Book Review: WHERE THE PRETTY THINGS ROT

by | Nov 15, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Where the Pretty Things Rot
Henry Snider
Polymath Press (October 13, 2025), 353 pgs.
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham

I first became acquainted with Henry Snider when I was compiling and editing my one and only anthology, The Best of the Horror Society 2013. As a matter of fact, the first story in Henry’s collection, “The Clown,” was the story of his that I selected for my anthology. I was excited when I discovered that Henry had organized his works into a collection, and knowing what an accomplished writer he is, I couldn’t wait to read it.

It does not disappoint. Out of a collection of sixteen tales, I had nine favorites—nine. More than half. The other seven are masterful, too, and you may find that you prefer them. All are beautifully written and well worth your time. This will be one of those unusual collections that will stay on your shelf and be re-read from time to time—they are that good. They are that unforgettable.

Here’s what you get:

“The Clown” – A teenager pursues and finally catches a monstrous little clown at a carnival. When she catches up with it, you will be hard-pressed to decide who the monster really is.  My favorite #1.

“Sandcastles” – Newlyweds get caught in a haboob on their honeymoon trip, and in the aftermath, by the things it left behind. The story harks back to ancient Egypt, and you’ll never look at the desert the same way again. My favorite #2.

“Someone to Watch Over Me” – During Prohibition, a flapper meets a swell at the speakeasy, and they go for a ride in his yellow convertible, looking for a parking spot. They both get more than they bargained for—from each other!

“Taste” – A disturbing tale of two married drug addicts, who end up wishing that drugs were their only problem.

“Singed” – ‘Angel Night’ was supposed to be a citizens’ patrol to keep Devil’s Night fires from being set. It was ineffective, as the city was burning. Firefighters enter a building, finding weird tableaus, a little girl and her dog, and a very strange priest. An all-around fun horror story. My favorite #3.

“Room Service” – A burglar turned killer stows away on a cruise peopled by the wealthy, who put to sea to escape COVID.

“Lunar Descent” – A well-done science fiction story taking place on one of Saturn’s moons. This is a fresh take on a very old trope.

“Songbird” – An imprisoned girl, a serial killer, and two disembodied voices—at first. Beautifully illustrates “out of the frying pan, into the fire.”

“Fellowship” – A couple stranded in a creepy little town in Maine. You’d swear Stephen King wrote this one. My favorite #4.

“1865” – The Civil War, Richmond burning, and a ghastly plantation.

“The Vessel” – Horror/erotica at its finest, involving a faith healer/prophet and the director of the television show she is appearing on. The final show is one you don’t want to miss! Lovecraft would be proud. My favorite #5.

“Trophies” – Sheriff and Deputy are tracking a serial killer, and it turns out that they didn’t have to look very far. An edge-of-the-seat nail-biter! My favorite #6.

“A Murder of Crows” – Reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock, this Tippi Hedren is a young hitchhiker beset by a violent storm and a huge murder of crows. My favorite #7.

“The Lost” – I loved the surrealness of this story. A lost boy, a frantic mother, and a town that just doesn’t seem to want to stay put. Brilliant.  My favorite #8.

“Skewed Perceptions” – An adept blending of science fiction and horror, with monsters, the big bad government, and a couple of gamer scientists. A white-knuckle ride.  My favorite #9.

At the end of the book, there is a “sneak peek” preview of Mr. Snider’s next book, a novel entitled Drive-In Feature. I never read these because I am hoping to review the novel when it is released, and I like to come to such books without any preconceived notions. But feel free if you enjoy that sort of thing. I have no doubt that it is as expertly written as the rest of the collection.

One of the many things I love about this collection is the versatility of the author. Mr. Snider handles science fiction as well as he handles horror, historical pieces, and crime. Each story is a gem in its own right, highly polished and magnificently set.

And this is his debut collection.

Wow.

I can’t wait to read the novel.

I urge you to pick up a copy of Where the Pretty Things Rot. It’s a keeper. And with Christmas coming, it would also make fantastic gifts for those horror fans on your list—or for anyone who enjoys a well-written tale.

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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