I often struggle with short story collections, but I had a really great time reading A Sliver of Darkness. While I definitely enjoyed some stories more than others, I thought the collection was cohesive and a good representation of Tudor’s writing style and themes (horror/speculative/often post or near apocalyptic). I really appreciated how each story began with a preface explaining the author’s inspiration and thought process behind the story.

Favorites from the collection include:
End of Liner
Final Course
The Copy Shop
Dust

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for a review copy.

A Sliver of Darkness contains 10 different horror short stories with all sorts of evil lurking in the corners. I loved how incredibly unique every single story was. I've never read anything quite like the tales in this book. I also loved how amazingly vivid each story was, I could really picture what was happening and became so sucked in. Each short story is preceded by an introduction from Tudor. I absolutely loved this, it added such a personal feel to each story and really helped to set the scene. Although I wasn't scared by each story, they were certainly creepy and I found myself completely hooked by every single one. This is an incredibly diverse short story collection, my biggest complaint was that I wanted more!

A collection of stories to disturb and horrify! The one that really stuck out for me was the killer butterfly one. I hate butterflies so I was already thinking "oh hell no". Overall a creepy short story anthology that would make a great Halloween read.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I don’t read short stories very often at all so this was a new experience for me. I absolutely love CJ Tudor’s writing and have read all of their previous novels. I enjoyed the stories very much and it was really nice to have a short story to read when I wasn’t in the mood for my current read. I might look into other short story collections because of this pleasant experience.

I don’t know why it took me so long to finish this short story collection. The stories are completely engaging and exactly the kind of stuff I love to read!

I truly enjoy Tudor’s novels, but I think she excels in her short story writing! The four C’s describe this collection: Clear, concise, creepy, and captivating!!

I enjoyed the introductions to the stories almost as much as the stories themselves!

I liked all of the stories. Some I felt needed a bit more information or description here and there, but they were all stories I would have hand-picked if they weren’t in this collection.

I’d have to say my favorite story of all of them is “Dust.” It was written really well, and although a tad short (I kind of wanted more back story), I thought it really packed a punch. It didn’t hurt that it was loosely based on one of my favorite songs (Hotel California).

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have been reading C.J. Tudor for a while and her books never disappoint, this one included. This was a truly thrilling novel and I can't wait for the next one.

I am such a fan of the author and her creepy books so I jumped at the chance to read a collection of horror stories from her. While I am not normally a fan of short stories, these were the perfect reads when time was short.

She is so good at setting up the creepy characters and scenarios and making me think I've heard something in my home. There was even a little room for a bit of dry humor. I loved the way she was able to work in a small twist in the stories despite the length. And even more than that, I loved reading her thoughts about each of the stories and how and why they came about. It was a treat to learn more about her and her process.

A Sliver of Darkness is C.J. Tudor’s debut collection of short stories; it contains ten twisted, evil and varying tales.
“End of the Liner”, about people living their lives–literally their whole lives–on a cruise ship is one of my favorites and will lead me to look at cruise ships differently from now on.
“I’m Not Ted” is a humorous story about a man who arrives at The Elevation Department and can’t seem to convince anyone that he is not Ted…but maybe being Ted could be a good thing?
“Final Course”, “The Copy Shop”, and “Dust” all have Twilight Zone vibes and I enjoyed them immensely.
“Runaway Blues” has a deliciously twisted ending that I loved!

Great book of short stories! I ama fan of a little bedtime horror story and these short stories save me from staying up all night to finish a novel.

When you hop on socials after the first story to tell everyone that a show like Black Mirror needs to option it? You know you have a banger of a collection! I am so excited to see what else Tudor brings us over the years.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a debut book of short stories. I wasn't sure how I felt about this book. Take in consideration I am not big on short stories, it moves way to fast and from story to story. Which I realize that is the purpose of a short story. I would still recommend this book.

Presenting a compilation of short stories penned by C.J. Tudor, this diverse collection spans a wide spectrum of narratives, encompassing apocalyptic scenarios, eerie encounters with otherworldly creatures, and enigmatic characters whose true natures remain shrouded in mystery. These stories are succinct and well-paced, ensuring readers a brisk journey through their imaginative landscapes.

Many of these captivating tales were conceived during the challenging days of the pandemic, infusing them with a sense of dystopia and impending doom. Within these pages, readers will encounter a medley of spine-tingling and chilling themes, encompassing elements of horror, the demented, the ominous and unsettling, the peculiar, and, occasionally, infused with the darkest undercurrents of humour.

In sum, if you have an inclination toward short stories interwoven with elements of horror that are bound to send shivers down your spine, this collection is poised to fulfil your expectations.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As is often the way when I experience an episode of anxiety and stress, I lose the concentration needed to read - A hobby I love and enjoy, temporarily eludes Me. Even good old Uncle King and his masterpiece "Fairy Tale" failed to rescue me from my recent bout and has sat, barely started, on the shelf. I have practiced patience, dipping into books and accepting the resistance, waiting for this to pass - And have been rewarded and rescued this Christmas with this genuinely incredible collection of macabre tales by the excellent CJ Tudor! The book itself feels like velvet and is a delight to handle, while the tales inside are like meeting up with familiar if slightly demented, old friends - Only in the most disturbing, nightmarish landscapes! I cannot recommend this more passionately.

Each of these stories was very unique and well written!! I have come to expect a certain level of awesomeness when it comes to C.J. Tudor’s writing and this does not disappoint. I was pulled in every single time and thought each tale was its own universe.

I don’t actually normally like short stories, so I feel like it’s saying a lot that I like this collection. There is certainly a story for everyone in this set and I found that they were all my type of story. Intriguing, more than entertaining, and I couldn’t guess the ending.

I recommend this collection to those who enjoy short stories that are creepy, uncanny, and entertaining as hell. Tudor knows how to write a tale, whether it be a long or short one.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Verdict: Eleven spine-chilling tales ranging from a cruise ship at the end of the world to an abandoned building that appears out of nowhere to a case of mistaken identity. There’s a brilliantly creepy story for everyone here.
Tudor introduces each story with background on how and why she came up with it. The stories were each original and terrifying in different ways. Here are a few with my opinions. Bottom line, if you like horror and darkness, this book is for you.

End of the Liner
“She often dreamed of drowning.”
“Regrets. Mistakes. No life lived long is short of them.”
Imagine being stuck on a cruise ship forever. What an excellent idea for a story. Cruise ships are fun, but that wouldn’t last if you could never get off the ship. Think of the issues that would arise, including overpopulation. How to control that? Limit the number of children? Limit the length of life? So many possibilities. This story was very interesting. With the “Creators” in control and the life-size characters making appearances and singing songs, it seemed like a Disney cruise ship without actually naming Disney. Clever and creepy as hell. I’ll never look at cruise ships the same way again.

The Block
“No one remembered it being built.”
This story reminded me of The Black Slide by J.W. Ocker, with how the building appears out of nowhere. The kids decide to go in despite everything that says it’s a bad idea. What they find inside is unexpected and completely terrifying. The ending of this story is perfect.

Runaway Blues
“Let me tell you about the Fat Man.”
This story leads you to believe one thing the whole time and then drops a killer twist at the end.

The Lion at the Gate
“Stiff saw it first.”
This story focuses on some interesting graffiti that changes unexpectedly and then comes to life - or does it? Ultimately, you wonder if any of it was real - mind-bending stuff.

Gloria
“She was dying her hair in the hotel bathroom when the phone pinged.”
This is a fantastic story, and I want MORE!

I’m Not Ted
“I’m not Ted.”
A guard at the Elevation Department insists the man is Ted. He doesn’t remember who he is but knows it’s not Ted. Is there anything that could make the man claim to be Ted? How many of us could pass the temptation test? Very short and very crazy story.

Final Course
“Are we nearly there yet?”
A group of five friends from university are coming together to survive the end of the world. They all brought their partners. Tom brought his blind daughter, Millie. Some people claim that blind children attract the monsters and communicate with them. But who is the real monster here??

Really enjoyed all of these short stories. It's rare that I find a short story collection where I end up liking all of the stories within. These were all great.

I really enjoy CJ Tudor and this collection of short stories was a lot of fun to read. Creepy and good. Short stories don’t always do it for me but these were fun .

If I see C.J. Tudor's name on ANYTHING, it's an instant read for me. These stories were gripping and chilling and I was so sad when I was finished because I wanted more! Absolutely fantastic.

This wasn’t what I was expecting or have come to know from Chan Tudor so I have dnf ed it. Didn’t enjoy