Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Karen Black’s Long Stories Short is an engaging anthology of short stories that skillfully intertwines suspense, supernatural themes, and profound human emotions, all framed within ordinary contexts transformed into the extraordinary. Each tale in this collection examines human resilience, the unyielding connections of love, and the timeless battle between good and evil. Black skillfully weaves stories that captivate and challenge the mind. Her characters are richly developed, their conflicts are gripping, and their journeys frequently shed light on the shadowy aspects of human nature. They are eerily engaging and masterfully written.

Each story is meticulously plotted, with surprising and satisfying twists. Karen Black’s writing is fluid, with a rhythm that matches the pacing, adding to the suspense. Dialogue is a particular strength, making the characters’ interactions realistic and powerful. What makes Long Stories Short especially engaging is its seamless blend of genres. Each story uniquely presents its theme, yet, collectively, it weaves a tapestry reflecting the human experience’s universality. I was especially drawn to “You Summoned Me” because Ouija boards have always fascinated me. I loved how Black used it to symbolize the thin veil between the ordinary and the paranormal. Readers who enjoy the works of authors who masterfully blend elements of suspense, psychological depth, and the supernatural will find Black’s anthology appealing. Fans of Ray Bradbury, Joe Hill, Neil Gaiman, and Alice Hoffman will appreciate the thematic depth of horror context and the deep character development. Black vividly captures the tension between skepticism and belief and the excitement of the unknown. It’s a genuine under-the-covers-with-a-flashlight kind of book.