Slithering Corpse and Other Sinister Stories

I would compare this book's scare-factor to Alvin Schwartz's collection of heart-stoppers. The stories aren't at all like the ones in most children's scary story collections. These stories are actually quite unsettling with some artistic, graphic visuals. Perfect though, for any child who REALLY wants to be scared! I first read it when I was 10 years old, having furtively purchased it from a flea market, but even now, it still has the power to creep me out. It makes you remember what it feels like to be a kid, helpless. There are about 10 or so stories, about a variety of things. About a child in a hospital who ends up getting more than he bargained for, about a special kind of hunter, about a screwed up summer vacation, and a book you probably never want to check out. I can't remember some of the other ones, but it is SO worth it! And if you like it, go and read the companion, The Dripping Head and Other Sinister Stories (same author, same illustrator). I wish they still wrote them like this!

Having found the book in a junior-high classroom, I went into this collection expecting kid stories. And maybe these stories are for kids - specifically, burgeoning gorehounds. This book is violent and cruel. That's a good thing! Though the authors use a couple of played-out concepts (e.g. young girl switches bodies with crone), for the most part it's an original and unsettling book. My favorite story was "Water, Water, Everywhere".