Scott J. Moses

What do I want to see when I read short story collections? I want twist endings I don't expect, stories that delve into human nature without staying shallow, and a variety of story types/plots. I am happy to announce that HUNGER PANGS by Scott J. Moses delivers on all those accounts! Oh and for bonus points he also adds a brief personal note before each story, detailing some of the inspiration or process behind the tale. I LOVE when authors do that in their short story collections!

Besides the obvious chills and thrills, I feel like these stories have a lot going on beneath the surface. Whether its vampires, ghosts, monsters, or human beings everyone has hunger pangs for life. There's also a constant thread of people who don't necessarily live great lives, but who realize life can be great. Unfortunately they've often done something wrong or lost someone and now the greatness of life lies tainted and twisted. And while there are plenty of monsters, it's often the painful memories, trauma, and grief that are truly dangerous and threaten to consume us

Overall this collection of stories is very good. Moses is an excellent writer, and I really appreciated the variety of stories presented. I can't wait to see what else he has in store!

My favorite stories:
“Blues Exorcist”
“What’s in Your Name”
“The Scent of Souls”
“Hunger Pangs”

Check out my spoiler-free thoughts on every story on my blog!… (mehr)

I’m a sucker for cult stories and revenge plots, so a marriage of the two is right up my alley!

Scott J Moses has crafted a novelette brimming with anxious energy and mounting dread. The story sucks you in immediately, making it clear this will be a tale of violence and unholy events. The writing is punchy and electric and full of vivid details. Set in the dark swamps of Louisiana, we find ourselves with a protagonist we want to root for as he seeks vengeance against the cult that perverted his youth.

The pacing moves along smoothly in the beginning, revealing our protagonist’s background and motivation through flashbacks that dovetail perfectly with the present story, before turning outright frenetic in the second half. That’s when things get wild in a way you just need to read for yourself.

Truth be told I’m a little mad at the author for cutting it short. I want more of this character, this story. I want a series of cross-country romps full of escapades and rooting out creepy cults. I love what’s here, but I’m selfishly stewing for more!… (mehr)

The aptly titled Hunger Pangs is a collection of tales filled with hunger. Hunger for what might have been, hunger for what can never be, hunger for human flesh, and in the title story a hunger for blood. Most are filled with themes of loss, and the horror of grieving that loss.
All were well written and quite original although not necessarily as scary as I had hoped. I would recommend it for fans of dark fiction but perhaps not for hard core horror fans.
4 out of 5 stars I received an advance copy for review… (mehr)