Four Stars. So first things first, if you don't do twisted and gory, this is not the book for you. That said, this was a well-written, brutal, magnificently gruesome collection of stories. As usual with short story collections, there are some that just click better with the reader than others. Your mileage may vary, but the brightest spots for me were the first and last stories, though the others were also all very well done. I really enjoyed this collection, and definitely hope to read more by this author. I am grateful to NetGalley and Unnerving for the opportunity to read and review The Music of Murder.

Big trigger warning up front - this book is not for those who are squeamish! Those familiar with my reviews will know I often say that I don’t find books that are supposed to be creepy or scary at all creepy or scary. I guess that still applies here but what it was is extremely unnerving. The book contains a novella which is almost the first half and then a bunch of short stories. That first story, the novella, I had to read in three chunks it unnerved me that much so kudos to the author for that! I mean I asked for it!

Along with the other reviews so far for this book I agree the best stories are the first - The Brainpan Concerto and the last, The Bleeding of Mary Cross. I haven’t read a lot of what people call extreme horror but I’m guessing this is it. The rest of the stories varied. I thought The Wedge was interesting and The Mole Trap was a good revenge thriller. I’m not sure I’ll be ready for another book by this author anytime soon but I do congratulate him for making me cringe. A lot. And making my stomach churn! And that’s why I’m not saying any more about the plot. Read it at your own risk! Thanks to Netgalley and Kurt Newton for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Really enjoyed this collection of stories by Kurt Newton. My two favorites were The Brainpan Concerto and The Bleeding of Mary Cross, although all the stories were good. Will need to find more from Kurt Newton. #TheMusicofMurder #NetGalley

4.83 stars

The music of murder is a compilation of short stories written by a brilliantly twisted mind.

The longer stories are The Music of Murder - the story of a serial killer determined to use his victim's pain to create the perfect symphony. And The Bleeding of Mary Cross - the horrifying story of the golden girl turned murdered.
Shorter stories include:
The Freak Hunter's Casebook - is the disturbing story of a private detective looking for a missing girl
The Wedge, Anatomy of a Betrayal, and The Mole Trap are love triangles gone wrong
Visits with Mother and The Red Leaf - are stories you'd better go in blind.

I enjoyed the way Newton writes, and his narrative shines in short stories. I preferred the shorter stories to the novellas, but they were all creepy, atmospheric, and unsettling.

The order chosen for the stories made me feel like I was reading amazing episodes from The Twilight Zone sandwiched between the most gruesome of Criminal Minds'. My favourite stories were Anatomy of a Betrayal and The Music of Murder. Even though I wish the latter's ending had been more open.

I'll be checking out other stories by Kurt Newton and recommend this book to any horror fans looking for a quick read!

Disclaimer: I first read it as an ARC. In exchange for an honest review, I am thankful to NetGalley, Kurt Newton, and Unnverving for providing me with a copy of The Music of Murder & Other Crimes of a Strange and Bloody Nature.