Fred Golczewski

Holiday Fear Fred Golczewski

Our Stories begin on New Years' Eve and run until December 25 with a story emulating Poe's "The Black Cat." Throughout the eventful year, something is wrong with our favorite days as six independent tales of murder, mayhem, and madness become holiday fare. As the last notes of "Auld Lang Syne" die away, a world-weary man, suffering beyond road rage, takes to the streets. During his drive, he recognizes his newest enemy: a homeless man who slighted him earlier. As a result, the driver runs him down and commits the city's first homicide of the New Year. Elsewhere, a woman realizes that the Devil just might be in the details of a hellish contract offering a century of perpetual youth. Farther South, a man begins a birthday road trip. Unfortunately, an unscheduled stop in a not-so-friendly small town has disastrous results for this giant of the highways. In addition, a family ventriloquist act goes awry as the maniacal puppet has plans of its own. Later, as Thanksgiving approaches, an infomercial promises a deal too good to be true, unless you're an undertaker. Finally, a man decides that he is not going to be put upon by his spouse; so, he disposes of his murdered wife's body in a way Edgar Allan Poe would approve. These six holiday-centered tales are perfect for those who long suspected that something is not right about these special days.