In 1962, five-year-old John Townsend believes he has witnessed a brutal murder at a local playground. As his memories fade, the nightmares intensify. In fifth grade, John, with aid from pals Vince and Billy, uncover evidence deep in the spooky Woods implicating a mysterious neighbor. Braving the restless '70s, the teenage crew recruits Karen and Melissa to help stir up the pot. Unable to sleep, John takes things into his own hands, maybe going a little too far. Approaching thirty and sure the past is far behind, John reminisces about what might have been. Schoolmates encourage a fateful...

All seventy dark and ominous stories are guaranteed to enlighten and entertain. Original versions were recorded as voicemails to amuse the author's colleagues and friends at work. Micro-dramas include: "Detective Amy" Our intrepid sleuth keeps it together searching a houseful of horrors. "The Hole" Lincoln and his strict father discover their cesspool holds a dirty secret. "MPG" Young Shawn, a budding genius, bravely saves little Spot from bodily harm. "Barfly" A thirsty drunkard makes an irrevocable deal with the Prince of Darkness. "Lara Visits Timothy" Friends take a trip to a mental...

Released from a Union prisoner of war camp, Confederate Civil War veteran Lieutenant Henry Gates returns to Buzzard Roost, Alabama, shocked to find his family's plantation burned to the ground. Lonely decades slip away as Hank searches for his wife and children before finally settling in Southern California. The year is 1888, and San Diego's real estate boom is gasping its last few breaths. Those hardy souls still remaining eke out an existence by any means possible. During the day, Hank buys land and mines copper. After midnight, haunted by ghosts from a violent past, he roams the...