Psycho-Paths

Terror, violence and dread animate the 17 compelling stories in this horror anthology compiled by master-of-the-genre Bloch ( Psycho ) . In ``Pick Me Up'' author David J. Schow directs two homicidal maniacs into each other's path and then puts them both in the hands of a third psychotic with the perfect method for killing them both. A similar theme dominates William F. Nolan's ``Him, Her, Them'' as two lethal lovers set out to seduce each other. The medieval monks in Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's ``Confession of a Madman'' keep the heretical madman of the title chained in a dungeon because he believes germs cause disease. In ``Enduring Art'' by Robert E. Vardeman, the question of immortality is addressed by an artist who turns mass killer so his work will live forever. A predilection for sacrifice--specifically blood sacrifice--weaves through these narratives, most of which demonstrate Bloch's contention that everyone is fascinated by death. (Mar.)