Saunders has become one of my favorite authors, so having read X: A Collection of Horror, I was eager to get my hands on this second collection of short fiction. While X, the first, is steeped in creepy tones and dark characters, X2 is a little different. Most of the stories screw with the reader psychologically, as all good horror should, but some of them are poignant, touching even (like Treat Night) and there’s more humor to this collection, although it’s definitely not light, Three Stooges kind of humor. Now, I know feelings make some of you horror fans itchy, so I’ll put your fears to rest. Even the touch feely stuff is dark, and has the all-important “creep” factor in it, so it’s all good.

“Little Dead Girl” draws you in immediately with its dream-like tone, and Saunders only excels from there. “Handsome Jack” is among my favorites, mostly because of the dark humor and excellent dialogue. “Tiny Little Vampires” won a top spot from the first line, “Mosquitos are one of the vilest creatures on the planet.” Amen, man. Amen. It also wins because of the artful imagery Saunders creates following that first line. The chill I got reading this story is because I totally understand what happens next. (winky face)

However, my top pick in the whole collection is “Road Kill.” Everything about this story is perfection. Read it, and you’ll see.

Now, if only Mr. Saunders would write another novel… ( )