I know Hannah Graves as an integral part of the Dead Fox Publishing team, a relatively new addition to the world of horror lit that’s been putting out impressive work.
As it turns out, Graves is also one helluva writer.
Exequial: Exhumed is a collection of nearly 40 horror stories. Most are extremely short, some just a few pages, but don’t think for a minute that short means sleight. Consistently disturbing, these are fully thought out, self-contained nightmares that will set their hooks deep into your brain meat. Graves has a knack for quickly setting the scene, with deft characterizations and unique storylines, then twisting the knife with precision. You’ll fine yourself off balance and creeped out, but always entertained.
With this many stories, chances are each reader will have a different set of favorites. Here are the ones that have stayed with me:
A Girl and Her Clown—This story starts the collection off with a twisted bang, the tale of a young woman cursed by an evil clown her entire life, and the lengths a person will go to when they’re desperate enough.
Little Sister—Nothing good ever comes from a forgotten box full of old VHS tapes, as this story aptly illustrates.
The Last of the Real Ones—An ancient book, and The Church of His Everlasting Blood. What could go wrong?
Expiration Date—This one reminds me, in the best way, of some of Paul Tremblay’s more experimental short story work. Maybe my favorite in the collection.
Tiny Burials—Morbid little girls and imaginary friends. A match made in heaven, or hell.
The Lights of Northwood—Mysterious lights in the woods outside of town. How scary could that be?
To Scare a Crow—Local scarecrows start turning up in the lake, but that’s just the beginning.
On Bodies and Bouquets—Barely over a page long, this story is elegantly, horrifically disquieting.
Those are a few of my favorites, but every story in the collection has something to recommend it. Graves is a welcome voice in horror fiction.
Exequial: Exhumed releases October 23, 2026, and is available for preorder now:
https://deadfoxpub.com/products/exequial
