Finished a horror story over the weekend where I reflected on the time my folks let me watch this grisly masterpiece, one of the greatest remakes ever attempted. Age 12, in a violent rut being tormented by my peers. Already a deep horror fan at such a young age. They previewed it first and let me have at it, knowing instinctively what therapy this film would provide me then.

Thank you, John Carpenter.

–Ray Van Horn, Jr.

–Photo courtesy of the public domain

One of my Christmas scores was a signed, sold-out limited edition of W.H. Chizmar’s (son of Richard) debut novel, Them. Not a story about 1950s Atomic-era giant ants, but in the neighborhood. Not an evil ghost-witch concept album by King Diamond. It initially felt like The Last of Us and A Quiet Place post apocalypse story which about-faces its dramatic and occasionally amusing and sentimental quest for survival into a bombastic War of the Worlds epic. Existentialism is under fire between human and our alien usurpers Chizmar calls “Scorpions,” with a long unnamed protagonist leading us through turf where you sometimes question which side you are rooting for.

Billy Chizmar has written a first-time novel that sucks your oxygen from his detailed, tumbling prose that rings of a long-standing pro writer. Them is so damn good you won’t believe this is a relatively new voice to horror fiction. In the couple of short interactions I’ve had with Billy, I found his confident smile and glowing support of his dad in the public to be indicative of a writer who already knows his future. After reading Them and Billy’s novella, Mr. Purple, this dude has the chops. Welcome to the fold, young man.

–Ray Van Horn, Jr.

Paying respects and calling in energy from the master.

–Ray Van Horn, Jr.

–Photo courtesy of the public domain

–Photo by T.J. Perkins

—Halloween III: Season of the Witch photo courtesy of the public domain

–Photo courtesy of the public domain

“The Darkest Side of Jericho,” one of the stories I wrote for my upcoming horror anthology, Behind the Shadows, was based on a real place.

Jericho Covered Bridge in Kingsville, MD, has, for generations, reported to be haunted. Ghosts of hanging Civil War soldiers, runaway slaves and ill-fated lovers, the burnt woman, the creepy little girl. Irresistible fuel inspiring my story.

I can’t wait for you all to read it. For now, here is the real deal in its garish glory. Thanks to my good sport wife, TJ for being my photographer and co-conspirator.

–Photos by Ray Van Horn, Jr. and TJ Perkins