernardo Esquinca does an incredible job of building a suspenseful tone quickly and efficiently so that a couple of pages into each story, I found myself so engrossed that I was easily startled by happenings in my surroundings. Esquinca guides the reader into strange territory while making them feel somewhat safe, despite the foreboding tone and the anticipation of the horrors to come. The included artwork was fabulously eerie as well.

Something that makes stories great in my opinion is the feeling of legitimacy that comes from reading about a character that almost seems familar... like that character reminds me of my cousin, or I would have acted the same way in that situation. All of these stories had that feeling for me, which is part of why the tension escalates so quietly and effectively. Each of these stories is unique, but they fit together brilliantly.

Some of my favorites from the collection include:
"The Wizard's Hour"
"Where I'm Going, It's Always Night"
"Demoness"
"Pan's Noontide"
"Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms"

Thanks to Netgalley and Valencourt Books for an advance e-copy of this collection. It was very much appreciated!

A very clever collection of sinister stories! This was my first time reading anything by this author and I enjoyed it very much and would definitely be interested in reading more of their work in the future!

Thank you Valancourt and Netgalley for my gifted e-arc. I have been reading translated Horror since last year and have been loving it so I immediately requested this anthology when I saw it. This was my first book by Bernardo Esquinca (Mexico) and it won’t be my last! I will have to look up his books that are in Spanish.

I don’t usually give anthologies 5 stars since many have stories that I like and dislike but I LOVED almost all the stories in this book. I even liked the zombie story and I’m not a fan of the post apocalyptic genre!

This horror anthology has a bit of everything. From insects, creepy dolls, hidden dimensions and space horror. All of them were so well written. They were dark, creepy, atmospheric and so unsettling. My favorites were:

-The Secret Life of Insects
-The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife
-Come to Me
-Dream of Me
-Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms

“Sea of Tranquility, Ocean of Storms” is my favorite one out of all of them. It’s space horror and it’s a genre that really scares me. It’s so subtle but I loved how it talks about how little we know about space and even Earth’s moon. I won’t say any more about it since I don’t want to give anything away about the plot. This story is one that I will think of for a long time!

I will have to buy a physical copy since I will want to reread it and really appreciate the art that is include by Luis Pérez Ochando.