Book Review: SHALLOW WATERS, HALLOWEEN EDITION

SHALLOW WATERS: HALLOWEEN EDITION anthology by various writers (Crystal Lake Publishing, October 31 2022 release date) Kindle edition, 94 pages. ASIN # BOBGYXGH4D

    This is the ninth entry in the SHALLOW WATERS series of flash fiction horror tales. In addition to the very appropriate release date the selection of Halloween-themed tales is spot on with eleven of these eighteen stories meeting or exceeding expectations, earning this a four-star rating (out of a possible five stars).

     Writing a horror tale within the slim word count requirements of flash fiction is no easy task, and all these authors are to be commended. As expected of flash fiction within the horror genre, many of these stories finish with a twist or surprise ending. Surprisingly, several even manage to build suspense and/or character empathy within that short limitation.

     

     The story that succeeds best at all of these, and my favorite of the collection, is “Shackled To The Shadows” by Richard Thomas, a tale of campfire truth or dare that is gripping, disturbing and worthy of multiple reads (Five Stars). 

     Five other standout tales exceeded expectations. 

•   “Mummys” by Karen Bayly tells of an introverted inventor of a transformative process who meets an unlikely partner.

•     Turnips seem an odd replacement for the Halloween pumpkin, but it works effectively in “Tumshie” by William Meikle.

•       Be careful what you wish for, especially on Halloween night in “Wishing” by Jay Bechtol. 

•       Runner-up to Thomas’ story in the disturbing category is “The Pumpkin Fetch” by Tom Deadly, detailing a dangerous Halloween prank.

•     In  “Apple Tree Man” by Roxie Voorhees those tall ancient trees have a history, not all of it good. 

   Despite all eighteen stories sharing the Halloween theme there is enough diversity within the content here to keep readers engaged and not bored.

   Crystal Lake Publishing sponsors a horror flash fiction writing challenge every month, centered around different themes. Their Patreon supporters read each of them and vote for the best, which are then published in the SHALLOW WATERS anthologies. 

  I received an advance digital review copy from the publisher without obligation. The decision to write a review is mine alone.