Twisted Reviews...
Twisted50 Vol 1

Twisted 50 Volume 1 review by The Book Lover’s Boudoir
‘Twisted contains some of the best examples of horror fiction I’ve read in years. I loved every story. Most story collections or anthologies have a few duds. Twisted is the exception. The stories are all fantastic and hugely enjoyable.’ FULL REVIEW HERE
Amazon Reviews // UK store reviews HERE.









A wonderful collection of chilling, gory, contemporary horror fiction.






Twisted 50: 50 Contemporary Shockers from the most terrifying new writers of horror…
By: Various Authors
5 out of 5 stars
The anthology Twisted 50: 50 Contemporary Shockers from the most terrifying new writers of horror…is aptly named and will cause shivers to run up and down your spine with each story you read. This collection has stories that will shock you and if you’re like me re-reading some pages saying “That didn’t just happen, did it?” Horror is a genre that I fell in love with in my teens and I am always looking for authors that I have not read before and this book has many to choose from. All of these authors have ways of writing that will delight anyone who loves reading scary stories. When I started reading this book I told myself that I would read a few and then pause. This didn’t happen as once I started in I couldn’t put them down. Of course, I would suggest reading with the lights on as you wouldn’t want anything sneaking up behind you or slithering out from under the bed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a love of scary stories and are brave enough to enter worlds that are sometimes better left unknown. I received a copy of this anthology and voluntarily reviewed it.



50 stories from 50 disturbed voices of modern horror… Twisted 50 volume 1 is a deliciously dark slice of contemporary horror literature. Reading it is like attending a late night secret banquet where you know each course will serve up something unexpected, forbidden and unforgettably chilling. Take your private seat now for 50 luscious courses of terror, from 50 of the strongest voices in modern horror.
This was a really good read with good characters. Some stories were more enjoyable than others. Witches was my favourite story. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
























Perfect for short reads or an indulgent longer escapade.





































































A great mix of truly twisted stories to suit all horror tastes, from the psychological frighteners to the stomach churning gore fests. Each tale brings a modern spin on horror, each author leaves their own unique imprint in your mind. It’s hard to pick a favourite as there are so many great ones to choose from.
This book was perfect for reading on the train. The stories were just long enough for me to get engaged with but not so long that I’d miss my stop, or have to leave a story just at an exciting part. Highly recommended!















I look forward to reading Volume 2.






I was a huge horror fan from childhood to my early twenties, but rarely read horror these days. I thought this collection of short stories would be a great way to reintroduce myself to this genre. What I have discovered, is that I don’t think I’m that keen on short stories. They take me a while to get into, and just when I’m settling into the story it ends. However, this was still a very good collection of stories, many of which I enjoyed, and has introduced me to lots of new authors.
This collection provides a huge mix of themes within the horror genre, such as of bugs, creatures, sex, torture, murder, amazingly weird, thought provoking, shocking and sickeningly gruesome.
Here are my top 3 favourites:
Shenanigans, by Chris Jeal – An interesting idea about modern technology and the obsession with Apps, and what happens when things go too far. Loved the dark humour too.
Spellings, by K.J.B. Rickard – This was one of my favourites, and not just because it mentions my favourite author, Clive Barker. I loved the way it connected with me as a reader. This was the only story that made me feel a little scared. I was following the instructions, while at the same time a part of me was telling me not to.
The Beating of my Heart, by Rachael Howard – I found this unnerving and loved the last line!
Others I thoroughly enjoyed:
Beyond the Flesh, by Diana Read
The Audition Altar, by Leo X Robertson
Five Days, by Susan Mayer – I didn’t think I liked bug stories, but this one was intriguing.
The Sugarloaf and the Red Shoes, by Marie Gethins
Paper Cuts, by Kim Rickford
The Retribution of Elsie Buckle, by Lucy V. Hay
Full of Surprises, by Scott Merrow
The Spider Taketh Hold, by John Ashbrook – Another bug story that I did actually enjoy. Love a good revenge story.
Keeping A Head, by Jonah Jones – Very short, but shudder!
Meat, by Neil Bebber
Feedback, by Charles Maciejewski
What’s Yours is Mine, by Nick Yates
Fingers, by J.M. Hewitt
The Left is Sinister, by Thomas Cranham – I almost always wake up on my left side, eek!
Bloated, by Penegrin Shaw
Overall, an entertaining book, which I suspect will be very much enjoyed by horror fans, especially if you like short stories.









Amazon Reviews // USA store reviews HERE



If you’ve ever continued walking down a pitch-black alley when you know it’s the stupidest thing you’ll ever do … if you’ve pressed “PLAY” and watched a gore-fest you know you’ll regret… if you scare yourself pee-less repeatedly with your own imagination when you’re home alone… and you savor every skin-crawling second of it because, hell, you’re just made that way… then Twisted 50 is your read.
I recommend putting a little arsenic frosting on this treat by getting it now and reading it during the darkest months of the year.












Ghosts of Christmas


Amazon Reviews // UK store reviews HERE.









By Sartori on 15 December 2020



By Suz Hodgson on 17 December 2020
I was recommended this book by a friend – and I don’t usually read complications but I’m so glad I made the purchase. It’s great to pick up during the day when I’m on a break and each story is just the right length for me to drink a cuppa and delve in. I like that all the writers have different styles. Although I have to admit I am making excuses to have more breaks than usual! I love the festive feel of it – and as I am reading each story I feel on the edge of my seat waiting for something grim to happen. I haven’t finished the whole book yet but it’s five stars so far 🙂



By F. F. Ross on 17 December 2020
It’s hard to be original with ghost stories these days, but this collection of 40 or so stories by contemporary writers refreshingly blends Christmas cheer with horror undertones. An impressive range of topics set in a holiday theme, varied points of view, and a wide selection of imagined characters and themes soaked in atmosphere, kept me entertained. These are mostly contemporary ghosts, with a couple of classics at the end. Ideal reading for ghost and horror fans, when you have half an hour to spare, to pick up and put down. Fantastic cover, nice presentation and page design and I particularly liked the introductions to each section by the Twisted50 founder. A quality publication.



I’m a big fan of short stories, especially horror, and this did not disappoint my twisted taste buds. Short and horrifyingly sweet, each Christmas themed tale of terror was a delight to read. My favourites were Power Cut, Isabella and Awake, but I enjoyed them all. Highly recommended.









Twisted50 Vol 2


Amazon Reviews // UK store reviews HERE.






Really great read.. distant percussion was my favourite! Really recommend






These stories are perfect for a read on a commute, or late at night if you fancy a bite-sized slice of horror before bed!
A modern day Creepshow!


















It’s been two years since ‘Twisted 50 volume 1’ but now I have my hands on the second instalment. And it’s as good (if not better) than the original. 50 short horror stories, largely set in the world of today, and covering a good range of the horror spectrum. There’s straightforward horror, creature horror, creepy urban horror (the best of which is ‘Ice Cream Van’ by Jessica Brown), comic horror (such as the superlative ‘Killer Evening’ by Chris Jeal; also ‘Dead Comedians’ by Simon Cluett); supernatural horror; and some stories that illustrate the best use of horror – ‘Caring for Mother’ by Karen Davison and ‘Market Research’ by Richie Brown – because they show us the skull beneath the skin. And there are stories I can’t categorise, but which are good horror tales anyway.
It is a collection, and as no collection is ever 100% ‘on’ there are some stories I don’t like (especially the stories that aren’t really stories) but there aren’t so many that I cannot award this great little book anything less than five stars.
I hope it’s not two years until Volume 3…



Twisted 50 is an aptly titled collection of stories that encompass the darker parts of the human condition. The tales are well written giving the reader a good dose of horror. Read only if you have a strong stomach.









Twisted50 Vol 1 Audiobook











“Wowee what a delight” By J’annine Matthews
This book is great, but the stories are sometimes too short as you want to know what happens next!
The stories are a great mixture that sometimes make you gringe and them sometimes make you laugh.









“Diverse horror stories, beautifully read…” By Billy Bloodorange
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Definitely, because the collection has something for everyone, even if they’re not a horror fan.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Twisted 50?
‘Gooseberry Pie’ – when we realise what dear old Edna is up to. ‘The Cyclist’ – when we realise he’s not. ‘Shenanigans’ – when the prey gets tech-savvy. (And the intro/outro music for each story – very effective.)
What about full cast’s performance did you like?
The range of different voices. Some performances are a bit ‘off’, but only a few. A very high standard overall.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Made me think, made me shudder, made me want to listen on.
Any additional comments?
Excellent value for money and one that I will listen to again.









Seeing into the minds of 50 brilliant writers
Simon in ‘Beyond the Flesh’ by Diana Read. He has OCD and counts everything from seconds to heartbeats. What makes him so scary is that he is dull, unadventurous, ordinary. Of course, he is anything but.
Enjoy? My heart raced during the scene when the circular saw cuts through the breastbone. I’m still trying to erase the image from my mind.
Twisted 50 …beyond your worst imaginings
Each story is a good, bite-sized chunk but, as with Chinese food, you’ll keep wanting to come back for more.









I’m extremely impressed with the wide range and quality of both the narrators and the stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed the invention in these stories. Many are written by unknown authors, and it proves there’s a lot of talent out there.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It made me itch with dread, which is exactly as it should have.
Genuine quality. Some stories I preferred to others, but overall the bar is very high. Looking forward to reading more work from this talented group.
Other Reviews



A completely different experience to reading the book. You are getting double the value in each story, with the author’s words interpreted by a professional voice artist. This is perfect for a long car or train journey and will have you gripped and just a little scared.
Twisted’s Evil Little Sister


Amazon Reviews // UK store reviews HERE.















Highly recommended!





















Several different styles, at least one of them is going to give you the heebeegeebees and stop you from sleeping tonight. Blame the writers!

















