Brockmeier presents 100 extremely short ghost stories, in one average sized volume, representing a range in tone from unsettling to terrifying. Readers know they are encountering ghost stories, so they are primed to feel uneasy meaning even with an economy of words, these tales still pack a fearful punch. Despite the episodic format, the book as a whole is extremely cohesive thanks to the stories being thoughtfully organized into 11 categories such as “Ghosts and Family,” or “Ghosts and Belief;” groupings that help frame the entire book. But this categorization is no gimmick. Brockmeier doubles down, including a compendium after the last story which groups the tales into different thematic areas such as ghosts and plants or animals or technology. Readers could use this index, go back and encounter the book in a whole new order, and have a completely different, but equally as enjoyable, reading experience. The stories themselves are gems; modern, haunted treasures to be discovered no matter the order in which they are encountered. A great option for readers who enjoy horror flash fiction like in Tiny Nightmares edited by Michel and Nieto and those who want more modern takes on the classic ghost story tradition as seen in Echoes edited by Ellen Datlow.
YA Statement: These ultra short ghost stories feature coming-of-age themes in fairly high numbers. Teens will be drawn to the format as well as the storylines. The episodic nature of the entire volume means they can easily skip those stories that are less appealing.
Further Appeal: I cannot stress enough how fun the various indexes and compendiums are. The lists of stories with different features, themes, or even the appearance of an animal are amazing. The mix and match potential is endless. But again, I cannot stress enough, it is NOT a gimmick. I was impressed by the level of detail Brockmeier put into the book as a single volume.
Flash horror is a big trend right now. It is accessible and terrifying but in an original way. Authors cannot take pages to build the dread, while at the same time, shocking violence feels cheap with the limited word count. Writers have to work to make you feel the fear, but quickly.
As a result, the horror here [and in the very best of flash horror] is immediate and immersive. The fear lingers and yet it also propels you on to the next story. And it is a great reading option for distracted times.
The cover and small illustrations included throughout are also excellent. This is a book that will draw readers in on its title and cover alone when you display it, and thankfully, the product itself is 100% worth the interest the packaging piques.
Three Words That Describe This Book: episodic, unease, thought provoking
Readalikes: The ghost story is making a huge comeback as authors take on this old trope with new vigor. Both collections I listed above are top notch examples and you can find many more authors in their TOCs; however, a few more of my favorite modern ghost stories include:
- Midnight Doorways by Usman T. Malik: This story collection features tales that contemplate hauntings and ghosts with a strong coming of age theme.
- Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones: A novella, coming of age ghost story.
- The Perfectly Fine House by Stephen Kozeniewski and Wile E Young: An original twist on the trope-- the one un-haunted house in the world.
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