Body Horror and Nightmare Themes Explored in ‘The Tooth Collector’
Horror fans drawn to body horror, folk horror, and psychological terror will find The Tooth Collector disturbingly unforgettable. This body horror dental nightmare comes with grotesque imagery reminiscent of Junji Ito’s macabre storytelling and the creeping dread of The Ritual by Adam Nevill, blending folklore with flesh. It explores grief, fear of the unknown, desperation, and unsettling supernatural folklore—all wrapped in a horrifying legend that lingers in the dark.
Like Paul Tremblay’s psychological nightmares (The Cabin at the End of the World), this story leaves readers questioning reality. Fans of Clive Barker’s visceral horror (Books of Blood) will appreciate the grotesque detail and raw terror. If you enjoy gruesome horror books with deep psychological scars, The Tooth Collector will leave its mark—one tooth at a time.
Want more? Check out LOOK AT ME and The Mirror for more unsettling horror reads.
This was a truly terrifying and fun little short story to get lost in. I am signed up to the mailing list for the author James Yates and he kindly emailed me recommending this book, with an attached link to request an ARC copy and I am so happy I chose to request one. This is my first book I have read of Hash Black and I was impressed. It is very creepy and dark, it makes you feel like you are living in the Twilight Zone with this family and trying desperately to escape from this nightmare, being chased by a tall, dark monster who lurks around in the darkness demanding teeth. He seems like a very bad tooth fairy, nothing like in fairytales where they are magical and kind. I was totally hooked until the last page, and then my jaw dropped in shock.
I’m giving this story a 5 out of 5 because it is a fun little horror to read, it takes me back to my childhood days reading my favourite ‘Point Horror’ and ‘Goosebumps’ books. I highly recommend!
Fast and chilling read. This is a scary retelling of the Tooth Fairy. Be prepared to be scared.
This is interesting but I think I missed something along the way, as I’m left a bit confused. Very short read.
Oh my the real story behind the tooth fairy is way darker and more interesting then your would ever think. The tooth collector is a bone chilling, tooth chattering ride that is captivating and terrify full of twist.
Tim is raising his two sons on his own after the passing of his wife. When his youngest son looses first tooth things quickly spiral out of control and become a terrifying nightmare as he tries to fight off some horrific unknown monster and keep his some safe.
A terrifying tooth fairy story!
There is something about single parent horror that creeps me out so much, and this book really showcases why it’s so terrifying. Even when the main character, Tim, is with his kids for most of the story, you still feel a deep sense of loneliness. The isolation and hopelessness from being the only adult your children can rely on for answers is terrifying in itself. Hash Black does an amazing job capturing the emotional weight of single parenthood while you’re trying to fight off some horrific, unknown monster.
The Tooth Collector itself is grotesque and absolutely stomach churning. Many of its descriptions were so vivid they made me squirm with discomfort and fight back a wave of nausea. I was completely immersed in Tim’s desperation as he tried to protect his family from a monster that he didn’t know how to fight. There are plenty of unanswered questions, but I love horror stories that leave room for my imagination.
I recommend this book to those who want a quick horror fix and don’t mind a little body horror that comes with it. This story is fast paced, and since it’s a short story, you can easily read it in one sitting.