This collection of gloomy, thought-provoking, very short stories from the mind of Ann Butler's alter ego, The Book Griffin, introduces you to 11 instances of inexplicable or ghostly occurrences. There's revenge, redemption and sometimes just disquiet. Take the unnerving tale of a child warned never to talk about duppies, add the narration of a 19th century labourer who went to find work and never came back, mix in a warning about the malevolent entity that haunts a town off the Irish coast. Throw in more stories along the same vein and stir.
I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of Not Everyone Stays in the Light, thanks to @whimsywordspr and @annbutler2023. Released on 31st January, this is a perfect pick for anyone who loves ghost stories and quietly spooky tales. The collection features 11 short supernatural stories, each with its own distinct voice and characters. This is something Butler handles with real ease. Some stories lean into revenge, others ache with nostalgia and regret, giving the collection a lovely emotional range. My absolute favourites were The Bluebell Woods and The No-Place. Both were eerie and are still lingering in my mind. It's an easy, atmospheric read, ideal for long, wintry nights when you want something unsettling but comforting at the same time. A great choice for fans of supernatural fiction and short story collections. Highly recommended to spooky-season readers... or anyone who believes not everyone stays in the light.
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