Edited by crime authors Sam Blake and CL Murphy, Fear explores a wide and electrifying spectrum of the fears that keep us awake at night . . .
Born from the Irish Murderesses WhatsApp group, when a conversation about being frightened of cockroaches grew to an incredible, in-depth conversation, thirty-two Irish female crime authors have come together to explore some of life’s greatest fears in this anthology of original stories teeming with terror.
Edited by crime authors Sam Blake and CL Murphy, this collection explores a wide and electrifying spectrum of the fears that keep us awake at night – from dolls, clowns and ghosts, to fire, heights and doors in hidden rooms. Here you’ll find tales of being buried alive, being forgotten, of loss and betrayal.
Fear
Full of thrilling twists and chilling reveals, and introduced by Mr Fear himself, actor Emmett J Scanlan (Kin, MobLand, Peaky Blinders, Fool Me Once ) Fear will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Fear contributor Amanda Cassidy explains, “Sometimes the only way we can control fear is to hold it up to the light, to examine it from all angles in order to process it, understand it, overcome it. And what better way than through the power of a fictional lens. Let’s not forget that the pen is only mightier than the sword because of the passion and imaginative intent behind it..”
Fiona Gartland, who also contributed a story said, “”Being part of a group of women who have come together to produce this collection has been a joy and a privilege. The goodwill and mutual support of each other has spilled over into wanting to help others too and it’s lovely.”
Fear features: Cecelia Ahern, Alice Bell, Sam Blake, Jen Bray, Andrea Carter, Amanda Cassidy, Marie Cassidy, Edel Coffey, Kit Conway, Claire Coughlan, Sharon Dempsey, Michelle Dunne, Fiona Gartland, Karen Gillece, Carmel Harrington, Catherine Ryan Howard, Arlene Hunt, Amy Jordan, E.V. Kelly, Olivia Kiernan, Casey King, Hannah King, Catherine Kirwan, Siobhan MacDonald, Andrea Mara, Michelle McDonagh, CL Murphy, Gill Perdue, Louise Phillips, Eithne Shortall, Michelle Teahan and Mary Watson.
As Editor Kitty Murphy says, the Fear collection is: “32 cracking writers, 32 original stories, one great book, for a good cause.”
To grab your copy preorder here and watch this space for launch details!
Women’s Aid
100% of Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin (writing as Sam Blake) and Catherine Murphy’s (writing as CL Murphy) royalty earnings from worldwide sales of the book will be donated to the domestic violence charity Women’s Aid (registered in Ireland under charity number RCN 20012045).
Women’s Aid is a national, feminist organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse including coercive control, in Ireland since 1974. We are working to create an Ireland where every woman and child has the chance for a thriving future and can live free from violence. Our vision is an equal Ireland with zero tolerance of domestic abuse, and all forms of violence against women.
Women’s Aid’s mission is to listen, believe, support and empower. Help is available. Contact the 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 or www.womensaid.ie
Fear will be released on15th October 2026.
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