Crow Song

by Anthony M. Strong

Don't look in the shadows.

A banshee wails for her victim. A phone app with unusual powers traps an unwary man. A housewife discovers that one can never be too clean. A fair comes to town, bringing death along for a ride. These and other macabre tales await as Anthony M. Strong takes you on a joyride to a dark place where anything is possible, and fear is never far away.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2021

Reviews

[Dr. Fiona M. Clements-Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely cracking collection of tales, I devoured Crow Song overnight, as I simply had to read the next story...and the next story... It has to be one of the best put together short story collections I have ever read.

There's something for everyone here, and no spoilers, but whatever your taste in the strange and paranormal, from downright horrific to insidiously haunting, you will find it all here. I honestly think that the art of short story writing is so much harder than working with the expansive canvas of the novel. To get it right, (and oh, these stories are so right!) the author has to have a particularly deft touch, and there are stories in this collection that I know I am not going to be able to get out of my head for a very long time. Which suits me, thank you very much.

Hauntingly beautiful, Crow Song is going to be revisited many times. It's just so good. A well deserved five stars and a wonderful sleepless night reading great writing at its best. What more could anyone ask for?!

[Zac Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of Anthony M. Strong's John Decker series I was interested to see a collection of short stories from him. Having read his stand alone short "The Return" I knew it would be good and I wasn't disappointed! A "Strong" collection (sorry, I couldn't resist!) that left me turning pages well into the night, which wasn't the brightest idea since I was pretty creeped out by them! There are some great twists and turns. "Luck of the Irish" and "The Frequent Visitor" went a totally different direction in the final twist than I could have imagined and "Mirror Mirror" and The Carnival" just completely creeped me out and don't get me started on "The Apartment" it's a wonder I fell asleep at all! If you want great stories in small bites I would heartily recommend Crow Song, although I doubt you will be able to only read them one at a time! I volunteered to review a complimentary copy of this book.

[mr stuart keate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crow Song is a collection of chilling tales compiled from almost thirty years of writing. This book was a brilliant read even though I'd read some of the stories previously over the years. The author still managed to really creep me out and cause a reaction of dread while reading these short stories. Each story held my attention throughout. But the whole book itself from the first page to the very page I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. He has also has written The John Decker Series which are all addictive reads too. Once you read any of this author's books you just want to devour them all.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crow Song is a collection of chilling tales compiled from almost thirty years of writing. This book was a brilliant read even though I'd read some of the stories previously over the years. The author still managed to really creep me out and cause a reaction of dread while reading these short stories. Each story held my attention throughout. But the whole book itself from the first page to the very page I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. He has also has written The John Decker Series which are all addictive reads too. Once you read any of this author's books you just want to devour them all.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I volunteered to review a complimentary copy of this book in return for an unbiased and honest review.
Quite a nice collection of short horrors. Some perfect for a "Tales From the Crypt" episode, to a few longer entries just right for a visit to the Twilight Zone. The tales whip along at a nice pace for those who enjoy a quick short read while taking a break between chores or on lunch break or just waiting on someone. Something for everyone, this author never disappoints.

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

For me, there are two key elements which contribute to the success of a short story; tension building effectively packaged in just a few pages and an original end, the 'aha' moment.  The Crow Edition contain beautifully crafted stories making them a delicous chilling read on a rainy night! My personal favourite remains 'Mirror' which i read quite a long time ago,  i really enjoy re-reading it!

[Cheryl Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

What an amazing book of short stories this was! Mr. Strong is a great writer who in my opinion is easily in the league of Stephen King, Dean Koontz and other well known horror writers! I have saved the date for the Author Con in Williamsburg Virginia in April. Looking forward to meeting this author and others. Thank you Mr. Strong for your amazing stories and I look forward to reading the Last Resort when it comes out in February 2022.

[David C. Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling collection of stories that keeps you turning the pages for more.

I truly enjoyed working my way through these short stories That have been added all together and 1 collection. I tried to make the book last a while by reading only 1 or 2 at a time. But the last 3rd of the book I blew through all at once Again, Mr. Strong kept me mesmerized and, once again, lose track of the time. Jump right in....you'll be glad you did.

[Michael Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Once i started I just wanted to keep going. Not normally a fan of short stories I was suprised by this book. The tales were thought provoking and chilling. I particularly liked The Last Bus and The Apartment. Once again a brilliant well put together book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Julie Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I volunteered to review a complimentary copy of this book. These short stories vary in length and have a sort of a "Tales of the Unexpected " feel to them. My favourite is the phone app. story - as someone who is wary of any new technology it really struck a scary chord with me; loved its simplicity.....chillingly understated.... perfect.

[Donna Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed the book. I wish some of the stories were longer. I think a number of the stories in this book could be reworked into a full length novel. I volunteered to review a complimentary copy of this book.

[Cattie Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of shorts

A spooky selection of short stories that will keep you turning the pages til well past your bedtime! Anthony Strong has a true gift for writing. This collection was a perfect sampling of ghostly visitors and horror. Highly recommend!

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection of short stories.

[Rose Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

All of these short stories were an edge-of-the-seat exciting read. Didn't even realize I had reached the end of the book when this review thing popped up.