Into The Deep is a horror anthology filled with 11 stories that explore the terrors that lurk beyond the watery horizon.
Included in the anthology is Cressida, by Rami Ungar. Mark Honig is worried about his only living relative, Uncle Jacob, when he casually mentions talking to his daughter Cressida during a telephone conversation with Mark. Cressida died when Mark was ten, so he hurries to his uncle’s beach house to make sure he’s all right. Unfortunately, the visit to the beach house stirs up some painful memories, as well as revealing a shocking secret.
This is such a fun story! It opens with a strong hook. Mark’s on his way to visit his uncle, but he’s dreading returning to the beach house where something awful happened years ago. His concern for his uncle’s health overcomes his fear when Jacob mentions talking to his long dead daughter.
There’s lots of intrigue and horror potential in the opening, and I knew I was in for a great story. The story develops in wildly unexpected ways, which I don’t want to spoil, but I can honestly say I didn’t see any of it coming. I expected a story about ghosts and family secrets and, while these things are a small part of the tale, it is a completely different type of horror story than I assumed.
I would have loved some of the aspects of this story to be expanded upon. There’s so many great ideas in Cressida that I think it would have made a wonderful novella. However, that’s not to say the story is in any way rushed or incomplete. I would have liked to spend longer in this world and learned more about it, which is a good thing.
The horror is on point in this story. There is plenty of action and exciting developments. The theme of the piece adds depth to the characters and makes the story more satisfying.
I highly recommend it and award Cressida…
Iseult Murphy 
I’m very intrigued! I must check out this story, it sounds great!
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You should! It’s great.
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I don’t know what’s the better surprise: that I wasn’t expecting this review, or that you gave the story five stars. Thank you, Iseult. I really appreciate it.
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You’re very welcome, Rami. I really enjoyed it. It’s so imaginative.
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Just wait till you see what I have brewing right now. Especially with Hannah.
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I can’t wait. I’m especially excited about your carnivorous horses story! 😁
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Oh, it’s something to chew on, believe me.
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😈😈😈
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Thank you for sharing. It sounds like a very intriguing story. I often wonder how the horror authors come up with those story lines, which can really shook people while still entertaining people. LOL.
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Thank you! It’s a very inventive, entertaining story. Ungar is a great writer.
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I mean the horror is an entertaining kind of horror…
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I understand. I probably find some horror stories entertaining that others would find horrific. I love gory creature features. I think they’re fun!
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I read this one too, Iseult! You’re right, Ungar set it up like a ghostly story or something, but it surprised me. I loved it!
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Yes, it’s unexpected and surprising and fun! Thanks, Priscilla 😊
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