The Leering Surf and Other Tales of Horror

Perhaps best known for his work with beloved Lovecraftian stylist W. H. Pugmire, David Barker is no stranger to Lovecraftian fiction. Maintaining a strong presence in the horror zines of the '80s and '90s, Barker has continued to amass an impressive array of strange tales, 19 of which are contained herein.

In "Old Lovecraftians in the Park," aging weird fiction fans explore a hazy encounter in their youth with a being who may be Shub-Niggurath; in "From the Ashes," a uniquely cursed book leads to absolute horror; "The Crickets" delves into the lonely madness of rural landscapes; in "The Camber Horror," alien abomination is discovered in rural Oregon; in the atmospheric tale "The Revenant," Barker explores Undeath with a narrator reminiscent of Lovecraft's "Outsider;" and in the title story, "The Leering Surf," an invasion by strange aquatic beings may be just a tiny part of a vast conspiracy.

Beyond Barker's overtly Lovecraftian tales, there is weirdness to spare. "Who Maketh Fertile the Fields" is a haunting tale of folk horror that delves into secret pagan rites at a monastery; "Mother will be Displeased" explores the eerie "Black-eyed Children" phenomenon of urban legend; and with "Don't Go Down the Bunny Trail," Barker delivers one of his most frightening tales through the eyes of a young girl-home alone, and terrified by a creeping alien presence-in an Easter horror story for the ages.

Featuring illustrations and a foreword by artist Dan Sauer and an afterword by the author, The Leering Surf and Other Tales of Horror is sure to please seasoned weird fiction enthusiasts and new fans alike.