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Wicked Women: An Anthology of the New England Horror Writers
Dressing in stolen skin, watching the world through silver eyes, or questioning local folk traditions about bodies hanging in trees, these stories and poems from the women of the New England Horror Writers will leave you bleeding with fresh nightmares and hanging on with splitting fingernails to questionable reality. Wander around islands with eldritch secrets, take drug-fueled drives with carnies, and explore the arcane labyrinths trauma builds in one’s mind. But whatever you do, don't think for a moment that anyone is safe from these Wicked Women!
- GenresHorrorAnthologies
242 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 22, 2021
WICKED WOMEN. How can I pass by a book with such a title as this? Most of the stories here are as great as the cover, (way to go Lynne Hansen!)
As with most anthologies, some stories worked better for me than others. Below are a few of the tales that stood out for me.
The opening story was the perfect introduction to this collection: MILK TIME by Elaine Pascale. The Mountain Peak Middle School caters to only certain children. And when these children are served chocolate milk? Well...I'll just let you read that for yourself.
Despite a few typos DOES THIS BRING YOU JOY by Sara Marks was an impressive tale based on that lifestyle thing going around-you know-the one about getting rid of things that don't kindle joy? What if the things that don't kindle joy are people?
BAD TRIP HIGHWAY by Renee S. DeCamillis. One would think drivers would have learned by now. Do not pick up hitchhikers. Especially carnie hitchhikers.
CHILD OF REASON by Christine Lajewski. Man, this story was messed up. MESSED UP. Homunculus' freak me out, I'll admit it. This tale is a doozy.
SILVER HEART by Morgan Sylvia. A story about injecting people with silver. (That's not what it's really about, but it is.) If that doesn't make sense, I guess you'll have to read it!
THE FETCH by E.A. Black I felt so bad for little Julie. Who hasn't been in that awkward teenage place where it feels like everyone hates you, or worse yet, you're invisible? Also? Don't play with Ouija Boards!
THE TALE OF ANNETTE by Tracy L. Carbone. This tale about a childless couple blew me away! Loved it. This one was my favorite in the book.
SOULS OF THE WICKED LIKE CRUMBS IN HER HAND by Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert. When depression hits after having a child it can be a very difficult situation. Now imagine how bad it could get after having a stillborn baby. So yeah, this one was rough and sad.
THE HUNGRY MAN by Lindsay Moore. Now look here, when a hungry man comes to the door NEVER EVER give him any food!
THREE SISTERS ISLAND by Hillary Monahan. What a story! A woman's twin sister is missing, so she sets off to visit the island where her sister lives. The insulated atmosphere of townies and unwanted visitors...everything about this island is wrong and that's what I loved about this story.
THE HUNGRY HEART by Roxanne Dent. A twist on the old revenge is best served cold theme. I liked it!
Anthologies are always fun and I'm glad that I chose this one to read and review. Within are all kinds of stories, written by and about all kinds of women, and I enjoyed their creativity and imagination! Perhaps you will too?!
Recommended!
*Thanks to one of the editors for the e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
As with most anthologies, some stories worked better for me than others. Below are a few of the tales that stood out for me.
The opening story was the perfect introduction to this collection: MILK TIME by Elaine Pascale. The Mountain Peak Middle School caters to only certain children. And when these children are served chocolate milk? Well...I'll just let you read that for yourself.
Despite a few typos DOES THIS BRING YOU JOY by Sara Marks was an impressive tale based on that lifestyle thing going around-you know-the one about getting rid of things that don't kindle joy? What if the things that don't kindle joy are people?
BAD TRIP HIGHWAY by Renee S. DeCamillis. One would think drivers would have learned by now. Do not pick up hitchhikers. Especially carnie hitchhikers.
CHILD OF REASON by Christine Lajewski. Man, this story was messed up. MESSED UP. Homunculus' freak me out, I'll admit it. This tale is a doozy.
SILVER HEART by Morgan Sylvia. A story about injecting people with silver. (That's not what it's really about, but it is.) If that doesn't make sense, I guess you'll have to read it!
THE FETCH by E.A. Black I felt so bad for little Julie. Who hasn't been in that awkward teenage place where it feels like everyone hates you, or worse yet, you're invisible? Also? Don't play with Ouija Boards!
THE TALE OF ANNETTE by Tracy L. Carbone. This tale about a childless couple blew me away! Loved it. This one was my favorite in the book.
SOULS OF THE WICKED LIKE CRUMBS IN HER HAND by Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert. When depression hits after having a child it can be a very difficult situation. Now imagine how bad it could get after having a stillborn baby. So yeah, this one was rough and sad.
THE HUNGRY MAN by Lindsay Moore. Now look here, when a hungry man comes to the door NEVER EVER give him any food!
THREE SISTERS ISLAND by Hillary Monahan. What a story! A woman's twin sister is missing, so she sets off to visit the island where her sister lives. The insulated atmosphere of townies and unwanted visitors...everything about this island is wrong and that's what I loved about this story.
THE HUNGRY HEART by Roxanne Dent. A twist on the old revenge is best served cold theme. I liked it!
Anthologies are always fun and I'm glad that I chose this one to read and review. Within are all kinds of stories, written by and about all kinds of women, and I enjoyed their creativity and imagination! Perhaps you will too?!
Recommended!
*Thanks to one of the editors for the e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
December 2, 2021
WICKED WOMEN is horror about women, written by women, and gives the phrase 'ladies of the night' takes an entirely different meaning. Step aside Lovecraft, Poe, and King… you've got competition. There is nothing these ladies won't tackle.
Introduction to Wicked Women, by Elaine Cunningham: a must read!
"Tree Limbs Block The Road" by Patricia Gomes: timeless poetry, fitting for today.
"Milk Time" by, Elaine Pascale: who is or are the 'wicked women' in this one? Junior high has long been considered by teachers to be the hellhole of the educational system. So is the featured teacher the wicked woman?
"Does This Bring You Joy?," by Sara Marks: Housecleaning can be calming and restorative. As you clean, ask yourself if a thing brings you joy? I'm not sure I would count the woman of this house as wicked.
"Bad Trip Highway," by Renee S. DeCamillis: Sometimes you should take what mom says to heart.
"Child of Reason," by Christine Lajewski: This story has the feel of fable with a poetic touch of mythology. At the same time it is some blood-curdling horror.
"Sunsets," by Victoria Dalpe: Deliciously wrong!
Silver Heart, by Morgan Sylvia
"The Fetch," by E.A. Black: A tale of teenage angst… love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
"The Tale of Annette," by Tracy L. Carbone: Family!
"Souls of the Wicked Like Crumbs In Her Hand," by Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert: Hauntingly beautiful writing… terrifying subject matter.
"The Hungry Man," by Lindsay Moore: A cautionary tale, to be sure.
"Ristra," by Mary Robles: A poem you may find yourself reading more than once.
"Three Sisters Island," by Hillary Monahan: Twins and an eldritch tale.
"Arbor Day," by Kristi Petersen Schoonover: Be careful what you wish for is a common horror theme. A family tradition that will leave you cold.
"The Stones of Grisbury," by Sidney Arcane: A creepy tale of ritual and curiosity.
"The Hungry Heart," by Roxanne Dent: Revenge and friendship with monsters.
"Her Eyes Like Silver Dollars," by Gillian Daniels: Life at the edge of the woods.
"Getaway," by Lola J. Clemente: A woman lost…
"Flesh Harvest," by Kameryn James: Witchcraft in Salem?
"The Monsters We Become," by Jennifer Williams: A tale of a girl's tragic life.
"Tiger's Husband," by Jane Yolen: A wedding ritual in verse.
Overall, the stories in this anthology provide satisfying reads; some are better than others. Better is subjective. What I find to be a perfectly written short story; you may not. That is the beauty of putting together an assortment of tales that speak, in this case, of horror. I started by saying these stories are written by women… about women… to that I would now add that they are written for women in a way that might not resonate with men.
If you enjoy short-form literature, this is a book for you.
Introduction to Wicked Women, by Elaine Cunningham: a must read!
"Tree Limbs Block The Road" by Patricia Gomes: timeless poetry, fitting for today.
"Milk Time" by, Elaine Pascale: who is or are the 'wicked women' in this one? Junior high has long been considered by teachers to be the hellhole of the educational system. So is the featured teacher the wicked woman?
"Does This Bring You Joy?," by Sara Marks: Housecleaning can be calming and restorative. As you clean, ask yourself if a thing brings you joy? I'm not sure I would count the woman of this house as wicked.
"Bad Trip Highway," by Renee S. DeCamillis: Sometimes you should take what mom says to heart.
"Child of Reason," by Christine Lajewski: This story has the feel of fable with a poetic touch of mythology. At the same time it is some blood-curdling horror.
"Sunsets," by Victoria Dalpe: Deliciously wrong!
Silver Heart, by Morgan Sylvia
"The Fetch," by E.A. Black: A tale of teenage angst… love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
"The Tale of Annette," by Tracy L. Carbone: Family!
"Souls of the Wicked Like Crumbs In Her Hand," by Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert: Hauntingly beautiful writing… terrifying subject matter.
"The Hungry Man," by Lindsay Moore: A cautionary tale, to be sure.
"Ristra," by Mary Robles: A poem you may find yourself reading more than once.
"Three Sisters Island," by Hillary Monahan: Twins and an eldritch tale.
"Arbor Day," by Kristi Petersen Schoonover: Be careful what you wish for is a common horror theme. A family tradition that will leave you cold.
"The Stones of Grisbury," by Sidney Arcane: A creepy tale of ritual and curiosity.
"The Hungry Heart," by Roxanne Dent: Revenge and friendship with monsters.
"Her Eyes Like Silver Dollars," by Gillian Daniels: Life at the edge of the woods.
"Getaway," by Lola J. Clemente: A woman lost…
"Flesh Harvest," by Kameryn James: Witchcraft in Salem?
"The Monsters We Become," by Jennifer Williams: A tale of a girl's tragic life.
"Tiger's Husband," by Jane Yolen: A wedding ritual in verse.
Overall, the stories in this anthology provide satisfying reads; some are better than others. Better is subjective. What I find to be a perfectly written short story; you may not. That is the beauty of putting together an assortment of tales that speak, in this case, of horror. I started by saying these stories are written by women… about women… to that I would now add that they are written for women in a way that might not resonate with men.
If you enjoy short-form literature, this is a book for you.
December 31, 2020
I've read nearly every anthology that the New England Horror Writers produce, and this one was by far my favorite. Every story was unique and left a specially-designed chill down my spine. From a horrifying mushroom-fueled road trip to a man covered in flour baking the creepiest cake ever, I couldn't put it down.
Although I loved all the tales and poems, some definitely stood out and will linger long with me: Milk Time, Child of Reason, Arbor Day, and The Tale of Annette. Highly recommend this anthology for lovers of dark, creepy tales that get under your skin, and stay there.
Although I loved all the tales and poems, some definitely stood out and will linger long with me: Milk Time, Child of Reason, Arbor Day, and The Tale of Annette. Highly recommend this anthology for lovers of dark, creepy tales that get under your skin, and stay there.
July 24, 2021
This is an excellent anthology created by women full of wicked and cruel tales. I found two particularly noteworthy and worth seeking out. “The Hungry Man” by Lindsay Moore is a delightfully grimm modern faery tale. Leave the door locked and don’t feed the Hungry Man. “Three Sister Island” by Hillary Monahan makes us feel the clammy fog of New England island towns. I loved the portrayal of the decaying village clinging to its rock like a weathered barnacle. Pick this book up for those two and you’ll get your money’s worth, and over a dozen fun stories as a bonus.
November 30, 2021
Disclosures:
I have a story in this anthology but my thoughts are honest and 100% my own.
I also did not read every story all the way through. I tried but not every story grabbed me and I'm not the type to force myself to finish something I'm not enjoying.
My review, such as it is:
With all respect to all parties involved, this was a mediocre collection. However, it's important to consider the fact that it is drawn from a small collective of writers. The smaller the net, the less likely you'll get a big catch. That being said, I appreciate that the publisher and editors chose to uplift and give voice to the women in the community. For many years I think women were sort of drowned out and ignored in the horror field. That is changing and I appreciate the opportunity this collection gave.
Notable works:
Tree Limbs Block the Road by Patricia Gomes. This one is a poem and I really enjoyed it. Eerie and timely.
Three Sisters Island by Hillary Monahan. This one really brought the horror. It was creep AF and left me wanting more.
Her Eyes Like Silver Dollars by Gillian Daniels. Ironically, mine and Gillian's stories could be twins if you glance at them right. This is funny because neither of us had any contact with each other prior to publication. Her story is fantastical and horrific and mysterious and did something that many of the other stories did not do for me: it made me care. I felt for the children and the situation they were in. She is definitely a writer worth watching.
Overall, I would still recommend this anthology even though I did not love it. It's important to lift up marginalized voices and while women in horror is something we're seeing more of these days the playing field is not even yet. So give these ladies a chance and treat yourself.
I have a story in this anthology but my thoughts are honest and 100% my own.
I also did not read every story all the way through. I tried but not every story grabbed me and I'm not the type to force myself to finish something I'm not enjoying.
My review, such as it is:
With all respect to all parties involved, this was a mediocre collection. However, it's important to consider the fact that it is drawn from a small collective of writers. The smaller the net, the less likely you'll get a big catch. That being said, I appreciate that the publisher and editors chose to uplift and give voice to the women in the community. For many years I think women were sort of drowned out and ignored in the horror field. That is changing and I appreciate the opportunity this collection gave.
Notable works:
Tree Limbs Block the Road by Patricia Gomes. This one is a poem and I really enjoyed it. Eerie and timely.
Three Sisters Island by Hillary Monahan. This one really brought the horror. It was creep AF and left me wanting more.
Her Eyes Like Silver Dollars by Gillian Daniels. Ironically, mine and Gillian's stories could be twins if you glance at them right. This is funny because neither of us had any contact with each other prior to publication. Her story is fantastical and horrific and mysterious and did something that many of the other stories did not do for me: it made me care. I felt for the children and the situation they were in. She is definitely a writer worth watching.
Overall, I would still recommend this anthology even though I did not love it. It's important to lift up marginalized voices and while women in horror is something we're seeing more of these days the playing field is not even yet. So give these ladies a chance and treat yourself.
November 25, 2024
Hit-or-miss in terms of the actual stories, but always nice to support New England horror writers...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews