Death Comes At Christmas edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

I love anthologies. They are always such fun to read. Eighteen authors all writing about the same topic, but in such different ways - who wouldn't love that? Am I right? So, of course I was excited to get my hands on a copy of this lovely, Death Comes At Christmas edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane. I mean, c'mon, it has Christmas in the title and the theme is murder-mysteries. How could I resist? My favorite holiday and my new favorite genre - Hurrah!  So, I grabbed a huge cuppa and settled in for a long night with my new favorite book. And let me just say, what a treat it was! 

I really enjoyed reading stories by some of my favorites (C. L. Taylor, Claire McGowan, J. T. Ellison) and reading stories by new-to-me writers (Belinda Bauer, Angela Clarke, Tina Baker) - talk about a fun a festive mix. There were locked-room mysteries, cozy mysteries, and some dark and twisty stories - all of which made for an exciting and thrilling reading experience. I would happily recommend Death Comes At Christmas to fans of murder mysteries and anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP. Or gift a copy to your favorite bibliophile. Either way, make sure to check this book out. 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology edited by Marie O'Regan & Paul Kane

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

The award-winning Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane bring together masters of dark academia for twelve  original stories. Imagine darkened libraries, exclusive elite schools, looming Gothic towers,  charismatic professors, illicit affairs, the tang of autumn in the air… and the rivalries and obsessions  that lead to murder. 

In these stories, dear student, retribution visits a lothario lecturer; the sinister truth is revealed about a  missing professor; a forsaken lover uses a séance for revenge; an obsession blooms about a possible  illicit affair; two graduates exhume the secrets of a reclusive scholar; horrors are uncovered in an  obscure academic department; five hopeful initiates must complete a murderous task and much more!  

Featuring stories from: 

Olivie Blake

M.L. Rio

David Bell

Susie Yang

Layne Fargo

J.T. Ellison

James Tate Hill

Kelly Andrew

Phoebe Wynne

Kate Weinberg

Helen Grant

Tori Bovalino 

Definition of dark academia in English: dark academia 

1. An internet subculture concerned with higher  education, the arts, and literature, or an idealised  version thereof with a focus on the pursuit of  knowledge and an exploration of death.  2. A set of aesthetic principles. Scholarly with a  gothic edge – tweed blazers, vintage cardigans,  scuffed loafers, a worn leather satchel full of  brooding poetry. Enthusiasts are usually found in  museums and darkened libraries.  

my thoughts:

Short stories are my jam! I gobble them up happily and greedily. So, I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this delectable nugget, In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology edited by Marie O'Regan and Paul Kane. Why? Well...

First off, the title! I love dark academia stories - how fun! Second, the cover - the imagery, the gold foil, and the list of writers included - woo hoo! And, third, short stories. Talk about a win-win! 

I'm in the midst of reading the book and enjoying every second with it! It's always fun to read about campus romps, along with the seedy underbelly of academia - makes for a dark and twisty treat. Plus, this book is great to dip in and out - getting to read so many different writer's creative takes on academic life is exciting and thrilling. You never know what you are going to get and that is the best!

I would happily recommend In These Hallowed Halls to everyone looking for their next great read - you will love this book! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!