Dark Side of the Loon: Where History Meets Mystery

by Sheyna Galyan (Co Editor), Christina Glendenning (Editor), Timya Owen (Editor)

''Minnesota nice'' casts a long shadow. Dark emotions and even darker thoughts seep from these murky depths, harvested by writers whose stories take us down in flames, up in smoke, and leave us helplessly entranced by the haunting call of the loon. Foreword by Ellen Hart, award-winning author of the Jane Lawless and Sophie Greenway series, and MWA Grand Master. Stories by Lori L. Lake, Marlene Chabot, Michael Allan Mallory, Carol Huss, Marcia Adair, Natalie Fowler, Barbara Merritt Deese, A.W. Powers, Cheryl Lewis, Christine Husom, Cheryl Ullyot, Karl W. Jorgenson, Marcie Rendon, Sherry Roberts, Midge Bubany, M.E. Bakos, Greg Dahlager, T.S. Owen, and Judy Kerr.

Genres: Short Stories

230 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

About the author

Sheyna Galyan is a multi-award-winning author and former mental health counselor who writes and speaks about the intersection of creativity, mental health, and spirituality. The founder of Soul Guides®, Sheyna coaches people privately to help them trust themselves and their own soul guides. Also the author of suspense fiction set in the Twin Cities, Sheyna holds advanced degrees in psychology and education and can be found on social media engaging in Sheynanigans.

Reviews

[Lin Salisbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love mysteries, DARK SIDE OF THE LOON, Where History Meets Mystery will not disappoint. Each of the short stories in this collection uses a piece of Minnesota history as its setting. In her forward, Ellen Hart reminds us that "the short story is as old as humanity." And a mystery short can be just the thing to read before bed, or around a campfire. Maybe you'll use these stories a way to jump start a little story telling improv around your next bonfire. My favorite in the collection was written by Cheryl Lewis, THREE DUCKS DOWN, about two hotly competitive men -- or one competitive guy and his archnemesis -- on a duck hunt during the fateful 1940 Armistice Day Blizzard. It's just the right blend of dark humor and sass that makes for a romp of a read. If you're looking for something a bit darker, be sure to check out Marcie Rendon's CIVIL DEFENSE, and T.S. Owen's THE LAST GAME, hits the mark in the age of #metoo. Why only three stars? A few of the stories in the anthology fell flat, some were mere character sketches and one was a short without a mystery, but the beauty of a short story collection is that you can move on and discover something you enjoy.

[Chris Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique collection of mystery-themed short stories set at various notable times in MN history such as the Armistice Day Blizzard of 1941, the Halloween Blizzard of 1991, deadly tornadoes in Anoka, even a story of a bank robbery in Northfield pre-empted by the infamous James Gang shootout in 1876.

Each story was skillfully written by a Minnesota-based author who understands the genre and either keeps the reader guessing until the end or wondering "how the heck" the killer will get away with this murder.

An excellent bedtime read as each story is short enough to read in 15-30 minutes. This book would also make a unique gift for the mystery fan in your life.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories are not my favorite genre - I always want to know more beyond their length. Overall this collection was enjoyable - ranging from older to more contemporary times in Minnesota history. As far as the mysteries go - more predictable than puzzling.

[Rhonda Gilliland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minnesota authors know their mysteries and know their history. It's a great way to go back in time.

[Lyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best ranked a five star, the worst we’re still coherent and easy to read. A fun way to engage with Minnesota history.

[Ellen Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun to read one each night before bed, and 2/3 of the stories were excellent.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of Minnesota authors creating wonderful stories based around events in Minnesota History.. Great little mouthfuls of mystery, some funny, some not so Minnesota-nice. From an 1830 female fur trapper who hears a shot in the woods near Fort Snelling to a laugh out loud madcap adventure of train robbers attempting to advance their careers in 1876 Northfield to the Anoka tornado and the Halloween Blizzard, and even the theft of the famous Ruby Red Slippers you will find a story that grabs you by the throat and leaves you breathless. . Great way to sample some wonderful local authors!