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My Apologies to Tanya Grace
Tanya Grace is missing, and nobody seems to care.
When aspiring novelist, Mallory Brennan, moves back to her hometown to focus on her writing, the last thing she wants is to get tangled up with anyone from her past. This proves impossible when Mallory becomes the only person who can see Tanya’s ghost.
Repressed memories begin resurfacing and Mallory finds herself wracked with survivor’s guilt. Was she somehow responsible for Tanya’s death? Why else does she find herself so haunted? Mallory seeks the answers, along with justice for Tanya.
But what will it truly take for her to rid herself of the ghost once and for all?
When aspiring novelist, Mallory Brennan, moves back to her hometown to focus on her writing, the last thing she wants is to get tangled up with anyone from her past. This proves impossible when Mallory becomes the only person who can see Tanya’s ghost.
Repressed memories begin resurfacing and Mallory finds herself wracked with survivor’s guilt. Was she somehow responsible for Tanya’s death? Why else does she find herself so haunted? Mallory seeks the answers, along with justice for Tanya.
But what will it truly take for her to rid herself of the ghost once and for all?
- GenresHorror
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 4, 2024
Cat Voleur continues to come up with apparently easy reads that turn quickly into nightmarish journeys through a haunted mind. This time we are thrown right into the story and introduced to a female narrator, Mal, who almost immediately starts bemoaning her life, after having moved back to her hometown along with her boyfriend, who's coincidentally found an opening for work there. Alone in their appartment due to the boyfriend's commitments elsewhere, Mal, aspiring to spend her time writing, gets drowned instead in bad memories, little details of her life in high school, and guilt and regret for some mysterious drama in her past. Slowly, the cast multiplies, and the tale goes into something of an epistolary character, the style of writing transforming into a journal-type of narrative. A lot of the story seems to be grounded on mood rather than fact, but before you know it, Voleur has managed to fit a good deal of (both bizarre and ordinary) happenings into the story without overcrowding the novella or dragging things on with needless filler: Mal's deep unhappiness combines with her complicated back story to inform the reader that she's being haunted by a former girlfriend. The novella turns rather dark from that point on, till the twist in the ending.
This is a book I highly recommend for queer horror fans who enjoy their horror both spooky and entertaining. I stayed up most of the night reading this because I didn't want to stop. Excellent stuff from a unique imagination!
This is a book I highly recommend for queer horror fans who enjoy their horror both spooky and entertaining. I stayed up most of the night reading this because I didn't want to stop. Excellent stuff from a unique imagination!
June 24, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is a horror novella written by Cat Voleur, and published by Slashic Horror Press. A novella which features a really interesting narrative voice, unexpected twists and that makes an excellent labour exploring survivor's guilt through the main character.
The story follows Mallory Brennan, an aspiring writer who has returned to her hometown in order to focus on her writing; however, she didn't expect this return to resurface old memories from the past. She's now plagued by the ghost of a high school friend, and Mallory is unsure about why; uncovering the truth is the logical answer for our character.
In this process, we will see how Mallory starts dealing with her own share of survivor's guilt; Voleur deeply explores trauma in this piece, and how it affects the person. In the style of gothic classics, the novella includes some twists that are hinted during the read, but which enhance the enjoyment while keeping the spotlight on mental health problems.
As the novella is told in first person, we have a unique insight into Mallory's thoughts and memories, slowly unleashing the gravity of the truth; I feel it could have been a longer piece, with more character development, but it's really well balanced.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is an excellent horror novella which explores difficult themes such as trauma and survivor's guilt in really smart ways; it's my first read by Cat Voleur, but it won't be the last, as she has shown her talent as author in this book.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is a horror novella written by Cat Voleur, and published by Slashic Horror Press. A novella which features a really interesting narrative voice, unexpected twists and that makes an excellent labour exploring survivor's guilt through the main character.
The story follows Mallory Brennan, an aspiring writer who has returned to her hometown in order to focus on her writing; however, she didn't expect this return to resurface old memories from the past. She's now plagued by the ghost of a high school friend, and Mallory is unsure about why; uncovering the truth is the logical answer for our character.
In this process, we will see how Mallory starts dealing with her own share of survivor's guilt; Voleur deeply explores trauma in this piece, and how it affects the person. In the style of gothic classics, the novella includes some twists that are hinted during the read, but which enhance the enjoyment while keeping the spotlight on mental health problems.
As the novella is told in first person, we have a unique insight into Mallory's thoughts and memories, slowly unleashing the gravity of the truth; I feel it could have been a longer piece, with more character development, but it's really well balanced.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is an excellent horror novella which explores difficult themes such as trauma and survivor's guilt in really smart ways; it's my first read by Cat Voleur, but it won't be the last, as she has shown her talent as author in this book.
May 27, 2024
This was a very eerie and unsettling read that had me fully entranced with Mallory’s story and what would come next. Cat Voleur has a writing style that truly entices readers with the attention to detail and setting the overall mood for the entire story. It felt authentic and raw.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is a story about guilt, trauma and ultimately making the right choices in life. This story had quite the twist and went an entirely different direction than I anticipated.
This was my first time reading anything from Cat and it definitely won’t be my last!
My Apologies to Tanya Grace releases on June 15, 2024.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is a story about guilt, trauma and ultimately making the right choices in life. This story had quite the twist and went an entirely different direction than I anticipated.
This was my first time reading anything from Cat and it definitely won’t be my last!
My Apologies to Tanya Grace releases on June 15, 2024.
May 27, 2024
A dark and strange little story. It's very well written, gripping, and leaves you breathless! I really didn't see that twist coming.
September 14, 2024
Mallory Brennan has returned to her hometown and sees the ghost of Tanya Grace, a woman she knew before she left.This is a very strange and surreal book about being haunted not only by ghosts, but by the past as well. From now on I am always gonna be interested in reading anything by Cat Voleur. :)
June 9, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
1/1 👻
This book started as a ghostly book. I always have to read them during the day because I get the heebie jeebies. But this one wasn’t as bad as some of them. It didn’t scare me in ways some of the other ghost books do.
Poor Mallory is plagued with an old friends ghost from high school. But why? She is forced to move back to her old town where people she doesn’t particularly like live. Is Tanya’s ghost reaching out to help her or to haunt her. Or is Mallory crazy?
The ending I seen coming only because there were certain clues I picked up one which the writer may or may not have meant to leave. I’m a bloodhound when it comes to twists so I usually get them figured out before they hit which is annoying sometimes. But this one was so satisfying. I was happy to learn I was right.
This is the first book I’ve read by Cat but will not be the last. I liked the way it was written. It flowed well and the story kept me wanting to read it to get to the end.
1/1 👻
This book started as a ghostly book. I always have to read them during the day because I get the heebie jeebies. But this one wasn’t as bad as some of them. It didn’t scare me in ways some of the other ghost books do.
Poor Mallory is plagued with an old friends ghost from high school. But why? She is forced to move back to her old town where people she doesn’t particularly like live. Is Tanya’s ghost reaching out to help her or to haunt her. Or is Mallory crazy?
The ending I seen coming only because there were certain clues I picked up one which the writer may or may not have meant to leave. I’m a bloodhound when it comes to twists so I usually get them figured out before they hit which is annoying sometimes. But this one was so satisfying. I was happy to learn I was right.
This is the first book I’ve read by Cat but will not be the last. I liked the way it was written. It flowed well and the story kept me wanting to read it to get to the end.
May 24, 2024
A dark and brooding ghost story. This is a nice call back to the gothic era of story tellings. Full of twists and turns. With a shocking ending I was not prepared for. Plus an excellent portrayal of what trauma can do to not only us, but those around us. And that even the worst relationships have golden moments. So glad I gave this one a go.
June 16, 2024
A novella that explores how the guilt that haunts us speaks volumes about the person we are.
This is a quick but enthralling read that explores those moments when we should've said or done something and didn't, but more importantly, how feeling guilty about something doesn't actually correct our mistakes, often staring at us right in the face and following us even into our dreams.
I found my self at times relating to the main character, in the sense that I thought back about times and which I might not have been the best person or made the right decision, and wishing I could go back and undo that. Especially when I had enough insight to take action.
The book feels honest, heartfelt, and haunting. Definitely go ahead and give it a read!
This is a quick but enthralling read that explores those moments when we should've said or done something and didn't, but more importantly, how feeling guilty about something doesn't actually correct our mistakes, often staring at us right in the face and following us even into our dreams.
I found my self at times relating to the main character, in the sense that I thought back about times and which I might not have been the best person or made the right decision, and wishing I could go back and undo that. Especially when I had enough insight to take action.
The book feels honest, heartfelt, and haunting. Definitely go ahead and give it a read!
June 12, 2024
My apologies to Tanya Grace is a short psychological suspense story. Our protagonist is dealing with an unresolved trauma experience and believes she is being haunted by a ghost. It is smartly written, and I like the style. The mystery of it keeps the reader following the steady pace. There is an interesting twist at the end, some may guess, but I did not. I am happy with the ending. Overall, it didn't wow me, but it is a good read. I give it 3.5 stars.
#birep #ghost #PTSD #mentalillnessrep #abuseoffpage
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
#birep #ghost #PTSD #mentalillnessrep #abuseoffpage
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
June 11, 2024
My Apologies to Tanya Grace
by Cat Voleur is as emotional as it is haunting. The story follows Mallory Brennan, an aspiring writer who moves back home to focus on her writing but instead ends up drowning in horrible memories that involve the death of a high school friend, Tanya. In doing so, she navigates an emotional journey, including repressed memories that resurface, while also grappling with survivor's guilt and the lingering presence of Tanya's ghost.
Throughout Mallory's account, her guilt significantly influences her actions and decisions as she navigates through her past traumas. She embarks on a quest for justice and closure, driven by the need to unravel the mystery behind Tanya’s death while confronting her demons in the process.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace underscores the lasting implications of dealing with guilt, seeking justice, and finding closure in one’s past. Through Voleur's poignant narrative, readers are reminded of the cathartic power of facing one's demons head-on to find peace and redemption.
This book is exceptionally written, and I wholeheartedly suggest it to those who appreciate and enjoy sapphic ghost stories. It is a story filled with raw emotion that will captivate readers and surprise them with its unexpected ending. I am embarrassed to admit that this is the first book I have read by Cat Voleur, especially since her writing is fantastic. However, I am pleased to say that this book of hers will certainly not be my last.
(Thank you, Slashic Horror Press, for gifting me a copy of this book!)
Throughout Mallory's account, her guilt significantly influences her actions and decisions as she navigates through her past traumas. She embarks on a quest for justice and closure, driven by the need to unravel the mystery behind Tanya’s death while confronting her demons in the process.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace underscores the lasting implications of dealing with guilt, seeking justice, and finding closure in one’s past. Through Voleur's poignant narrative, readers are reminded of the cathartic power of facing one's demons head-on to find peace and redemption.
This book is exceptionally written, and I wholeheartedly suggest it to those who appreciate and enjoy sapphic ghost stories. It is a story filled with raw emotion that will captivate readers and surprise them with its unexpected ending. I am embarrassed to admit that this is the first book I have read by Cat Voleur, especially since her writing is fantastic. However, I am pleased to say that this book of hers will certainly not be my last.
(Thank you, Slashic Horror Press, for gifting me a copy of this book!)
June 15, 2024
**I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I already knew I liked Cat Voleur's work after reading Mon Amour, a short epistolary piece that I also highly recommend, so I was eager to get my hands on this one.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is an eerie quick read that delves into the horror of survivor's guilt (in more ways than one).
I felt like this could have been a full length novel, not as a criticism because the story was told and told well. I just felt a solid foundation had been laid and I would have loved to really delve into the dynamics between characters and Mallory's trauma and see that play out more.
But for its length it really packs a lot in there and once I got into it I couldn't stop reading.
I recommend this book.
Thank you again for the ARC!
I already knew I liked Cat Voleur's work after reading Mon Amour, a short epistolary piece that I also highly recommend, so I was eager to get my hands on this one.
My Apologies to Tanya Grace is an eerie quick read that delves into the horror of survivor's guilt (in more ways than one).
I felt like this could have been a full length novel, not as a criticism because the story was told and told well. I just felt a solid foundation had been laid and I would have loved to really delve into the dynamics between characters and Mallory's trauma and see that play out more.
But for its length it really packs a lot in there and once I got into it I couldn't stop reading.
I recommend this book.
Thank you again for the ARC!
January 10, 2025
"Sometimes the living haunt us the most"
I found this book to be a little confusing but at the same time, a really good novella.
We have the main character, Mallory, & she moves back to her home town. She visits a coffee shop & sees Tanya, someone she knew when she was a teenager. Then she's haunted by Tanya's ghost - she's the only one who can see her.
Repressed memories from Mallory's past begin resurfacing & she finds herself wrecked with survivors guilt. Mallory seeks justice for Tanya.
This does contain snippets of DV.
I found this book to be a little confusing but at the same time, a really good novella.
We have the main character, Mallory, & she moves back to her home town. She visits a coffee shop & sees Tanya, someone she knew when she was a teenager. Then she's haunted by Tanya's ghost - she's the only one who can see her.
Repressed memories from Mallory's past begin resurfacing & she finds herself wrecked with survivors guilt. Mallory seeks justice for Tanya.
This does contain snippets of DV.
June 23, 2024
A fabulous ghost novella from the author Car Voleur.
Mallory returns to live in her hometown but finds her apartment is possessed by a very familiar ghost. While the ghost doesn't say anything or actually do anything...it elicits survivors guilt in Mallory.
There is a great twist at the end and little to no gore or sex. Highly suspenseful!!!
Mallory returns to live in her hometown but finds her apartment is possessed by a very familiar ghost. While the ghost doesn't say anything or actually do anything...it elicits survivors guilt in Mallory.
There is a great twist at the end and little to no gore or sex. Highly suspenseful!!!
June 2, 2024
Another great reading experience from Cat Voleur. I don't know how I didn't see that ending, but I'm glad I didn't because it was so good! Cat continues to craft stories that are so weird, but so accessible and wonderful.
June 18, 2024
A dark, beautifully written story that keeps the reader engaged with its twist and turns and emotive language.
The story follows Mallory Brennan who has just returned to her hometown to focus on a new writing career with her partner who is meant to join her a month later but the future she envisioned is interrupted before it even starts by the ghosts of her past.
The story strongly draws on the lead character Mallory's trauma which affects every decision she makes through the story. Haunted by the past in more ways then one, it's a torturous journey that Mallory undertakes and it's a testament to Cat's writing that you really feel for her and what she's been through and goes through as the story progresses.
An unusual story by done to perfection and well worth your time.
The story follows Mallory Brennan who has just returned to her hometown to focus on a new writing career with her partner who is meant to join her a month later but the future she envisioned is interrupted before it even starts by the ghosts of her past.
The story strongly draws on the lead character Mallory's trauma which affects every decision she makes through the story. Haunted by the past in more ways then one, it's a torturous journey that Mallory undertakes and it's a testament to Cat's writing that you really feel for her and what she's been through and goes through as the story progresses.
An unusual story by done to perfection and well worth your time.
August 16, 2024
Read it all in one sitting!
Cat did a great job at telling a spooky Colombo type story, intrigue seemingly without mystery, in the 21st century.
Looking forward to this book getting an audio!!! It would fit the audiobook/podcast perfectly. Short and sweet!
Cat did a great job at telling a spooky Colombo type story, intrigue seemingly without mystery, in the 21st century.
Looking forward to this book getting an audio!!! It would fit the audiobook/podcast perfectly. Short and sweet!
September 21, 2025
This is a haunting ghost story with a creepy atmosphere that builds throughout, while injecting a mystery element into it that keeps you hooked until you're absolutely bamboozled by the twist ending. It's a unique take on the subgenre that will leave you rethinking various parts of your life.
Read
July 10, 2024Loved this. The narrative easily gets under your skin and keeps you invested throughout. It's a short ride with low development but it's an exciting and memorable rush of paranoia.
September 2, 2024
A strange tale full of darkness and delight - prepare to be unsettled.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews