The screams that echo through the thick darkness of night from the dark mind of Mark Leslie are an ode to the classic masters of short fiction and horrific tales.

MEMENTO MORI: A CURIOUS NIGHTMARE: Inspired by the short story “A Curious Dream” by Mark Twain, this tale draws from the same sentiment Twain was projecting regarding the ill regard the living have with “taking care” of the deceased. Only, in this tale, the repercussions of such neglect are far more serious.

THE RITUAL OF THE DRAWING: Inspired by the small-town rituals that made Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery” such a memorably chilling tale, this tale explores how a town might attempt to survive in peace and prosperity with a monster in their midst.

PROSPERO'S GHOST: When, decades after his death, university employees begin to digitally replicate the precious copy of Shakespeare's 1861 folio edition, renowned scholar Dr. Marshall Emerson returns from beyond the grave to put a stop to the blasphemy.

Volume 2 of Nocturnal Screams contains three short tales of terror designed to both send a chill down your spine as well as allow you to reflect upon the original texts and storytellers who helped inspire them. The stories and the accompanying “behind the screams” notes from the author comprise approximately 14,000 words.

Night Cries