Several months ago, I was sent an advanced reader copy of a book called When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy. I’d heard great things about it online, but didn’t know I’d been approved for one. Needless to say, I was excited to dig into it, and ended up reading it pretty quickly. You can read my glowing review here.
Fast-forward to earlier this month, in the brand new year of 2026, and I’ve just finished another of the author’s books. However, as opposed to the three that I’m going to be borrowing from the library next week, this one isn’t out yet. It’s actually a collection of short stories, and one novella, called I Know a Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours.
Releasing this spring, Nat Cassidy’s next release sounded right up my alley when I requested it. Like When the Wolf Comes Home it, too, ended up being a winner and a great read. A unique and original collection of tales, it stands out like the very original take on a werewolf story that its predecessor was. Thus, if you’re looking for a really good and memorable collection of shorts, this is one you need to check out.
If you’re familiar with this talented author, then you’ll recognize the title of the novella, Rest Stop. After all, it’s included in this book’s title, and was previously released digitally. I don’t know if or when any of the other stories were published, but that one was. Good thing it’s included here though, because I was planning to buy it, and quite enjoyed it. Those who haven’t previously read it are in for a fun take on a locked room and horror tale.
The other stories included within range in length, from approximately 8 minutes long to over an hour, based on my reading speed. They run the gamut of types and formats, including familiar horror fare, a tale told completely through emails and one that is meant to be read by a group of people in a performative act. That one won’t be for everyone, but I liked it. I read it alone though. I’m an introvert.
Here’s a sample of what you can look forward to, with an attempt at avoiding spoilers:
- An unlucky woman who goes on the most unlucky date imaginable.
- A young woman who travels to a strange village, and the weird castle within it, after meeting her estranged father online.
- A boy who loves Christmas, who attempts to help a troubled elf.
- Two people who meet in a bar, and share how they found each other.
- A strange plague affecting babies leads to tough decisions.
- A man who impersonates the Beatles in an alternate reality.
- Quirky and rude detectives who are called to a mental hospital after a woman is found dead, and learn about a strange cult.
- Two children’s show performers who confront one another while in the presence of a strange dummy.
- A businessman who’s being haunted by his wife, despite her having died in a car crash.
- Deaths caused by a pornographic video, threatening people at a high school.
Needless to say, there’s good variety within the stories. I like that, and I love this type of format (within the horror genre, especially) because you never know what you’re going to get. Every story is a new present, or treat, especially when they’re as good and memorable as these ones. Not to mention so well written. Nat Cassidy is a great writer with a vivid and impressive imagination, and he’s a very good storyteller too. Like Ronald Malfi, he’s one of the best things in horror these days. I can’t wait to read his other books soon.
With all that being said, I guess I don’t need to repeat this. However, I highly recommend checking out I Know a Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours by Nat Cassidy, when it releases on May 5th. It’s an excellent collection of horror stories!
This review is based on an advanced reader copy of the book that we were provided by the publisher, Shortwave.