At Home with the Horrors (2022) by Sammy Scott

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I was recently sent a review copy of At Home with the Horrors by Sammy Scott. I was unfamiliar with the author prior to some communication with him about this review and was excited to dive right in. What we have here are a total of 13 short stories and a novella.

For me, all good horror needs a relational point that enables the reader to connect with characters in some way and identify with them—in short, we need to care. A situation instantly becomes more intense and terrifying if it involves someone in whose plight we have become honestly invested. This is Sammy Scott’s real gift as a writer; he can quickly establish characters who feel real and relatable, not just rough sketches that are operating to advance the needs of a plot. All of the characters in every one of these tales is believable and their responses to the supernatural elements when they’re introduced don’t feel forced or manipulative. 

The title of this collection really fits as each of these stories is at its core about family and relationships and specifically, homes—not just physical abodes but that larger sense of normalcy and belonging and intimacy that is so crucial to a person’s sense of place and well-being. We care quickly about the protagonists and their emotions and reactions ring true, even as their tales twist into unsettling nightmares, often going into very dark territory without being overtly gory or extreme. There is subtlety and nuance throughout. But make no mistake, when it comes the horror packs a punch. Several of these stories and the closing novella caused me to experience a legitimate chill that ran up my spine and gave me goosebumps.

Another aspect of Scott’s style that works beautifully is his ear for realistic conversation and dialog. His characters are smart and witty and their banter is engaging and fitting, lacking unnecessary exposition. It all really sounds like living breathing humans interacting with each other. He does an outstanding job of communicating exactly what it feels like to wake up confused in the middle of the night to the realization that something is not right and the panicked fight or flight mentality that comes to the fore. As a father with children, I know that feeling often accompanies an indistinct fear even without a source.

Rather than do a story-by-story breakdown, I’m going to say that if you like short stories with a mix of horror styles ranging from ghosts, to cosmic horror, to simply inexplicable but relatable weirdness, then this book should satisfy. I am happy to have discovered Sammy Scott and will keep an eye on future publications. Recommended!

Review by Steve Carroll

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