Horror Book Review: Grisly Deeds Vol. 2 by Tommy Ellis and Margaret Ellis

This week’s Horror Book Pick is GRISLY DEEDS VOLUME 2 written by Tommy Ellis and Margot Ellis. 

This anthology of 13 horror stories was published in October 2024. 

I had previously reviewed the first volume of Grisly Deeds and was more than happy to get the opportunity to read the second one. 

The authors sent me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, so here it is…

BOOK REVIEW OF GRISLY DEEDS VOLUME 2

We are all capable of housing malicious thoughts, especially in the heat of anger but few actually act upon them. 

In Grisly Deeds 2, each story has a dose of horror, dark humor, and a lot of shocking twists. 

As with the previous volume, this anthology starts off strong with a story (THE LEGEND OF FALCONBOURNE PARK) that at first seems like hearsay or gossip exchanged between kids. As it turns out, the legend may not be exactly what they had heard, and the consequences of not heeding the warning are bizarre. Suffice to say, it has a twist that will leave you gasping if not slightly amused as well. 

Following that is SARGE, a story told through the firemen as they must deal with an arsonist in the city. Luckily they have Sarge on the team. As to his identity, you may just giggle when you read the last line. 

Next up is my favorite story in the anthology: CIAO BELLA. The story has similar vibes than that of the movie Now You See Me but with a well-designed twist. Desperate for better ratings and fame, Justin decides to reveal the identity of a flasher. But things take a turn and Justin realizes he shouldn’t have messed with his nemesis. 

After that is A DOSE OF ONE’S MEDICINE that may not want you to cheer for the protagonist after you read what he is up to. 

FEELINGS will remind you of the movie Awake but again the twist delves into the macabre that will leave you either wincing or wide-eyed. 

THE PATIENT IN BED 17 reads more like an untold chapter of a serial killer. You’ll have to read it to find out how twisted it can be. 

CUT THROAT COMPANION tells the story of a man who is beginning to think that his shadow has developed a life of its own and a violent one at that. 

A NEW KIND OF THERAPY is not an easy story to read and you will need a strong stomach for some of the parts. But the ending will leave you appalled and maybe a little mistrustful about who you go to see for your problems. 

In THE STEAMER TRUNK Victor finds out just how clever Mother is when she thwarts his plans. 

RENFIELD’S SYNDROME is about a new vampiric plague that has taken over the town and one of the victims may have made the mistake of biting the wrong person. 

A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME is about a prank that goes horribly wrong when the victim of previous pranks decides to get revenge. 

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME is about two guys who manage to get on a bar owner’s bad side with disastrous results. 

THE WIDOW THACKERY is the last story in the anthology and the perfect story to read during the spooky season. In the story, siblings Finnian and Ellen arrive at a new town and are immediately intrigued when they find out that the residents don’t celebrate Halloween yet there are stories about a haunted house where a woman called Widow Thackery used to live who was sent to Bedlam. The siblings soon realize they should have simply stayed away from the folklore. 

To Read or Not to Read?

Grisly Deeds Volume 2 is an exciting and creepy anthology that is infused with dark humor. You will not find a dull story in the mix, and they all contain twists that you will not see coming. 

I was absolutely pleased to receive a copy of the second volume from the author considering I thproughly enjoyed the first one. 

If you are a fan of horror stories, you will not want to miss this anthology. 

Get the book here