mgncpr's review
5.0
I may be biased, but I liked this anthology. This is a collection of lesbian ghost stories that are more speculative fiction than outright horror - and for that I’m rather grateful. I like horror, but if the book had been focused on terror and gore, many of these stories would have been overlooked and that would be a shame. There’s a very strong line up with stories that give a good range – some spooky, some poignant, some funny, some quirky and some that are rather thought-provoking. A nice mix of stories and styles gives the reader a bit of everything. I’m only going to highlight a few of the stories that stood out for me – these only some of the ones that lingered with me after I put the book down, and I’m sure other readers have other stories that stood out for them.
Spirit Horse Ranch by Sacchi Green – This was an odd story to read for me because I had the opportunity to hear Sacchi read part of it out loud. When I read it, I could still hear her voice. Sacchi has a wonderful narrative style and the details she weaves into the story suck the reader into the story and I was sorry to reach the last page.
A Path to the Woods by Marilyn Jaye Lewis - This was probably the most poignant of the stories – a woman having to deal with the imminent death of her lover. Lewis captures the emotions, grief and guilt very well.
Some Old Lover’s Ghost by Dayle A. Dermatis – Definitely a light-hearted read – kind of a lesbian Ghostbusters. What makes this story stand out is the strong narrator – she’s smart, funny and definitely opinionated. For some reason or other, the word “sassy” comes to mind when I think of this story - and that’s a good thing.
Words Like Candy Conversation Hearts by Kathleen Bradean - This is a rather quirky story that revolves around a mischievous (malicious), bored (petulant) and acquisitive (jealous) ghost who lives in a bookstore. I will admit that this was my favourite story of the anthology. What can I say; I like quirky and inventive stories – and this one fits the bill.
City of the Dead by Kaite Walsh – There’s a nice gothic feel to this story about a tour guide whose obsession with a ghost leads her down a dangerous path.
Airtight by L C Jordan – A bit of spookiness, a bit of mystery, a bit of romance and a bit of humour – all are blended in to make a great story.
Focus of Desire by Elise Matheson – How can you not like the story of a woman who collects antique vibrators. If that’s not enough to make you read the story, you’ll be a fool. This story didn’t go where I was expecting it to and the direction the author takes is quite inventive and clever.
The Oath by Lynne Jamneck – This one sticks with me because it left me with more questions than answers. The story is almost a series of vignettes – snapshots of a cursed town and the people living in it. My hope is that this is the basis of a novel.
Spirit Horse Ranch by Sacchi Green – This was an odd story to read for me because I had the opportunity to hear Sacchi read part of it out loud. When I read it, I could still hear her voice. Sacchi has a wonderful narrative style and the details she weaves into the story suck the reader into the story and I was sorry to reach the last page.
A Path to the Woods by Marilyn Jaye Lewis - This was probably the most poignant of the stories – a woman having to deal with the imminent death of her lover. Lewis captures the emotions, grief and guilt very well.
Some Old Lover’s Ghost by Dayle A. Dermatis – Definitely a light-hearted read – kind of a lesbian Ghostbusters. What makes this story stand out is the strong narrator – she’s smart, funny and definitely opinionated. For some reason or other, the word “sassy” comes to mind when I think of this story - and that’s a good thing.
Words Like Candy Conversation Hearts by Kathleen Bradean - This is a rather quirky story that revolves around a mischievous (malicious), bored (petulant) and acquisitive (jealous) ghost who lives in a bookstore. I will admit that this was my favourite story of the anthology. What can I say; I like quirky and inventive stories – and this one fits the bill.
City of the Dead by Kaite Walsh – There’s a nice gothic feel to this story about a tour guide whose obsession with a ghost leads her down a dangerous path.
Airtight by L C Jordan – A bit of spookiness, a bit of mystery, a bit of romance and a bit of humour – all are blended in to make a great story.
Focus of Desire by Elise Matheson – How can you not like the story of a woman who collects antique vibrators. If that’s not enough to make you read the story, you’ll be a fool. This story didn’t go where I was expecting it to and the direction the author takes is quite inventive and clever.
The Oath by Lynne Jamneck – This one sticks with me because it left me with more questions than answers. The story is almost a series of vignettes – snapshots of a cursed town and the people living in it. My hope is that this is the basis of a novel.
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