Book Review: OLD MONSTERS NEVER DIE

by | May 5, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Old Monsters Never Die
By Tim Waggoner
Winding Road Stories (May 28, 2024)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham

There’s a good reason that Tim Waggoner has won the Bram Stoker Award four times, and if you are discerning enough to purchase a copy of his latest, Old Monsters Never Die, you will understand that reason…in spades. It is a thinking person’s sort of surrealist horror that leaves you still mulling it over days later—and in this age of horror writers turning increasingly to blood and guts and veins-in-the-teeth shock splatter and mayhem, Mr. Waggoner presents an oasis of subtle, yet disturbingly crafted tales. He is the Salvador Dali of horror, without the long, waxed mustache and mink coat, but just as twisted. I have seen favorable comparisons of this author to Stephen King, and I find them to be unkind. Tim Waggoner is a much better writer than Stephen King.

That being said, here is the rundown of the stories in this marvelous collection:

“A Touch of Madness” – A teenager discovers an out-of-the-way fountain on a college campus…but a statue of the Virgin Mary with a reptile tail can lead to nothing good.

“The Crying Man” – A traumatic incident at the age of 13 left Martin afraid to connect with other people for fear of being infected…by something really strange.

“No One Sings in the City of the Dead” – a story of the extremes we will go to for love. The Clown Lady was great! One of my favorite tales.

“The Girl Who Bled in the Tree” – A girl, the woman she becomes, and an old oak tree whose friendship never lets her down. I loved this one, too.

“In the Monster’s Mouth” – The perils of living with a narcissistic monster.

“The Garden of Love Is Green” – We find appreciation in all sorts of unusual places. All we have to do is look for it.

“God Spelled Backward” – Dreams vs. Reality, and one man desperate to protect himself from both.

“Forever” – Best friends in childhood, until one disappears…or did she?

“Old Monsters Never Die” – a fresh take on an old trope. Another of my favorites.

“The Ashes of Our Fathers” – Did you ever wonder what the secrets are that the old people are keeping?

“The White Road” – An interesting idea of what might happen just prior to death and just after—and it is what we hope for?

“Going Home” – When one goes home seeking answers, one may not like those one gets—but Emily has a secret weapon. Great story.

“Negative Space” – A couple stays with a newly bereaved widow and her small children…until the husband of the couple starts to change…  Another favorite.

“The Grey Room” – Chasing and catching the ultimate high isn’t quite what you’d expect. Another terrific tale.

“Voices Like Barbed Wire” – Dreamlike. There is a fast-food joint that is sometimes there and sometimes not, where there is a man who can solve your problem—any problem. Of course, you may not be entirely happy with the results… Another favorite.

“In the End There Is a Drain” – A crazy cat lady educates a teenager.

“Cast-Offs” – A whole new take on trash scavengers. Loved this one, too!

“Til Death” – Marriage and survival in a world controlled by ETs.

“How to Be a Horror Writer” – A ‘how-to’ that is right on and is all about living your life attentively…especially where the traumas are concerned. I loved this one too.

This book would stand up to re-reading like few books I’ve ever read. Buy a copy for your personal library and see if you don’t agree. Oh, and think about Christmas! As gifts go, it’s an inexpensive one that will keep on giving and you’ll be a hero once they’ve read it.

5 out of 5 stars

About Carson Buckingham

Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her way in life doing all manner of things, most of which involve arson. She is currently employed as a freelance writer on a work release program. In her spare time, she studies forensics, in hopes of applying her new knowledge to eluding the authorities more effectively the next time. She is originally from Connecticut, but now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.

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