Women of Horror Anthology, Book 2
Other Books Reviewed in this Series:
Synopsis:
In Graveyard Smash you will step through the prettiest cemetery gates you’ve ever seen and experience tombstone raves and widow’s dances, Japanese snow-spirits, Aztec bruja and temple goddesses, vengeful ghosts, djinn and cannibals, vampire hunters, plague bearers, graverobbers, and terrors beyond reason. Read through the night as the dead rise from boneyards all around the world!
FRIGHTGIRL SUMMER RECOMMENDED READING!
Edition:
E-ARC
Disclaimer:
I received a copy of Graveyard Smash from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This did not impact the content of my review in any way.
My Thoughts:
As usual, since Graveyard Smash is an anthology we will go right into looking at each entry.
The Stories:
Foreword by Doc Holocausto
I was a little nonplussed to see another foreword written by a man, but I actually ended up liking this foreword quite a bit. The author talks about Lillith, and her biblical role as the “mother of monsters,” and how the women who wrote for this anthology are fulfilling that same role.
Holes by R.A. Busby
This was such an intense story. And it takes place during a pandemic (it’s not mentioned if this is supposed to be the current COVID-pandie or not). Anyway, fair warning if you’re trypophobic, you’re gonna have a bad time with this one.
Until There’s Nothing Left by J.A.W. McCarthy
A necromancer, a ghost in the woods, and a woman who just can’t let go of her beloved sister. I really enjoyed this story. We’re off to a great start here!
Two’s Company, Three’s a Shroud by Catherine McCarthy
A man finds that life after death has pretty much all of the same pitfalls as what came before. Especially now that crowding has caused the need for stacked burial sites.
Smash and Grab by Demi-Louise Blackburn
An imoverished, unhappy man finds himself graverobbing with a coworker just to make ends meet.
The Clockmaker by Sonora Taylor
A prideful watchmaker is hired to make a very unique timepiece for a very sinister customer.
Love You to Death by Yolanda Sfetsos
A romantic, terrifying, action-packed bit of mythic seige-horror. This was so creative, and such an enjoyable story!
Waiting at the Dance by Dona Fox
A generation-spanning, magical, and spooky love story.
The Crumbling Grave by Cassidy Frost
A troubled man is made to pay for his sins, and a woman gets a whole new lease on life.
Cicada Song by Michelle Renee Lane
Anna can hear the cicadas outside. And they’re telling her she must kill her younger sister.
Temple Mayor by V Castro
Ritual human sacrifice in a post-pandemic world. I suspect V could write an instruction manual and I’d devour it. Seriously, how is she so good?
The Child by Carmen Vaca
A family descended from Aztecs. A mother, daughter, and granddaughter (crone, mother, maiden, ya know?). This trio is descended from queens. A folkloric tale that deals in magic numbers and visionaries. It’s absolutely beautiful.
The Roll of the Dice by Beverly Lee
Beverly Lee is another author whose work consistently impresses me. This story deals in balance. Vague, I know. But I’ll also say there is a “miracle baby” and a faceless companion.
Graveyard of the Lost by Tracy Fahey
An American archaeology student working on a research paper in Ireland seeks a mysterious burial ground known as the Graveyard of the Lost.
The Snow Woman by Susan McCauley
The Japanese Queen of all Snow Spirits is released from her prison and terror ensues.
Night of the Djinn by Ksenia Murray
Some teens want to go “full goth” by sacrificing a black cat they found in a cemetery to Satan. Both boo and sigh. This one had some bizarre dialogue, and as you might have noticed, I wasn’t wild about the “full goth” = murdering animals in the name of Satan storyline.
Don’t Scream (You’ll Wake the Dead) by Christy Aldridge
A ghoulish cemetery. This one had a lot of clever horror nods, but it ultimately fell flat for me.
Thirty Questions by Dawn DeBraal
A woman sets out to discover who killed her cousin.
The Chimes at Midnight by Paula R.C. Readman
A really lovely gothic ghost story with some truly haunting imagery. I particularly enjoyed this one.
The Invitation by Janine Pipe
Amber is invited to the party of the year. But she’s not going to have a good time.
South Dakota by Lydia Prime
A frozen lake holds terrifying magic below its surface, and a young girl finds an unexpected friend there who she is determined to set free.
Atmosphere by Ally Peirse
Terror at a Leeds brewery circa 1990. This was an unexpectedly fun, and incredibly visceral story.
Rating:
There were a lot of really strong stories here. Like any anthology, some of the entries were misses for me, but overall, I really enjoyed Graveyard Smash!
Graveyard Smash Women in Horror Anthology #2 Edited by Jill Girardi Kandisha Press Published: July 20, 2020 ISBN: 9798666526965 Paperback, E-book 324 Pages Publisher's Website
I need to read this one of these days! There are always so many books screaming my name.
Omg I know. My TBR is already insane, and EVERY DAY new stuff comes out that I can’t imagine living without. 😅