Horror Book Review: Sinister Scrawlings by Bradyn Harrison
Horror anthologies can be tricky. Most times, they contain short stories that barely invoke a sense of dread. They are fillers between stories that actually work and are scary.
Sinister Scrawlings attempts to explore a variety of eerie scenarios, ranging from lurking creatures to strange places that hide disturbing secrets.
The collection brings together several short horror tales that build tension through isolation, mysterious environments, and unseen threats that slowly creep closer to the characters.
There are enough unsettling moments to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Sinister Scrawlings PLOT
The anthology consists of seven short stories that are sandwiched between the author’s notes.
The author, Bradyn Harrison, discusses the inspiration behind writing horror stories as well as his writing journey, something most writers can relate to.
The book ends with their thoughts regarding fear and what actually scares us, an interesting article regarding how what scares us has changed over time due to modern technology.
One of the standout stories in the collection is “Skittering in the Dark”, a strong opening for this anthology that immediately catches your attention.
The story follows a man living alone in a house surrounded by woods. When he discovers a torn screen door leading to his basement, it becomes clear that something has forced its way inside. What follows is a growing sense of dread as Dustin begins hearing strange scratching and movement around the house.
The tension builds slowly, and the story never fully reveals the creature, which makes the situation even more disturbing.
Another memorable entry is “Out of Sight.” This story leans heavily into psychological horror. The protagonist travels through a remote wilderness and begins to sense that something is watching them from the surrounding forest. The creature remains mostly unseen, creating a persistent feeling of paranoia. The idea that something could stalk a person while staying completely hidden is what gives the story its unsettling edge.
“Campfire Light” takes a slightly different approach by playing with the classic tradition of telling scary stories around a fire. A group gathers in the wilderness and begins sharing horror tales, but the atmosphere gradually shifts as they realize the darkness around them may not be as empty as they thought. The story captures the familiar setting of campfire storytelling and twists it into something more sinister.
The anthology also ventures into more cosmic territory with “Hell’s Crevasse.” This story follows characters who discover a deep and mysterious crevasse tied to disturbing legends. As they investigate the abyss, the sense of dread grows stronger, suggesting that something ancient and dangerous might be lurking far below. The story has a strong sense of atmosphere, with the environment itself becoming part of the horror.
“Castle of Othuloth” embraces gothic horror elements. Visitors explore an old castle filled with strange symbols, unsettling artwork, and a heavy sense of history. The location itself feels ominous, as though the castle holds dark secrets that have been waiting to resurface. The setting helps create a haunting mood that fits well within the anthology.
Other stories in the collection continue the theme of mysterious locations and unknown forces. “De-Relict” centers on the discovery of an abandoned place that may not be as empty as it first appears, while “Always Watching You from Everywhere” shifts toward psychological horror by exploring the fear of constant surveillance and the possibility that something—or someone—is always observing.
The collection also experiments with different types of horror. Some stories lean toward creature horror, others toward cosmic dread, and a few explore psychological paranoia. This variety helps prevent the anthology from feeling repetitive.
READ OR SKIP?
Sinister Scrawlings offers a selection of eerie short stories that focus on atmosphere and unsettling ideas. The anthology delivers several memorable concepts and moments of creeping dread.
This is a READ for me.
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