[Book Review] My SCARIEST SK SCENE – Edited By Richard Chizmar

As we sit here entering the final quarter of 2026, I don’t think it is going out on a limb to state that when it comes to today’s squad of horror authors, there are two groups. Those affected by the writings of Stephen King, and those who lie about it.

Easily the most influential writer of my lifetime, King has managed to worm his way into pretty much every aspect of the industry, and not just the horror world; with non-genre tales like Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, The Body, and his entire Dark Tower series, he has proven to be not just a “master of horror” but a “master of the written word”. A talent that will be talked about, studied, and debated for decades to come. As a case in point to that last sentence, author and editor Richard Chizmar has assembled an illustrious panel of today’s biggest genre talent, and he asked them to have a conversation about what SK scene scared them the most. The result is one of the most insightful, eye-opening, and interesting reads of the year.

MY SCARIEST SK SCENE is a collection of essays, each helmed by an individual talent, taking us on a journey into the minds of those bringing this generation’s nightmares to life. A powerhouse lineup featuring Nat Cassidy, Poppy Z. Brite, Phillip Fracassi, W.H. Chizmar, Mick Garris, Nick Roberts, and roughly another dozen writers walks us through the time when Stephen King grabbed them by the throat and never let go.

A few of the “well, of course that scene is included” are represented: Danny Glick floating outside the window, Danny Torrance and Room 217, and of course a certain sewer-dwelling clown. But there are far more “I forgot about that scene” moments, which is what makes this collection of recollections a treasure trove of memories ( or nightmares, I guess).

This is a very lean, get-to-the-point assemblage of some of King’s greatest hits, and I swear, you can hear SK softly giggling as you gently flip the pages. The essays are more than just a recounting, though; they are a professional love letter to a man whose imagination has not only defined a generation of literature but has also inspired that same generation to follow their dreams, never give up, and always make their stand.

MY SCARIEST SK SCENE is available now – CLICK HERE, and you’ll be whisked away to the Cemetery Dance website where you can make a copy all your own.

4.5 out of 5 “scenes we’ll never forget” for this unique collection.