I have rarely found it to be a good sign when a book opens with an introduction in which the author tries to persuade you to give the book a chance and not make assumptions. That usually has me making assumptions, especially when the author says “Yes, readers can expect graphic scenes of lust. Surely, there are disturbing scenes that may have stomachs churning.” After finishing, I think the introduction was totally unnecessary, perhaps even a hindrance. This book stands on it's own.

This is an anthology of erotic horror stories - an oxymoron if ever there was one. Horror is never erotic, but sex in the context of horror adds an extra level of disturbance since it is so intimate an act. Most of the characters (which range from prostitutes, to married couples, and everything in between) in these stories end badly; some deserve their fate, some don’t, which fits perfectly with the theme. There are disturbing images here such as necrophilia and gore, but the writing is surprisingly smooth. I kept reading, despite this not being my usual fare or what I expected. However, I prefer suspense thrillers to outright horror because there's more closure. Most of these tales just left me hanging on very abrupt endings. Horror fans probably won’t be "shocked" by anything, but may be drawn in by some of the unusual twists and the melding of madness and sin. Overall, recommended to horror fans looking for something new, but those expecting eroticism will probably be disappointed. ( )