Anthony M. Rud

In a mental ward, an art student encounters Hal Pemberton, a man claiming to be a renowned artist, who reveals his identity and the absurdity of his detention. As he shares his story of persecution and misunderstanding, the student grapples with the blurred lines between sanity and madness, art and reality.

In 'The Place of Hairy Death', an old man recounts his terrifying experiences in the treacherous tunnels of Quintana Roo, where the ghosts of those who perished in search of treasure linger. He warns a young, ambitious man of the dangers that lie ahead, emphasizing the importance of companionship in the face of fear and the unknown.

In 'The Parasitic Hand,' Dr. Burnstrum encounters an extraordinary case involving John Pendleton, a young man with a fully formed hand growing from his side. This bizarre and unsettling phenomenon challenges the boundaries of medical understanding, as the hand exhibits life-like qualities, gripping the doctor's finger with surprising strength.

In the dense, eerie landscape of southern Alabama, a mysterious ruin stands amidst a backdrop of lush vegetation and local folklore. The narrative explores the superstitions surrounding this place, as the protagonist navigates the treacherous swamp and the tales of illicit activities that shroud the area in horror.

In the arid landscape northeast of Kalgoorlie, a weary messenger named Tom Varney prepares for a night in the desert, haunted by rumors of the notorious bushranger Paxton Trenholm. As he tends to his horses and prepares a simple meal, the tension of potential danger looms, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback during a time of lawlessness and greed.