The Ultimate Horror Anthology

In the first part of our live Season One finale, we're joined by our first guest, the wonderful Robert Shearman. In this episode, we're discussing Rob's choice for the Ultimate Horror Anthology, Pig, but Roald Dahl. Enjoy us picking apart why the critics have this story badly wrong, Dahl's legacy and style, and what makes Pig such a genuinely shocking reading experience.

In the next episode, the final of Season One, Rob, Jasper and...

In our final studio recording of the season, Jasper explains to Kit why Tanith Lee's super-efficient dark fantasy story These Beasts absolutely belongs in The Ultimate Horror Anthology. Kit is very much persuaded. Expect discussion of the intersections of 'weird' fantasy and horror, stories written in the spirit of the aural tradition of storytelling, lengthy deconstruction of the elements that go into the perfect twist ending, and...

In this episode, Kit and Jasper make an impassioned case for expanding the definition of the 'horror' label, using Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short story The Adventure Of The Copper Beeches as an object lesson in how horror (in this case, specifically gothic horror)  can be found lurking in a piece of classic detective literature. Expect digressions on the nature of The Gothic as a horror trope, the 'Indiana Jones' protagonist effect...

CW: Discussion of child sexual exploitation/abuse.

In this episode, Kit and Jasper take on Georgina Bruce's powerful, furious, devastating 2019 story Catworld. We go deep on theme, structure, ambiguity done right - and the brilliance of a story that supports multiple valid readings. We get into some tough territory here, as does the story, so listener discretion is advised.

Next week, we'll be covering Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1982...

This week, Jasper revisits a childhood 'classic', R. Chetwynd-Hayes 1976 tale The Humgoo (from the anthology The Monster Club). Learn why this had such a seismic impact on a young Jasper's fragile little mind, and hear Kit gradually being won over from a place of scepticism to one of appreciation.

Next week's episode will cover Georgina Bruce's Catworld, from her superbly wrenching 2019 collection This House Of Wounds. That's recen...

In this week's episode, Jasper rhapsodises about Lisa Tuttle in general, and the story Whie Ladies Grave (from her 2002 collection Ghosts and Other Lovers) in particular. Find out why Jasper thinks this specific, somewhat unremarked Tuttle story is actually a stone classic, and enjoy Kit audibly wrestling with his embarrassment that this is his first encounter with Tuttle's work. Enjoy :)

Next week, we'll be covering R. Chetwynd-...

This week, Kit and Jasper enthuse over the tale that closes out Laura Mauro's extraordinary 2019 collection Sing Your Sadness Deep. Expect deep analysis of otherness and othering, magical realism, inventiveness, and some deep explorations into the themes of parental loss and grief. Heavy, but good stuff.

Next week's episode will cover White Ladies Grave by Lisa Tuttle. If you'd like to get to grips with this superb story in advance...

Uncle Jasp takes us straight back to King town, with an absolute bleeding classic from 1985's Skeleton Crew. Expect detailed discussion of body horror, exquisite character work, deeply uncomfortable social norms, and much, much more.

Our next episode will cover The Pain Eater's Daughter, by the brilliant Laura Mauro. The 2019 collection this story was published in is going out of print but if you're quick, there are still a few cop...

Stephen King makes his first appearance in The Ultimate Horror Anthology, as Cousin Kit makes the case for this novelette from Kings Full Dark, No Stars collection. Uncle Jasp agrees and talks through his first-read scepticism and second-read conversion. The story also invites a detailed conversation on the global macroeconomic cycle and associated politics (no, really). Enjoy.

Next week's episode covers Stephen King's The Raft. If...

In this episode, Cousin Kit explains why Ramsey Campbell's Demons By Daylight in general, and Concussion in particular, is such a seismic publication. Uncle Jasp agrees and brings his own history with the story to the conversation. What does it sound like when two horror fans try and identify what it is about Campbell's writing that makes it so brilliant? It sounds a lot like this. Enjoy.

Next week's episode will cover Stephen Ki...

This time out, Uncle Jasp explains why In The Hills, The Cities is one of the greatest short horror stories ever written, and Cousin Kit explains why, in all likelihood, he'll end up getting eaten by King Kong. And much more, obviously. Enjoy.

Next week's episode covers Ramsey Campbell's Concussion, from his world-bending collection Demons By Daylight. If you want to read the story ahead of listening, you can grab it here:

UK: http...

Welcome to the Ultimate Horror Anthology, as chosen by Uncle Jasp (horror author Jasper Bark) and Cousin Kit (horror author Kit Power). We’ve scoured the world of horror fiction to bring you the scariest short stories you’re ever going to read.

Every episode we select and dissect another horror story and explain why it deserves to be among the pages of The Ultimate Horror Anthology. This episode we’re going to be discussing 1973's ...

Welcome to the Ultimate Horror Anthology, as chosen by Uncle Jasp (horror author Jasper Bark) and Cousin Kit (horror author Kit Power). We’ve scoured the world of horror fiction to bring you the scariest short stories you’re ever going to read.

Every episode we select and dissect another horror story and explain why it deserves to be among the ...