Pisces51’s Reviews > Christmas and Other Horrors: A Winter Solstice Anthology > Status Update

OUR RECENT UNPLEASANTNESS Stephen Graham Jones is a lengthy entry in the anthology unless it just seemed like it. I read for an hour and a half. Jones'works from what I have read, do not resonate with me. This tale is pure science fiction IMO but it certainly maintains an emphasis on Christmas and the solstice. The story is well written and the plot fantastic. Not one of my favorites. 2.75 Stars.

DRY AND READY by Glen Hirshberg takes the reader to Northwestern Washington State to witness the macabre ending to a Jewish family's dedication to honoring a dead man's Hanukah tradition. The surviving spouse, daughter, and granddaughter travel to a man made garden of bizarre sculpted renditions of animals and wildlife. The story is a slow burn but maintains a threatening atmosphere throughout. Rated 3 Stars

THE BLESSING OF THE WATERS by Nick Mamatas is set in Greece. A convict escapes from prison to appeal to his brother in law Father Gus not to stop the annual Blessing of the Waters. He maintained swimming for the cross kept the balance between continued peace and the evil in the waters prevailing. Is the convict delusional or does the fate of man rest on Father Gus's decision? Supernatural horror. 3.5 Stars.

The Mawkin Field by Terry Dowling is a lengthy contribution. It takes us to beautiful Australia. The crux of this horror story is familiar to all of us but it is an intriguing retooling. If you were an unattached guy alone on a work assignment and while driving and enjoying the scenery, saw a battered old white refrigerator standing alone in an open field, would you go right over to find it is still working?

HIS CASTLE by Alma Katsu takes place in a small Welsh village. A couple from London are relaxing in a local pub when they are advised that revelers may be at their door celebrating the ancient Welsh custom of Mari Lwyd or the grey mare. A pre-Christian Celtic pagan custom? It sounds innocent enough. Trevor and Cate are soon slicing fruit cake for tipsy rude Brits. Somebody should be scared. 5 Stars.

THE ONES HE TAKES by Benjamin Percy is a dark tale of a man named Joel who awakens at nearly noon on Christmas Day in a snow covered Minnesota suburb with nothing to celebrate. No decorations assail him as he descends the stairs, looks over at his and Greta's 6 Month Old long-haired dachshund in her crate. Their son Isaac had not been seen since Christmas Eve last year. Joel is about to find out the truth. 4 Stars.

The first selection is by Christopher Golden THE IMPORTANCE OF A TIDY HOME. We follow two hobos in Austria on The Epiphany when the Schnabelperchten visit the village to bring happiness and blessings for the coming year, but only to those who are properly prepared for this new beginning, who have set their houses in order." Homeless Freddy and Bern follow the creatures unafraid. Rated 5 Stars.