Human Tenderloin – Craig Wallwork

I received a gifted E-Book copy of ‘Human Tenderloin’ by Craig Wallwork from Mother Horror, in return for my honest review. This collection is published by Underbelly Books and is a collection of Horror short stories perfect for Halloween.

There are quite a few short stories in this collection, and most are very quick reads. They are still all very different from each other and cover everything from ghost hauntings, cannibalism, and mysterious hotels.

Here is a brief description of each story and a short description of my thoughts:

Bird Girl

This story follows Madeline, a child born with Progeria syndrome, through a time where the world is changing in a devastating way.

A heart-breaking story of family love through hard times.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

Dollhouse

This story follows the Moore Family. The Darcy lives in Ryburn valley in Yorkshire. She finds a doll house in the attic that is an exact replica of the house. Is it an early birthday present or is a dark presence at work?

An eerie and dark story, this one really scared me.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜 /5

After the Rain

Simon, his sister Mary and younger brother Nathaniel have a really hard life. They have to work through their loss and surviving abuse.

A devastating and heart-breaking story of a family with an abusive father.

My Rating: 💜💜💜.5 /5

Farwell Valencia

A man arrives at the hotel with blood over his face. No one takes a bit of notice. Is there something more to this hotel?

A disturbing and dark story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜 /5

The Hole

A new neighbour is digging a hole in his garden. What is he digging for and is there any link to an escaped prisoner on the loose?

A mysterious story, but I must admit I didn’t quite understand the ending of this story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜 /5

Time’s Flies

A couple move to make a fresh start after a devastating accident. They were being haunted; will they escape the haunting?

This story is quite tense and heart-breaking.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

Murder Sons

A new neighbour is digging a hole in his Stanley Nithercott moves to a new home after the loss of his family.  Whilst renovating he hears strange noises, what will he find when he investigates?

This is a sad and shocking story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

Human Tenderloin

A group of cannibals host dinner parties, what is the worst that can happen?

A very dark but I don’t know why but I found some bits humorous.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜.5 /5

Mothers Day

Wendy a pregnant woman takes a final trip away before giving birth. She is staying at Lakeview lodges. Which has a devastating history. Will she have the relaxing stay she is looking for?

This is a great story and had a really surprising twist.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

Night Holds a Scythe

A mysterious virus hits the population, how long would you be able to stay awake?

A really good storyline, it would be really scary if we ended up with a virus like this.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜.5 /5

Nothing Short of dying

Jeremiah will do anything to save Theresa’s life, how far will he be forced to go?

A dark and emotional story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

Paradise Won

Lucifer owns all of the holiday lodges in Paradise. He explains his side of how greed was introduced into the real world. Is Lucifer as bad as everyone thinks?

I don’t know it is supposed to be, but I found this to be a lovely and heart-warming story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜 /5

Everybody Hurts

Jeremiah will do anything to save There are 10 rules to follow in the house now that Dad’s locked in the attic. Why must they be followed to protect the family?

This is an intense and also a sad story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

Rosemary and Time

A college guy turns into a paid killer. A new job comes his way, how will this one turnout?

A mysterious and dark story, with a touch of sci-fi.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜 /5

They Were Born Without Faces

Russ Newton and his wife are driving back from the department of surgeon’s gala. Suddenly Russ notices a box in the middle of the road, Will he drive on to choose to find out what is in the box?

A chilling and dark story that also touches on the difference between classes in society.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜 /5

The Ballad of Windsong House

Abigail Crawford and her colleagues from Fellmere Police spend a night for charity staying in Windsong House. The house has reports of being haunted by two young girls. Will they experience this for themselves?

A chilling but also heart-breaking story.

My Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜 /5

Favourite Story: Paradise Won

Scariest Story: Doll House

Most Shocking: They Were Born Without Faces

There were

This was a really intense, chilling and frightening collection of short horror stories.

It covered many aspects of Horror as well as delving into the characters emotions. There was a lot of grief and heart-break in many of the stories.

Overall, an intense and chilling collection of short stories that will leave you looking in the shadows to see what could be lurking.

My Overall Rating:

💜💜💜💜 /5