Unsettled Score: A Mix Tape of Arthouse Horror by Rebecca Rowland
Lethe Press (June 2026)
Reviewed by Dave Simms
Anyone who’s been paying attention to short horror fiction in the past decade is familiar with Rebecca Rowland. Yes, her novel, Eminence Front, was awesome, and it signals a productive path for the author, but it’s her shorter work that hits the deepest, darkest parts of the heart. Her collections rival the best in the genre, but her connection to the themes makes her something special, from editing Generation X and American Cannibal to the stellar White Trash and Other Recycled Nightmares. A Shirley Jackson Award finalist and Bram Stoker Award nominee, she knows how to bring the darkness, both in atmosphere and characters who color outside the lines and bathe in the gray.
This time, it’s a mixtape. Remember those? If you don’t, do not worry. You’ll catch on pretty quick. Those in the earlier days of cassette tapes recall the allure and excitement of coordinating the perfect mix of songs for yourself or someone special, hopefully crafting a seamless testament to the music that spoke for us.
Rowland also has great taste in music.
The thirteen tracks (sorry, fourteen – as the best albums had a hidden track) step it up even for Rowland’s standards. Each story coordinates with a legendary song title as inspiration, and while some hit harder than others, all are worthy. In fact, upon a second readthrough, many “songs” struck a different chord (sorry!). This is what is great about Rowland. These aren’t just stories. They’re moods, episodes, and yes, tracks of our lives.
Personal favorites include the opener, “Rock of Ages,” which, if attempted to explain, would sound silly (much like many of King’s works!), but when experiencing it, transforms into something that Def Leppard would approve of. “Mrs. Robinson” is another highlight that is best experienced cold, and man, it is cold! “Better By You, Better Than Me” is a standout, possibly due to the personal attachment, but it left a mark and brought back memories of the court case of the Judas Priest song. Finally, “Two Minutes To Midnight” is pure spooky fun. Again, these tracks will affect readers differently, so it’s suggested to read them at different times, places, etc., and just like back in the cassette days, rewind and replay for added impact.
Don’t miss the introduction by the uber-talented John Langan, either. It’s akin to reading the liner notes on the classic albums of the seventies and eighties.
Highly recommended reading from a master of the short form.
