This collection of extra-short stories is hit and miss. There's some decent horror tales (such as 'Father Psychosis' and 'Hold Your Breath') but the few good ones are overshadowed by standard, forgettable fare like 'The Angel Ripper' and the predictable 'Angie the Avenger'.

LaValley's attempts at humor don't quite work, such as in 'Train Your Midget in Three Easy Steps' and 'The Stalker,' yet he manages to hit the nail on the head with scattered gems like 'Modern Horror,' 'Party Girl,' 'Of Judith and the Night' and the haunting "Tuesdays and Thursdays.'

The title tale (which is also the longest in the book) is a pointless attempt to shock the reader, and reads like a concept album a junior high death metal band might come up with. While I understand the author has created a collection of "lowlife" tales here, I don't know who really wants to read about necrophiliac punks for more than a page or two, let alone 23.

Is it worth sifting through the misses to get to the goodies (keeping in mind there's some really extreme stuff here)? I'd say YES--only because the tales are short and the entire book can be read in one sitting.

The ball (or should I say deformed fetus?) is in your court. ( )