For Fully Booked, I strive to call attention to indie horror books. It’s not that I don’t read (and enjoy) more traditional horror fare—I just want to use my platform to call attention to marginalized authors and other horror writers who might not get mainstream attention. And, when I get the chance to promote a spooky friend, I’m chomping at the bit to get started.
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on a short story collection by Michael R. Goodwin called How Good It Feels to Burn. This collection includes a dozen terrifying tales I could see adapted into an anthology film or a series of Creepshow episodes. It boasts many different flavors of horror to appeal to almost anyone.
“That’s the thing about her, and with all fire really. Once you start to feed her, once she gets reminded of how good it feels to burn… Well, she’s fire. She’s always going to want more. She’s going to burn until there’s nothing left.”
Here’s the Goodreads summary:
Twelve stories of horror from the author of SMOLDER and THE LIBERTY KEY.
It’s not much to go on, but it’s enough. Goodwin is one of my spooky friends and a talented writer as well. Having read both Smolder and The Liberty Key earlier this year, I’d be excited to dive into this collection even if I didn’t know Goodwin. Plus, I have a thing for short story collections.
Another thing that piqued my interest in this book is its physical size. Since I received a paperback ARC, this won’t apply to the ebook version. But the paperback is tiny, like pocket-sized. I’m talking small enough for me to comfortably hold, and my ring size is a 4. At two-thirds the size of a traditional paperback, its dimensions make it easy to slip into a purse or toss into a beach bag. The stories contained within are not lighthearted beach reads, though.
If anything, this short collection proves Goodwin’s storytelling proficiency. In each piece, he conveys evocative, visceral descriptions and uses the five senses to spectacular effect. This excellent use of description and imagery puts you right in the heart of the narrative, imagining yourself in the protagonist’s place. This enhances the chilling nature of each of his stories.
It’s hard to choose a favorite from the collection. I thoroughly enjoyed the “found footage” feel of “Mirror Man” and “Existence,” but found something to appreciate in every piece. Goodwin offers not only rich settings and easy-to-picture descriptions, but also a pervasive sense of creeping dread that builds to terror. These tales will make you anxious in the very best way possible.
If you’re eager to sink your teeth into a spooky short story collection, try How Good It Feels to Burn. It gets five stars from this reviewer. You can grab your own copy from Amazon here. If you enjoy Goodwin’s work, check out Smolder and The Liberty Key as well. You can also follow Goodwin on Instagram. Thanks for joining me!
What book should I review next?
Briana Morgan (she/her) is a horror author and playwright of books such as THE TRICKER-TREATER AND OTHER STORIES, UNBOXED, and BLOOD AND WATER. She is also a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. Briana lives with her partner and two cats in Atlanta, GA.
