"The Collected Short Stories of Freddie Prothero" by Peter Straub: A mere child yet a precocious writer, young Freddie records a series of terrifying encounters with an inhuman being that haunts his life and seems to predict his death. "Group of Thirty" by Jack Ketchum: When an award-winning horror writer on the downward slope of a long career receives an invitation to address the Essex County Science Fiction Group, he figures that he's got nothing to lose. He couldn't be more wrong. "Nancy" by Darynda Jones: Though she's adopted by the cool kids, the new girl at Renfield High School is most drawn to Nancy Wilhoit, who claims to be haunted. But it soon becomes apparent that poltergeists-and people-are seldom what they seem. "I Love You, Charlie Pearson" by Jacquelyn Frank: Charlie Pearson has a crush on Stacey Wheeler. She has no idea. Charlie will make Stacey see that he loves her, and that she loves him-even if he has to kill her to make her say it. "The Lone and Level Sands Stretch Far Away" by Brian Hodge: When Marni moves in next door, the stale marriage of Tara and Aidan gets a jolt of adrenaline. Whether it's tonic or toxic is another matter.