Among the most eagerly awaited horror and sci-fi releases of fall 2016, listed by Publishers Weekly's top 10, comes Laird Barron’s fourth short story collection, "Swift to Chase." This anthology presents twelve gripping tales, each set against haunting backdrops that range from the remote Alaskan wilderness to dystopian futures steeped in despair, along with giallo-inspired nightmare landscapes.

In one story, chaos erupts within a sprawling apartment complex as a modern-day Jack the Ripper roams freely during a blizzard, bringing terror to unsuspecting residents. Another tale follows a woman, known for her survival of a brutal massacre, as she attempts to escape the relentless glare of public attention, only to discover that her trouble has only just begun.

Meanwhile, a team of bounty hunters, on a quest to find a missing B-movie actor, finds themselves crashing in the frigid Yukon Delta. They soon come to a harrowing realization: the Arctic, with its vast and unforgiving expanse, can be a living hell. In another gripping narrative, a cyborg war dog, powered by atomic energy, stands loyally by his master in a battle for the overthrow of an oppressive, dystopian regime in a far-flung future.

As the collection unfolds, a man, after undergoing an occult initiation ritual, finds himself pursued by a psychopathic sorority girl and her grotesquely disfigured accomplices. Adding to the intrigue, a wealthy and deranged individual gathers several old high school friends at his opulent mansion, ostensibly for a night of debauchery that spirals into experiments funded by the CIA—an unsettling blend of sex, drugs, and dark, covert operations.

Through these narratives, Barron's adept storytelling offers readers a provocative glimpse into hidden realities that exist just beyond the reach of our everyday experiences. Blending elements of hard-boiled noir, psychological horror, and occult themes, "Swift to Chase" epitomizes the trademark style of Barron, a three-time Shirley Jackson Award winner. His work delves into the unsettling aspects of the human condition, exploring the shadows that lurk within our hearts.

This collection serves as a powerful testament to Barron’s talent for weaving complex narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflection on the darker aspects of existence. With each turn of a page, readers will find themselves immersed in landscapes that stretch the boundaries of the imaginable, revealing the gripping reality of fear, survival, and the unknown.

As anticipation builds for the arrival of "Swift to Chase," readers can expect a compilation that challenges conventional narratives and pushes the envelope of horror and speculative fiction. As with his previous works, Barron captivates with intricate plots and richly developed characters, inviting audiences to confront the fears that lie beneath the surface of society and, ultimately, within themselves.

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