Horror Book Review: Grisly Deeds 2 (Tommy Ellis/Margot Ellis)

Tommy and Margot Ellis’ Grisly Deeds is a delightfully wicked book that pays homage to the classic horror anthologies of the 1960s and 70s. It is filled with exciting, frightening, and graphic horror tales, and this sequel aims to continue that.

Just like its predecessor, Grisly Deeds 2 is an anthology but with a few less tales. While this does mean the gruesome fun ends far sooner than most would want, it doesn’t mean this second book is lacking in horror detail. Nor does it lack in dark humour or creepiness. Once again, the Ellis’ have looked to balance their anthology with varied tales, and once again, thoroughly succeeded.

It starts off strongly too, with a delightfully ‘grisly’ tale called The Legend of Falconbourne Park. Who hasn’t got a local fable that has been twisted by time to the point where it’s simply unbelievable? Yet that doesn’t mean it isn’t true, and this story is told with a familiar level of dark glee.

Sarge is up next, and while this story is short, it is very satisfying. Filled with creative details that may turn a stomach or two, but with a smile-inducing final reveal. Then, there is Ciao Bella, a thrilling story about revenge and told in a suitably dark and twisted way. This, like others, has a strong Tales from the Crypt vibe.

As far as a wicked tale with spots of black humour goes, A Dose of One’s Own Medicine is one of the best. It’s always a joy to read about a ‘baddie’ getting their comeuppance in the most horrible of ways. Whereas Feelings just leaves the reader feeling cold all over and The Patient in Bed 17 is grim. Both stories are heavy reads, and the darker tone makes both stand out in different ways.

One aspect of Tommy and Margot Ellis’ writing that made the first Grisly Deeds book so enjoyable was when they delved into Victorian and Edwardian times and Grisly Deeds 2 isn’t short of a few like that too. One of the best is Cut Throat Companion, especially as it blurs the lines of reality impeccably. Madness or demonic influence? You decide.

Of course, like all anthologies there will be a miss or two and one such tale that doesn’t have much impact beyond its gore is A New Kind of Therapy. Likewise, The Steamer Trunk might be steeped in dark and depressive atmosphere, but it’s not too exciting and the ending might just be a little too mean.

Contrast that with the highly imaginative Renfield’s Syndrome, the delicious horror of A Good Idea at the Time, and the visceral intensity of Wrong Place, Wrong Time. Each showcases the wonderful creativity and descriptive brilliance of Tommy and Margot Ellis’ writing. That they can create the imagery in the head, with very few words, never stops being impressive.

So, how do they end this second volume of lovable and memorable horror tales? With a ‘classic’ ghost story called The Widow Thackery. Chilling and imaginative, roll on Grisly Deeds 3 (hopefully).

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