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Wasatch Witches: A Collection of Utah Horror
For ages, people have been enchanted (or cursed) by stories of witches and witchcraft. Contained within this arcane tome are twenty-fives original stories and poems that will terrify and titillate your senses. Explore the darkness through the eyes of people who innocently think magic was make believe and pay the price, practitioners of the dark arts who unexpectedly have the tables turned, and even witches fighting the creatures that crawl from the shadows. Be warned, once you pick this book up, you just might hear cackling coming from the darkness!
- GenresHorror
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2021
10 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
K. Scott Forman
17 books13 followersK. Scott Forman is a writer and editor. He co-edited and contributed to the first three volumes of Fast Forward: A Collection of Flash Fiction along with working on three more volumes, a novel, and a flash novel for Fast Forward Press. He was also the story selector and editor for It Came from the Great Salt Lake: A Collection of Utah Horror. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, and was the recipient of the Robert Creeley Scholarship in 2007. He also received a Master of Arts and Education degree from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Maryland. Scott teaches English Composition at Weber State University, and was an adjunct faculty member at the National Cryptologic School. Teaching and mentoring students in English and other subjects is a passion: Scott has taught courses in Developmental English, Composition, Research, Writing for Math and Science, and Haiku. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and enjoys long walks in inclement weather, sunsets with blood in them, and Metallica at volumes determined unsafe by the Surgeon General. He has had several short stories and poems published and is currently at work on the Great American Novel. He makes his home in the Rocky Mountains with his family and a collection of guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 5, 2021
One of the reasons I love horror anthologies, aside from my addiction to short stories is that I get to sample the work of writers I may not have heard of before. In this case all of these authors were new to me and though I can't claim any credit for discovering them I can hopefully help other readers to find a new favorite.
This anthology is a treasure trove of witchy horror stories and poems. Each author brings something unique to the table, from a modern day reimagining of Hansel and Gretel to a darkly humorous poem about the deliciousness of caramelized children.
Not all of the witches are wicked but the stories are sinfully good.
Some of my favorites did feature witches with less than honorable intentions, such as The Lady of The Lake by Levi Robinson in which a seemingly kind old woman takes in two lost travelers, who will soon come to regret accepting her gracious offer of food and a place to rest.
The Crazy Cat Lady by Jo Schneider about a reporter for the university paper who is granted an interview with a reclusive woman who has never before agreed to speak for any publication.
in Persona Non Grata by Lehua Parker a religious zealot goes behind the back of her televangelist husband to seek help from her estranged psychic sister in locating her missing daughter. For Scrying Out Loud by Caryn Larrinaga features another psychic, this one trying to save a drunken woman from a horrible fate. Cadmium Blue by Jeff Dosser is the aforementioned modern day twist on Hansel and Gretel and it was shocking how quickly what first appeared to be a helpful police officer turned ugly and hateful. There's no candy cottage here just a house of horrors.
There are many more great stories included, these are but a few that cast their spell on me and still linger in my mind after finishing the book.
I received an advance copy for review.
This anthology is a treasure trove of witchy horror stories and poems. Each author brings something unique to the table, from a modern day reimagining of Hansel and Gretel to a darkly humorous poem about the deliciousness of caramelized children.
Not all of the witches are wicked but the stories are sinfully good.
Some of my favorites did feature witches with less than honorable intentions, such as The Lady of The Lake by Levi Robinson in which a seemingly kind old woman takes in two lost travelers, who will soon come to regret accepting her gracious offer of food and a place to rest.
The Crazy Cat Lady by Jo Schneider about a reporter for the university paper who is granted an interview with a reclusive woman who has never before agreed to speak for any publication.
in Persona Non Grata by Lehua Parker a religious zealot goes behind the back of her televangelist husband to seek help from her estranged psychic sister in locating her missing daughter. For Scrying Out Loud by Caryn Larrinaga features another psychic, this one trying to save a drunken woman from a horrible fate. Cadmium Blue by Jeff Dosser is the aforementioned modern day twist on Hansel and Gretel and it was shocking how quickly what first appeared to be a helpful police officer turned ugly and hateful. There's no candy cottage here just a house of horrors.
There are many more great stories included, these are but a few that cast their spell on me and still linger in my mind after finishing the book.
I received an advance copy for review.
April 5, 2021
I received an e-Galley ARC of Wasatch Witches: A Collection Of Utah Horror, edited by Beverly Bernard, with cover design by Rooster Republic and interior design by FireDrake Designs, for review consideration. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.
I rated this anthology 4.5 stars. 25 authors, 25 stories and poems, uniquely crafted and funded fully from a kickstarter campaign; Utah Horror Writers have an annual anthology, this was their 7th. Each year has a theme, with a connection to Utah by author or story a requirement. I think it’s awesome. Keep an eye out for open submissions this year, I hope they get to do another one!
THE PESTILENCE – VINCE FONT
Brilliant choice for the opening of the anthology. Those involved felt vindicated by what followed, proved correct in their fear and action; the readers, arguably those with hindsight, see it as something else.
THE WITCH’S HOUSE – JESSE N. WHITE
“Modern problems require modern solutions” is a meme that works well here; remembering women would visit houses labeled those of a witch for help with their troubles.
THE LADY OF THE LAKE – LEVI ROBINSON
What if the Donner Party and similar occurrences had an outside contributor? Adding to the tragedy, perhaps even being the cause in its entirety? An apex predator that hid in plain sight and could blur your vision of reality to her benefit?
WASATCH WITCHES – C. H. LINDSAY
This poem sounds not too bad a time, all in all, where do I sign up?
UNTIL NEXT TIME – K. SCOTT FORMAN
So the back half made me think of the curse in Ladyhawke (1985), where the man was cursed to be a wolf at night, the woman a hawk in the day, forever kept (just) apart. I felt it almost set up a witch mythos, very unique, at least one I’ve never read.
THE CRAZY CAT LADY – JO SCHNEIDER
Short and not very sweet; simply perfect.
PERSONA NON GRATA – LEHUA PARKER
The less said to avoid spoilers the better, but I enjoyed the complexity of situation portrayed in this story. I could see the underlying solution applied across many familial situations, maybe not to the dramatic conclusion each time, but the basic principle, yes.
FOR SCRYING OUT LOUD – CARYN LARRINAGA
If I had this ability I would finally enjoy looking into mirrors (boom tsh’) Honestly this would be a mixed bag, as the story highlights. But I did like the tongue in cheek feel of this MC’s attitude to life. It was a fun story.
RIP TO RESET – SARIAH HOROWITZ
Think about why you are really doing something. Heed warnings. Gave me the heebie jeebies when I realized she was not the only one in the know, though not fully, that things were different. Have to read the story to understand, no spoilers from me.
FRANKENBEAR – C. H. LINDSAY
Another poem that for better or worse I just love; if it’s supposed to strike fear in my heart, maybe mine is just a little happier with the misfits.
THE FINAL SPELL – ELIZABETH SUGGS
I thought this type of exchange interesting, harder for the witch. I wonder if they are able to not begin the process at all?
THE MOTH – ROBERT BAGNALL
I’m not sure if this story leaves me feeling bereft or full.
FATA MORGANA – DANIEL R. ROBICHAUD
She is more gentle than some in this anthology, doesn’t force anything, but doesn’t ask permission either.
ASPENS – EDWARD MATTHEWS
Midsommer vibe, checking out the local festivities and biting off more than you can chew.
FLY BY NIGHT – MICKIE BOLLING-BURKE
One of my top 5. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I loved this story for so many reasons that I can’t go into without spoilers.
CADMIUM BLUE – JEFF DOSSER
One of my top 5 of this anthology. This is a messed up Ketchum-flavored kustard, I mean this as a high compliment. You will feel things, strongly, while reading this, about many of the characters. Loved this!
WHY ARE CHILDREN SO DELICIOUS? - JOSHUA P. SORENSEN
This is one poem in this anthology I did not feel a close connection with, thankfully. Catchy though.
THE WARLOCK OF KAY’S CREEK – BRYAN STUBBLES
A hell of a ride. My kids are on an Adventure Time kick, so Liken was Ice King to me a little bit, but western.
DANARA’S COVEN – C. H. LINDSAY
I love a cottagecore rep tale for me to drool over, it’s not very practical for raising two boys in, but sounds so cozy. I couldn’t help but think the police were dropping the ball.
A LIFE WORTH LIVING – RG HUGHES
One of my top 5, another messed up and dark story. I guess I have a type. I was disoriented at parts, but that is intentional I believe, keep reading because the pay off blew my mind.
MISS FORTUNE-ANASTASIA – NATASHA MORNINGSTARR
I’m unsure if this was a baiting or advantage situation. So not sure how the story made me feel ultimately.
UNFRUITFUL WORKS – D. J. MOORE
This one stuck with me after, because I think we have all known at least one truly cruel person in our lives. Maybe not closely, if your lucky, but from a friend, or read about them, sure. Disquieting.
VICE- DONALD EVANS
The practicality of this scenario, my absolute certainty that this is happening in one of our multiverses right now; why not here, why not our earth man?
WHAT HAPPENS IN SALEM – ANGELA HARTLEY
One of my top 5. You never know for sure who is the hunter in the game of cat and mouse, so don’t get too big for your britches, witches.
MOMENTO MORI – C. R. LANGILLE
Top 5, this one is nightmare fuel with the imagery. Gorgeous.
I rated this anthology 4.5 stars. 25 authors, 25 stories and poems, uniquely crafted and funded fully from a kickstarter campaign; Utah Horror Writers have an annual anthology, this was their 7th. Each year has a theme, with a connection to Utah by author or story a requirement. I think it’s awesome. Keep an eye out for open submissions this year, I hope they get to do another one!
THE PESTILENCE – VINCE FONT
Brilliant choice for the opening of the anthology. Those involved felt vindicated by what followed, proved correct in their fear and action; the readers, arguably those with hindsight, see it as something else.
THE WITCH’S HOUSE – JESSE N. WHITE
“Modern problems require modern solutions” is a meme that works well here; remembering women would visit houses labeled those of a witch for help with their troubles.
THE LADY OF THE LAKE – LEVI ROBINSON
What if the Donner Party and similar occurrences had an outside contributor? Adding to the tragedy, perhaps even being the cause in its entirety? An apex predator that hid in plain sight and could blur your vision of reality to her benefit?
WASATCH WITCHES – C. H. LINDSAY
This poem sounds not too bad a time, all in all, where do I sign up?
UNTIL NEXT TIME – K. SCOTT FORMAN
So the back half made me think of the curse in Ladyhawke (1985), where the man was cursed to be a wolf at night, the woman a hawk in the day, forever kept (just) apart. I felt it almost set up a witch mythos, very unique, at least one I’ve never read.
THE CRAZY CAT LADY – JO SCHNEIDER
Short and not very sweet; simply perfect.
PERSONA NON GRATA – LEHUA PARKER
The less said to avoid spoilers the better, but I enjoyed the complexity of situation portrayed in this story. I could see the underlying solution applied across many familial situations, maybe not to the dramatic conclusion each time, but the basic principle, yes.
FOR SCRYING OUT LOUD – CARYN LARRINAGA
If I had this ability I would finally enjoy looking into mirrors (boom tsh’) Honestly this would be a mixed bag, as the story highlights. But I did like the tongue in cheek feel of this MC’s attitude to life. It was a fun story.
RIP TO RESET – SARIAH HOROWITZ
Think about why you are really doing something. Heed warnings. Gave me the heebie jeebies when I realized she was not the only one in the know, though not fully, that things were different. Have to read the story to understand, no spoilers from me.
FRANKENBEAR – C. H. LINDSAY
Another poem that for better or worse I just love; if it’s supposed to strike fear in my heart, maybe mine is just a little happier with the misfits.
THE FINAL SPELL – ELIZABETH SUGGS
I thought this type of exchange interesting, harder for the witch. I wonder if they are able to not begin the process at all?
THE MOTH – ROBERT BAGNALL
I’m not sure if this story leaves me feeling bereft or full.
FATA MORGANA – DANIEL R. ROBICHAUD
She is more gentle than some in this anthology, doesn’t force anything, but doesn’t ask permission either.
ASPENS – EDWARD MATTHEWS
Midsommer vibe, checking out the local festivities and biting off more than you can chew.
FLY BY NIGHT – MICKIE BOLLING-BURKE
One of my top 5. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I loved this story for so many reasons that I can’t go into without spoilers.
CADMIUM BLUE – JEFF DOSSER
One of my top 5 of this anthology. This is a messed up Ketchum-flavored kustard, I mean this as a high compliment. You will feel things, strongly, while reading this, about many of the characters. Loved this!
WHY ARE CHILDREN SO DELICIOUS? - JOSHUA P. SORENSEN
This is one poem in this anthology I did not feel a close connection with, thankfully. Catchy though.
THE WARLOCK OF KAY’S CREEK – BRYAN STUBBLES
A hell of a ride. My kids are on an Adventure Time kick, so Liken was Ice King to me a little bit, but western.
DANARA’S COVEN – C. H. LINDSAY
I love a cottagecore rep tale for me to drool over, it’s not very practical for raising two boys in, but sounds so cozy. I couldn’t help but think the police were dropping the ball.
A LIFE WORTH LIVING – RG HUGHES
One of my top 5, another messed up and dark story. I guess I have a type. I was disoriented at parts, but that is intentional I believe, keep reading because the pay off blew my mind.
MISS FORTUNE-ANASTASIA – NATASHA MORNINGSTARR
I’m unsure if this was a baiting or advantage situation. So not sure how the story made me feel ultimately.
UNFRUITFUL WORKS – D. J. MOORE
This one stuck with me after, because I think we have all known at least one truly cruel person in our lives. Maybe not closely, if your lucky, but from a friend, or read about them, sure. Disquieting.
VICE- DONALD EVANS
The practicality of this scenario, my absolute certainty that this is happening in one of our multiverses right now; why not here, why not our earth man?
WHAT HAPPENS IN SALEM – ANGELA HARTLEY
One of my top 5. You never know for sure who is the hunter in the game of cat and mouse, so don’t get too big for your britches, witches.
MOMENTO MORI – C. R. LANGILLE
Top 5, this one is nightmare fuel with the imagery. Gorgeous.
July 20, 2021
One of the reasons I love horror anthologies, aside from my addiction to short stories is that I get to sample the work of writers I may not have heard of before. In this case all of these authors were new to me and though I can't claim any credit for discovering them I can hopefully help other readers to find a new favorite.
This anthology is a treasure trove of witchy horror stories and poems. Each author brings something unique to the table, from a modern day reimagining of Hansel and Gretel to a darkly humorous poem about the deliciousness of caramelized children.
Not all of the witches are wicked but the stories are sinfully good.
Some of my favorites did feature witches with less than honorable intentions, such as The Lady of The Lake by Levi Robinson in which a seemingly kind old woman takes in two lost travelers, who will soon come to regret accepting her gracious offer of food and a place to rest.
The Crazy Cat Lady by Jo Schneider about a reporter for the university paper who is granted an interview with a reclusive woman who has never before agreed to speak for any publication.
in Persona Non Grata by Lehua Parker a religious zealot goes behind the back of her televangelist husband to seek help from her estranged psychic sister in locating her missing daughter. For Scrying Out Loud by Caryn Larrinaga features another psychic, this one trying to save a drunken woman from a horrible fate. Cadmium Blue by Jeff Dosser is the aforementioned modern day twist on Hansel and Gretel and it was shocking how quickly what first appeared to be a helpful police officer turned ugly and hateful. There's no candy cottage here just a house of horrors.
There are many more great stories included, these are but a few that cast their spell on me and still linger in my mind after finishing the book.
I received an advance copy for review.
This anthology is a treasure trove of witchy horror stories and poems. Each author brings something unique to the table, from a modern day reimagining of Hansel and Gretel to a darkly humorous poem about the deliciousness of caramelized children.
Not all of the witches are wicked but the stories are sinfully good.
Some of my favorites did feature witches with less than honorable intentions, such as The Lady of The Lake by Levi Robinson in which a seemingly kind old woman takes in two lost travelers, who will soon come to regret accepting her gracious offer of food and a place to rest.
The Crazy Cat Lady by Jo Schneider about a reporter for the university paper who is granted an interview with a reclusive woman who has never before agreed to speak for any publication.
in Persona Non Grata by Lehua Parker a religious zealot goes behind the back of her televangelist husband to seek help from her estranged psychic sister in locating her missing daughter. For Scrying Out Loud by Caryn Larrinaga features another psychic, this one trying to save a drunken woman from a horrible fate. Cadmium Blue by Jeff Dosser is the aforementioned modern day twist on Hansel and Gretel and it was shocking how quickly what first appeared to be a helpful police officer turned ugly and hateful. There's no candy cottage here just a house of horrors.
There are many more great stories included, these are but a few that cast their spell on me and still linger in my mind after finishing the book.
I received an advance copy for review.
April 6, 2021
WASATCH WITCHES, a Horror Anthology was written by Utah Horror Writers, contains twenty-five short stories and poems centered around the darkness of witches and witchcraft, ‘an arcane tome that will terrify and titillate your senses.’
‘Be warned, once you pick this book up, you just might hear cackling coming from the darkness!’
Though the stories and poems in WASATCH WITCHES didn’t terrify me, they most certainly titillated this reader's, horror-filled heart. More, Please!
The following are my favorites, including snippets from each:
‘The Pestilence’ – by Vince Font
‘They came up the mountain with their torches and their bibles and their godly heads held high. Boots plunged into snow-packed earth and scarves drew over ears as winter’s icy breath blew down the Wasatch Range. At the end of the path where the Devil dwelt, the men stopped and formed a hard line.
‘Within the darkened cottage, nothing stirred. The serpent lay in wait.’
‘The Witch’s House’ – by Jesse N. White - Love this one!
“‘Quite the spooky place you got here, Miss Why-chel,” Paul remarked, purposely mispronouncing their host’s name as he walked over and casually cupped the mannequin’s breasts. “ I love the decor.”’
‘Olivia smirked at Paul and gave Angie a wink. “Not quite what you were expecting? Nothing here frightens you, Mister Olmstead?” She cackled as she swirled and allowed her dress to fall off her shoulder.
‘She motioned the couple further into the house. “Well, not to worry. A float session is meant to relax...”’
‘Wasatch Witches’ – by C.H. Lindsay
‘[O]nce the sun has gone to sleep,/they stalk the night ‘mid shadows deep./
‘In graveyards cold,/ through darkest night,/they harvest names while moon is bright.’
‘The Crazy Cat Lady’ - by Jo Schneider – Love It!
‘A high-pitched yowl came from inside. I leaned forward. Was that a cougar cub? Or a regular cat? The sound stopped abruptly, and the door clicked open. I jumped back, straightened my shoulders, and smiled.
The Cougar Lady had never agreed to be interviewed before. Her stipulation to let me come had been that I kept all of this a secret until I published the article.
‘Persona Non Grata’ - by Lehua Parker
‘The doorbell won’t stop, not for God or love or money. I open the door just wide enough to scowl at the woman on my front porch. She’s not alone, but doesn’t know it.’
‘For Scrying Out Loud’ – by Caryn Larrinaga – Love it!
‘Here’s the crappy thing about scrying: the mirror doesn’t always tell you what you want to know. It only shows you what you need to see. . . . And don’t be surprised if it shows you something you didn’t want to see—even when you didn’t ask it a question.’
‘Rip to Reset’ – by Sariah Horowitz – That was really good!
‘Mark was near perfection; dark hair, bright brown eyes, kind, and understanding. Marie assumed that when they reached high school, they would be dating, attend the same college, then marriage, and spend the rest of their lives together.’
‘But then that Nancy Hanks ruined all of it.’
Frankenbear’ — by C.H. Lindsay
‘In autumn’s chill/ the witches watch/for teddy bears/ in graveyards dark. . . . .Beneath full moon/ the witches chant/ for graveyard bears to coalesce.’
‘Cadmium Blue’ — by Jeff Dosser – Love The Ending!
‘Cadmium blue. Emily Ray lowered her binoculars and studied the children. The girl’s aura was a brilliant cadmium blue. . . . Satisfied, she lifted her binoculars and studied the children once again. They sat beneath a rusted ‘Bus Stop’ sign. The boy was nothing special, virtually no aura at all, but the girl….’
‘Why Are Children So Delicious?’ —by Joshua P. Sorensen
‘I’ll fatten up my neighbors/ With cookies and with cake,/ Chocolate ice cream, custard,/And sweets that I will bake/When they’re fat and plump,/ With pudgy little toes,/ I’ll roughly grab and toss them;/In my oven they will go.’
‘The Warlock of Kay's Creek’ — by Bryan Stubbles
‘Johnnie’s death made dusk’s chill all that more miserable. Sixteen-year-old Mabel looked on from afar as the hushed graveside service quickly concluded. Not even Johnnie’s parents attended the funeral.’
‘Only the Presbyterian minister, his wife, and the gravedigger attended. None of the Mormons—many of them related to Johnnie by blood or marriage or both—could be bothered.’
‘Welcome to 1894 Kaysville.’
‘Danara’s Coven’ — by C.H. Lindsay
‘The clinking of the prismatic wind chimes drew Danara’s attention to the rainbows dancing across the ceiling. How many times had their magic—her magic—drawn her back? . . . Time held no meaning for her anymore; only the addition of another presence, another voice.’
‘They were here with her now, whispering to each other that another woman would die that night.’
‘Miss Fortune – Anastasia’ — by Natasha MorningStarr
‘You would expect to see her floating overhead on a broom. Instead, she struts with grace in Louboutin pumps—reminiscent of Meryl Streep, only melanated—she walks with the Devil wearing Prada . . .The essence of her roots is magick. Her presence pulses with a subtle vibration known to draw people into a trance. One beat of her drum, and you’ll do her dance.’
‘Her name is Anastasia.’
‘Unfruitful Works’ – by D. J. Moore – Love It!
‘I first met her outside the gates of Temple Square. In the spot where you usually see a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace for loose change. Arianna Plemmons. . . . Both arms were raised high above her head, fingers twitching as if playing upon an invisible instrument. . . . [F]ollowing the gazes of several people in the audience, I saw a young man dressed in a white shirt with a red tie jerking about in a kind of marionette dance.
‘Like a puppet dangling from unseen strings.’
‘Vice’ – by Donald Evans – Love This One!
‘I grabbed the first envelope on the top of the slush pile. What kind of life do you have when you spend your day looking through a slush pile? I read about ten pages and threw it in the trash. . . . After reading it, I felt like washing my hands to get the icky off.’
‘The next story had something to do with toast and a guy who stares at the toast for like nine pages. I picked up the next package, and I felt cold run up my wrist. . . The packaging was nondescript, but it bothered me. I couldn’t tell you why. I didn’t want to open it.’
‘I opened it.’
‘What Happens in Salem’ – by Angela Hartley – Love It!
‘I can hear their thoughts as I walk down the hall of Salem High. Hate rolls off them in waves as they give me a wide six-foot berth. Even the teachers keep their distance as if my presence were a dangerous pathogen.’
’Catching.’
‘They aren’t wrong. I am dangerous, especially to small-minded humans in a little town like Salem, Utah.’
Thank you, Fear Knocks Press LLC.For providing me with an eGalley of WASATCH WITCHES in a request for an honest review.
‘Be warned, once you pick this book up, you just might hear cackling coming from the darkness!’
Though the stories and poems in WASATCH WITCHES didn’t terrify me, they most certainly titillated this reader's, horror-filled heart. More, Please!
The following are my favorites, including snippets from each:
‘The Pestilence’ – by Vince Font
‘They came up the mountain with their torches and their bibles and their godly heads held high. Boots plunged into snow-packed earth and scarves drew over ears as winter’s icy breath blew down the Wasatch Range. At the end of the path where the Devil dwelt, the men stopped and formed a hard line.
‘Within the darkened cottage, nothing stirred. The serpent lay in wait.’
‘The Witch’s House’ – by Jesse N. White - Love this one!
“‘Quite the spooky place you got here, Miss Why-chel,” Paul remarked, purposely mispronouncing their host’s name as he walked over and casually cupped the mannequin’s breasts. “ I love the decor.”’
‘Olivia smirked at Paul and gave Angie a wink. “Not quite what you were expecting? Nothing here frightens you, Mister Olmstead?” She cackled as she swirled and allowed her dress to fall off her shoulder.
‘She motioned the couple further into the house. “Well, not to worry. A float session is meant to relax...”’
‘Wasatch Witches’ – by C.H. Lindsay
‘[O]nce the sun has gone to sleep,/they stalk the night ‘mid shadows deep./
‘In graveyards cold,/ through darkest night,/they harvest names while moon is bright.’
‘The Crazy Cat Lady’ - by Jo Schneider – Love It!
‘A high-pitched yowl came from inside. I leaned forward. Was that a cougar cub? Or a regular cat? The sound stopped abruptly, and the door clicked open. I jumped back, straightened my shoulders, and smiled.
The Cougar Lady had never agreed to be interviewed before. Her stipulation to let me come had been that I kept all of this a secret until I published the article.
‘Persona Non Grata’ - by Lehua Parker
‘The doorbell won’t stop, not for God or love or money. I open the door just wide enough to scowl at the woman on my front porch. She’s not alone, but doesn’t know it.’
‘For Scrying Out Loud’ – by Caryn Larrinaga – Love it!
‘Here’s the crappy thing about scrying: the mirror doesn’t always tell you what you want to know. It only shows you what you need to see. . . . And don’t be surprised if it shows you something you didn’t want to see—even when you didn’t ask it a question.’
‘Rip to Reset’ – by Sariah Horowitz – That was really good!
‘Mark was near perfection; dark hair, bright brown eyes, kind, and understanding. Marie assumed that when they reached high school, they would be dating, attend the same college, then marriage, and spend the rest of their lives together.’
‘But then that Nancy Hanks ruined all of it.’
Frankenbear’ — by C.H. Lindsay
‘In autumn’s chill/ the witches watch/for teddy bears/ in graveyards dark. . . . .Beneath full moon/ the witches chant/ for graveyard bears to coalesce.’
‘Cadmium Blue’ — by Jeff Dosser – Love The Ending!
‘Cadmium blue. Emily Ray lowered her binoculars and studied the children. The girl’s aura was a brilliant cadmium blue. . . . Satisfied, she lifted her binoculars and studied the children once again. They sat beneath a rusted ‘Bus Stop’ sign. The boy was nothing special, virtually no aura at all, but the girl….’
‘Why Are Children So Delicious?’ —by Joshua P. Sorensen
‘I’ll fatten up my neighbors/ With cookies and with cake,/ Chocolate ice cream, custard,/And sweets that I will bake/When they’re fat and plump,/ With pudgy little toes,/ I’ll roughly grab and toss them;/In my oven they will go.’
‘The Warlock of Kay's Creek’ — by Bryan Stubbles
‘Johnnie’s death made dusk’s chill all that more miserable. Sixteen-year-old Mabel looked on from afar as the hushed graveside service quickly concluded. Not even Johnnie’s parents attended the funeral.’
‘Only the Presbyterian minister, his wife, and the gravedigger attended. None of the Mormons—many of them related to Johnnie by blood or marriage or both—could be bothered.’
‘Welcome to 1894 Kaysville.’
‘Danara’s Coven’ — by C.H. Lindsay
‘The clinking of the prismatic wind chimes drew Danara’s attention to the rainbows dancing across the ceiling. How many times had their magic—her magic—drawn her back? . . . Time held no meaning for her anymore; only the addition of another presence, another voice.’
‘They were here with her now, whispering to each other that another woman would die that night.’
‘Miss Fortune – Anastasia’ — by Natasha MorningStarr
‘You would expect to see her floating overhead on a broom. Instead, she struts with grace in Louboutin pumps—reminiscent of Meryl Streep, only melanated—she walks with the Devil wearing Prada . . .The essence of her roots is magick. Her presence pulses with a subtle vibration known to draw people into a trance. One beat of her drum, and you’ll do her dance.’
‘Her name is Anastasia.’
‘Unfruitful Works’ – by D. J. Moore – Love It!
‘I first met her outside the gates of Temple Square. In the spot where you usually see a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace for loose change. Arianna Plemmons. . . . Both arms were raised high above her head, fingers twitching as if playing upon an invisible instrument. . . . [F]ollowing the gazes of several people in the audience, I saw a young man dressed in a white shirt with a red tie jerking about in a kind of marionette dance.
‘Like a puppet dangling from unseen strings.’
‘Vice’ – by Donald Evans – Love This One!
‘I grabbed the first envelope on the top of the slush pile. What kind of life do you have when you spend your day looking through a slush pile? I read about ten pages and threw it in the trash. . . . After reading it, I felt like washing my hands to get the icky off.’
‘The next story had something to do with toast and a guy who stares at the toast for like nine pages. I picked up the next package, and I felt cold run up my wrist. . . The packaging was nondescript, but it bothered me. I couldn’t tell you why. I didn’t want to open it.’
‘I opened it.’
‘What Happens in Salem’ – by Angela Hartley – Love It!
‘I can hear their thoughts as I walk down the hall of Salem High. Hate rolls off them in waves as they give me a wide six-foot berth. Even the teachers keep their distance as if my presence were a dangerous pathogen.’
’Catching.’
‘They aren’t wrong. I am dangerous, especially to small-minded humans in a little town like Salem, Utah.’
Thank you, Fear Knocks Press LLC.For providing me with an eGalley of WASATCH WITCHES in a request for an honest review.
February 1, 2021
Wasatch Witches is a collection of stories and poems from various authors that weaves a mysterious macabre atmosphere that leaves the reader wanting more. Maybe you are looking for a shock to your system from looking in a mirror that sees the future or wanting to know how the cat lady stays so young? This collection has something for everyone and is sure to keep you up at night with the lights on, checking to see what goes bump in the night.
Every tale is a look into a dark and twisted world that is not for the lighthearted, but if you choose to take this journey, you are sure to be pleased.
These authors do a fantastic job of weaving together a fluid blanket of scary and creepy tales that will make any reader keep coming back for more.
Every tale is a look into a dark and twisted world that is not for the lighthearted, but if you choose to take this journey, you are sure to be pleased.
These authors do a fantastic job of weaving together a fluid blanket of scary and creepy tales that will make any reader keep coming back for more.
April 6, 2021
I'm sure you've read a review of a multi-author anthology before, so you should be expecting what I'll say next: there were highs, and there were lows. Some of my favorite stories were "The Pestilence," the opener which describes a woman accused of causing a sickness on a town by Vince Font; "Persona Non Grata," about a witch dealing with her sister, who is the wife of a megachurch preacher, by Lehua Parker; and the finale, "Memento Mori," about a sharp-shooting young lady who gets mixed up with the wrong gangsters straight out of a Western, by C.R. Langille. I even enjoyed the poetry pieces more than I usually do—I'm not usually a poetry fan, but C.H. Lindsay and Joshua P. Sorensen's poems were very accessible and easy to read for non-poetry fans.
Unfortunately, I think this anthology was a bit long to read all in one go with such a narrow subject matter. Although each story was unique, by the time I hit the 2/3s mark I was getting a little tired of witches, and I wished there had been fewer stories included. I think this anthology would work a lot better if the reader didn't try to read it all together. If you have a few anthologies on the go and you can intersperse these short stories with some short stories with other subject matter, you would find this book more enjoyable than I did. I worry that I may have rated some of the stories in the latter half lower than I would have in other circumstances, just because I was finding the length of the anthology tedious, but I think that comes down to editing and is not reflective of the authors themselves.
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Thanks to the publisher for an advance e-copy of this anthology for review.
This is an all-the-good-bits abbreviated review. For my full review, check out my blog, The Library Cryptid.
Content warnings: Ableism (inc. R-slur), sexual themes, death by fire, sexism, anti-Romani slur
Unfortunately, I think this anthology was a bit long to read all in one go with such a narrow subject matter. Although each story was unique, by the time I hit the 2/3s mark I was getting a little tired of witches, and I wished there had been fewer stories included. I think this anthology would work a lot better if the reader didn't try to read it all together. If you have a few anthologies on the go and you can intersperse these short stories with some short stories with other subject matter, you would find this book more enjoyable than I did. I worry that I may have rated some of the stories in the latter half lower than I would have in other circumstances, just because I was finding the length of the anthology tedious, but I think that comes down to editing and is not reflective of the authors themselves.
--
Thanks to the publisher for an advance e-copy of this anthology for review.
This is an all-the-good-bits abbreviated review. For my full review, check out my blog, The Library Cryptid.
Content warnings: Ableism (inc. R-slur), sexual themes, death by fire, sexism, anti-Romani slur
March 31, 2021
I love collections/anthologies. They are an amazing, quick easy way to discover new authors. Wasatch Witches really hits it out of the park grand slam style- I didn't think there was a clunker in this collection, which I think is pretty freaking cool. I also thought it was smartly put together from beginning to end.
If I was to start mentioning favorites, I couldn't- LOL - Each story/poem brings something to the table. Seriously.
This collection really delivered on the witchy wickedness and goodness! LOL
I was provided an ebook ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2021
Review coming soon to Kendall Reviews
April 5, 2021
As the publisher, I liked most of the stories, and there were a few favorites. This is the seventh volume of Utah Horror, but the first I've published. I think all the volumes have something to offer for every reader. Check them all out.
April 2, 2021
I love witch stories! This collection is amazing! There is no story here that won’t grab you, something for everyone and in the wilds of Utah. What a creative group of authors I’d read stories from again! No spoilers as an anthology limits you from singling anyone out, let’s say you will enjoy every word! Get a warm fire, some comfort food and settle down to some amazing tales. Enjoy!
April 8, 2021
WASATACH WITCHES is an anthology of stories with a connection to Utah in some way. This is the Utah Horror Writers' seventh(!) volume and if this is what they're all like, I have some serious reading to catch up on!
When it comes to horror story villains, witches are the worst. They can do more than any other baddie in scary literature. They can control you, make you see things that aren't there, drain your life-force, cast spells that do any number of things, talk to the the devil...the list goes on and on. In these 25 stories and poems, you'll encounter all of this and more. I have to commend the editor, Beverly Bernard, in that while the book itself is long, none of these stories or poems feel like repeats. They were all different and memorable in their own way and that's not easy to do when there's this many stories.
Here are a few of my favorites:
THE LADY OF THE LAKE - Levi Robinson: A pioneer couple get separated from their group. Things get "yikes" pretty quickly!
UNTIL NEXT TIME - K. Scott Forman: I'm not saying anything at all about this one other than it's a totally original take on the story it wants to tell. Totally bonkers in a good way.
PERSONA NON GRATA - Lehua Parker: Story about a woman who goes to see her estranged psychic sister for help finding her daughter. This was an emotional roller coaster for me.
CADMIUM BLUE - Jeff Dosser: Really wild take on Hansel and Gretel. Also it's probably my favorite story in the anthology.
MOMENTO MORI - C.R. Langille: A western-style story about saving a witch from some bad guys. Feels like an origin story or a part one and I want a part two!
Bonus points:
- An enlightening and entertaining introduction by Gabino Iglesias
- The included poems are fun/wicked and enjoyable
If you're in the mood to read about witches in all their forms (good, bad, and in-between), you should pick this up; you're bound find a story or stories you love in here. This anthology will surely cast its' spell on you!
* I was provided an ebook ARC for review
When it comes to horror story villains, witches are the worst. They can do more than any other baddie in scary literature. They can control you, make you see things that aren't there, drain your life-force, cast spells that do any number of things, talk to the the devil...the list goes on and on. In these 25 stories and poems, you'll encounter all of this and more. I have to commend the editor, Beverly Bernard, in that while the book itself is long, none of these stories or poems feel like repeats. They were all different and memorable in their own way and that's not easy to do when there's this many stories.
Here are a few of my favorites:
THE LADY OF THE LAKE - Levi Robinson: A pioneer couple get separated from their group. Things get "yikes" pretty quickly!
UNTIL NEXT TIME - K. Scott Forman: I'm not saying anything at all about this one other than it's a totally original take on the story it wants to tell. Totally bonkers in a good way.
PERSONA NON GRATA - Lehua Parker: Story about a woman who goes to see her estranged psychic sister for help finding her daughter. This was an emotional roller coaster for me.
CADMIUM BLUE - Jeff Dosser: Really wild take on Hansel and Gretel. Also it's probably my favorite story in the anthology.
MOMENTO MORI - C.R. Langille: A western-style story about saving a witch from some bad guys. Feels like an origin story or a part one and I want a part two!
Bonus points:
- An enlightening and entertaining introduction by Gabino Iglesias
- The included poems are fun/wicked and enjoyable
If you're in the mood to read about witches in all their forms (good, bad, and in-between), you should pick this up; you're bound find a story or stories you love in here. This anthology will surely cast its' spell on you!
* I was provided an ebook ARC for review
June 23, 2022
This would be a perfect October spooky book read. A few short stories were “meh”, but most of the stories were really well done. I enjoyed the Pando story about the Aspen trees and the women sacrificing their men for the greater good. The Hans and Greta characters going up against a female police officer (who happens to be a witch and an artist) was an interesting retelling of Hansel and Gretel from the fairytale….
December 28, 2023
Review to come.
March 22, 2021
There's a lot of local flavor in this anthology (including yours truly). Highly suggest!
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