I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo share a collection of poems that will explore the reimagining of true crimes and injustices through a Halloween lens in the collection “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems.”

The Synopsis

Trick or treat twisted with treachery.

Haunting and harrowing visions of All Hallows’ Eve here include horrific crimes committed on October 31st, a honeymoon homicide, mysterious witches, amorous vampires, dead serious poltergeists, along with a pageant of autumnal imagery sure to evoke goosebumps beyond the spooky season. Wearing the cunning costume of a Hallowe’en poetry collection, 24 poems reimagine macabre true crimes and explore injustices brought to life by original artwork.

The Review

What a powerful and remarkable read. The author did a wonderful job of balancing themes of horror and the supernatural with true crime and historical injustice against women. The imagery (both the original illustrations and the imagery in the author’s writing) allowed the reader to be transported instantly into these poetic stories. The infusion of so many styles of poetry, from the almost Shakespearean retelling of the legend of Sleepy Hollow to the modern-day examination of Dracula’s social media presence, allowed the reader to be entertained while tapping into an emotional wellspring that horror and poetry fans can enjoy.

There were many powerful moments found in this book that spoke to the Halloween fan in all of us, as well as the meaningful moments in history when women fell victim to everything from fear to crimes, both social and personal. One great example that was a favorite of mine was Hetty Green, the Witch of Wall Street, showcasing how women are often misrepresented in life whenever they succeed where men have failed. The power of these poems and the way they illustrate how horror often mirrors real life made this a powerful collection.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, highly creative, and entertaining author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems” is a must-read collection of poetry this fall. The incredible imagery and haunting presence each poem brings will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or get your copy on October 1st, 2024! 

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of SFPA, The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.

Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” (US: Wapshott Press, 2019), “Women Who Were Warned” (UK: Cerasus Poetry, 2022), Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, Quill and Ink, Paterson Poetry Prize, and IPPY Award nominee “Messengers of the Macabre” [co-written with David Davies] (US: Audience Askew, 2022), “Apprenticed to the Night” (UK: UniVerse Press, 2023), and “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” (Canada: Ukiyoto Publishing, 2023) are her latest poetry titles.

In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.

LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).

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AWARD LINK:    https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2024/07/23/book-review-always-haunted-halloween-poems-by-lindaann-loschiavo/AWARD  Press Release:  https://www.newsnetmedia.com/story/51134515/the-chrysalis-brew-project-announces-the-recent-winners-of-the-brew-international-blog-and-book-awards