Reviews

The Darkling Halls of Ivy by David Morrell, Joe R. Lansdale, Ian Rankin

pbanditp's review against another edition

3.0

This collection of tales associated with higher learning had to be good. With authors like Joe R. Lansdale and Owen King it was supposed to be on the “darker end of the spectrum”. These stories were anything from professors trying to keep tenure to freshman just trying to figure how things work.
Unfortunately I found most of the tales immediately forgettable and only 7 out of 18 did I give 4 stars or higher out of 5.
Goon #4 by Tod Goldberg was my only 5 star because it was fun, the characters were enjoyable and it had a great pace.

mimicry's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

My favorite is Seanan McGuire’s story “Foundational Education”. She’s the reason I bought it, so no surprise there. :)

honeymonster's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Some of these stories are really disturbing.  Joe R. Lansdale's and Seanan McGuire's really kinda freaked me out.  Which I guess is good, because they're the reason I read this book in the first place?

nici2023's review against another edition

3.0

I loved the idea of this book. Short mysteries/thrillers set at Ivy League schools. Some off the first stories were slow getting through. They didn't make sense and didn't grab my attention. However, there were several stories that I enjoyed that redeemed this book for me.