G is for Ghosts

by Rhonda Parrish (Editor), Stephanie A. Cain, Samantha L. Strong

A teenage girl’s classmates begin disappearing only to haunt her dreams, ships full of ghostly passengers in need of release test those who are tasked to give them peace, psychopomps whose job is guiding the spirits of the dead to the other side meet in a support group, and more fill these pages.

Featuring work by Pete Aldin, Andrew Bourelle, Stephanie A. Cain, Beth Cato, M.L.D. Curelas, Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman, Amanda C. Davis, Roddy Fosburg, Joseph Halden, Lynn Hardaker, L.S. Johnson, Michael M. Jones, Jeanne Kramer-Smyth, Samantha Kymmell-Harvey, C.S. MacCath, Jonathan C. Parrish, Alexandra Seidel, Samantha L. Strong, Michael B. Tager, Rachel M. Thompson, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Sarah Van Goethem, Xan van Rooyen, Lilah Wild, Suzanne J. Willis and BD Wilson.

These twenty-six ghost stories, each with a unique perspective and style, explore hauntings and specters in ways both new and familiar.

Genres: Anthologies, Paranormal, Horror, Fantasy

365 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Rhonda Parrish has the attention span of a magpie. Not only can she not focus on a single project at a time, but she also fails at sticking to one genre or even one type of writing (she does manage to stay true to one hockey team, though – Let’s go Oilers!). Perhaps best known for her work as an anthology editor – the Ottawa Review of Books called her “Canada’s best-known and most prolific speculative fiction anthologist” – Rhonda also works as a short story writer, novelist, game writer and a poet. She has been honoured to be included in a handful of ‘Best of’ anthologies, earn a coveted starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and be shortlisted for several awards including the Rhysling Award, the Aurora Award, the Dwarf Stars Award and Alberta Book Publishing Awards.

Most of her work falls under the speculative fiction umbrella but she has also penned paranormal non-fiction and non-speculative work.

In an effort to impose some order in her chaos, these days most of her short fiction and poetry is published directly through her Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RhondaParrish .

More information about her, updates and calls for submission are posted on her website http://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/.

Reviews

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh offering from editor Rhonda Parrish in her Alphabet Anthologies series. “G Is For Ghosts” does not have normal titles, the short stories within known primarily through letters, and full titles assigned to each only at the end. As the ending titles sometimes give away part of the stories, I will use the assigned letters found in the table of contents, or nothing at all.

While each story follows the ghost theme, the genres flip back and forth. Short tales of fantasy caress some passages while tendrils of horror slither in darkness, waiting to grab you when you turn the page. Stephanie A. Cain eases us into the book with a story about finding yourself and love at the same time, and Samantha L. Strong’s “B” is more of a scary story. C.S. MacCath adds science fiction to the mix in an interesting idea over who deserves to be considered to have a soul.

Stories in the book are short. Even if you find one not to your taste, you’re soon into the next. Some of the standouts to me included Lynn Hardaker’s tale of a ghost-filled house with an unexpected ending that I never saw coming. L.S. Johnson’s story of star-crossed lovers contemplates sacrifice for the good of your partner. Jonathan C. Parrish uses an entirely different method of telling his story and is worth the time to closely read it. Rachel M. Thompson’s tale of a ghost’s quest to protect a family member featured an inventive bit of world-building deftly knitted inside a short story.

There are so many good stories here I could just about mention them all 26 of them. Some are whimsical, others have a taste of horror, and there are even some that reminded me of both the ghosts that frightened me when I was a child and those currently living in my dark and sometimes scary basement. Five stars.

My thanks to Poised and Pen Publishing for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories in this anthology. Each is a type of ghost story and each is unique. I especially loved 'O' The O'Brien and Palmer Show. It was so sweet and full of love and a ghost. I found 'T' and 'U' rather strange and didn't really care for those, but all the other stories were great. There's sadness, revenge and love in these stories; on the whole, it is a book of excellent stories.

[Beth Cato]

Not a review. Includes my story for the letter "H."

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

i know when I grab a book of several short stories that I am for a ride, and some stories are bond to be great and others maybe not so much, and I have been surprised many times before, when most are great and while in others times most are only so so, but in this case I felt most stories where suposed to be about ghosts because of the title of the book and they weren't, ok some were and those were the great ones, but for me they were few than the fingers of a hand... most stories had a "spirit" but in efect to justify why they where in this book, not to make it creepy... the good ones had a spirit to make it creepy... one of my favorite had a tenant family, ghosts and a twist and I was completely sweep by that one but that alone doesnt save it... this book could be great for people who want to read stories with ghost on it without being scary, I was hopping for beyond scary and I didnt get that... I am sorry that i couldnt be more positive about it...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cat Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are odd creatures. Their very nature is both a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand, you're likely to find some tales you'll treasure. On the other, there are bound to be those that fall short of your personal preferences. I mean, no one can please everybody all the time and an anthology with 26 stories can't hit a home run with every one for every reader.
I will also say that I'm a tough critic. Just check out my reviews on Goodreads and you'll see what I mean.
So, let me say that in G IS FOR GHOSTS there were 10 stories that widened my eyes and satisfied my soul. The rest, in varying degrees, didn't live up to my exacting measure of what a good ghost story should be. In a nutshell, I like classic. I like imaginative. I like touching. I like elegant writing. I am not a fan of steampunk, which feels like a tired fad that should be laid to rest. I am not a fan of fandoms. If a story is based on the inside jokes and characters of a particular fandom, it automatically loses all the readers who aren't fans. Lastly, I'm not a fan of stretching to be socially, all-inclusively, politically correct. If a story tries too hard to be so, it generally loses its literary edge.
That, I hope, puts the onus of dislike on me, the reader, rather than the writers (hey, I'm just not your audience...but your audience IS out there...). Now for the gems in this anthology.
C.S. MacCath's story of a mechanical bird imbued with the humanity and integrity which our world today so sorely needs, charmed me. The ghost element was incidental, but the overall effect was heartfelt and lovely.
Alexandra Seidel had me marveling at her sheer skill. The prose was lush with a Victorian feel although the tale was set in modern times. It was an effective portrayal of 'what goes around, comes around.'
Roddy Fosburg's contribution was flash fiction with a beautifully twisted, thought-provoking end.
For me, Andrew Bourelle was the star of the collection. I take notes as I read when I know I'll be reviewing. My notes for Mr. Bourelle's handling of the letter G: "Holy crap! Had to take a break, this was so intense. Ghosts that live within you...not the kind that visit from without." Well worth reading.
The runner-up for me was Lynn Hardaker with the letter N. This was a tale about a sort of traveling-ghost, re-homing, re-haunting service. It was written with elegance and just the right twist of spooky originality. Kudos.
L.S. Johnson gave a story of love, courage and change-about that was exceptional.
Laura VanArendonk Baugh's story was an extraordinarily well-written journey into a psychological maze.
Sarah Van Goethem's work was classic and somewhat predictable, but enjoyable thanks to her unique flair in the writing of it.
Amanda C. Davis handed in a tale that was both timely and darkly hilarious.
And finally, Lilah Wild provided an excellent carny tale, both weird and beautiful.
At the end of the book, I had the feeling that the stories that missed with me didn't flow organically from the writers. It was as if they were handed a homework assignment and struggled to give something that would fit the criteria and earn a passing grade. I don't know the mechanics of these anthologies, but if the authors are chosen ahead of time and assigned a letter of the alphabet, that could explain the qualitative shortfall. Or...I could just be a damn tough critic.
Read it. See what you think. Like most anthologies, there's something for everyone.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

These twenty-six mostly G-rated short stories, about a half-hour each in reading time, will easily fill two full days.

A by Stephanie A. Cain: a PG sweet tale of female affection; 30 minutes.

B - Samantha L. Strong: a half-hour story of a Bad Boy. PG

C - C.S. MacCath: a family-friendly tale of Crows and souls that takes a half-hour.

D - Alexandra Seidel: a PG15 half-hour tale about debt.

E - Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman: a half-hour PG tale about the mother of Emily.

F-Roddy Fosburg: an exorcist called Father.

G-Andrew Bourelle: a swimmer and Gardeners.

H-Beth Cato: a sky tower and Home.

I-Xan van Rooyen: a deathwalker and Iniquity.

J-Michael M Jones: Halloween and a pair of Jinkies. PG

K-Jeanne Kramer-Smyth: involves a ghost-speaker and anything more would risk a spoiler.

L-Samantha Kymmell-Harvey: is a series of letters.

M-BD Wilson: is about a doll.

N-Lynn Hardaker: is about new Neighbors.

O-L.s. Johnson: is about The O'Brien and Palmer Show.

P-Laura VanArendonk Baugh: is for Persistence.

Q-Peter Aldin: Q is for Question

R-Sarah Van Goethem: R is for Remember

S-Michael B. Tager: is about what comes before the Seance.

T-Jonathan C. Parrish: T is for Transference. (short)

U-Amanda C. Davis: a to-do list (short)

V-Lilah Wild: is a carnival with Verve.

W-Rachel M. Thompson: is about orphans Wronged.

X-M.L.D. Curelas: X is for X-ray

Y-Joseph Halden: is about karma and Yarrow.

Z-Suzanne J. Willis: Z is for Zoetrope

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ben Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Rhonda's anthology is about ghosts and it's great. You'll find a variety of different stories and takes on the theme, a bit of something for everyone. My favorite this time around was the story listed as Q, in which a young woman goes to a museum of those who had injured the Earth. It was a unique take on ghosts and had an optimistic ending I quite liked (won't say what though, because spoilers.) Definitely recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of ghost stories, it's well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Erzsebet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so many favourites among this collection that it would take too long to type them out but there is something to please any ghost addict.
The variety is not predictable with all styles and takes on a ghost story contained within the pages.
I should have saved this for Halloween night but I'm sure I will enjoy it time and again for its unique contributions.
I must praise the ways the authors weaved some extraordinary stories featuring ghosts and hauntings.
I dived into this with glee and received the satisfaction I craved from a mixture of tales.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tinafoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of ghost stories, and yet... I read them all.
Rhonda Parrish always does an amazing job of collecting stories that aren't exactly what you're expecting. I mean, sure, there are a few in this book that are somewhat traditional "hauntings." But...
I never thought I would find myself in tears at the end of a ghost story...
I never thought I would find myself stifling laughter so as not to wake up sleepers during a ghost story...
I never thought I would find myself rooting for the ghosts... or the ghost hunters...
You get the idea? :)

[Pete Aldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Standout tales ….

Xan van Rooyen’s “I”. Taut, dark and sassy.

LS Johnson’s “O”. Unfolds at a neat pace. Genuinely moving, unique and satisfying.

Rachel M Thompson’s “W”. Clever idea delivered with humor, empathy and snappiness. This could well be the basis for a series of zippy novellas.

[Ana Cordoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very riveting and spooky collection of ghosts stories that make you think about humanity and its relationship with death. The stories displayed unique perspectives on what the afterlife means to different cultures. As well as, how the dead can bring joy and relief to the living. I hope to see more from these authors featured in this anthology.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection
From A to Z this is a marvelous collection of very unusual ghost stories. Many kudos to the various authors who submitted the works that make this such a good collection.
I received this book as an ARC and enjoyed it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to jump when things go bump into the night when you start reading this collection of ghost stories. Each one will make you jump at the sounds of the night while you are reading

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sampling of multiple authors. All stories can be read in one sitting, making this one of those perfect reads for bus riders, people stuck in doctors and dentists offices. I was gifted this from the editor.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

G is for Ghosts
Rhonda Parrish
These twenty six ghost stories are each unique in their style, and explore hauntings and ghosts both new and familiar.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great selection of stories that take a common theme- in this case Ghosts- and show how very different the stories can be.

[Michael Lasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diverse and interesting

[Rick Cook, Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

• TITLE: “A Wonderful Collection of Cleverly Conceived & Well-Written Ghost Stories”
• An anthology of twenty-six tales involving ghosts or spirits, ranging from exorcisms to cybernetic crows to gothic horrors, steampunk airships, death-walking guides in the underworld, and more.
• I very much enjoyed the variety of themes and styles showcased in this wonderful book. All but seven stories were written well and had clever conceits or interesting takes on the afterlife. Those that fell short of the mark were predictable or lacked interesting characters and emotional connections to the reader. However, for the most part, this book has some excellent stories. Editor Parrish’s selection of these tales for the book definitely piqued my interest in ghost & gothic horror stories and has intrigued me to read the other compilations in her Alphabet Anthologies series.
For me, the stories with particular outstanding ideas and/or prose included:
• Samantha Strong’s first-person narrative about a jilted girlfriend’s revenge;
• C.S. MacCath’s short but creative story about a cybernetic crow saving a castaway and pondering what souls are and why he doesn’t have one;
• Alexandra Seidel’s very creepy tale about a lecher that gets his comeuppance, wonderfully written in a Victorian (and slightly Lovecraftian) way;
• Roddy Fosburg’s excellent story about an exorcism, told with great description and clever turns of phrases (this was my second favorite in the book);
• Beth Cato’s creative steampunk–like story about the tragedy of dealing with dead soldiers after a battle on an airship was inventive and captivating;
• Samantha Kymmell-Harvey’s creepy gothic ghost story is composed in perfect 19th-century style prose about horror slowly coming into a family’s life.
• Lynn Hardaker’s ghost story is told in a very linear, straightforward manner that catches you off guard (despite the typos and missing punctuation, it is well written).
• L.S. Johnson’s beautiful allegory is about loving all of yourself, making your two halves whole again. Except for the author’s penchant for overusing the semicolon, I enjoyed it very much.
• Laura VanArendonk Baugh’s story about a dark family secret is well told with interesting characters. I loved everything about it except the ending (too trite).
• Sarah Van Goethem’s tale about a judgmental busybody buzzing around town appears, at first, immature and outdated but is a wonderful surprise in its design and revelation;
• Lilah Wild’s take on a carnival’s unique Horror Shop schlock is well told and inventive with some neat turns of phrase and descriptions.
• Rachel Thompson’s story about a necromancer’s possession of the main character’s sister is a well-told tale and has an interesting perspective to take for the main character, though I found it could’ve been tighter and shorter, particularly near the end.
• Suzanne Willis’s wonderfully imaginative story has memorable, well-defined characters who are trying to put errant ghosts back into a crack in time. I loved this tale!
• But the BEST STORY BY FAR in the book, IMO, was written by Xan van Rooyen. Wow! It’s an innovative story about a man and a society of “deathwalkers” charged with guiding the dead away from purgatory to their final resting place and the world of controlling witches in which they exist. I was hooked by the first section break! It has excellent pace and intriguing characters, filled with gripping prose and a rewarding end. As a fellow author, I’d love to write like this person. I’d also love to find more to read from this author as well as the others mentioned above.

[Yami’s Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me at all. I had to DNF it.