I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Betty Jane Hegerat shares a collection of short stories that explore the regrets and lessons people learn in life in the book “Elephants in the Room.”
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The Synopsis
Fourteen jewel-like stories unveil the tender chaos of lives unlived and loves unspoken
In Elephants in the Room, Betty Jane Hegerat masterfully uncovers the quiet fractures of ordinary lives—the unspoken regrets, the buried griefs, and the fragile threads of connection that bind families across generations.
From a devoted son’s frantic dash to help his mother glimpse the Queen to a reluctant father’s stunned reunion with the daughter he never knew, from a woman dressing her mother-in-law for an eternal rest to a boy’s guilty reckoning with a bully’s untimely death, these unforgettable stories illuminate the elephants in our lives we ignore at our peril.
With tender wit and unflinching insight, Hegerat explores the weight of what we leave unsaid: the ache of lost chances, the solace of small mercies, and the stubborn grit that carries us through. As poignant as a stolen glance, as resonant as a half-forgotten lullaby, the stories in Elephants in the Room whisper the unvarnished secrets of family ties—where regrets loom large, and small acts of grace light the way home.
The Review
These stories have such a significant impact on the reader. The relatability and depth of emotion each story brings to life are fantastic, and the vivid imagery it uses really brings the settings and characters to life on the page. The versatility of the characters and the way each felt unique and different from those in previous stories made the narrative’s pacing feel fast-paced and the atmosphere enveloping.
The heart of the story was the introspective journey each story took readers on. The story Jawbreaker stood out, as the reader is presented with a tense parental situation that a great-grandmother witnesses. The story not only highlighted the tension and wrongs both parties were part of, but also the feeling of helplessness in a situation with no winners and a child caught in the middle. This story reflected the open-ended nature of many of these stories, as if catching snapshots of people’s lives in a moment in time.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and memorable, author Betty Jane Hegerat’s “Elephants in the Room” is a must-read anthology of unforgettable genre fiction stories. The creativity and the relatability of these characters and their stories will resonate with so many readers and keep them engaged until the final story’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Calgary author Betty Jane Hegerat was a social worker in a long-ago life. The stories she has written since she left that career behind reflect an ongoing need to make sense of conflict and chaos in relationships, and to find moments of laughter and even glimmers of redemption. That seriousness aside, she loves the Calgary writing community. She has taught at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre, Fernie Writers’ Conference, for Continuing Education at the U of C, and was Writer in Residence for the Calgary Public Library. In 2015 she was honoured to receive the Writers Guild of Alberta Golden Pen Award for lifetime achievement in writing. Betty Jane’s stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. She has five previous books: a novel, Running Toward Home (Newest Press), collection of stories, A Crack in the Wall (Oolichan Books), another novel, Delivery (Oolican Books), and two YA novels, Odd One Out (Oolichan Books) and The Boy (Oolichan Books). The Boy is a French braid of investigative journalism, fiction, memoir, and meta-fiction. The book was shortlisted for the Calgary Book Prize, High Plains Book Awards, and Alberta Writers Guild Wilfrid Eggleston Non-Fiction award.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rhea Thomas shares 15 short stories of magical realism in the collection “Let Birds Fly.”
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The Synopsis
Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas is a magical realism short story collection where the extraordinary sparks everyday lives toward transformation. Connected by Ripple Media, each of the fifteen characters navigates personal struggles, such as an impossible itch, a mercurial third eye, and hallucinating coffee. They discover hidden truths, purpose, or power. With whimsy and emotional depth, these stories explore identity, passion, and self-discovery through moments of enchantment that crack open ordinary reality. Let these tales remind you: sometimes, the most magical thing is becoming who you were always meant to be.
The Review
This was a unique and surreal collection of short stories. While each story could stand on its own, the underlying connective factor of the Office setting, with Ripple Media playing a role in each of these stories and the characters’ lives, was a great twist, allowing readers to channel their own workplace environments into the narratives. The vivid imagery in these stories and the strong character development the author achieves in such short stories are incredible, especially in one of my personal favorites, The Third Eye.
The satirical and magical nature of these stories, as well as the wise and almost lyrical style of writing, made this story shine brightly. The practically metaphysical nature of this collection speaks to a hidden layer of reality as we know it, with each tale striking at topics like corporate struggles for workers and the grief we feel losing a family member in a way that feels relatable and engaging.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, satirical, and engaging, author Rhea Thomas’s “Let Birds Fly” is a must-read collection of short stories. The twists and turns each story takes, the unique nature of the self-contained stories within a larger umbrella tale, and the powerful imagery that these stories conjure up will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rhea Thomas lives in Austin, Texas where she works as a program manager in the digital media world. Her short stories have been published in multiple publications, including, most recently, The Fictional Café, Toasted Cheese and Does It Have Pockets. She spends her free time hoarding books, walking her stubborn Labrador retriever, playing games with her sons, kayaking and swimming in rivers, searching for mysteries and writing short stories that explore magical moments in the mundane. Her first book, a collection of short stories, is due out in August 2025, and she’s currently working on a literary mystery novel.
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
Back at his desk, Beto took his first cautious sip and almost groaned out loud. It tasted fucking incredible. There was a richness to it that slid across his tongue in a velvety caress with a tinge of orange, with little spicy, almost peppery, sparks exploding in its wake. He gently ran his finger over his tongue to make sure it was, well, still normal-feeling. It was tingling, not unpleasantly. He took another sip and had the same experience, although slightly less surprising, since he knew to expect it, but no less amazing. Each subsequent sip produced the same effect. This coffee was incredible. It was a tongue-gasm. And in between these sips, something interesting was happening. Beto’s super-organized email inbox, which had lots of folders and labels, was turning into a rainbow, with different subjects taking on different colors. He looked around and saw rainbows on other people’s screens, so he shook his head and went back to work. Must be some weird new update.
From To The Fairest:
About an hour later, hearing a knock on her front door, she opened it without checking, assuming it was her food delivery, and found a goddess standing on her welcome mat. Tall, with olive skin, shiny black hair falling down her back and gray eyes, the woman wore a silver breastplate and had an owl on her shoulder.
“I am Athena, daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war.”
Sophia stared for a second and then burst out laughing. “Nice one. Did Lucy send you?”
“Lucy? No, I’m here because of the Golden Apple.”
Sophia put her hands on her hips. “Uh-huh, and how did you know I have it?”
Athena opened her mouth to reply, but Sophia continued, “Let me guess, you’re here to promise me wealth if I give it to you?”
Athena narrowed her eyes. “Did someone tell you I was coming? Did they beat me here?” She tried to peer past Sophia into the apartment.
“There’s no one here. Wait, who is they? Who is coming?” Sophia asked.
“Aphrodite and Hera, of course.” She turned around to look behind her as if they might be there already.
From A Fearsome Thing:
Dixon Murray started his morning with an omelet, strong coffee and murder, and he was rather particular about the order. A hearty breakfast followed by crime was his preferred start to every day, if he was completely honest with himself, although, the murder part was the new addition he was trying to make a habit.
He made the omelet himself with three eggs, slightly beaten, low-fat milk, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped organic green onions and bell peppers, and one sliced avocado. He preferred his coffee black and strong, and he liked to sit down with both the coffee and the omelet at the wooden desk in his small home office to contemplate murder. He wasn’t picky about the method of murder; stabbing, strangling, poison or guns, anything and everything was on the table. The more complicated, the more involved stages of planning, the more satisfying it was. Dixon wanted more than anything to be a mystery novelist. But, as the adult son of an actual celebrated mystery novelist, he knew just how high the bar was and what his chances were of writing something, well, publishable.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Annmarie SanSevero leads readers into a collection of speculative fiction that explores mystery and the supernatural in “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories.”
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The Synospis
An Intricate and Harmonious Dance Between Humanity and Technology
Dive into Annmarie SanSevero’s gripping collection of speculative fiction, where suspense, mystery, and the supernatural collide with the frontiers of science. Each story pulses with themes of hope, resilience, and the ethical complexities of technological advancements.
A testament to the human spirit, these tales weave suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements into a tapestry of speculative fiction that resonates with contemporary societal issues. Don’t miss your chance to experience these unforgettable narratives and embark on a journey that both challenges and inspires.
The Review
This was such a powerful collection of short stories. The speculative fiction genre always knows how to push the envelope and get readers really thinking critically and taking in all considerations. The dynamic character development and fast-paced yet monumental story points in each short story really hit both emotional and psychological notes, resonating with readers as they dive deeper into the collection.
The powerful imagery and strong themes really were the backbone of this collection. The stories each brought a profound discussion to the table, from the titular story’s exploration of technology left unregulated, to the story “Heresy of Peace” delving into the topic of division and war amongst groups of people, whether it be due to politics, religion, or ideology as a whole, and how that division could be the undoing of everyone. The heartfelt emotional pull of these stories and the thrilling twists each one houses make this collection truly shine.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and uniquely human in a very genre-specific collection of stories, author Annmarie SanSevero’s “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories” is a must-read short story collection of speculative fiction. The twists and turns, the compelling characters, and the thought-provoking themes will keep readers invested in every tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Annmarie SanSevero grew up in New York City but was transplanted to the south in high school. She writes stories about hope, courage, and resilience in fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, and mystery. She loves exploring the human experience and wants readers to feel like they can do more than survive. They can be world changers.
When she’s not writing, Annmarie enjoys learning just about everything (yep, she’s a nerd), playing violin, tap dancing, and singing. One day, she wants to go LARPing.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Ekta R. Gary shares the unique moments that lead up to or occur between the iconic stories of fairy tales in the book “The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.”
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The Synopsis
Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?
Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?
In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.
Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
This was such a fantastic collection of fairy tale short stories. Although a short read, the collection does an incredible job of creating powerful characters that are both familiar and unique at the same time, such as the Princess found in The Beauty Before She Sleeps. The rich imagery in each story feels both bright and visceral, and each tale expertly weaves together substantial emotional depth for these characters, much like the Witch and her apprentice and their familial connection in The Witch’s Apprentice.
What made these stories so unique was how they were found in the moments people rarely think of when it comes to iconic stories. From exploring how the Wicked Witch of the East ended up under Dorothy’s house to why both Jack and Jill needed a pail of water to begin with, these stories are a love letter to both fan fiction and fairy tales overall. The satire and wit that the dialogue brought to life were an outstanding balance to the self-reflection and introspective themes that these stories wove into their fabric.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, compelling, and entertaining, author Ekta R. Garg’s “The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories” is a must-read collection of short stories. The twists and turns of each story, along with their unique takes, dynamic characters, and memorable themes, will keep readers enthralled and eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
Visit Julie’s blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book…or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
Visit Katherine’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn’t seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The discovery of a body begins a chain reaction connecting people around the world in author Ben C. Davies’ short story collection, “And So I Took Their Eye.”
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The Synopsis
The discovery of a body on the black-sand beaches of Guatemala sparks a chain of events that ripple across the globe.
From an Italian tailor crushed under the weight of his father’s legacy to a mother challenging local snobbery on the cricket fields of England, a vengeful Bolivian priest chasing Che Guevara’s ghost, to a Bay Area therapist blind to his own advice, the lives of a seemingly unconnected group of strangers become fatefully entangled in murder, arson, betrayal, and love. These stories examine abuses of power in a world fractured by inequalities. As their characters confront brutal truths, morality blurs, forcing them to question the meaning of belonging and the lengths they’ll go to carve out their place in an unforgiving world.
Guided by the ancient creed of ‘an eye for an eye’, Ben C. Davies’ And So I Took Their Eye is a gripping collection of interlinked stories exploring what happens when justice is taken into your own hands—and ultimately, what it means to be human.
The Review
This was such a compelling and gripping short story collection. Each story felt very atmospheric, drawing the reader into the culture clash that occurs when tourists and travelers enter a country not their own and bring their sense of righteousness and superiority instead. The dynamic character development and the way the author was able to keep the stories interconnected with one another without sacrificing the unique stories each character experiences made this a memorable collection.
What hit home was the theme the author brought to life in this anthology, which was the fine line between justice and vengeance. The world is so full of increased attacks on things like immigration. There have been increased waves of aggressiveness from people, especially where toxic masculinity is concerned. This book brings these elements into the stories of the anthology to showcase how far people can be pushed, and what happens when people push back. The opening and closing stories especially really captured these themes while also adding mystery, intrigue, and exploring the ways trauma can impact a person.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, enthralling, and mesmerizing, author Ben C. Davies’s “And So I Took Their Eye” is a must-read short story collection. The twists and turns each story takes, how the author weaves each tale together so seamlessly, and the deep study of the human condition and how the lines between justice and revenge can become so blurry at times make this a memorable collection that will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ben C. Davies is a Californian-based author whose debut short story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, will be published by Bridge House Publishing in 2025. Originally from the UK, his short fiction has appeared in journals such as The Fiery Scribe Review, Left Brain Media, and Downtime Review, while his articles have been featured in Electric Literature, Work, Huck, and Lost.
He serves as an editor for the Ginosko Literary Journal, is a member of the San Francisco Writers Grotto, and is currently at work on his debut novel, Black Sand. In addition to his writing,
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A violent storm and a powerful fire reveal a shocking death that unravels a small town’s hidden secrets in author J.J. Macaw’s “The Ashes of Coral Cove: Murder and Mayhem in Paradise.”
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The Synopsis
A massive storm sweeps Coral Cove. Townhall consumed by flames. The city clerk’s tragic death sparks suspicion.
Maxine Harper, (Maxy) is a renowned investigative reporter who returned to her childhood hometown, steps into the web of confusion and chaos with Tony Blane, high school sweetheart turned therapist. Tom Mitchell, a retired cyber sleuthing expert and local bookstore owner, adds his unique skills to the investigative team. Recalled intimacy sparks between Maxy and Tony as they dig through the town’s past..
The arson investigation smolders under the fire chief’s incompetence, and the community’s trust burns out quickly. With remarkable skill and steely determination, the trio unravels a puzzle of cyber clues, red herrings and long buried motives.
A forgotten victim turned villain lurks amid the ashes. With vengeance in his veins and decades of rejection in his heart, he continues his arsonist rampage, targeting Coral Cove’s historic buildings.
As embers cool, the team races against time to uncover the truth before Coral Cove’s history turns to smoke. A shocking confession halts the town’s heart.
The Review
This was a short yet powerful story. The author did a great job immediately captivating readers with vibrant scenery and relatable characters they could invest in. The emotional drama and intimate relationships the story explores, while adding weight to the suspense and mystery this narrative provides, kept the short story feeling balanced and engaging.
This narrative powerfully felt the rich history of this small town and explored small-town life. It explored the all-too-familiar theme of forgotten people and what happens to those forced to live on the fringes of a society, whether that be by choice or circumstance. The emotional heartbreak of that situation and the steady pace at which this mystery unraveled throughout the story made this a standout read.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author J.J. Macaw’s “The Ashes of Coral Cove” is a must-read small-town cozy mystery and suspense thriller. The mystery’s twists and turns, and the attention to detail the author paid to developing these rich characters, will make readers eager for more stories from the author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J.J.Macaw is a pen name, but the biographical information here is real. His prose reflects the experience of being a husband of 34 years, parent and grandparent. It also reflects his four decades of entrepreneurship, having founded several companies in such diverse fields as water treatment, public policy consulting, fertilizer manufacturing and engineering. This experience lends authenticity to the settings, characters and descriptions of science, technology and business operations as they occur in his novels.
J.J. is an avid sailor spending years sailing San Francisco Bay and its environs. He also holds Dan rank in Aikido.
There are no spicey sex scenes nor an abundance of cursing or overt graphic violence in his novels . That said, his characters do what real people do and the characters reflect the fullness of their lives.
J.J. lives with his wife and two cats (who own the house). Panama became their home a few years ago and enjoys writing in that beautiful country.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Leonid Pekarovsky’s short stories are brought to the English language and showcases the struggles of life through the lens of Judaism, Israeilism, and European views in the collection “See you In Eden.”
The Synopsis
One of Israel’s most distinctive literary voices is showcased in this collection of short stories that are alternately profound, insightful, entertaining, and surprising. Leonid Pekarovsky’s short stories will make you weep, laugh, and shake your head in amazement.
“See You in Eden” is the first English collection of literary short stories penned by one of Israel’s premier masters of the format. With the unique perspective of an immigrant, Leonid Pekarovsky views the surreal, beautiful, and often touching constant struggle of life in modern Israel. Drawing from his own experiences and struggles, Pekarovsky blends the cultural traditions of Europe, Judaism, and Israelism to create a rich tapestry of illuminating and always surprising short stories.
Leonid Pekarovsky broke into the Israeli literary sphere when his short story “Broom,” which describes his spiritual struggles and ultimate elevation while cleaning the streets of Tel Aviv, was accepted for publication in one of the country’s premier literary supplements. Since then, he has regularly published his tales, released several Hebrew collections, and achieved international success with his short stories appearing in various magazines in Russian and English.
“See You in Eden” makes this important Jewish literary voice available to English-language readers for the first time. Pekarovsky skillfully blends the fantastic and the realistic, the diasporic experience with the Sabra experience, and the constant struggle to find the sublime and the artistic even when faced with life’s most dire circumstances, cynicism, and cold necessities.
The Review
It’s such a moving and profound read. The author has found the perfect voice and captured the culture and heart of life in Israel. The honesty and the balance of surrealism with the truthful reality that many face in modern Israeli culture will resonate with many readers who have experienced this firsthand and give others a unique insight into this world. The Jewish culture and the author’s life as a Ukrainian immigrant were also distinct and engaging aspects of these stories.
One story in particular, The Umbrella, really hit a special note for me as a reader. The story speaks of themes of identity, purpose, and the work that we do to fund our passions. The idea of someone or something losing purpose when not being used or utilized and the idea that something can find purpose once again made this a memorable story.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging author Leonid Pekarovsky’s “See You In Eden” is a must-read literary fiction and collection of short stories. The artful, almost poetic way the author examines life through these stories and the diversity that the author exudes through this work will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Leonid Pekarovsky is a writer, journalist and art critic.
Pekarovsky served in the Red Army before studying art theory and history at the Fine Arts Institute in Kiev. He worked for the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture for many years, where he organized art exhibitions both in the USSR and worldwide.
His essays on art theory and history have been published in professional journals.
After he immigrated to Israel in 1991, he worked as a gardener and a printer and, in 1995, became a security guard until he recently retired to focus on his writing.
His stories and novellas have been printed in the Russian press as well as in the Haaretz Culture and Literature Supplement. His first book, Broom and Other Stories, was published in 2012. His second book, A Parabola of Success, was published in 2015.
His third short story collection, Ten Agorot, published in 2018, was shortlisted for the prestigious Israeli Sapir Prize.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Authors such as D.C. Gomez, S.R. Griffith and more gather to share a fun and spooky collection of supernatural meets fantasy short stories in the collection “Tales of Howloween”.
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The Synopsis
A Red Moon Rises this Halloween, so heed the howls and enter a world of wonder, danger and desire. Tales of Howloween presents a thrilling collection of nine supernatural tales that will keep you guessing until the final stroke of midnight.
In “Forest Fated”, wolf shifter Cassius captures renegade mage Ariella, sparking an electric connection hinting at a prophecy older than the forest itself. As an evil wizard spreads, Cassius and Ariella must team up against all instincts.
Nature spirits Cait and Milo struggle to find their place in “A Red Moon Rises” grim future world. And when reality itself is questioned in “The Midnight Pack”, logic-seeker Avalon finds her ancestry holds secrets unlocking a world she never believed.
You will fall in love with these spellbinding romances, “Moonlit Desires” where a fated meeting awakens new possibilities. As well as “White Falls Haunt” where a magical marriage isn’t what it seems. In “Celestial Rescue” where an alien rescue leads to cosmic desires, satisfy all cravings for chills, thrills and intimate encounters.
A twisted tale of football players turned werewolves in “The Wolves” while keep you guessing, as the team seeks for easy ways to win.
The magic continues in the fun shape-shifting mystery of “For Shuck’s Sake.” Sometimes an accident will change your life.
Join the Reapers Crew in the Urban fantasy adventures “Bloodstone” as they tried to stop a cult from waking the God Set.
So stalk these pages and feel the moon’s call. Delve into a menagerie of mischief and magic under star-pricked skies. But be warned – mysteries abound in these Woods and ghosts linger beyond the last page. The howling has only just begun…
The Review
This was such a fantastic collection. The authors all found the perfect balance of spooky atmosphere for the Halloween season with the rich world-building in which fantasy genre storytelling is proficient. Each author’s powerful imagination translates perfectly into these stories, and the fast pacing and the way the tension compliments the more fun and humorous moments between the characters made this collection fun to get lost in.
While each of these stories was amazing, one story that stood out was from D.C. Gomez, an author who I have reviewed many of their books, and their story Bloodstone. The story ties into the author’s Intern Diaries series, following Bartholomew the Reaper, in an international story directly into Egyptian mythology and werewolves. As a fan of both and a fan of this series, getting to see Bartholomew rise as the protagonist of this particular tale and the back-and-forth relationship between him and Bob was so much fun and allowed the chilling nature of these wolves and their cult dedicated to Set to rise naturally.
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The Verdict
A powerful collection of short stories that speak to readers of the fantasy genre in a way that makes them feel included in the Halloween season, Tales of Howloween is a must-read short story collection. The infusion of romance, supernatural thrillers, and fantasy storytelling allowed the collection to shine brightly during Halloween. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Alan McGill shares a tantalizing collection of short and spooky stories featuring a mysterious shop owner in the book “Big Al The Dream Maker’s Emporium of Curiosities, Oddities, and Strange Things”.
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The Synopsis
Shorties of Supernatural Suspense
What is the mysterious Emporium? Who or what is Big Al? Friend or Foe? Demon? Alien? or Mystical Shaman?
To answer those questions, you’ll have to visit the store, if you can find it.
Somewhere, nowhere, and everywhere all at once it appears at the oddest times and strangest places. The neon shines brightly, like a beacon to a troubled mind. The Emporium looks deceptively small from the outside, but once you enter, it is a place beyond reality.
Come inside and have a look, but beware, nothing is for sale, and nothing is free. Don’t be afraid of the Poliger, it won’t bite. And don’t be afraid of Big Al, well, on second thought…he might!
The Review
What a compelling and haunting collection. What made these stories stand out was how each story could stand on its own feet and yet continuously held this connective mythos surrounding Big Al and the mystery behind the seemingly powerful “man” and “store” themselves. The author once again demonstrated a command over imagery in his writing style, with each story feeling like an episode of Twin Peaks or The Twilight Zone on the page.
One of my favorite stories in the book was The Grinning Man, as it took the iconic story and legend of Indrid Cold, a prolific figure in the Mothman case, and intensified the legend surrounding the man/alien (Depending on what you believe). The tension and heavy atmosphere the author brought out in each story, and the way these characters embodied the best and worst aspects of humanity, created an almost “devil deal” scenario that made people question who the true monster was, giving this a thriller element that will stay with readers long after the book ends.
A masterful work of short horror fiction that weaves three twisted tales of terror, author Alan McGill delivers a fantastic collection to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Stephen King’s Needful Things meets the atmosphere of Twin Peaks; the mystery of not only the Emporium but its chilling properties, Big Al, will have readers eager for more of this fantastic world the author has crafted. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.
