Wounds summary

The Visible Filth

In Wounds, Nathan Ballingrud introduces us to our first story, The Visible Filth, a tale that begins with a simple act of kindness. Our protagonist, Will, finds a phone left behind at the bar he works at. The phone's screen has been smashed, revealing something sinister beneath. As Will tries to return the phone to its owner, he is drawn into a world of horror, with the phone's screen showing him increasingly disturbing images and videos. Will's life spirals out of control, and he becomes obsessed with the phone's previous owner, leading to a chilling climax.

The Butcher's Table

In The Butcher's Table, Ballingrud takes us to a different kind of horror, where a group of friends embark on a treasure hunt through the New Orleans swamps. Their quest leads them to a house that does not appear on any map, where they find a table covered in human skin and a map of hell. As they explore the house, they find themselves in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with the house's inhabitant, a butcher who is more than he seems. The story is a chilling exploration of the consequences of our actions and the darkness within us all.

The Maw

Next, in The Maw, we meet a man named Henry, who is searching for his missing daughter in a post-apocalyptic world. He stumbles upon a small community that seems to have found a way to survive the horrors of their environment. However, as Henry delves deeper into the community's secrets, he discovers their horrifying source of sustenance. The story is a poignant examination of the lengths a parent would go to for their child, set against a backdrop of despair and horror.

Down Among the Sticks and Bones

Following this, we have Down Among the Sticks and Bones, a story that follows twin sisters, Jacqueline and Jillian, who find a doorway to a dark and dangerous world in their childhood home. In this world, they are given the freedom to choose their destinies, but they soon realize that freedom comes with a steep price. As they grow up, the sisters are forced to confront the consequences of their choices, leading to a tragic and horrifying end. The story is a chilling exploration of the nature of choice and the impact of our decisions.

The Atlas of Hell

In The Atlas of Hell, we meet a rare book dealer, Miles, who is hired to find a mysterious and invaluable book. The book, known as the Atlas of Hell, is rumored to contain a map of the underworld. As Miles delves deeper into his search, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game involving occultists, criminals, and otherworldly entities. The story is a gripping blend of horror and noir, as Miles navigates the seedy underbelly of the city in his quest for the elusive book.

The Good Husband

Finally, in The Good Husband, we are introduced to a man who wakes up in a strange and terrifying world. He is surrounded by monstrous creatures and is forced to navigate a series of increasingly bizarre and deadly scenarios. As he struggles to survive, he is haunted by the memories of his wife and the life he left behind. The story is a surreal and nightmarish exploration of the nature of reality and the lengths we would go to for the ones we love.

In conclusion, Wounds is a collection of horror stories that delve deep into the darkest corners of the human experience. Ballingrud masterfully weaves together elements of the supernatural, the grotesque, and the psychological to create a series of tales that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying.