I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours

This book is a collection of short stories along with a novella. Some of the pieces have been published previously, while others are new. Overall, the stories lean heavily into creepy, gory, and unsettling themes. The first story, Rest Stop, is particularly thought-provoking. It invites readers to reflect on religious beliefs while also exploring how severe trauma can push someone to their breaking point and fundamentally change them. One story I struggled with was Generation, which ends abruptly without any real resolution. It simply stops and moves directly into the next story, which felt unsatisfying. Most of the other stories are entertaining, though a few—such as Jubilee Juncture—feel disjointed and somewhat confusing. The author blends horror with explicit adult content effectively, making it clear that this is not a book intended for younger readers. The final story, A Fruiting Body, begins with a note from the author suggesting that it is best experienced by reading it aloud in a group. However, it is written without punctuation and ultimately makes little sense. Whether read alone or aloud, the format makes it difficult to follow and, in my opinion, it was a disappointing way to end an otherwise entertaining collection. Thank you to Shortwave Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.