This Haunted Heaven (Tartarus Press, October 24, 2024). Cover artist unknown

Reggie Oliver is a British actor, playwright, illustrator and dark fiction author. He has published several short story collections and a few novels. As a matter of fact he’s also my favorite writer.

His latest collection, published once again by the excellent imprint Tartarus Press, includes ten stories, some of which are previously unpublished. As my favorite author it’s a bit difficult for me to produce an unbiased review but I’ll try my best, by choosing the more outstanding among the stories featured in the book.

“South Riding” an atmospheric, subtly disturbing piece depicting the unusual experience of an old actor temporarily moved into a secluded small town, while “ Grey Glass” is a superb supernatural tale revolving around a famous actor’s hand mirror.

Understandably the world of theatre is often present in Oliver’s stories and this applies also to “Behind You!” an interesting, offbeat tale taking place in a small town during a vaudeville show.

“Fell Creature” is yet another great story describing the unsettling events occurring in a farmhouse inhabited by new tenants with grotesquely tall children.

A vivid example of Oliver’s extraordinary ability as a storyteller is “From the Man-Seat,” set in the changing cubicle(s) of a women’s clothes shop. Simply outstanding and quite unsettling.

“The Cardinal’s Ring,” taking place in medieval Italy, is an original tale about the holy relic of a famous Saint.

The splendid and very disturbing “Chaos Regained” describes the sinister experience of an Oxford academic investigating the secrets surrounding the beginning of life on Earth, and the appearance of the first (in)human beings.

All in all, a great short story collection apt to entertain and disquiet.

---

Mario Guslandi was born in Milan, Italy, where he currently lives. He became addicted to horror and supernatural fiction (too) many years ago, after accidentally reading a reprint anthology of stories by MR James, JS Le Fanu, Arthur Machen etc. Most likely the only Italian who regularly reads (and reviews) dark fiction in English, he has contributed over the years to various genre websites such as Horrorworld, Hellnotes, The British Fantasy Society, The Agony Column and many more. His last review for us was Folk Horror edited by Paul Kane & Marie O’Reagan.