Bend Sinister: The Gay Times Book of Disturbing Stories

"Bend Sinister: The Gay Times Book of Disturbing Stories" is an outstanding collection of one poem and twenty-seven short stories depicting gay male characters and themes in gothic or [unusual] situations. The book cover touts the presence of Neil Bartlett ("Ready to Catch Him Should He Fall"), Christopher Bram ("Father of Frankenstein" and "The Notorious Dr. August"), Francis King, Michael Wilcox, and Richard Zimler, all of whom do a fine job, as do most of the rest. There are stories set in locations around the world, although the U.K. is prominent. The poem ("The Changeling Lover" by Ian Young) is one page long; the stories range from four to thirty-one pages. Although there are variations in themes and styles, the authors eschew gimmicky formats and diction, sticking to storytelling. This anthology is the best of its type I have ever read.....The publishers did a great job on this paperback book. The covers are extra wide and folded, letting them act as bookmarks. Each story is introduced by a single page with the story and author's name on the front and a blank page on the back, a respectful framing. The editor, Peter Burton, provides an introduction on the origins of the collection and on the impact of gays on gothic, ...writing at the beginning. At the end, he gives a list for further reading. ... This anthology is beautifully done at a bargain price.

I love this book. It's really scary and creepy and it's refreshing to read some horror stories with gay characters. My favourite story is "T@ngled" by Stuart Thorogood as I love his other book, "Outcast". It's a horrible tale about the internet and internet chat rooms. Almost makes you too scared to go into one again. Buy 'Bend Sinister' and you won't regret it.