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Not Everyone Stays in the Light
This collection of gloomy, thought-provoking, very short stories from the mind of Ann Butler's alter ego, The Book Griffin, introduces you to 11 instances of inexplicable or ghostly occurrences.
There's revenge, redemption and sometimes just disquiet.
Take the unnerving tale of a child warned never to talk about duppies, add the narration of a 19th century labourer who went to find work and never came back, mix in a warning about the malevolent entity that haunts a town off the Irish coast. Throw in more stories along the same vein and stir.
Enjoy these 11 haunting short stories with the duvet wrapped tight and a box of tissues handy.
There's revenge, redemption and sometimes just disquiet.
Take the unnerving tale of a child warned never to talk about duppies, add the narration of a 19th century labourer who went to find work and never came back, mix in a warning about the malevolent entity that haunts a town off the Irish coast. Throw in more stories along the same vein and stir.
Enjoy these 11 haunting short stories with the duvet wrapped tight and a box of tissues handy.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This collection is a must-read due to its unsettling setting and clever writing style. Certain stories evoke a sense of unease, while others are marked by sadness. The writing is polished and fast-paced.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
This collection is a must-read due to its unsettling setting and clever writing style. Certain stories evoke a sense of unease, while others are marked by sadness. The writing is polished and fast-paced.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
February 1, 2026
At just less than 90 pages, Not Everyone Stays in the Light by A.N. Butler is a short, quick read full of multiple spooky stories and ghosts. While I personally didn't find it to be very spooky, some of the stories could definitely cross that line. Honestly, I found them to be more sad than anything.
Obviously, I dove into this one late at night, as one does when reading or watching spooning things. I love stories and ghosts as much as the next gal; however, I ultimately couldn't get into the story. After the first two stories, I found myself getting bored. It just wasn't for me, but that's okay! 2 stars. Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
Reminder!!!: Just because a story wasn't for me, doesn't mean that it doesn't have the potential to be your next 5-star read! Please check it out and decide for yourself<3
Obviously, I dove into this one late at night, as one does when reading or watching spooning things. I love stories and ghosts as much as the next gal; however, I ultimately couldn't get into the story. After the first two stories, I found myself getting bored. It just wasn't for me, but that's okay! 2 stars. Thank you for the ARC opportunity!
Reminder!!!: Just because a story wasn't for me, doesn't mean that it doesn't have the potential to be your next 5-star read! Please check it out and decide for yourself<3
January 24, 2026
ARC review.
This collection of stories is written in a clever, engaging style that kept me unsettled throughout. Each story carries a sense of unease, often mixed with quiet sadness. The prose is tightly woven and atmospheric, making it an easy read while still emotionally impactful.
Thank you Whimsywordspr for sending this over.
This collection of stories is written in a clever, engaging style that kept me unsettled throughout. Each story carries a sense of unease, often mixed with quiet sadness. The prose is tightly woven and atmospheric, making it an easy read while still emotionally impactful.
Thank you Whimsywordspr for sending this over.
March 2, 2026
I liked this alot, most of the stories were really good, there was one or two that read like a kid with bad grammar, I don't know if the author was tring to convey that the character in the story spoke with an accent or something, but it just didn't do well for me. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
Thank you Whimsy Words PR for this ARC.
I would like to start that I did enjoy this overall, a bunch of short ghost stories that explored a multitude of different themes. I did however find they fell flat in a few - they just needed somethingggg else?
I enjoyed that each chapter had its own unique writing to really bring the characters accent and personality into it.
Overall, an interesting read but this writing style may not be for me and that’s okay ☺️
I would like to start that I did enjoy this overall, a bunch of short ghost stories that explored a multitude of different themes. I did however find they fell flat in a few - they just needed somethingggg else?
I enjoyed that each chapter had its own unique writing to really bring the characters accent and personality into it.
Overall, an interesting read but this writing style may not be for me and that’s okay ☺️
Review of advance copy
Thanks to whimsywords PR and the author for letting me review this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very short and easy read, full of creepy stories. Only around 90 pages or so, with 11 short stories featuring unique tropes in each.
Final Navigators – 3/5
A story about an ancient canal worker who wants to let his family know what happened to him. This gave a good start to the book. However, I felt that it ended rather abruptly. It would’ve been even better if the closure was built up differently.
Bluebell Woods – 4/5
A story of a daughter who grieves her father, only to realise he’s always watching over her. This was such a heartwarming story. The best part about this was the emotional connection the characters could establish, even with this being a short story. I quite liked it despite the accent used for narration (more on this as we go on).
The Greenhouse – 3/5
A story of a woman who gets excited about a new greenhouse installed in her house, only to realise she has woken up ghosts from her past in the process. I really liked the way this story built up, but sadly it didn’t materialize for me in the end. I felt the ending to be rather abrupt in this one too. There were several loose threads that didn’t seem essential, even for an open ending.
The No-Place – 2.5/5
This is about a woman who waits to avenge her partner after he destroyed her life. This had better closure compared to the other stories, but the lead-up and the story itself fell a bit flat for me.
The Truth Will Set Me Free – 2.5/5
A story about a maid set in the 1920s who was wrongfully executed for a crime she didn’t commit. This had so much potential, but I felt that the narrative didn’t quite do justice to the plot. Also, the use of accent here was actually deterring the reading experience.
Bounce – 1.5/5
A story about a girl who encounters a paranormal presence as a child in her grandparents’ place back in Jamaica. This just didn’t do it for me. Compared to all the previous stories that used accents for narration, this was the one that didn’t work the most. The story itself didn’t have much going on, as none of the presences were explored. Sadly, this one was underwhelming.
The Speckled Door – 1.5/5
This is about a folklore from the shores of Kinsale. That’s all I could make of the story, as it had nothing else going on.
I’ll Be Spike – 4/5
An old curse has resurfaced in the Lake District, and once again, the Druids have to step up to guard the realm. This was my favourite story out of all. I’d totally buy the book if the author decided to write a full novel on this concept, lol.
The Lore of the Wild – 2.5/5
A girl accompanies her brother on a hike, only to get caught in the mysteries of an ancient folklore. The tone of the story when it started felt a bit off, considering the context of the rest of the story. There were a lot of interesting elements that could have been explored, but there was no closure and the ending was blunt.
The Toix Ghost – 2/5
A ghostly appearance in a tourist spot that captures the attention of everyone, including someone who is guilty. This felt very generic, and the end felt neither here nor there.
Not Everyone Stays in the Light – 2/5
This is not a story, but just a philosophical take on the concept of ghosts and light.
Overall, this is a great palate-cleanser read if you’re looking for something short and quick to set the mood. A 3/5 read.
This is a very short and easy read, full of creepy stories. Only around 90 pages or so, with 11 short stories featuring unique tropes in each.
Final Navigators – 3/5
A story about an ancient canal worker who wants to let his family know what happened to him. This gave a good start to the book. However, I felt that it ended rather abruptly. It would’ve been even better if the closure was built up differently.
Bluebell Woods – 4/5
A story of a daughter who grieves her father, only to realise he’s always watching over her. This was such a heartwarming story. The best part about this was the emotional connection the characters could establish, even with this being a short story. I quite liked it despite the accent used for narration (more on this as we go on).
The Greenhouse – 3/5
A story of a woman who gets excited about a new greenhouse installed in her house, only to realise she has woken up ghosts from her past in the process. I really liked the way this story built up, but sadly it didn’t materialize for me in the end. I felt the ending to be rather abrupt in this one too. There were several loose threads that didn’t seem essential, even for an open ending.
The No-Place – 2.5/5
This is about a woman who waits to avenge her partner after he destroyed her life. This had better closure compared to the other stories, but the lead-up and the story itself fell a bit flat for me.
The Truth Will Set Me Free – 2.5/5
A story about a maid set in the 1920s who was wrongfully executed for a crime she didn’t commit. This had so much potential, but I felt that the narrative didn’t quite do justice to the plot. Also, the use of accent here was actually deterring the reading experience.
Bounce – 1.5/5
A story about a girl who encounters a paranormal presence as a child in her grandparents’ place back in Jamaica. This just didn’t do it for me. Compared to all the previous stories that used accents for narration, this was the one that didn’t work the most. The story itself didn’t have much going on, as none of the presences were explored. Sadly, this one was underwhelming.
The Speckled Door – 1.5/5
This is about a folklore from the shores of Kinsale. That’s all I could make of the story, as it had nothing else going on.
I’ll Be Spike – 4/5
An old curse has resurfaced in the Lake District, and once again, the Druids have to step up to guard the realm. This was my favourite story out of all. I’d totally buy the book if the author decided to write a full novel on this concept, lol.
The Lore of the Wild – 2.5/5
A girl accompanies her brother on a hike, only to get caught in the mysteries of an ancient folklore. The tone of the story when it started felt a bit off, considering the context of the rest of the story. There were a lot of interesting elements that could have been explored, but there was no closure and the ending was blunt.
The Toix Ghost – 2/5
A ghostly appearance in a tourist spot that captures the attention of everyone, including someone who is guilty. This felt very generic, and the end felt neither here nor there.
Not Everyone Stays in the Light – 2/5
This is not a story, but just a philosophical take on the concept of ghosts and light.
Overall, this is a great palate-cleanser read if you’re looking for something short and quick to set the mood. A 3/5 read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
1️⃣1️⃣ short stories
📖 Under 90 pages
3.5/5
• Final Navigators ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I loved the background to this story, the research shines through but... I am a sucker for a book opening that hits you so I was after a bit more oomph. Would perhaps move this nugget to the middle of the book?
• The Bluebell Woods ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Emosh. “Sarah, what a way them blue.”
That's all I can say.
• The NoPlace ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
oh this one had be FIRED UP! But... it did fall flat which I was absolutely gutted about. I could see this vibe being developed into a full read though.
• The Truth Will Set Me Free ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I won't lie, the dog sold this for me. Had me a bit emotional on the last page - little yapper!
• The Speckled Door ⭐️⭐️.5/5
I was very excited when I started reading more folklore exploration but it didn't quite grab me as much as I'd like. I liked the overall concept though.
Ill Be Spike ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Lake District, Scooby Doo and Buffy references - immediate win.
Really enjoyed this one but I definitely needed more!
Not Everyone Stays in the Light ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I really enjoyed this as a closing as it really delved into the concept of the light and moving on. Was a thoughtful ending to a thought provoking read.
• The Greenhouse
• Bounce
• The Lore of the Wild
• The Toix Ghost
I've grouped these together because I don't have too much to say about these. They gave a very general sight to the world of spirits and I did enjoy the different exploration on each tale.
Overall real good approach to a spiritual read, with interesting storylines, characters and like most short stories, I'm always wanting more. The author has real good pace and easy writing style which makes the short stories even more of a dream to wind down to on an evening.
I just would love more spook please! I think I went into this expecting more scare, more tension and perhaps more of a horror vibe? But I did really enjoy the more psychological approach.
💛 Thank you A N Butler and WhimsyWordsPr for the opportunity to delve into this world for an honest ARC review 💛
📖 Under 90 pages
3.5/5
• Final Navigators ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I loved the background to this story, the research shines through but... I am a sucker for a book opening that hits you so I was after a bit more oomph. Would perhaps move this nugget to the middle of the book?
• The Bluebell Woods ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Emosh. “Sarah, what a way them blue.”
That's all I can say.
• The NoPlace ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
oh this one had be FIRED UP! But... it did fall flat which I was absolutely gutted about. I could see this vibe being developed into a full read though.
• The Truth Will Set Me Free ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I won't lie, the dog sold this for me. Had me a bit emotional on the last page - little yapper!
• The Speckled Door ⭐️⭐️.5/5
I was very excited when I started reading more folklore exploration but it didn't quite grab me as much as I'd like. I liked the overall concept though.
Ill Be Spike ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Lake District, Scooby Doo and Buffy references - immediate win.
Really enjoyed this one but I definitely needed more!
Not Everyone Stays in the Light ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I really enjoyed this as a closing as it really delved into the concept of the light and moving on. Was a thoughtful ending to a thought provoking read.
• The Greenhouse
• Bounce
• The Lore of the Wild
• The Toix Ghost
I've grouped these together because I don't have too much to say about these. They gave a very general sight to the world of spirits and I did enjoy the different exploration on each tale.
Overall real good approach to a spiritual read, with interesting storylines, characters and like most short stories, I'm always wanting more. The author has real good pace and easy writing style which makes the short stories even more of a dream to wind down to on an evening.
I just would love more spook please! I think I went into this expecting more scare, more tension and perhaps more of a horror vibe? But I did really enjoy the more psychological approach.
💛 Thank you A N Butler and WhimsyWordsPr for the opportunity to delve into this world for an honest ARC review 💛
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to A N Butler (Ann Butler), and Whimsey Words PR for a complimentary e-arc of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
There's a lot to love about this small collection of short stories. It draws on eerie ghost stories and folk horror throughout, painting small vignettes of creepiness. I love the diversity present in many of these stories - I'm unsure on the author's nationality but given how many characters in this anthology were Jamaican immigrants, I presume this is linked to the author's own experiences. Looking the author up, I can see she's also a podcaster and this makes a lot of sense as I can see how many of these stories would work well spoken, rather than read. I highly recommend checking out some of her recorded stories on her site: https://annbutler.co.uk/the-book-grif...
However, for me sadly, this was a collection that was just a little too brief to leave a real taste of fear in the mouth. There are some great ideas here but having as many stories as are in this very short (under 100 pages) novella as there are, inevitably means that many feel cut short and ideas aren't necessarily fully developed. On her site, I can see the author said she wrote these to be bitesize stories for people commuting and I totally get that vibe, but sadly I think I'm just someone who likes a longer story! The writing too I think could have benefited from a little more redrafting, as narrative voice was lost I felt at times. Past and Present tense is also a little mixed up at times which took me out of it a bit.
Individual story ratings:
1. Final Navigators - the ghost of a miner haunts his family. Great idea but too short - 2/5
2. The Bluebell Woods - a father revisits the flower fields he used to see with his daughter. Really poignant - 3/5
3. The Greenhouse - mostly about the protagonist getting a greenhouse with very minimal spook. I liked all the gardening stuff though! - 3/5
4. The No-Place - A couple at breaking point after the man starts acting differently. Really weird narrative voice - 2/5
5. The Truth Will Set Me Free - a servant is blamed for the murder of her rich employer and her ghost carries on - 3/5
6. Bounce - a young girls ball bounces on its own. Pretty creepy actually! - 3/5
7. The Speckled Door - not really a story, more of a ... musing? Good intro for a longer novel though! 2/5
8. I'll Be Spike - (yay queer rep!) A story is told about a magic that must be sealed. The Buffy references were fun - 3/5
9. The Lore of the Wild - Ancient paths that are haunted and like to mess with new travellers. Cool concept! - 3/5
10. The Toix Ghost - a couple on holiday with issues, until one of them dies and haunts the cliffs there. Again the narrative voice felt very distant - 2/5
11. Not Everyone Stays In the Light - another one that's more just musings but i liked this one more! Felt like a fitting epilogue to the collection - 3/5
There's a lot to love about this small collection of short stories. It draws on eerie ghost stories and folk horror throughout, painting small vignettes of creepiness. I love the diversity present in many of these stories - I'm unsure on the author's nationality but given how many characters in this anthology were Jamaican immigrants, I presume this is linked to the author's own experiences. Looking the author up, I can see she's also a podcaster and this makes a lot of sense as I can see how many of these stories would work well spoken, rather than read. I highly recommend checking out some of her recorded stories on her site: https://annbutler.co.uk/the-book-grif...
However, for me sadly, this was a collection that was just a little too brief to leave a real taste of fear in the mouth. There are some great ideas here but having as many stories as are in this very short (under 100 pages) novella as there are, inevitably means that many feel cut short and ideas aren't necessarily fully developed. On her site, I can see the author said she wrote these to be bitesize stories for people commuting and I totally get that vibe, but sadly I think I'm just someone who likes a longer story! The writing too I think could have benefited from a little more redrafting, as narrative voice was lost I felt at times. Past and Present tense is also a little mixed up at times which took me out of it a bit.
Individual story ratings:
1. Final Navigators - the ghost of a miner haunts his family. Great idea but too short - 2/5
2. The Bluebell Woods - a father revisits the flower fields he used to see with his daughter. Really poignant - 3/5
3. The Greenhouse - mostly about the protagonist getting a greenhouse with very minimal spook. I liked all the gardening stuff though! - 3/5
4. The No-Place - A couple at breaking point after the man starts acting differently. Really weird narrative voice - 2/5
5. The Truth Will Set Me Free - a servant is blamed for the murder of her rich employer and her ghost carries on - 3/5
6. Bounce - a young girls ball bounces on its own. Pretty creepy actually! - 3/5
7. The Speckled Door - not really a story, more of a ... musing? Good intro for a longer novel though! 2/5
8. I'll Be Spike - (yay queer rep!) A story is told about a magic that must be sealed. The Buffy references were fun - 3/5
9. The Lore of the Wild - Ancient paths that are haunted and like to mess with new travellers. Cool concept! - 3/5
10. The Toix Ghost - a couple on holiday with issues, until one of them dies and haunts the cliffs there. Again the narrative voice felt very distant - 2/5
11. Not Everyone Stays In the Light - another one that's more just musings but i liked this one more! Felt like a fitting epilogue to the collection - 3/5
Review of advance copy
ARC Reader
I would rate this more at 3.5 stars if I could. Although in this rating, I must give it a 4 over a 3-star rating due to it being closer to a 4-star than a 3-star.
Who doesn't love a collection of supernatural short stories? This collection features eleven short stories, each filled with a variety of instances and supernatural events. I always did love a good collection of short stories, especially when it came to different supernatually themed ones. Though when it comes to a collection of tales, not everyone is going to be a hit.
The first tale was alright. I was expecting a bit more supernatal almsot scary, like. Though it wasn't terrible. The second tale, I just couldn't with the grammar, and the flow was just so off. I do understand involving cultural type grammar being a thing, such as in dialogue. Though it wasn't just the dialogue, and I'll be completely honest, I wondered if the other tales after would end up slowly getting worse instead of better. Though I did continue to read instead of DNFing.
It is a short read at only 86 pages long. I was expecting something different from what I got. It isn't bad, but I could not say it is my favourite collection of stories either. Some of the stories just seemed a bit too, for the lack of a better wording ADHD styled, where it switches and jumps, but doesn't keep a pace that helps the story flow correctly. This, paired with some of the writing style, made some of the stories a bit rough for me to read.
5/11 I truly did enjoy
2/11 Were alright
Overall, the collection was decent. I did enjoy the short read, despite some of the hardships some of the stories brought to me when reading. I'm glad I continued instead of putting it in the DNF pile because I hit a hard-to-read story.
I would rate this more at 3.5 stars if I could. Although in this rating, I must give it a 4 over a 3-star rating due to it being closer to a 4-star than a 3-star.
Who doesn't love a collection of supernatural short stories? This collection features eleven short stories, each filled with a variety of instances and supernatural events. I always did love a good collection of short stories, especially when it came to different supernatually themed ones. Though when it comes to a collection of tales, not everyone is going to be a hit.
The first tale was alright. I was expecting a bit more supernatal almsot scary, like. Though it wasn't terrible. The second tale, I just couldn't with the grammar, and the flow was just so off. I do understand involving cultural type grammar being a thing, such as in dialogue. Though it wasn't just the dialogue, and I'll be completely honest, I wondered if the other tales after would end up slowly getting worse instead of better. Though I did continue to read instead of DNFing.
It is a short read at only 86 pages long. I was expecting something different from what I got. It isn't bad, but I could not say it is my favourite collection of stories either. Some of the stories just seemed a bit too, for the lack of a better wording ADHD styled, where it switches and jumps, but doesn't keep a pace that helps the story flow correctly. This, paired with some of the writing style, made some of the stories a bit rough for me to read.
5/11 I truly did enjoy
2/11 Were alright
Overall, the collection was decent. I did enjoy the short read, despite some of the hardships some of the stories brought to me when reading. I'm glad I continued instead of putting it in the DNF pile because I hit a hard-to-read story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Not Everyone Stays in the Light, by AN Butler, from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. This haunting collection of 11 short stories is expected to release on January 31, 2026.
Summary:
This collection explores the thin veil between our world and the next. Spanning themes of revenge, redemption and classic supernatural dread, readers are taken on a journey through diverse folklore and historical tragedies. Stories like:
A chilling tale of a child warned to keep silent about duppies (spirits from Caribbean folklore), which effectively uses silence as a source of tension.
The heartbreaking account of a 19th-century laborer who sets off for work and never returns, blending social realism with ghostly disappearance.
A malevolent entity lurking off the Irish coast that perfectly captures the isolation and "plain old spookiness" of a seaside haunting.
My Thoughts:
While the concepts behind these 11 stories are evocative and well-conceived, I found myself wishing for a bit more. Several stories felt cut too short. The ideas were brilliant, but had the author expanded even just a little, there could have been much more depth and emotional payoff. As it stands, some entries feel more like eerie snapshots than fully realized tales.
That being said, this is a super quick read at just 86 pages, and if you enjoy eerie and haunting vibes, you may enjoy this one. These stories provide plenty of atmosphere, even if you’re left wishing you could stay in some of these haunted worlds just a little longer. I give this 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Summary:
This collection explores the thin veil between our world and the next. Spanning themes of revenge, redemption and classic supernatural dread, readers are taken on a journey through diverse folklore and historical tragedies. Stories like:
A chilling tale of a child warned to keep silent about duppies (spirits from Caribbean folklore), which effectively uses silence as a source of tension.
The heartbreaking account of a 19th-century laborer who sets off for work and never returns, blending social realism with ghostly disappearance.
A malevolent entity lurking off the Irish coast that perfectly captures the isolation and "plain old spookiness" of a seaside haunting.
My Thoughts:
While the concepts behind these 11 stories are evocative and well-conceived, I found myself wishing for a bit more. Several stories felt cut too short. The ideas were brilliant, but had the author expanded even just a little, there could have been much more depth and emotional payoff. As it stands, some entries feel more like eerie snapshots than fully realized tales.
That being said, this is a super quick read at just 86 pages, and if you enjoy eerie and haunting vibes, you may enjoy this one. These stories provide plenty of atmosphere, even if you’re left wishing you could stay in some of these haunted worlds just a little longer. I give this 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy
Advanced reader copy recieved read via Whimsy Words PR - thank you to the author ANB for the copy.
In “Final Navigators” a canal worker tells a yarn. This reads like an interactive exhibit in a museum, where a recording of a student actor with fake dirt smudged on his face lists out his character’s life story. Clearly well-researched, but I’d hoped for a spookier opening. 3/5.
In “The Bluebell Woods” a Jamaican immigrant to London tells of her father’s reaction to seeing British bluebells. A bittersweet story with an interesting angle. 5/5.
In “The Greenhouse” a woman gets a surprise visitor in her new greenhouse. I had high hopes for the first half, but then it devolved into a fairly generic “I saw a ghost one time” story without the suspense that had been building in the first half. 2/5.
In “The No-Place” a woman takes revenge on her cheating fiance. I love that the MC 100% has the girlfriend’s back, we love women supporting women, but the story itself is uninteresting. 2/5.
In “The Truth Will Set Me Free” an abused maid stands accused of murder. This one uses a phonetic accent which is a pet peeve of mine - it appeared mildly in The Bluebell Woods but is more prevalent and yet unplacable here. The revelation in this story is pretty ham-fisted. 2/5.
In “Bounce” a young Jamaican girl loses her ball. That’s it. That’s the story. 2/5.
“The Speckled Door” delves more into fantasy/folklore territory, in which a magic door appears in a specific place. The story is instructions on what to do in the very specific circumstances in which the door *might* appear, with no explaination why these instructions have to be followed. Kind of read like the prologue of a story in which someone ignores the instructions, but it isn’t that. 2/5.
In “I’ll Be Spike” a ghost-hunter tells his hunter-origin story to his disbelieving husband. A charming story, this one filled with Buffy references that ring well with me, but again it reads more like the opening of another story than a complete story of its own. 3/5.
In “The Lore of The Wild” a woman tags along on her brother’s hunt for the supernatural in the US. It’s unclear how old the siblings are - I thought they were young children until they mentioned taking time off of work. This is another story where nothing really happens; they walk down a path a local warns them not to, and come out unharmed. 2/5.
In “The Toix Ghost” a young woman decides to leave her easy-wandering boyfriend while on holiday. Another story that feels like the opening, or maybe the ending, of anther one. 2/5.
And finally “Not Everyone Stays In The Light” isn’t a story so much as philosophising on ghosts and the concept of ‘the light’ and moving on. 3/5.
All come out to 2.72/5, which I’ll round to 2.75/5, and again to 3 on relevant platforms. There’s clear passion and research behind the writing - I could tell before reading the author’s note that she’s an avid gardener, for example - but a lot of these ideas are more ~*vibes*~ than complete stories.
In “Final Navigators” a canal worker tells a yarn. This reads like an interactive exhibit in a museum, where a recording of a student actor with fake dirt smudged on his face lists out his character’s life story. Clearly well-researched, but I’d hoped for a spookier opening. 3/5.
In “The Bluebell Woods” a Jamaican immigrant to London tells of her father’s reaction to seeing British bluebells. A bittersweet story with an interesting angle. 5/5.
In “The Greenhouse” a woman gets a surprise visitor in her new greenhouse. I had high hopes for the first half, but then it devolved into a fairly generic “I saw a ghost one time” story without the suspense that had been building in the first half. 2/5.
In “The No-Place” a woman takes revenge on her cheating fiance. I love that the MC 100% has the girlfriend’s back, we love women supporting women, but the story itself is uninteresting. 2/5.
In “The Truth Will Set Me Free” an abused maid stands accused of murder. This one uses a phonetic accent which is a pet peeve of mine - it appeared mildly in The Bluebell Woods but is more prevalent and yet unplacable here. The revelation in this story is pretty ham-fisted. 2/5.
In “Bounce” a young Jamaican girl loses her ball. That’s it. That’s the story. 2/5.
“The Speckled Door” delves more into fantasy/folklore territory, in which a magic door appears in a specific place. The story is instructions on what to do in the very specific circumstances in which the door *might* appear, with no explaination why these instructions have to be followed. Kind of read like the prologue of a story in which someone ignores the instructions, but it isn’t that. 2/5.
In “I’ll Be Spike” a ghost-hunter tells his hunter-origin story to his disbelieving husband. A charming story, this one filled with Buffy references that ring well with me, but again it reads more like the opening of another story than a complete story of its own. 3/5.
In “The Lore of The Wild” a woman tags along on her brother’s hunt for the supernatural in the US. It’s unclear how old the siblings are - I thought they were young children until they mentioned taking time off of work. This is another story where nothing really happens; they walk down a path a local warns them not to, and come out unharmed. 2/5.
In “The Toix Ghost” a young woman decides to leave her easy-wandering boyfriend while on holiday. Another story that feels like the opening, or maybe the ending, of anther one. 2/5.
And finally “Not Everyone Stays In The Light” isn’t a story so much as philosophising on ghosts and the concept of ‘the light’ and moving on. 3/5.
All come out to 2.72/5, which I’ll round to 2.75/5, and again to 3 on relevant platforms. There’s clear passion and research behind the writing - I could tell before reading the author’s note that she’s an avid gardener, for example - but a lot of these ideas are more ~*vibes*~ than complete stories.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
This was a charming little collection of supernatural short stories that leans heavily into atmosphere, mood, and whimsy rather than outright horror. Each story feels like stepping briefly into a quiet, eerie pocket of the world, the kind where ghosts linger, memories refuse to fade, and something always feels just a bit off.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style: it’s gentle, descriptive, and often beautifully whimsical, which worked especially well for stories like The Bluebell Woods and The No-Place. The ideas themselves were creative and emotionally grounded, and a few of the stories had that soft, haunting quality that stays with you even after you’ve finished reading. That said, as a collection, it felt a little uneven. Some stories were stronger and more immersive than others, and a few ended just when I wanted them to go a little deeper or darker. I found myself wishing for either slightly longer stories or more punchy conclusions in places.
Overall, this is a solid pick if you enjoy quiet supernatural fiction, reflective ghost stories, and moody, folklore-adjacent vibes rather than fast-paced scares. A comforting, eerie read, best enjoyed slowly.
Thank you to Whimsy Words PR, the author, and BookFunnel for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
This was a charming little collection of supernatural short stories that leans heavily into atmosphere, mood, and whimsy rather than outright horror. Each story feels like stepping briefly into a quiet, eerie pocket of the world, the kind where ghosts linger, memories refuse to fade, and something always feels just a bit off.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style: it’s gentle, descriptive, and often beautifully whimsical, which worked especially well for stories like The Bluebell Woods and The No-Place. The ideas themselves were creative and emotionally grounded, and a few of the stories had that soft, haunting quality that stays with you even after you’ve finished reading. That said, as a collection, it felt a little uneven. Some stories were stronger and more immersive than others, and a few ended just when I wanted them to go a little deeper or darker. I found myself wishing for either slightly longer stories or more punchy conclusions in places.
Overall, this is a solid pick if you enjoy quiet supernatural fiction, reflective ghost stories, and moody, folklore-adjacent vibes rather than fast-paced scares. A comforting, eerie read, best enjoyed slowly.
Thank you to Whimsy Words PR, the author, and BookFunnel for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
April 16, 2026
I found this to be an enjoyable and easy read overall. The writing style is very simple and accessible, which made it easy to get through in a short amount of time. While I personally prefer stories with a bit more depth and complexity, I can absolutely see the appeal this collection will have for many readers.
The simplicity of the storytelling is actually one of its strengths. Each story is straightforward, easy to follow, and doesn’t require a lot of mental effort to keep track of plots or characters. That makes this a great choice for readers who may struggle with longer or more detailed books, or for those who just want something quick and relaxing to dip into.
I also think these stories would work really well for busy readers, or even for those getting back into reading after a break, as they don’t feel overwhelming. There’s a clear audience for this kind of writing, and I think it serves that purpose well.
For me, I would have liked a little more depth or emotional complexity in places to feel more fully invested, but that comes down to personal preference rather than a flaw in the writing itself.
Overall, a solid collection of short, simple stories that are easy to enjoy and accessible to a wide range of readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The simplicity of the storytelling is actually one of its strengths. Each story is straightforward, easy to follow, and doesn’t require a lot of mental effort to keep track of plots or characters. That makes this a great choice for readers who may struggle with longer or more detailed books, or for those who just want something quick and relaxing to dip into.
I also think these stories would work really well for busy readers, or even for those getting back into reading after a break, as they don’t feel overwhelming. There’s a clear audience for this kind of writing, and I think it serves that purpose well.
For me, I would have liked a little more depth or emotional complexity in places to feel more fully invested, but that comes down to personal preference rather than a flaw in the writing itself.
Overall, a solid collection of short, simple stories that are easy to enjoy and accessible to a wide range of readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. This was graciously given to me as an ARC by Whimsy Words PR and this review is voluntarily given.
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a collection of short horror stories which explore different cultures and folklore tales and different aspects of history. Some of these stories I enjoyed a lot more than others since I found them more compelling and had more of a horror aspect.
I loved the writing style that Butler used in this. I liked how each voice for each chapter sounded different in their own unique way to bring the character to life. Each chapter used different perspectives and writing styles as well, and the actual voice of the character changed depending on the location and time the chapter was set in, sometimes changing mid chapter if the characters relocated.
The stories that really stood out to me were ‘The Greenhouse’, ‘The Truth Will Set Me Free’ and ‘The Lore of the Wild’. These ones were hauntingly beautiful and drew from aspects of some of my favourite horror films, like ‘The Blair Witch Project’.
I am excited to read more of Butler’s work because her writing style is gorgeous and her ideas are amazing. I just wish some of these short stories were longer.
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a collection of short horror stories which explore different cultures and folklore tales and different aspects of history. Some of these stories I enjoyed a lot more than others since I found them more compelling and had more of a horror aspect.
I loved the writing style that Butler used in this. I liked how each voice for each chapter sounded different in their own unique way to bring the character to life. Each chapter used different perspectives and writing styles as well, and the actual voice of the character changed depending on the location and time the chapter was set in, sometimes changing mid chapter if the characters relocated.
The stories that really stood out to me were ‘The Greenhouse’, ‘The Truth Will Set Me Free’ and ‘The Lore of the Wild’. These ones were hauntingly beautiful and drew from aspects of some of my favourite horror films, like ‘The Blair Witch Project’.
I am excited to read more of Butler’s work because her writing style is gorgeous and her ideas are amazing. I just wish some of these short stories were longer.
February 1, 2026
Not Everyone Stays in the Light ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a collection of short supernatural stories that I genuinely enjoyed. Each story has a strong, intriguing premise that makes it very easy to move from one to the next, always wanting to see what strange or eerie idea comes next.
Two stories stood out to me in particular — The Speckled Door and The Lore of the Wild. Both had an atmosphere and concept that really lingered with me after I finished reading. That said, every story in this collection offers something interesting, and none felt like filler.
Reading this took me back to my younger years when I was fascinated by paranormal and ghost stories. That pull towards supernatural themes has never really left me, and this collection felt like a refreshing return to that style of storytelling that I haven’t read in a long time.
The writing is clear and engaging, and each story feels distinct in its ideas and execution. I also really appreciated the question raised in the final story — it’s something I’ve often wondered about myself, but I won’t spoil it here.
This is a great pick if you enjoy paranormal themes and want short, engaging stories you can dip in and out of.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a collection of short supernatural stories that I genuinely enjoyed. Each story has a strong, intriguing premise that makes it very easy to move from one to the next, always wanting to see what strange or eerie idea comes next.
Two stories stood out to me in particular — The Speckled Door and The Lore of the Wild. Both had an atmosphere and concept that really lingered with me after I finished reading. That said, every story in this collection offers something interesting, and none felt like filler.
Reading this took me back to my younger years when I was fascinated by paranormal and ghost stories. That pull towards supernatural themes has never really left me, and this collection felt like a refreshing return to that style of storytelling that I haven’t read in a long time.
The writing is clear and engaging, and each story feels distinct in its ideas and execution. I also really appreciated the question raised in the final story — it’s something I’ve often wondered about myself, but I won’t spoil it here.
This is a great pick if you enjoy paranormal themes and want short, engaging stories you can dip in and out of.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Not Everyone Stays In The Light" is a collection of short ghost stories that gets your mind working and thinking about the possibilities of the paranormal and the reasons why these entities stay here...
"There's revenge, redemption or just plain, old spookiness"
I wasn't sure I'd like this as I'm definitely more of a basic-bitch reader - give me a book and tell me "spicy romance" and I'll devour 1000s of pages... But this to me was something totally new!
Overall I actually really enjoyed it - think of yourself as a child, getting a bedtime story - but make it creepy 🤣🤌🏻
Deffo a good, easy read for someone who wants a little thrill ✨
Id give this a ⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE - 31ST JANUARY!!
@whimsywordspr & A N Butler - thank you as always for the ARC! 🫶🏻
#bookreview #ghoststories #spooky #thriller #booklover
"There's revenge, redemption or just plain, old spookiness"
I wasn't sure I'd like this as I'm definitely more of a basic-bitch reader - give me a book and tell me "spicy romance" and I'll devour 1000s of pages... But this to me was something totally new!
Overall I actually really enjoyed it - think of yourself as a child, getting a bedtime story - but make it creepy 🤣🤌🏻
Deffo a good, easy read for someone who wants a little thrill ✨
Id give this a ⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE - 31ST JANUARY!!
@whimsywordspr & A N Butler - thank you as always for the ARC! 🫶🏻
#bookreview #ghoststories #spooky #thriller #booklover
February 1, 2026
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!! @annbutler2023
I'm so glad I came across this book - it was atmospheric and giving me a lot of "campfire stories" vibes. This is a collection of paranormal short stories that's either a little bit unsettling or just wholesome and lovely.
I got through all the emotions in here - sadness, happiness, paranoia, etc. and it played back and forth in my head whilst reading. I also loooved how each stories tackle different shades of horror. All were interesting concepts though personally, as an avid horror reader, I would love to have more spookiness and eeriness, and a hair-raising kind of sensation.
Overall, the stories were written well with right pacings and it was definitely enjoyable to read. Recommended! ✨️
Thank you to @whimsywordspr @annbutler2023 for the opportunity to read this great book early on. 🫶
I'm so glad I came across this book - it was atmospheric and giving me a lot of "campfire stories" vibes. This is a collection of paranormal short stories that's either a little bit unsettling or just wholesome and lovely.
I got through all the emotions in here - sadness, happiness, paranoia, etc. and it played back and forth in my head whilst reading. I also loooved how each stories tackle different shades of horror. All were interesting concepts though personally, as an avid horror reader, I would love to have more spookiness and eeriness, and a hair-raising kind of sensation.
Overall, the stories were written well with right pacings and it was definitely enjoyable to read. Recommended! ✨️
Thank you to @whimsywordspr @annbutler2023 for the opportunity to read this great book early on. 🫶
February 1, 2026
Thank you to A N Butler and Whimsy Words PR for the opportunity to read and review this collection of short stories!
I love a good collection of short stories, and I am really into creepy stories that make me feel uneasy. Some of these did, and some of these didn’t. Each story had its own vibe, and while some of them were a solid four-star read, others fell flat and were maybe one or two stars. Based on that, I gave the entire collection three stars overall. I did enjoy this author’s writing style, but I just think that some of the stories I didn’t really get into. That being said, I would still read more stories by this author, and I would be interested to see what Butler can do with a full-length novel.
I love a good collection of short stories, and I am really into creepy stories that make me feel uneasy. Some of these did, and some of these didn’t. Each story had its own vibe, and while some of them were a solid four-star read, others fell flat and were maybe one or two stars. Based on that, I gave the entire collection three stars overall. I did enjoy this author’s writing style, but I just think that some of the stories I didn’t really get into. That being said, I would still read more stories by this author, and I would be interested to see what Butler can do with a full-length novel.
February 1, 2026
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a gritty, thrilling horror tale that blends survival, psychological tension, and eerie world-building. A.N. Butler crafts a story that feels unsettling from the start — not because it relies on cheap scares, but because it taps into deep, creeping dread that lingers long after the last page.
The characters are vividly drawn with believable flaws, and the tension builds around moral choices as much as physical danger. The horror is atmospheric and psychological, focusing less on gore and more on the fear of the unknown, the collapse of society, and what desperation can do to people.
This book works best for readers who enjoy horror that feels intelligent, character-driven, and emotionally tense instead of just jump scares.
The characters are vividly drawn with believable flaws, and the tension builds around moral choices as much as physical danger. The horror is atmospheric and psychological, focusing less on gore and more on the fear of the unknown, the collapse of society, and what desperation can do to people.
This book works best for readers who enjoy horror that feels intelligent, character-driven, and emotionally tense instead of just jump scares.
February 10, 2026
Subtle Chills and Haunting Ideas
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a solid collection of very short, gloomy ghost stories that leans more toward atmosphere than outright scares. The writing is thoughtful and moody, with themes of unease, loss, and the unexplained running through all eleven stories. Some tales really lingered with me, while others felt more like eerie sketches than fully formed stories, but that seems to be part of the charm. It’s a quick, unsettling read that’s best enjoyed in small doses, preferably late at night. Not every story hit for me, but overall it’s an engaging and quietly haunting collection.
Shoutout to the publisher and BookSirens for the advanced copy this is my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a solid collection of very short, gloomy ghost stories that leans more toward atmosphere than outright scares. The writing is thoughtful and moody, with themes of unease, loss, and the unexplained running through all eleven stories. Some tales really lingered with me, while others felt more like eerie sketches than fully formed stories, but that seems to be part of the charm. It’s a quick, unsettling read that’s best enjoyed in small doses, preferably late at night. Not every story hit for me, but overall it’s an engaging and quietly haunting collection.
Shoutout to the publisher and BookSirens for the advanced copy this is my honest review.
January 25, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
A collection of short ghost stories that have potential, but were mostly undercooked and over prefaced. Would have loved so much less exposition and so much more exploration of the life after death.
Each story felt like it could have been expanded and given a lot more depth, atmosphere and tension. There are nice moments throughout, like the idea of a ghost watching over his family for generations, or nature spirits and how they can manipulate reality to get what they want, but overall, each story felt half baked.
Thank you for Whimsy Words PR, who provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A collection of short ghost stories that have potential, but were mostly undercooked and over prefaced. Would have loved so much less exposition and so much more exploration of the life after death.
Each story felt like it could have been expanded and given a lot more depth, atmosphere and tension. There are nice moments throughout, like the idea of a ghost watching over his family for generations, or nature spirits and how they can manipulate reality to get what they want, but overall, each story felt half baked.
Thank you for Whimsy Words PR, who provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a very short collection of haunting short stories, only 86 pages, so it’s a quick read. I liked the idea of a short story collection, but I personally found these stories were too short. I struggled to stay engaged and ended up reading it in short bursts over a few days. For me the stories didn’t have the depth I usually enjoy, and they didn’t really feel connected, which made the book feel a bit stop startish.
I rated this three stars because it definitely had its moments where it worked really well for me and I mostly enjoyed the writing style it just didn’t fully click overall.
I rated this three stars because it definitely had its moments where it worked really well for me and I mostly enjoyed the writing style it just didn’t fully click overall.
February 2, 2026
Naturally, I love a short story. Both writing and reading them, so this one had me intrigued as soon as it landed in my inbox - it’s not often I find a collection of short stories that feel worth the read.
Butler curated a collection of eleven short stories all with elements of the supernatural - including a vengeful spirit, unfinished business, guardian ghost and cursed family.
Eerie and enlightening, these stories are full of reassurance for me. On a personal level I have always really struggled with the idea of death and having fresh grief, it was comforting to read some of these - even with their spectral nature!
Butler is talented in the way she writes, particularly her use of literary dialect, really intensifying the cultural appreciation within these tales. Although it's a relatively common thing throughout literature (particularly classical literature), to be able to execute it well within only a few pages of text is quite difficult, with essentially no real character building at all.
All in all, definitely worth a read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? This book reminds me of the stories you would find on the old tv show “Who’s afraid of the dark,” and Tales from the crypt.”
This short story compilation has all good ghost story needs: a lover scorned and seeking revenge, Dad looking out for his daughter, ghost maid being set free when her truth comes out, kelpie, banshees, spells and even ghost caught on camera. It is a quick read. It is eerie but still can read and go to bed afterwards. If you’re looking for a fun supernatural adventure this is the book for you.
Thank you for the arc
This short story compilation has all good ghost story needs: a lover scorned and seeking revenge, Dad looking out for his daughter, ghost maid being set free when her truth comes out, kelpie, banshees, spells and even ghost caught on camera. It is a quick read. It is eerie but still can read and go to bed afterwards. If you’re looking for a fun supernatural adventure this is the book for you.
Thank you for the arc
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars. This was a lovely little collection of stories. The standouts for me were The No-Place and I’ll Be Spike. Both of them had a spark to them that I just didn’t feel with the other stories. I feel that those stories were engaged and had a full beginning, middle, and end. Some of the other stories aimed to leave the reader using their imagination but did not fully engage me to want to use my imagination on them. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
The book goes through 11 separate short stories detailing haunts of every variety. As a predominantly fantasy reader, I stepped out of my usual genre to read this book. It wasn’t my style since I enjoy heavy world-building and getting to know characters in an in-depth manner. Despite not being one of my typical reads, it was a nice palette cleanser between long novels at only 90 pages long. I liked that it was inclusive of other cultures, delves into different eras, and had multiple points of view. Thank you whimsy words pr for the opportunity to read this arc.
February 17, 2026
Not Everyone Stays in the Light is a collection of supernatural stories. I found most of the stories thought provoking, most more tragic than spooky - but all highly enjoyable & an engaging read.
My favourites were The No Place, The Speckled Door and The Lore of the Wild. I found these three to be the spookiest & have a lot of potential to be turned into full stories.
A really enjoyable read, and something different I would recommend!
Thank you Whimsy Words for the ARC!
My favourites were The No Place, The Speckled Door and The Lore of the Wild. I found these three to be the spookiest & have a lot of potential to be turned into full stories.
A really enjoyable read, and something different I would recommend!
Thank you Whimsy Words for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
ARC Review
Release date - January 31st
This was an interesting collection of short stories about the supernatural world - ghosts. I found the stories both entertaining and cultural because ghosts, duppies however you know the term, can be quite indicative of how you were raised.
My favorite story was chapter 6 - Bounce, this story took on a Caribbean perspective which I liked👌🏾.
ARC Review
Release date - January 31st
This was an interesting collection of short stories about the supernatural world - ghosts. I found the stories both entertaining and cultural because ghosts, duppies however you know the term, can be quite indicative of how you were raised.
My favorite story was chapter 6 - Bounce, this story took on a Caribbean perspective which I liked👌🏾.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a great spooky read! Each story had me on my toes or the hairs on the back of my neck standing up! Thank you for letting me be a ARC reader! Chapter 2 has to be my favorite it made me cry a bit in a good way.
Read
January 29, 2026Short stories that fall more into the category of eerie and disturbing than horror. A light read, but one that hooks you. My favorite? Number 7: The Speckled Door. I'm a sucker for local lore.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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