The Razorblades in my Head by Donnie Goodman

The Stranger in the Squared Circle – I’m going on the record here to say that there are not enough wrestling horror stories out there. It’s Not Always Why – this one read like a perfect blend of Adam Nevill (horror) and Cormac McCarthy (crazy) – a young girl breaks into a hospital abs steals a newborn child, for what purposes you’ll need to read and find out – but the ending is not what you’d ever imagine! Magic in the Hat – we’re treated to a slice os seasonal horror here, Goodman does a great job at bringing this coming of age tale to a dramatic and horrifying conclusion and it reminded me of those 80’s style horror books and films – where the unthinkable the unimaginable happens, it’s crazy, you know it’s mad – but you just can’t help but love it! Frosty the Snowman has nothing on these guys! Gobble, Gobble – a nice dip into one of favourite sub genres the ‘Creature Feature’ – I have to say when I read the title I was thinking stuff was going to get sick, but after the first line I realised that we were going to be treated to something a little different – think Herbert’s The Rats but with Turkey’s and you’ll be in that wheelhouse! It’s absurd but I loved it!

He brother returns to guide her to the place beyond, because he also knows what their mother called her ‘Stargazer’ – a great little change in tone and genre here, it’s less horror more science fiction / apocalyptic dread. Stargazing – here we’re treated to an apocalyptic vision, an invasion of sorts as our protagonist wakes to find the place belongs under attack. Well if that child was deranged! I actually mixed this one up, I read it along with listening to Donnie read this story for Celebrate Horror 2021 which was hosted by Sadie Hartmann on the Nightworms YouTube channel – I’d recommend doing it that way if you can, I love authors reading their own work and Donnie does a terrific job. A young boy with an idea sets about helping his teacher get over her grief in the way only a child could think of. Third Grade – I loved the tone of voice in this piece, the clipped dialogue really gets you into the characters mind.

This one has the weird horror vibes that I love, think Sarah Hall, Emily Harrison and Angela Readman (all writers you should be checking out) – I love my weird horror and this is just all of that and more, body horror and the healing of old wounds in the most macabre way. The Razorblades in my Head – well damn, what a way to kick off the collection and a brilliant introduction to Donnie’s work. Welcome to the debut collection from Donnie Goodman – strap yourselves in and prepare for the ride of your life!

The Razorblades in my Head by Donnie Goodman