pbanditp's review against another edition
4.0
Life with a teenage daughter is not easy, and for Adam Frost, being a single parent, it was confusing and heartbreaking. He would do anything for his daughter, Sutton, and only hope to get a glance in return. When Adam notices that Sutton has been cutting, he gets desperate and takes her on a trip that has a great possibility of going horribly wrong.
All Things Deadly is a combination short story collection and a novella, with the short stories sprinkled within the chapters of the novella.
Some of the short stories had me very intrigued and wanting more while other stories wishing for a mind eraser.
Overall the main story was excellent and I think that it could have been fleshed out into a complete novel. I do wish the other stories had a little more to do with Salem. When you hear “Salem Stories” you expect witches, but they seemed to just be a collection of horrors set in Salem.
All Things Deadly is a combination short story collection and a novella, with the short stories sprinkled within the chapters of the novella.
Some of the short stories had me very intrigued and wanting more while other stories wishing for a mind eraser.
Overall the main story was excellent and I think that it could have been fleshed out into a complete novel. I do wish the other stories had a little more to do with Salem. When you hear “Salem Stories” you expect witches, but they seemed to just be a collection of horrors set in Salem.
stephaniieemoon's review against another edition
5.0
All Things Deadly follows the Frost family, Adam, Rebecca, and Sutton Frost. Sutton frost is an edgy teenager with her own demons. Adam tries his best to connect with his daughter, after the loss of her mother Rebecca. Adam receives a call for help from a friend, forcing the Frosts to face their past, ultimately discovering the truth.
Let me get this out there right off the bat, as a practicing witch and a lifetime New Englander, there is no place more magical than Salem. I know I’m being a basic witch, but I absolutely adored that the setting of this collection takes place in one of my favorite Spooky towns.
Hanson tells the story of different townies living in Salem in between the main story. Each one is unique and ends with the perfect amount of creepiness. Some of the stories have humor, some are satisfying and some are bone-chilling. They touch on current events and sensitive subjects. All the short stories are realistic, with a dark, disturbing twist of course. From creepy stalkers, to regretful ghost stories, there’s a perfect mix.
Honestly, I enjoyed every short story but if I list them all I’ll run out of space
sheepyreads's review against another edition
5.0
Just like most of you, after July is over, I’m very much ready for Halloween. Honestly I’m ready for Halloween 365. To say this collection really got me into the ~spirit~ is an understatement.
karlakayjenniges's review against another edition
5.0
At the beginning we are given an introduction to the Frosts, Adam and his daughter Sutton. In between each installment of their story we are given tales of horror set in Salem or connected in some way. This was such a unique way to build their story and keep us in suspense.
Each story has the elements of disturbing uneasiness, the dark and the macabre, and also bits of humor. Stalkers, murders, death, depression, addictions, suicide, taunting a witch, bizarre happenings in a movie theater, and the darkness of humanity.
Exemplary, well thought out, and in my opinion flawless! Just excellent!
I was given a complimentary copy from the author, thank you so, so much for your kindness!
Each story has the elements of disturbing uneasiness, the dark and the macabre, and also bits of humor. Stalkers, murders, death, depression, addictions, suicide, taunting a witch, bizarre happenings in a movie theater, and the darkness of humanity.
Exemplary, well thought out, and in my opinion flawless! Just excellent!
I was given a complimentary copy from the author, thank you so, so much for your kindness!
wellwortharead's review
4.0
I try not to compare or contrast authors or their story collections but the foremost thought in my mind after reading this is that it shares a similarity to Goblin by Malerman except that E.C. Hanson didn't forget to connect the stories together at the end.
The main story features a father and his daughter who barely speaks to him on a road trip to Salem. There they will meet someone who used to be a friend but now seems to be a frenemy. Interspersed are short stories set in or around Salem with a diverse cast of characters, some of who will suffer grisly deaths, or cause the demise of others. There is some dark humor mixed in and some very bizarre situations. In between these stories we head back to the father/daughter road trip and eventually reach their destination. The reason for this trip is bittersweet and may be what is needed to heal their broken relationship.
This was a quick read, perfect for October or really any time of year you're in the mood to visit Salem.
I received a complimentary copy from the author with no obligation to write a review.
ericarobyn's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
All Things Deadly by E.C. Hanson is an amazing collection of short tales all centered on events occurring in and around Salem, but there’s more than just location that ties them all together.
If you enjoy collections that will keep you on your toes as you just have no idea what to expect next, you don’t want to miss this one!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Content Warnings:
A few of these tales tackle difficult subjects, a few of which I have noted below, but feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns.
A few of these tales tackle difficult subjects, a few of which I have noted below, but feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns.
The writing style that E.C. uses here was right up my alley. He’s wonderfully descriptive and makes you feel like you’re right there in the story itself. The tones he is able to set within each story, but also for the collection overall, is very impressive. His characters are all so intriguing; some you’ll love, some you’ll hate, and there are plenty that you just aren’t sure what to think of!
I really enjoyed that I never knew what to expect here, both within each story, and between tales! It made putting this collection down next to impossible.
There was just such a great mix of formats here. One moment I was reading a story that was eerie all the way through, and the next, a tale would start out calm and uplifting, but then in the very last few lines, it took a sudden turn that made me question what I just read to the point where I had to go back to reread immediately to see if I missed any clues! And let me tell you, the hints that were dropped in some tales that I did totally missed were awesome to see the second time around!
Another element that I loved was how timely some of the stories were with the current events they tackled, while others were more timeless.
Here are my quick thoughts on each tale:
The Frosts – An Introduction – 5/5
This intro featured a man named Adam Frost and his ticked off daughter, Sutton, as they were driving somewhere. This was short and sweet, but oooh was I intrigued! I couldn’t wait to see where this was going from here!
This intro featured a man named Adam Frost and his ticked off daughter, Sutton, as they were driving somewhere. This was short and sweet, but oooh was I intrigued! I couldn’t wait to see where this was going from here!
Drips – 5/5
I love a Halloween tale, so this one certainly had my attention. I was so excited for Billy to get some candy, as it was obvious he could really use a treat. But oh man, what a nightmare. This poor kid!
I love a Halloween tale, so this one certainly had my attention. I was so excited for Billy to get some candy, as it was obvious he could really use a treat. But oh man, what a nightmare. This poor kid!
Last Breaths – 5/5
Phew, this one was timely. I loved this character, Henry.
Phew, this one was timely. I loved this character, Henry.
Zukes – 4/5
Jason, who was forced to work at his stepfathers cinema, hates the job mainly due to the customers. I can’t say I blame him after seeing how people act at the movies. But I’m very thankful that I have never witnessed anything remotely close to what happens in this tale. Yikes!
Jason, who was forced to work at his stepfathers cinema, hates the job mainly due to the customers. I can’t say I blame him after seeing how people act at the movies. But I’m very thankful that I have never witnessed anything remotely close to what happens in this tale. Yikes!
The Five-Day Fisherman – 5/5
Content Warnings: Please feel free to reach out to me for specifics here!
Oh my god. I can’t even add any other notes here, you just need to read this one to feel the emotions. This one is so powerful.
Content Warnings: Please feel free to reach out to me for specifics here!
Oh my god. I can’t even add any other notes here, you just need to read this one to feel the emotions. This one is so powerful.
Adam Frost – 5/5
Another story about Adam and his daughter, Sutton. This time, Adam received a phone call with information that he can’t pass up. Oh gosh, I’m so nervous to see where this goes next.
Another story about Adam and his daughter, Sutton. This time, Adam received a phone call with information that he can’t pass up. Oh gosh, I’m so nervous to see where this goes next.
Regress – 4/5
When a man who has hit an amazing milestone in his sobriety is brushed aside by his girlfriend, he makes some pretty poor decisions. Phew, this one took quite a turn that I didn’t see coming!
When a man who has hit an amazing milestone in his sobriety is brushed aside by his girlfriend, he makes some pretty poor decisions. Phew, this one took quite a turn that I didn’t see coming!
Storage Facility – 5/5
There has always been something very creepy to me about storage units. This tale did not help that fear. What an ending!!
There has always been something very creepy to me about storage units. This tale did not help that fear. What an ending!!
Mister Shotgun – 5/5
Oofh. My heart.
Oofh. My heart.
Samsara – 4/5
When a woman trying to run from herself visits a shop while waiting to get into a brewery that hasn’t opened for the day yet, she’s haunted by something… I felt for this woman at first, then I was rooting for her husband!
When a woman trying to run from herself visits a shop while waiting to get into a brewery that hasn’t opened for the day yet, she’s haunted by something… I felt for this woman at first, then I was rooting for her husband!
Sutton Frost – 4/5
Ah, a tale that gives us some insight into the daughters mind! This poor girl. I hope we see her snap out of this funk soon.
Ah, a tale that gives us some insight into the daughters mind! This poor girl. I hope we see her snap out of this funk soon.
The Aged Man – 5/5
Oh this poor soul. My heart breaks for them.
Oh this poor soul. My heart breaks for them.
Freewrite Friday – 5/5
On her last day of work, this teacher does what she has never done before; she takes part in freewrite Friday. When she begins her tale, she tells her class that her story is either fiction or nonfiction, and that they can decide. I love how dark this one felt, even in the early stages, and it just got darker from there! That last line!!
On her last day of work, this teacher does what she has never done before; she takes part in freewrite Friday. When she begins her tale, she tells her class that her story is either fiction or nonfiction, and that they can decide. I love how dark this one felt, even in the early stages, and it just got darker from there! That last line!!
Red Couch – 5/5
This tale focuses on two middle-aged women who both have urgent matters that they need to resolve. When they cross paths, things get interesting. I am obsessed with this story and how it begins and ends with a very similar passage!
This tale focuses on two middle-aged women who both have urgent matters that they need to resolve. When they cross paths, things get interesting. I am obsessed with this story and how it begins and ends with a very similar passage!
Taunt That Witch – 5/5
When a girl long-boarding takes a tumble near the grave of a rumored witch, she doesn’t just fix the area and get out of there. Of course not. Instead, she taunts the witch and that goes about as well as you can imagine. This one made me cringe!
When a girl long-boarding takes a tumble near the grave of a rumored witch, she doesn’t just fix the area and get out of there. Of course not. Instead, she taunts the witch and that goes about as well as you can imagine. This one made me cringe!
Adam and Sutton – 5/5
And the plot thickens with these two!!
And the plot thickens with these two!!
Crunchy Bits – 4/5
Oh lord. Stories like this make me want to avoid candy shops forever. You just never know who is running the shop!
Oh lord. Stories like this make me want to avoid candy shops forever. You just never know who is running the shop!
Homage – 5/5
Content Warning: Dog death
When this woman decides to kill a dog, her interest in murder is sparked. She goes on to kill others as chosen by random. She seems to be covering her tracks, but she isn’t necessarily trying to. Will she get caught? I loved how dark and terrifying this one was! My gosh, some of her murders…. This one is going to haunt me.
Content Warning: Dog death
When this woman decides to kill a dog, her interest in murder is sparked. She goes on to kill others as chosen by random. She seems to be covering her tracks, but she isn’t necessarily trying to. Will she get caught? I loved how dark and terrifying this one was! My gosh, some of her murders…. This one is going to haunt me.
Stalker 101 – 5/5
When a man’s mother passed away suddenly, he realizes that he needs to make some major changes. To start, he makes a list of things he’s never done. When he starts taking action, I was so proud of him! I wanted him to turn his life around. But of course, with a title like Stalker 101, I should have known better!
When a man’s mother passed away suddenly, he realizes that he needs to make some major changes. To start, he makes a list of things he’s never done. When he starts taking action, I was so proud of him! I wanted him to turn his life around. But of course, with a title like Stalker 101, I should have known better!
Adam vs Sutton – 4/5
Ugh someone needs to tell Sutton the full story here! And quick! Her attitude is not getting anyone anywhere fast.
Ugh someone needs to tell Sutton the full story here! And quick! Her attitude is not getting anyone anywhere fast.
Revenge Tour – 5/5
When the virus was still new, our main character finds himself infected. But rather than listening to the doctor, he does the exact opposite. Phew, this one will make your blood boil. What a timely and horrific take that’s very realistic… it will break your heart.
When the virus was still new, our main character finds himself infected. But rather than listening to the doctor, he does the exact opposite. Phew, this one will make your blood boil. What a timely and horrific take that’s very realistic… it will break your heart.
Under Surveillance – 4/5
Content Warning: Cheating
This one is from the perspective of the cat, and what a good cat it is. With such loyalty to the man he calls the innocent one, this cat will do anything he can to show the innocent one what is really going on.
Content Warning: Cheating
This one is from the perspective of the cat, and what a good cat it is. With such loyalty to the man he calls the innocent one, this cat will do anything he can to show the innocent one what is really going on.
Pressure Cooker – 4/5
A bride getting ready to tie the knot isn’t the nervous but excited bride that she was hoping to be. Instead, she’s got some inner turmoil going. Wow… You need to experience this story. Good luck.
A bride getting ready to tie the knot isn’t the nervous but excited bride that she was hoping to be. Instead, she’s got some inner turmoil going. Wow… You need to experience this story. Good luck.
Rebecca Frost – 5/5
Phew! What a heartbreaking story. So much from the previous stories with these two makes total sense now. I love where this one went!
Phew! What a heartbreaking story. So much from the previous stories with these two makes total sense now. I love where this one went!
Epilogue – 5/5
What a conclusion!! The line that ties everything together! SO WELL DONE!
What a conclusion!! The line that ties everything together! SO WELL DONE!
My Favorite Passage from All Things Deadly
I had more quotes noted, but they were all spoilers! So please enjoy this one:
She was on the run from herself, and no one but her knew it.
My Final Thoughts About All Things Deadly
While I would put this collection solidly in the horror category, it’s a collection that is sure to provoke a variety of emotional responses. Some tales will make you feel uncomfortable, some will spook you, some will downright terrify you or disgust you, while others will make you smile, and some will make you laugh.
There’s truly something here for everyone!
I cannot recommend this one highly enough! I had a blast reading these tales and already can’t wait to revisit them again soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Car accident, Child death, Dementia, Infidelity, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Murder, Self harm, Stalking, and Suicide
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