The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror

Horror-lovers have to wait till after Halloween for one of their biggest treats of the year: the latest volume of this World Fantasy Award-winning series. Editor Jones offers his usual comprehensive look at the year, including a quick history of horror small press as well as opinion on its future in the face of an onslaught of self- and e-publishing. The fiction startsD""Halloween Street""Dand endsD""Tricks and Treats One Night on Halloween Street""Dwith delicious short tales from Steve Rasnic Tem and rarely flags between. Standout stories include those from newcomers Gemma Files (""The Emperor's New Bones"") and Tim Lebbon (""White""), as well as from veterans like Ramsey Campbell (""The Entertainer"") and Peter Straub (""Pork Pie Hat""). Lightning literally strikes with F. Paul Wilson's ""Aftershocks,"" and Kim Newman cleverly explains Edgar Allan Poe and his doppelg nger, Edgar Allen Poe, in ""Just Like Eddy."" Most of the 21 stories are superb, and Jones again provides his ever-useful address section andDassisted by Kim NewmanDa sobering necrology. A worthy reflection of the diversity and high quality of contemporary horror and dark fantasy, this annual volume remains an absolute necessity and bargain-priced to boot. Buy two: one to read and one to give. (Nov. 15)