I actively had to remind myself not to read these before bed.

I usually don't flinch when reading horror before bed. But some of these stories, rather than lulling me gently into sleep, made my heart legitimately pound and kept me wide awake in the wee hours of the morning. This was my first JCO (I'd DNFd Expensive People in the past, but hope to pick it up again) and it was a great sampler. Her writing forces me to look head on at the car crash, hold my breath even when I know what's coming, and be unable to look away from the carnage. And then, right as the story is getting extra-good, the ending is so abrupt and teasing that the words settle in to live rent-free in my head.

All those positives said, the collection was a mixed bag for me. While there were 2-3 stories I loved and were 5-star worthy (Strip Poker specifically stands out as the gem of this collection), others dragged on and had me put down the book for days at a time. Possibly a necessary respite.

Recommended if you enjoy feeling unsettled by short stories and narratives of covert dread. 3.5 stars rounded down.