Letting Go by Mary SanGiovanni

I usually try to get around on the internet and read a few things while the kids are eating breakfast, and found myself clicking a link on Twitter that would end up throwing my day in a completely different direction. Why? Well, this morning, Mary SanGiovanni posted a reprint of one of her short stories in the Nightmares section of her website. The story is called Letting Go, and it completely blew me away.

See for yourself here.

I've read a few things by this author before, and I know that she's got a very strong voice. Her writing style is urgent and yet retains a sense of beauty and comfort. This piece is no different.

This story immaculately paced, starting off with a whisper, and ending off with a huge bang. If ever there was a piece of fiction that deserved to be read with a soundtrack, it's Letting Go. The mounting terror found within the story is remarkable. SanGiovanni really shows that her imagination is in top form, and brings a whole new, creepy feeling to the telling of a brilliant ghost story. Her version of which involves a brilliant manifestation of painful emotion, guilt, and regret. Like I've stated already: I was completely blown away.

It's been several hours since I read the story for the first time, and I still can't get it out of my head. SanGiovanni's writing is very visual, memorable, and smooth. No reader is going to walk away unsatisfied with this piece.

I strongly suggest you check it out.

Visit Mary SanGiovanni at www.marysangiovanni.com. Click on the Nightmares page to read Letting Go. You can also check her out on Twitter, and on her Forum at the Keenedom (registration required).

More information of Mary SanGiovanni's new novel, Thrall, is available at Thunderstorm Books here.

PBH.

The Last Straw by Gord Rollo

Posting a review of the same book twice isn't something I ever plan to do, but I feel that this case kind of warrants it. Well, in a way. This isn't actually a review of Valley Of The Scarecrow. No, it's actually a review of the short story that is included in the A-Z lettered, leather bound, hardcover edition that is available at Dark Regions Press.

And don't you worry, I'll keep it short.

The Last Straw is one of the most intense, emotional, and beautifully written pieces of fiction that I have read in a very long time. The story ties directly into the history of Valley Of The Scarecrow, giving the reader a bit more information as to what happened all those years ago, when Angus and some of the other citizens decided it was time to put an end to the Reverend's reign of terror in the little community of Miller's Grove.

I cannot stress enough how incredible this story is. The set up is fantastic - bringing absolute clarity to some of the questions one might have about the story it precludes. Not only that, but the character of Angus is fleshed out in a more satisfying and 'fatherly' way. The Reverend - pre-monster - is also shown to be almost more terrifying than he is in VOTS, eliciting more emotional terror than I've previously encountered from a short story, in a while.

This story alone, is worth paying the extra cash for the Dark Regions edition of Valley Of The Scarecrow.

You can grab it here in both A-Z Lettered, leather bound hardcover (for $99) or in a signed, limited hardcover edition(for $50) - only from Dark Regions Press. A reminder: The Last Straw is only available in the A-Z Lettered edition.

PBH.