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A review by rogue_lurker
Haunted Hearths & Sapphic Shades: Lesbian Ghost Stories by Suzan Tessier, Lyn McConchie, Kathleen Bradean, L.C. Jordan, Catherine Lundoff, Ka Vang, Marilyn Jaye Lewis, M.E. Cooper, Brenta Blevins, Sacchi Green, M. Christian, Lynne Jamneck, Selina Rosen, Jean Roberta, Elise Matthesen, Kaite Welsh, Dayle A. Dermatis, Melissa Scott
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.