Book Review- Tales From The Lake Vol. 1- Joe Mynhardt-Editor

When I read short stories, I like to pick at them. Much like I pick at the bones of the delicious fried chicken that my wife makes. I like anthologies that have a diverse selection of stories in different lengths that I can read when I find I have a bit of reading time, but not enough to get into a new novel.

Tales From The Lake Vol. 1 is the first in what I hope to be a long running annual anthology. Editor Joe Mynhardt has filled this book with fresh voices, seasoned veterans, and a couple legends of horror to give us a solid gem of a collection for horror fans.

Tim Waggoner kicks off the fun with Lover Come Back To Me, a haunting tale of a dark love pushing it's boundaries to the test.

Blaze McRob's shows his his "softer" side as he entertains with two poems that you probably won't want to find in a Hallmark card anytime soon.

Taylor Grant's Dead Pull is a perfect example of why pet shop owners should be wary of who they hire. Well told and fast paced, you will read this story in the time it takes you to check your Facebook updates.

Jennifer Loring's The Fine Art of Wrecking is another high point in this collection. A great sea story with plenty of blood in it's frothy waters. Remember, the sea never forgets...

Bev Vincent's Lady of Lost Lake and Elizabeth Massie's Don't Look At Me also deliver in a big way. Well told, nicely paced stories that are meant for one sitting.  Of course Graham Masterson does what he does best, and Witch-Compass is another classic by the legend, though I remember it well from Dark Terrors.  John Paul Allen, John Palisano, Joan De La Haye, J. Daniel Stone and William Ritchey all contribute strong stories that entertain and terrify to one extent or another.

All of these voices combine to bring a solid anthology that fans of horror short stories will love for generations to come. Nice job Joe Mynhardt, once again you have proven that Crystal Lake is not just a place for masked killers, but it is a home to terror of all sorts.

5 stars all the way.

Get dressed and head over to the lake...

-Cory Cline