Bad Dolls

By: Rachel Harrison

Narrated by: Helen Laser, Suehyla El-Attar Young, Frankie Corzo, Phoebe Strole

Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

In this stunning new collection of four horror stories, award-winning author Rachel Harrison explores themes of body image, complicated female friendship, heartbreak, and hauntings.

In “Reply Hazy, Try Again,” an indecisive young woman finds a mysterious Magic 8 Ball that might just have the answers she’s been looking for...or might lead her down a path of self-destruction.

In “Bachelorette,” a bridesmaid attends her childhood best friend’s bachelorette weekend, only to discover the itinerary may demand more than she’s willing to sacrifice.

In “Goblin,” an unusually brutal dieting app wreaks havoc on the life of an insecure woman preparing to attend her ex’s wedding.

In “Bad Dolls,” after a death in the family, a wayward young woman comes into possession of a strange porcelain doll that could offer a connection to her lost sister.

These dark tales navigate the complexities of modern life with humor, insight, and the occasional blood sacrifice…

©2022 Rachel Harrison (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Witty, New (to me at least) Voice in Horror

The stories are creative. The characters relatable. I felt uncomfortable at times, with the stories- and they made me look a bit deeper. The narration was flawless.

Another banger from Rachel Harrison!

I’m a huge Rachel Harrison fan, and I was delighted to find that her short stories pack as much punch as her novels. “Bachelorette” is such a great take on the insanity of wedding culture and the end of old friendships. I loved the title story, as well. “Reply Hazy, Try Again” was my favorite, though—a creepy tale about obsession and decision-making. The narrators were well chosen for each story. What a delight!

Intriguing

Fun and interesting collection of stories. I really enjoyed this collection, though I felt conflicted at the same time. The writing style and set up for the 4 stories is great and reeled me in immediately. However, the stories feel incomplete at the same time. In particular, 'Reply Hazy, Try Again' and 'Goblin' really left me wanting more from the story. I realize this is how short fiction works, but I'd love to see these stories fleshed out into more because they were very intriguing ideas. I still really enjoyed this collection though.

Awesome

This is a great collection of four short stories. Each is different, some scary, all unique. The narrators each do a great job.

Loved this story collection!

My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I would have loved a couple more stories. I picked this up on sale after having read all of Rachel Harrison's novels (so good!) and was not disappointed. The author has this unique way of capturing the low grade horror and alienation from self that comes with being socialized as female in the U.S. that leaves me both captivated and reflective. I love that her writing is both unsettling and says something real. The only caveat I would say is that these stories are far less scary than The Return so if you're expecting that level of horror, you might be disappointed. I was expecting them to be a little scarier than they were but that's probably because dolls really creep me out. The narrator also did a great job (especially in the last story).

'Goblin' and 'Bad Dolls' were my favs!!

I expected more than I got from this book. 'Goblin' and 'Bad Dolls' were my favorites. The book was okay.

Mesmerizing!

Fast-paced, beautifully written, fantastic narration, with gut-punch believable characters. Exactly the kind of short fiction I'd been craving for spooky season. 5 stars. A must-read!!!

Give this on a miss

I barely got through two of these stories. They lacked edge, interest, purpose.

Seemed to be targeting a limited audience - under thirties.

I could find nothing of merit. And I tried. Hard.