All Things Deadly: Salem Stories by E.C. Hanson

 

Salem, Massachusetts. A town with a rich history of spirits and witches. It’s a place Adam Frost, a former paranormal investigator, never intended to visit again. But his teenage daughter is troubled and shows early signs of self-harm. Can the trip save their fractured relationship? Only time, and a haunted house, will tell.

All Things Deadly (Salem Stories) is Hanson’s debut horror collection. Surrounding the Frost storyline is a series of tales that utilize the coastal city to ratchet up the chills. Read if you dare.

I try not to compare or contrast authors or their story collections but the foremost thought in my mind after reading this is that it shares a similarity to Goblin by Malerman except that E.C. Hanson didn't forget to connect the stories together at the end.

The main story features a father and his  daughter who barely speaks to him on a road trip to Salem. There they will meet someone who used to be a friend but now seems to be a frenemy. Interspersed are short stories set in or around Salem with a diverse cast of characters, some of who will suffer grisly deaths, or cause the demise of others. There is some dark humor mixed in and some very bizarre situations.  In between these stories we head back to the father/daughter road trip and eventually reach their destination. The reason for this trip is bittersweet and may be what is needed to heal their broken relationship.

This was a quick read, perfect for October or really any time of year you're in the mood to visit Salem.

4 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy from the author with no obligation to write a review.

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