Subtitled "Tales of the Big Top and the Bizarre," Cathy Buburuz’s paperback anthology deals with the darker side of carnivals, circuses and sideshows in a manner that will send chills up your spine and, for those of you with a weaker constitution, turn your hair white.

The first things you notice about "Side Show" is the fantastic cover art by Chad Savage (aptly entitled "Here Kiddie, Kiddie, Kiddie") and the quality and care this publication has been given. Long known for being an outstanding editor, Ms. Buburuz once again struts her stuff.

Once inside "Side Show" you will find 38 stories and poems by many of the most prolific and respected writers currently working in the small press. A short list includes: Brian Rosenberger, Tim Curran, Michael Arnzen, J. L. Navarro, Kevin Donihe, and I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, if you’re a reader of horror you will recognize these names and many of the others residing here.

There’s no way I have the room to describe every story and poem featured, but here are a select few:

In Jarret Keene’s "High Striker" an attempt by an upper class snob to impress his girlfriend goes terribly wrong inside the Mirror Maze. Tao Rae Tasmaine takes us into the mind of a freak in "I Juss Wanna Hode Hans and Bee Happee Sum of Theez Daz in Floreeda", and challenges us to decipher the intentional misspelling of almost every word. And Tyree Campbell shows us we shouldn’t be to quick to dismiss an old man’s predictions in "Spookum Doodles." Add to this a few poems by Donna Taylor Burgess, Julie Shiel and David Bain and you have the recipe for a wild and fun carnival ride into hell. Hold onto your hats!