Scan barcode
ericarobyn's review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
The Razorblades in my Head by Donnie Goodman is a collection of horror short stories that you need rattling around in your brain immediately! Ho-ly the nightmares these tales gave me. Bravo, Donnie!
This collection is SO MUCH FUN! Each story is so creative and just a blast from start to finish. There’s so much terror, heartbreak, and blood!
This isn’t a collection you want to read through too fast. Take your time to let each story really sink in!
Or… if you just can’t help yourself, cruise through, and then start over right away!
Major shout out to Donnie for including the content warning at the beginning on the copyright page. I love to see this! I also really enjoyed the author notes at the back of the book. Learning more about each tale and how they came to be is always so interesting!
This is another collection that is just impossible to choose a few favorites. They were all 5-star tales!
Here are my thoughts on each –
The Razorblades in my Head
Dreading a new acne outbreak, this character tries to avoid picking at a sore. But as it grows rapidly, he can’t help it. He picks and he’s shocked to find that it’s a razor blade.
What a tale of horrific body horror with a nice splash of revenge!
Third Grade
Written as a stream of consciousness from a third grader, this tale is so innocent, but so shocking!
When I got to a certain point in this story, I paused and did a slow blink, thinking, “what did I just read?!” I should have been able to see that coming with the foreshadowing!
Stargazing
When awoken from a nightmare to a slew of strange texts, the night just gets more and more strange as it goes on.
What a sad baseline theme; my heart hurt for this woman. She had already been through a horrific situation, and now she was put in another.
Gobble, Gobble
This year, the turkeys won’t be led to slaughter so easily.
What a fun and gory tale!
Magic in the Hat
When three teenage boys who secretly get up to no good in their community set their next game plan, all of the snowmen that had just been built after the storm don’t stand a chance. That is, until they do.
I’m obsessed with winter horror! This one took some fun teen angst and added in plenty of terror!
It’s Not Always Why
Sent on a mission, this girl can’t help but keep wondering why. But soon enough, she will learn she should have been asking a different question.
This one got me. The horror of a baby being stolen, the horror of what sounds like a cult, and the horror of that ending! Phew!
The Stranger in the Squared Circle
Promising the biggest fight they’ve ever had, this fighter is brought in for one more fight before he’s off to his next adventure. Though he knows something is very wrong, he’s pulled into the fight anyway and nothing will be the same after the sound of the bell.
This was such a fun plot! The scene in the windstream really spooked me! Total nightmare fuel right there. And that ending!! So good!
Toasted
A short tale with a plot that will leave you with a wicked uneasy feeling! My goodness the line about walking on packing peanuts made my teeth ache! I hate styrofoam! And the title… couldn’t have picked a better title for this one. Amazing all around!
Teddy
When a man begins working at a crematorium, he soon learns about the second job the owner has. Interested rather than afraid, he learns more and helps out. But when the business is handed over to him, he lets his guard down just once.
My goodness. I’ve never been so glad to NOT have any teddy bears in our house as I am after reading this.
A Bloody Heist
A very clever and brutal heist results in smiles all around for this crew.
Phew, what an action packed one! I was at the edge of my seat with this read! I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next.
Hourglass
Set on a sacrifice, this group begins, but before the deed can be done, they get distracted.
This one had me chuckling!
The Old Bay King
Two men head out on a crabbing trip to either catch enough or come back lacking and face the consequences. But on the trip, a strange storm rolls in, and they soon have much more to fear than the man they owe money.
This one was so unsettling! I love horror set on the ocean, and this one really brought the terror in many different ways!
My Favorite Passages from The Razorblades in my Head
Denial is a hell of a tool and mine is wicked sharp.
I hadn’t run from much in my life and didn’t plan on starting anytime soon, so I talked the old man into learning me his second trade, one where I’d be helping rid the world of evil things.
My Final Thoughts on The Razorblades in my Head
Horror fans, if this one isn’t on your physical or digital shelf, go change that ASAP. You’re going to love this!
brianamorganbooks's review
5.0
This short, sharp collection has more bite than I expected! Goodman's work is evocative, and he presents some grotesque imagery that is sure to stick with you long after you've finished reading.
judetheunbeliever's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
carterimln's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is what a lot of us remember Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark to be -- creepy short stories, one after the other, great to read alone at night or to share with friends.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Body horror, and Death
Minor: Addiction, Homophobia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Bullying, and Grief
sheepyreads's review
5.0
Review of The Razorblades in My Head by Donnie Goodman
I just finished The Razorblades in My Head. I think it’s rare that you read every story in a collection and find them all great. I loved this so much. (Also, this cover is still the actual coolest @justintcoons.)
In this collection the author shows all their writing chops super well by creating complex storylines and characters most would read a full novel about. I also enjoyed the different genres of horror represented which only adds to its overall uniqueness.
My personal favorites were: The Stranger in the Squared Circle, The Old Bay King, Teddy and both stories that take place in the Greenfields gated community.
I always enjoy when an author includes a blurb about the inspiration behind each story and it creates another layer to the collection.
Congrats to @thehorrorhypothesis on this epic first collection.
I just finished The Razorblades in My Head. I think it’s rare that you read every story in a collection and find them all great. I loved this so much. (Also, this cover is still the actual coolest @justintcoons.)
In this collection the author shows all their writing chops super well by creating complex storylines and characters most would read a full novel about. I also enjoyed the different genres of horror represented which only adds to its overall uniqueness.
My personal favorites were: The Stranger in the Squared Circle, The Old Bay King, Teddy and both stories that take place in the Greenfields gated community.
I always enjoy when an author includes a blurb about the inspiration behind each story and it creates another layer to the collection.
Congrats to @thehorrorhypothesis on this epic first collection.
thelibraryofsp's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
avereads's review
4.0
“Jerry, I apologize. I know this is your first sacrifice with us, but I promise that we usually get this right,”
The Razorblades in my Head is a collection of twelve horror short stories with probably the most kickass cover art. I loved this collection, the stories are quick but pack in such a punch. It’s filled with unique concepts and the author unique voice, but also sprinkled with some influence from the horror greats. My favourite story was Third Grade, but honestly there wasn’t a story I didn’t enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of all my ratings!
The Razorblades in my Head
The Razorblades in my Head is a collection of twelve horror short stories with probably the most kickass cover art. I loved this collection, the stories are quick but pack in such a punch. It’s filled with unique concepts and the author unique voice, but also sprinkled with some influence from the horror greats. My favourite story was Third Grade, but honestly there wasn’t a story I didn’t enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of all my ratings!
The Razorblades in my Head
prettyinpapercuts's review
4.0
A really fantastic debut. As I say every single goddamn time I review a short collection or anthology - I'm very picky about them. I often get bored and it takes me a long time to read them because I feel the need to pause and take a break between stories. So when I truly enjoy one, I think it's noteworthy. The one point of criticism I have is that there were a few stories that I just wish were taken even further. I wanted the author to really push into them. But hey, that's short stories for you.
And can we talk about the fucking artwork here? Kudos to Justin T Coons. I loved reading the stories in this collection and going back to the cover art to see where they were represented.
Really, a great debut. Lots of different themes explored. You can tell the author has a clear sense of the voice in his stories, and made sure to change it up so they didn't all take the same note. Definitely worth the read
And can we talk about the fucking artwork here? Kudos to Justin T Coons. I loved reading the stories in this collection and going back to the cover art to see where they were represented.
Really, a great debut. Lots of different themes explored. You can tell the author has a clear sense of the voice in his stories, and made sure to change it up so they didn't all take the same note. Definitely worth the read