Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Reviewed by Logan Lynch
Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories (From Beyond Press), edited by Michael W. Phillips Jr., takes readers on a bewildering and horrifying tour of the city. With notable stories from Bendi Barrett, Lauren Emily Whalen, and K. Saab, the variety of horrors within Red Line honors the diverse communities that give Chicago its fame. Balanced against the real-life horrors of the city and underwhelming explorations of new atmospheres, this anthology draws readers through the grisly streets of Chicago with dizzying speed, sometimes to its detriment.
Bendi Barrett’s “All You Are Is Bright and Clear” constructs an eerily calm atmosphere of loneliness in a quiet corner of Chicago. The story follows an unnamed and depressed male protagonist as he stumbles upon a neon sign shop during an early morning walk. After looking at some of the pieces, the protagonist faces an offer from the shop’s owner that his tired mind can’t refuse. With immersive and gripping prose, readers will be unlikely to forget Barrett’s story of finding relief in the unlikeliest places.
Lauren Emily Whalen’s “Just Another Friday Night in Bucktown” is a wonderfully sadistic tale of revenge against predatory men. Wallen’s story follows a group of burlesque dancers as they trap, torture, and kill their producer after suffering sustained sexual harassment. As the night unfolds, the narrator recounts the formation of the troupe’s plan, perfectly capturing women’s rage against greedy men. Deeply authentic, Wallen’s prose is an unrelenting dream of retribution and sisterhood.
K. Saab’s “Feed the Monster Evil” is a surprising cat-and-mouse tale about predatory teachers who get what they deserve. This story follows a sharp-witted teenage girl, Nevaeh, as she processes the trauma of a previous relationship with a teacher while explaining the alleged curse that plagues her school. Using the curse to her benefit, she lures her next target, sleazy Mr. Bose, to his fate. Saab’s story masterfully navigates themes of trauma and sexual assault to create a horrific tale with a cathartic ending.
Despite some of the stories being slightly undercooked, readers will find this anthology’s love for Chicago and its horrors to be undeniable. Whether readers are long-time residents or visitors, Red Line is a great read for those who’d like a dark tour of the Windy City.
Release Date: August 12, 2025
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Logan Lynch is studying English Language and Literature at Stevenson University and a Baffling Magazine Associate Editor for Neon Hemlock. They are also the Editor in Chief at The Greenspring Review, Stevenson’s literary and media magazine, where you can find some of their writing. They live in Maryland.