A collection of holiday short stories from all the best in the game, this will put the fear in you and keep you up at night. As short stories go, don't expect backstories, character development, or even reason. These are built to scare and cause dread. For those that have heard of the old show, Tales from the Darkside, some of these were so reminiscent of that. From an evil elf to a monster in the closet, this will give you the merriest of nightmares. This one definitely left its mark. Four stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Darkest Night.

I'm wary of short story collections but if its horror, sign me up!

The Darkest Night features short stories centered the happiest of all seasons, Christmas from some of today's popular horror and thriller writers.

Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean it can't also be horrifying!

Usually, I only like one or a few stories in a compilation but I'm happy to say there were a lot of stories I enjoyed including "Nice."

There's a little something for everyone here; from creepy to spooky to downright gory blood-soaked mayhem.

This is a great collection of stories for any horror fan or readers who enjoy Christmas themed stories that aren't...jolly.

Twenty-two short horror stories about winter and the Christmas holidays by authors including Josh Malerman (BIRDBOX) and Rachel Harrison (BLACK SHEEP).

Short story collections are always a mi Ed bag but this one was actually pretty strong overall. Some really good talent here. I was surprised, though, to see a story from the editor as one of the selections…is that a thing? Anyway, my favorites were “I Hope This Finds You Well” by Eric LaRocca (definitely my favorite thing I’ve read of his,) “Mr. Butler” by Clay McLeod Chapman, “Eggnog” by Kristi DeMeester and “Threads of Epiphany” by Sara Tantlinger. If you enjoy horror anthologies don’t miss out on this one.

4.5

This is an awesome collection of holiday horror. Again some names I’m familiar with and some names I just found. I haven’t found a story I didn’t like in this collection. Each one held its own. I will say there were a few that were just a touch above (no names here, we dont play favorites around the holidays), but overall this is one of the best collections I’ve read in a while. I’m sure to revisit during the appropriate season.

Even in the off-season, "The Darkest Night” delivers a chilling blend of holiday cheer and spine-tingling terror. Seasoned masters of horror come together in this collection, crafting a diverse blend of fear. Each story offers a unique take on the holiday season, blending the festive with the frightful and offering a fresh spin on seasonal storytelling. This anthology's strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of dread throughout each story while maintaining the essence of Christmas spirit. "The Darkest Night” is a must-read for fans of both horror and holiday tales.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review " The Darkest Night " before its publication date.

From some of the biggest names in horror comes an Advent calendar of short stories perfect for the darkest nights of the year. Edited by award-winning author and anthologist Lindy Ryan, this horrific anthology will chill you to the bone.From New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box Josh Malerman, a story of a dark Christmas past in “Children Aren’t The Only Ones Who Know Where the Presents Are Hidden.” From national bestselling author Rachel Harrison, “Thaw,” in which a couple spends their first Christmas together in a cabin—but are they alone, or does something else watch them from the tree line? New York Times bestselling authors, Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon’s “Wintry Blue” sets an innocent child on the road with a strange and monstrous creature. Bram Stoker Award®-winning screenwriter of Netflix’s Haunting of Bly Manor and The Fall of the House of Usher, in Jamie Flanagan’s “Bruiser,” something sinister stalks the chilling hallways of a nursing home at night. Author of Such a Pretty Smile, Kristi DeMeester, tells a tale of “Eggnog” a Christmas party, an over-friendly female coworker, and an angry wife are the recipe for a deadly cocktail party. Plus stories by Nat Cassidy, Darcy Coates, Clay McLeod Chapman, Tim Waggoner, and many more, with an introduction by George C. Romero and art by renowned British horror

As the description says, this is an advent calendar of sorts. A collection of holiday horror stories by some of todays best horror and thriller authors. As in most collections like this, some stories are better than others. I did however find the general quality on most of them to be quite high and I really enjoyed reading through this one. Would highly recommend to horror fans, especially holiday horror fans like me:)