Brian Lumley’s The Best of the Rest by Brian Lumley

From the Introduction:

This pretty much is what the title says. Many of the stories/novellas here will have only been done in limited print runs, such as in fanzines, magazines, pamphlets, special editions or online magazines.

It’s a mixed genre of stories and these are what Brian considers the best of the rest of the stories in his body of work. We’ve got 111,000+ words in this collection so that means lots of enjoyment in what is likely the last collection coming from Brian.

“The Challenge” As some fools do. But do you dare? Yes? Well, don’t!

“The Man Who Photographed Beardsley” They should have been pictures from life–or was he simply impatient?

“The Cyprus Shell” There are some you can eat, while others have their own pick-me-ups.

“Clean Slate” If you’re in debt to the Devil, don’t mess with look-a-like sisters.

“The Deep-Sea Conch” Some species build nests; while others are much like the cuckoo….

“The Ugly Act” But what’s a pimple or two–if there’s only you?

“Irving’s Story” Her downstairs knew best, every time.

“The Running Man” It may be true you can run–but as for finding a place to hide…?

“Somebody Calling” The only way she could. He simply had to listen harder.

“Vanessa’s Voice” Both beautiful … and deadly!

“The Vehicle” Some might think of him that way, others as a dyadic personality?

“Mandraki” Take care who you lie down with … and where!

“Two Stone Tom” Yes, except he was an entire science heavier than that!

“The Long Last Night” Was it just a myth–or a Mythos?

“The Weird Wines of Naxas Niss” A wizard’s stolen potion is another man’s gateway to Nirvana…maybe!

“Stealer of Dreams” Always remember, once they’re gone they might stay gone!”