Little Horrors

By: David Gerrold

Narrated by: Daniel Penz

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Hugo and Nebula award-winning author, David Gerrold, explores the darker realms in these seven unsettling stories. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a pet dinosaur? Or maybe you'd like to attend the devil's enrollment seminar? Or perhaps a sleepless journey on the night train to Paris? And by the way...what's chewing on the dream catcher?

©2014 DG Media (P)2022 DG Media

Critic reviews

Nominated for Audiobook - Best Performance - Fiction by OVA 2022 Awards

Not exactly horror

These might not be a collection of what I would call precisely horror stories, but maybe something along the lines of the outer limits or the old twilight zone show. It definitely has roots in horror, and it’s not a bad thing that it’s not 100% scary stuff.

This actually kind of worked for me on several levels. Now the truth is that not every story is gem, but that comes with the territory. But overall I would say all but one or two of these are really good work at least decent stories.

PENZ there’s a nice little job, narrating the stories, he has a feel for what they’re about and tells them very well.

Great stories

Entertaining set of short stories. Well written and narrated. Nothing I'd consider scary but a pretty good listen.

Smart Horror well worth the listen

Let me first start this review by saying “wow”, what an enjoyable set of stories in this anthology by author David Gerrold. Because the horror genre is not one of my favorites, I came to this audiobook with reserve, but I can say I was very happy I listened, and I would recommend it to others that enjoy tales like that of the original Twilight Zone TV series. The stories are through provoking and often contain a twist that surprises the listener when they get to that part. What made the audiobook all that more enjoyable was that it was narrated by one of my favorites, Daniel Penz. I very much enjoyed his reading of the Easytown series as well. If you are one that likes smart horror that may take some thought while you listen, I can easily recommend this audiobook to you.

My initial trepidation in listening to this audiobook was that it was simply a rehashing of your typical “B” rated horror film with blood, guts, gore, and more. I can say, I was instead surprised and gripped after the first tale I only wanted to listen further. Much of the horror elements are implied and not explicitly spelled out. Even though some of the stories are very short, you will want to keep listening to see how the next story unravels and what twists will be found lurking in the shadows. Even though the stories are not your traditional horror, they all have a dark theme or twist to them. As I stated earlier, I would classify this more as smart horror or thought-provoking horror than simply horror. On top of this, the stories were well told and felt complete, and most were very memorable. All a sign of a good storyteller and not a surprise they come from a Hugo and Nebula award-winning author. I found that I had many favorites, yet for me, the dinosaur one stuck a chord. I’m sure you will also find a favorite in here.

Additionally, what I found interesting and fun, was that the author blended in some different mini genres along the way as well. We have science fiction, futuristic, current times, and more. So, I believe many of the tales will resonate with most people if you understand that they all have a dark aura about them. For me, I would have suggested a different title for the audiobook as in a quick passing or search on Audible, I would have passed by something with horror in the title as this is not my preferred genre. But I will say it again, I’m happy I listened, and you will be as well.

What can I say about the audiobook’s narration? Mr. Penz is a spectacular narrator and I have quite enjoyed each of the books I have listened to which he has narrated. In this audiobook, his lower and deeper voice had me sitting on the edge of my seat listening, or what felt like being around a warm campfire experience telling me these stories. He took what was already great writing and elevated it to an exceptional audiobook. There were no noticeable audio effects, and the sound and voicing were as professional as one can get. Listening was enjoyable and the tales brought to life in much the same way as Rod Steiger did for the Twilight Zone TV series. Great job.

For parents and younger listeners, this book covers some dark themes, and it contains some stories having mature content. It is nowhere as bad as most traditional horror stories go but be aware that it is there. I would not recommend it for less mature listeners due to these items.

In summary, what a wonderful and thought-provoking set of dark tales that felt smart in their delivery and construction. The narration was spot on for those who demand high quality. The writing and telling takes the listener on a journey that is memorable and exciting. I would recommend you pick up this audiobook even if you are not a fan of the horror genre as I think you will be quite surprised.

Disclaimer: This audiobook was provided to me at not cost from the author, narrator and/or publisher in exchange for posting a non-bias review.

Great Anthology of Weird Tales

I really liked this anthology. I wouldn’t call this horror but more in the realm of Twilight Zone type soft horror and great story telling. The stories were out there and quite enjoyable. Each individual chapter gives you a what if thinking vs a standard evil we know and understand. It challenges your expectations of horror and gives you an ending where you have to decide how things go forward. When I got to the end of the book I was quite upset that I didn’t have more stories to listen to. From time to time I thought that some of the stories were kinda slow to start and thought about skipping them, glad I never did. Each one was a unique fun ride that I enjoyed thoroughly.
Daniel Penz did a great job with the narration. He reminded me of an old-time radio star I used to listen to so I really had a sense of familiarity with his voice and it really made each story that much better.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

great read

lots of great short stories in this book one or two I didn't care for but overall it was an awesome book

Little Horrors

An interesting collection of horror stories. Each story holds its own and gives the listener an engaging tale. They are not full of blood and gore but make you think and imagine the things to be afraid of in the dark to be afraid of and sometimes they just are dark stories about the macabre. Each story moves along at a good pace and keeps the listener interested. Narrator Daniel Penz does a good job of brining this collection to life.

Cool

Loved it. Would like to hear more from the author. Cool narrator. Interesting stories. Oh yeah. Haww man.

Nice for what it is

This was a good story for what it is. Maybe you’ll enjoy it as well.