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alittlemixofvix's review
4.0
What a collection of short stories. I'd settled myself in for good old horror stories but found so much more. A great mix of gothic horror, psychological twists, supernatural stories, and also surprisingly emotional tales.
As with any collection there were some that I enjoyed more than others, but my favourites (but it was hard to whittle 28 down to a handful) were as follows:
"Hive" was a great creepy start which had my flesh crawling,
"Happy Hour" felt like a classic horror story (I was getting From Dusk Til Dawn vibes from the start),
"Joe Builds a Sunset" hit me out of nowhere with the feels, literally tearing up - so thanks for that Spencer,
"The Movie Massacre" was dark but also reminded me of 90s slasher films,
"The War on Christmas" I thought was cleverly done, and
"The Dreams of Alexis Wild" was shocking - I didn't see that ending coming.
I was less keen on the very short ones, but that's just a personal preference.
Overall, some great stories in here that I'd love to see expanded - and talking to the author I believe my wish will be granted. A great taster of Spencer for those who want to dip their toe before diving into his main novel The Fear (which I would also recommend).
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
As with any collection there were some that I enjoyed more than others, but my favourites (but it was hard to whittle 28 down to a handful) were as follows:
"Hive" was a great creepy start which had my flesh crawling,
"Happy Hour" felt like a classic horror story (I was getting From Dusk Til Dawn vibes from the start),
"Joe Builds a Sunset" hit me out of nowhere with the feels, literally tearing up - so thanks for that Spencer,
"The Movie Massacre" was dark but also reminded me of 90s slasher films,
"The War on Christmas" I thought was cleverly done, and
"The Dreams of Alexis Wild" was shocking - I didn't see that ending coming.
I was less keen on the very short ones, but that's just a personal preference.
Overall, some great stories in here that I'd love to see expanded - and talking to the author I believe my wish will be granted. A great taster of Spencer for those who want to dip their toe before diving into his main novel The Fear (which I would also recommend).
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
davemusson85's review
5.0
I got into Spencer’s work during 2021 through his Smileyland stories, so was very curious to see his earlier stuff, which is what is collected in this thorough tome. Anyone else introduced to Spencer via stabby psychos with a creepy mask expecting more of the same won’t get that, but they won’t be disappointed either. On the whole, this collection is excellent, and showcases how Spencer is more than just a pretty, smiley face. Some of this is literary, some is introspective, and some is just plain weird in the best way possible. There were a couple here that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but that’s not to take anything away from what is a bold and impressive collection.
justjussy__'s review
5.0
“The voice came from the kitchen sink”
This literally reminded me of The Kitchen Sink from Jungle Jim’s, it had a bit of everything and was so fun to read.
There’s a little bit for everyone found in over twenty stories collected into this one book.
This literally reminded me of The Kitchen Sink from Jungle Jim’s, it had a bit of everything and was so fun to read.
There’s a little bit for everyone found in over twenty stories collected into this one book.
michaelrgoodwin's review
4.0
This collection of stories is, in a word, impressive.
More than two dozen stories are collected in this book. From creepy-crawlies to vampires, fantasy to chilling paranormal, heartfelt exposition to straight-up gore and violence, the stories within are very creative, original and exceedingly well-written.
Hamilton doesn't mess around, and he's not afraid of taking chances. Some of these stories are odd in their initial premise, but Hamilton makes them work just the same. He grabs your attention and pulls you in, not always bothering to explain why something is. I appreciate this boldness, as I feel that a short story shouldn't require much explanation. It just needs to speak to the reader with confidence that what is happening simply is happening, and to strap in for the ride. SOWISA, as it were.
Not every story spoke to me, but a majority of them did. One in particular makes me excited for the release of Hamilton's future works.
More than two dozen stories are collected in this book. From creepy-crawlies to vampires, fantasy to chilling paranormal, heartfelt exposition to straight-up gore and violence, the stories within are very creative, original and exceedingly well-written.
Hamilton doesn't mess around, and he's not afraid of taking chances. Some of these stories are odd in their initial premise, but Hamilton makes them work just the same. He grabs your attention and pulls you in, not always bothering to explain why something is. I appreciate this boldness, as I feel that a short story shouldn't require much explanation. It just needs to speak to the reader with confidence that what is happening simply is happening, and to strap in for the ride. SOWISA, as it were.
Not every story spoke to me, but a majority of them did. One in particular makes me excited for the release of Hamilton's future works.
booklovingcatmom's review
4.0
Short story collections are difficult to rate and review because you have stories that you really enjoyed mixed in with those that didn’t quite vibe with you. Kitchen Sink, however, is one that I feel good about recommending.
Over half of the stories presented in this collection were worthy of 4-5 star ratings in my book. Hamilton’s writing feels fresh and timely while also being fun to read.
My favorites in the collection ended up being the shorter stories that pack the most punch (such as Love’s Embrace, The Seuss, and A Rebellion in Words).
I also have to shout out the brilliant social commentary in Hamilton’s stories (Promethium 147, and A Story About Fear).
Kitchen Sink is definitely a favorite short story collection and I hope to read more from Hamilton soon!
Over half of the stories presented in this collection were worthy of 4-5 star ratings in my book. Hamilton’s writing feels fresh and timely while also being fun to read.
My favorites in the collection ended up being the shorter stories that pack the most punch (such as Love’s Embrace, The Seuss, and A Rebellion in Words).
I also have to shout out the brilliant social commentary in Hamilton’s stories (Promethium 147, and A Story About Fear).
Kitchen Sink is definitely a favorite short story collection and I hope to read more from Hamilton soon!
pap3rcut__'s review
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Kitchen Sink is a collection of horrors brilliantly told. They are unsettling, clever and at times funny. There's different genres of horror in this novel Hamilton really did think of it all from creatures to time travel, to a terrible Christmas eve and whispers from a kitchen sink.
The story's are of depression and loss, of fear and love. Hamilton is such a gifted writer as his story's come together so cleverly that every ending left me in awe! 28 short stories collected together as one horrifying mash-up.
It's hard to pick favourites but Hamilton really hit the ground running with Hive, it was so unsettling and it left my skin itching, I'll definitely remember that one! Happy Hour was also another favourite. It left me worried as to what would happen if Hamilton and Nick Harper (authour of Lonley Carcass Song) went out on a night out together as they've both written a short story that starts off as a simple pint but ends up in a blood massacre.
I could go on for ever describing every story but you have my word if you're a fan of horror you'll absolutely love this!
The story's are of depression and loss, of fear and love. Hamilton is such a gifted writer as his story's come together so cleverly that every ending left me in awe! 28 short stories collected together as one horrifying mash-up.
It's hard to pick favourites but Hamilton really hit the ground running with Hive, it was so unsettling and it left my skin itching, I'll definitely remember that one! Happy Hour was also another favourite. It left me worried as to what would happen if Hamilton and Nick Harper (authour of Lonley Carcass Song) went out on a night out together as they've both written a short story that starts off as a simple pint but ends up in a blood massacre.
I could go on for ever describing every story but you have my word if you're a fan of horror you'll absolutely love this!
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