Author Jonathan Janz has a lot to say about Southern Gothic literature in his introduction to a new anthology entitled Screams from the Bayou. The subgenre blends dark and eerie (often grotesque) elements with realistic portrayals of Southern culture. Instead of haunted castles, it focuses on decaying plantations, small towns and deeply flawed characters. 

The swamps of the American South—especially places like Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta—are a big part of Southern Gothic storytelling, says Janz. The heat, isolation and slow rot of the swamp are obvious symbols for a society haunted by the past and the inability to move forward.

“The bayou,” he says in conclusion, “provides a haven for fell creatures and deeds, mortal dangers human and otherwise.” Unarguably, it is the kingdom of nightmares and unutterable evils.

Screams from the Bayou fulfills Janz’s vision of monstrous Southern Gothic literature, but readers have to be patient—things don’t really start cooking until the fifth story. “No place tried to kill a person as much or as often as the wilds of Louisiana did,” says author K.K. Monroe at the beginning of “Dead Water.” His story of swamp monsters and the burden of family lineage is terrific. It’s probably the best thing in the anthology. 

“Homegoing” by R.J. Joseph is another story I enjoyed quite a bit. When a man rapes and mutilates women and then dumps their bodies in the swamp, he unknowingly creates the Sisters of the Swamp. Their shared trauma is their motivation for revenge, but it also gives them purpose beyond time. “I hoped there would not be another like him to bring us more sisters,” says Fern, the narrator of the story. “But if one came, we would know what to do to save others from spending eternity with us in our little swamp. We, however, would be happy there. Forever.”

Possibly the most outrageous story of the bunch is “The Neighbor” by Ashon Ruffins. A mother relocates to New Orleans for a fresh start after the premature death of her husband. Unfortunately, she and her 12-year-old son Jacob move into a house next door to a creepy old witch doctor.

The mother thinks the guy is harmless, just some old crank who believes that voodoo mumbo-jumbo is real. “My mama may not think you’re up to anything,” says Jacob when he finally comes face to face with his neighbor, “but I know you’re a monster.” The story’s shocking ending will leave readers screaming, “WTF just happened?!”

[ Screams from the Bayou / Edited by Heather Ann Larson / First Printing: March 2026 / ISBN: 9781970383027 ]