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Little Jar of Teeth by A.L. Hatcher is an odd, eerie, and often intriguing collection of short horror stories that thrives on the strange and unsettling. It’s the kind of book that draws you in with its title alone — that perfect mix of creepy and curious — and for the most part, the contents follow suit. There’s something delightfully grotesque about the imagery Hatcher conjures, from unsettling body horror to warped domestic scenes and quiet, lingering dread.
Some of the stories really do shine. They hit that sweet spot where atmosphere, pacing, and payoff come together, leaving you with a chill and a need to sit with the story a moment longer. Those moments are when the collection is at its best — when it’s not trying too hard to explain itself, but just lets the weirdness wash over you. Hatcher clearly has a talent for crafting strange little worlds that feel slightly off-kilter, where reality is thin and things crawl just beneath the surface.
But not all the stories hit the same note. A few feel like they’re still warming up when they suddenly stop, as if there was more to say but the page count got in the way. Others have strong ideas or imagery but don’t quite manage to tie it all together, ending with more of a shrug than a sting. That lack of balance makes the overall reading experience a bit uneven. You find yourself enjoying the journey in one story, then getting pulled out of the mood by another that doesn’t quite go anywhere.
There’s also a recurring sense that some stories are more style than substance — which isn’t always a bad thing in horror, but here it sometimes left me wanting just a bit more: more depth, more connection, more time to sit with the characters or the concept. The surreal tone works well for creating atmosphere, but at times it can feel like it’s being used to mask a lack of direction.
Still, there’s no denying that Hatcher has a unique voice. Even the weaker stories carry a certain flavour — a dreamlike quality that’s hard to shake. If you enjoy horror that’s more about the feeling it leaves behind than neat resolutions, there’s a lot to appreciate here. It’s a great pick for readers who like their horror offbeat, fragmented, and filled with teeth.
Just be prepared for a few stories that don’t quite dig in deep enough — or worse, snap off just as they’re getting interesting. A mixed bag, but one that’s worth rummaging through if you’re in the mood for something a little strange and unsettling.
Gareth Ellis - Author 