The Nightmare Trilogy by Larry Ashford offers up three tales that are sure to keep you up at night, with the lights on, checking under beds and double-checking the front door is locked. In the best tradition of The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Tales From the Crypt Larry Ashford has brought to life things that have no business being alive, and the result is pure, fright-fest entertainment. Through two novellas, and one short story, The Nightmare Trilogy lives up to its name, while entertaining every step of the way.

In the first story, Aliens, the "aliens" have returned. After being gone for so many ages, they come back to Earth see what time has wrought. But, are they back to build a heaven on Earth-or a Hell?

In the second story, Neuron Dreams, the main character has a recurring nightmare; who hasn't had one of those? Getting professional help with dream interpretation, he moves closer and closer to the meaning of the symbolism and the hope of breaking the cycle of this personal nightmare. But, he soon discovers that some dreams are better left alone, or else like sleeping dogs, they may wake up angry with very sharp teeth.

 And then, in the last story, there are the Mirrors; mere looking glasses, portals to other dimensions, or something much more sinister? For one man who cannot resist temptation, the mirror beckons, but is it a call to adventure, or a siren's call. Be careful when you look into the mirror, you may not like what you see-or where you end up.

Told with irony, suspense, and a little irreverence, The Nightmare Trilogy offers thrills galore, with twists and turns worthy of any Stephen King novel. Larry Ashford has a way with mysterious matters and unwelcome things that go bump in the night. If you are looking for a good twisted laugh, or a disquieting moment of horror, The Nightmare Trilogy is a must read, and all the better if you forgot to lock the front door. It shines a light into places where light is not welcome and entertains every step of the way.

Ashford’s The Nightmare Trilogy raises the hairs on the back of your neck and should be read with the lights on.