Jennifer L. Greene

Wrapped in White is an excellent showcase of the diverse range of short stories that may be encapsulated under the classification of ghost story. To be honest, I had no idea that the genre had such potential for variegation.

“The Curse of Kirby” by Patrick Greene is darkly twisted in way that left me vacillating between gales of laughter and horrified disgust. Joshua Rex left me feeling gently moved by “The White Boy.” “You’ll Thank Me by Tomorrow” had the elegant surrealism I associate with the best episodes of The Twilight Zone. I was delightfully surprised by the intriguing twist in “His Shrines to Santa Muerte” by Michael G. Williams. Patrick O’Neal’s “The Other One” had a lovely, classic feel somehow reminiscent of both Dickens and Lovecraft. Regarding “Ain’t They Bright” by Cecilia Dockins, all I can say is intense – I’m talking eyes-wide, breath-held, slight-wail-causing-husband-to-ask-if-you’re-okay intense.

For both the beauty of the prose and the unique deviation from the traditional expectations of ghost stories, “His Shrines to Santa Muerte” is my absolute favorite. Though “The White Boy” and “Ain’t They Bright” were close runners-up.… (mais)

Gordon White’s delightful Southern Gothic “Hair Shirt Drag” serves as an amuse-bouche for this anthology and lets you know from the start that you won’t be reading your typical old witch stories.

The tales of Wrapped in Black span from the Inquisition to a dark and gritty future and range from dying farmland in middle-America to seemingly typical sprawling suburbs. There I found witches trashy, wicked, and wise whom I loved, hated, and pitied.

In “Unto the Earth,” Patrick C. Greene reminded me that the worst revenge is sometimes the one we inflict on ourselves. Rose Blackthorn created a lovely and dark dystopia in “Beautiful, Broken Things.” Mike Lester’s “Not This Time” left me wondering through to the end and beyond.

I seldom give 5 stars to an anthology because there are inevitably some unpalatable stories in them. This one I loved from start to finish. The worst story in it was still an exciting read.

I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked it enough to order and pay for a paperback copy as well.… (mais)

Gordon White’s delightful Southern Gothic “Hair Shirt Drag” serves as an amuse-bouche for this anthology and lets you know from the start that you won’t be reading your typical old witch stories.

The tales of Wrapped in Black span from the Inquisition to a dark and gritty future and range from dying farmland in middle-America to seemingly typical sprawling suburbs. There I found witches trashy, wicked, and wise whom I loved, hated, and pitied.

In “Unto the Earth,” Patrick C. Greene reminded me that the worst revenge is sometimes the one we inflict on ourselves. Rose Blackthorn created a lovely and dark dystopia in “Beautiful, Broken Things.” Mike Lester’s “Not This Time” left me wondering through to the end and beyond.

I seldom give 5 stars to an anthology because there are inevitably some unpalatable stories in them. This one I loved from start to finish. The worst story in it was still an exciting read.

I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked it enough to order and pay for a paperback copy as well.… (mais)