cover image The Big Book of Necon

The Big Book of Necon

, . . Cemetery Dance, $40 (312pp) ISBN 978-1-58767-202-6

A major horror anthology calls for a “killer” lineup, and this 30th anniversary tribute to the Northeast Horror and Fantasy Convention features more than 50 works of fiction and nonfiction by past attendees and guests who represent the best and darkest of the genre's practitioners. Among the highlights are Stephen King's “The Old Dude's Ticker,” a retelling of Poe's “The Tell-tale Heart” as the rant of a homicidal Vietnam vet, and Peter Straub's “Response from a Surprised but Pleased Recipient,” which takes the form of creepy answers to a marketing survey. Essays and illustrations by numerous horror and dark fantasy notables round out the volume. Though mostly not convention-themed, these works easily showcase the impressive array of talents that have helped make Necon an annual highlight for horror's pros and semipros. (Aug.)