Dark Thoughts by Kevin J. Kennedy is a collection of short horror stories that have stuck in my head since the first time I read them back in 2019. Hearing them in the audio version this time around was such a treat.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on Dark Thoughts by Kevin J. Kennedy, narrated by Tom Taverna
Kicking this off with one of my all-time favorite short stories, we travel through a variety of tales from Mr. Kennedy that will suck you right into each of them.
Here are my thoughts on the tales the second time around:
Life on a Double Decker –
Living in a double-decker bus after things with the world went sideways, this trio made up of two teens and a five-year-old, try their best to survive.
I absolutely love this tale! I always love carnival-themed horror and this one fits that bill! The terror for survival was intense and the uplifting hope was a lovely touch!
Carnivalland –
Going out to explore, this young boy finds an old arcade. Pressed to try one by the old man working there, he finds himself in quite the pickle.
Phew, the turn this tale takes! What a terrifying premise!
The Way of the Streets –
Finding a woman with a black eye, this young man won’t stand for it. He tracks down the abuser and teaches him a lesson. Unfortunately, he had no idea who that abuser was related to…
This poor kid just wanted to make sure his friend doesn’t continue to get beaten. He should have listened to her when she said not to do anything crazy!
I’ll Give Ye Foie Gras, Ya Cunt! –
After seeing a disturbing animal abuse video online, this man decides to give the chef the same treatment.
This one will turn your stomach!
Charlie the Vegetarian Cannibal –
This boy has quite an unusual upbringing. His parents had a plan for him, but that changed as he quickly adapted to being left alone.
My heart went out to this kid!
The Gatekeeper –
When this man was out in charge of a little trapdoor, he can’t help but try to open it, but with no luck. Later on, he’s surprised when he hears a knock and the door opens easily. He’s even more surprised by what comes out of the door.
This tale is wild! I loved not being able to guess what would come up next. What a crazy job this man has.
A Tarantino Oz –
Not one for me 🙂
Flesh –
As this family has been living in a cave for generations, they have slowly split into two. The group near the surface, and the group deep within the caves.
Such an unsettling story! SO atmospheric!
The Karakyuza –
These beings would watch over humans but not interfere. That is until humans created the zombie plague… then they must decide what to do next.
I loved this take on Earth’s overseers!
Lake Mesquite –
Off on a group camping trip, Andrew can’t wait to let his feelings be known for Samantha. Along the way, they stop in at a shop that looks straight out of a horror movie, complete with an oddities shop. Like the best horror movies, the shopkeeper tries to warn them away from their destination, but they don’t listen…
I was so nervous for these teens from the start. This had such a great setup! I was so invested in them by the time things started to go wrong.
My Final Thoughts on Dark Thoughts
An absolute must-read for fans of horror short stories!
Related Reading:
Dark Thoughts is an awesome collection of fast-paced tales of a wide variety of horrific topics that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Sounds interesting! Great reviews!
Thank you! <3
That’s great you liked most of these!
For sure! 🙂 I always have a blast with Kevin’s work!