Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Diabolica Americana: A Dark States Horror Compendium Editor: Keith Anthony Baird Genre: Horror Published: Oct. 28, 2021 Thank you to the editor for providing a copy to me for review. Overall     Diabolica Americana is a charity anthology that is filled to the brim with the talent of so many great authors writing horror today from all across the United States.  Every story is a different look at America in the most sinister of situations. The stories are varied in when they take place and the horrors within. There are stories about voodoo, witchcraft, creatures, and very real human monsters. These pages will keep you entertained to the last page. There is something in this anthology for every horror reader, and I highly recommend picking it up. Individual Stories The anthology starts with a great Introduction by Eric LaRocca. Night and Day and In Between by Jonathan Janz- 5 stars- Creature story taking place in the silent film era in California with all...

  Title: Peel Back and See Author: Mike Thorn Genre: Horror Published: October 29,2021 by Journalstone Thank you to the author for providing a copy for review. Overall Mike Thorn's new collection of short stories is dark, melancholy, and downright depraved at times. Every story was excellent and varied. Some stories had gothic elements, and others had science fiction elements and technologies. Some of these stories will leave you wondering what is real, and what is imagined. These stories tackle anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, loss, and treatment of different classes.    Individual Stories  Havok- 4 stars- Unknown world with nightmarish creatures live feed on the internet. A great use of technology to create a obsessive dread that is very effective. Mini McDonagh Manor- 5 stars- A grief stricken woman becomes obsessed with her childhood home. Gothic elements add a certain ambiance to this story. Mr. Mucata's Final Requests- 5 stars- An overbearing boss leaves...

  Title: The House of Dust Author: Noah Broyles Genre: Southern Gothic/Folk Horror Published: Inkshares Oct. 5, 2021     I received a copy from NetGalley for review. Thank you to Inkshares, NetGalley, and the author.     A writer for Southern Gothic magazine travels the American South writing articles about the small towns he encounters. His latest town Three Summers, Tennessee may be hiding much more sinister secrets than the average. He uncovers a very strange past that all centers around the people that have lived in The House of Dust over the years.     This story follows multiple perspectives over several different timelines of people who have lived in this old worn down plantation house. These timelines could be hard to follow at times, but became more clear and distinct as the story went on. As a story that covers a century of residents this was not a fast read. At nearly 450 pages it is quite a time investment, but it is an inves...