Mountain Tales and River Stories

by Pete Kosky

In Mountain Tales and River Stories, Kosky’s short stories and tall tales are steeped in Appalachian and West Virginian history and folklore. He guides the reader into this neglected region and an almost forgotten way of existence, breathing life into old folk ballads, offering haunting, supernatural stories and earthy, humorous tall tales. You’ll feel yourself pulled, almost unwillingly, into stories about deer camps, wood hicks, fiddle tunes, and vengeful spirits. Down by the Kanawha River, speakeasies, river boats, fishing buddies, and roller derby girls entertain. Even the Mothman makes an appearance. Kosky mesmerizes with details so real you’ll swear you can hear the Banshee scream.

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2017

About the author

Pete Kosky is a songwriter and storyteller from South Charleston, West Virginia who has recorded several albums of original songs and traditional ballads. Pete also plays the clawhammer banjo and is a past winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest. In addition to performing at the Vandalia Gathering, he is also a regular at the West Virginia State Folk Festival at Glenville, Allegheny Echoes in Marlinton, and the Gathering at Sweet Creek at Mineral Wells.

He is a teacher for Kanawha County Schools and lives in Charleston with his wife Ariana and daughter Claire.

Reviews

[Kait]

I absolutely loved this book! I really enjoyed the supernatural stories at the beginning of the book—I always like a good frontier story and adding a supernatural slant to them just made them that much better! Growing up in a family of outdoorsmen meant the hunting and fishing stories felt so familiar yet entertaining to me. The humorous stories had me actually laughing out loud, and reading sections out loud to my husband. I feel honored to know the author of this book and can’t wait to read his next one!

[Megan]

A fun collection of short stories, some with a supernatural bend, all with an incredible sense of place.