Haunted houses, urban legends, and other unsettling tales… author Brian Asman proves he can tackle a number of horror subgenres in Man, F*ck This House (and Other Disasters). Originally released 2021 with just the title story, on October 7, 2025, Asman is publishing an expanded version of the book with six additional short stories to whet your appetite for more. Overall, the writing is quick-witted with just enough details to pull the reader into the story without going overboard. Stories are woven in a campfire ghost story way, grabbing you at the start and rarely letting go. Like with all anthologies, some stories were better than others, but there is definitely something for everyone in this collection.
The title story, “Man, F*ck This House,” is a fun journey into a haunted house with a Shirley Jackson-esque introduction. It’s fast-paced, has a main character with a memorable voice, and an ending that, while completely off the rails, catches the reader off-guard in the best of ways.
Next up is “Beware the Hurlyburly.” An interesting title, to be sure, and one that caught my attention the most. It tells of a Slenderman-like urban legend, even bringing Creepypastas into the fold. A creature of unknown origin who stalks its victims through the camera lens, driving them to unspeakable madness. Because of the Slenderman murder, it is a little too close to real life, but extremely enjoyable all the same.
“Seven Years” was my favorite of the stories; mirrors are the one thing that scares me most, after all. This story was a unique take on the terror that hides behind mirrors, set within a dating scenario. All relationships come with some sort of baggage, but this one may just have you second guessing your next first date.
“In the Rushes” tells the story of a strained mother/daughter relationship following a divorce. One day, they go cycling together (the daughter grudgingly so), only to find themselves in a paranormal nightmare. Fighting to save her daughter, and herself, the mother must find strength within if either of them plan on surviving.
My second favorite story is “Razor Bill.” It’s another urban legend tale, one set in the old West and involves a haunted outhouse. It’s an unusual take on the haunted house, and one that is thoroughly enjoyable. From the cheesy tour guide spinning the lore at the beginning of the short story to the modern-day horror, there’s nothing about this I didn’t love.
“Line of Sight” is more of a police procedural and a true departure from the other stories, but just as bingeable as the rest. Asman shows off his gift of writing from an unexpected point of view, and the twists make the reader long for more.
The final story, “The Tire Swing,” is terrifying in the fact that a lot of kids, myself included, grew up with a tire swing in the backyard. It sweeps the reader back into the late ’90s with nostalgic detail, but also personifies the tire swing itself in a way that easily makes this the creepiest story in the book.
In all, Man, F*ck This House (and Other Disasters) is a collection of stories that is truly worth reading. Releasing just in time for Halloween, it’s sure to please the pickiest of horror readers and keep them up until well past the witching hour.
Creative Team: Brian Asman (Writer)
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Click here to purchase.
