October Focus on Horror: Mike Allen
Created by Bob Helmbrecht, collection development librarian
Our Focus on Horror author today is writer, poet, and editor Mike Allen.
Allen’s first short story collection was “Unseaming,” published in 2014. The collection was very well received, and was a finalist for several awards that year, including the Shirley Jackson Award for best collection. It also includes the author’s Nebula-nominated story “The Button Bin.”
In 2020, Allen published “Aftermath of an Industrial Accident,” a collection of stories and poems. This book was also a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award. Poet Christina Sng said of this collection, “Each tale in ‘Aftermath of an Industrial Accident‘ packs a punch that will keep you willingly pinned to the wall.”
Allen’s most recent collection of stories and poetry is “Slow Burn,” released in July. In reviewing this collection, author A.C. Wise said “Allen is a master at serving up striking imagery and evocative, atmospheric settings. He also excels at creating characters who feel fully realized, then dropping them into horrific situations, keeping the reader invested in their journeys and well-being.” I won’t be surprised if this one turns up a number of best books and award nomination lists as well.
You can find some links to Allen’s stories and poems on the author’s website. Check out a book by Mike Allen today!