The Old Weird South

by Tim Westover (Editor), Camille Alexa (contributor), Josh Strnad (contributor)

This collection of twenty four new stories explores the supernatural side of the American South. Stretching from the Civil War to the present day, these stories visit mysterious bingo parlors and meet devils at the crossroads; they see battles in Florida’s citrus orchards and explore haunted bed & breakfasts. The authors included here speak with as many voices as the South itself, sometimes with great literary skill and sometimes spinning yarns from the front porch. The Old Weird South showcases the eerie, spooky, macabre, and supernatural that is an essential part of the character and literature of the South.

Contents:
"Ghost Dog of Georgia" by Camille Alexa
"To Gnaw the Bones of the Wolf-Mother" by Sean Taylor
"Yalobusha County, 1862" by Ken Teutsch
"Yankees in Georgia: Chasing Ghosts and the General along the Old W&A Railroad" by Lewis Powell IV
"A Hunnerd Dollars, Gold" by Peter Mehren
"The South, Rise Again" by DL Thurston
"The Dragon and the Shark" by David Boop
"Matty and the Grey Man" by Lara Ek
"Railroad Bill" by Janice Croom
"Passage" by Daniel Powell
"The Devil at the Crossroads" by Wenonah Lyon
"A Busy Day for the Bayou Banshee" by Herb Shallcross
"The Spook Light" by Jay Rogers
"That Damned Game" by Kristina R. Mosley
"Tennessee Ghosts" by Stephen Newton
"The Gift of Understanding" by Sherry Fasano
"Bradford House" by Laura Haddock
"Storm Fronts" by Michael Hodges
"The Healer" by Josh Strnad
"A True Story about the Devil and Jamie's Shoes" by Megan Engelhardt
"Murdock" by Chris Dezarn
"Underwater" by Erin Mundy
"The End of Grace" by Meriah Lysistrata Crawford
"Florida Natural" by Ben Bowlin

Genres: Short Stories, Supernatural

216 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2012

Reviews

[April Loebick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Old Weird South is an anthology of southern short stories edited by Tim Westover. The twenty-four narratives contained within are tales of monsters and haints, ghosts and witches, and the just plain unexplainable. It is a collection of short-stories, though, which almost by definition means that there will be varying degrees of “good.” And which stories are considered good will change from person to person, but that’s what’s great about this type of collection—you’re bound to find at least a couple of stories that you enjoy.

My two favorites are “Ghost Dog of Georgia” by Camille Alexa and “Murdock” by Chris Dezarn, and I enjoyed them for very different reasons. Alexa’s story is about a ghost dog that saves people with each story revolving around fire and smoke. Dezarn’s story is a bit creepier and has a deeper meaning about greed and sacrifice.

In my mind, there was only one story that didn’t quite fit in with the others and that was the last, “Florida Natural.” It’s a story of violence and mayhem that’s all based off a goofy orange juice commercial from 2006. The source material is too obscure and the story that it inspires is just a bit too “out there” for me, but hey, that’s just me. It might be someone else’s favorite.
If you’re into ghost stories or southern lit, I suggest picking this title up. It is a great addition to any library and good for a quick read or to just pick up when the mood for something odd or spooky strikes. This book would be a perfect book to leave for guests in the many rental cabins that dot the Southern Appalachian area.

(Review from loebick.com)

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky and Unique!

This is a great book of short stories that capture the wonderful, quirky, weird place that is the South! I have spent many a happy time listening to stories, learning folklore of my home state of NC as well as my adopted state of Virginia. If you enjoyed those times too, you will love this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

Loved the short stories. I heard many growing up. Some of the old people told the stories like they were real. I grew up around ghosts, and so I can say, that I can believe the stories. You have to ask yourself, did this really happen? These are some great stories, to read for yourself, or to children, as they should continue on to the younger generation.

[Suellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic collection of southern folklore and urban legends. It was a special treat for me because I have never heard any of these stories before. The tales are presented in chronological order beginning with Native American folklore and ending with more modern legends. 4-Stars

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing

This book was not at all what I expected! I was thinking Savannah or Charleston ghost stories, or Appalachian Haints! I don't believe in ghosts, but I DO enjoy a good ghost story! Sadly, I cannot recommend this book. I had so looked forward to reading this!

[Brenda Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were a fan of the old Ripley's Believe It Or Not comics or ghost stories around the campfire then this is the book for you. A fun little read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I really enjoyed seeing the Spook Light of SWMO in this collection.

Also, Florida Natural should be made into a movie.

[Bethanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband is featured in this one. Murdock by Chris Dezarn.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 / 5 Stars

Well this sure is a grab-bag of storytelling-- there's the good, the not-so-good, and then whatever the actual fuck that Florida Natural story was.

I enjoyed a lot of these shorts. The highlights for me were: The Ghost Dog of Georgia; To Gnaw the Bones of the Wolf-Mother; Yalobusha County, 1862; Passage; Storm Fronts; Murdock; and The End of Grace.
These were original and well-written, and I plan to look up these contributors to find more of their work.

There were a few that seemed more like scribbled notes or plans for a future project, or a couple paragraphs in a tourist book about the legends and folklore of the area that you'd find by the register in a gas station.

And then, again, there was that weird-ass orange juice story. I mean, wtf? I can potentially see the merit of it on its own-- but I wouldn't have put it in with the rest of these stories, it really threw off the vibe and tone of the collection and left a weird, unpleasant (citrusy, lol) taste in my mouth. That one's gonna have me feeling off-kilter for the rest of the day. :/

[Mrspam4ever · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was awesome & I cannot wait to pass it on to my friends who loves ghost stories! She will love it too. I like the title also and the history behind the stories.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories were good, some not. Some fictions, some nonfiction regional ghostly tales. The last story did not jve with me and I felt was about a ghost, just not a ghost-ghost.

[Chip Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories were great to read one or two at a time.