Harlan County Horrors edited by Mari Adkins

Apex Publications LLC, 2009

ISBN:978-0-9821596-51

Available: Paperback (new and used), Kindle edition

The history of Harlan County, Kentucky is a history full of blood and violence. From union disputes to mining disasters, there is a dark aspect to this beautiful area of the country. Twelve of today’s brightest voices in horror look directly into that darkness and bring back stories both lovely and haunting. After reading these tales, you will feel as if you have seen the mountains and forests of the county for yourself. You will feel sympathy for some residents, and disgust for others.

Highlights include:

“The Power Of Moonlight” by Debbie Kuhn, a tale of love, loss and what one young woman does to see her lover one last time.

“Yellow Warblers” by Jason Sizemore. What happens when an isolated community is invaded by the outside world?  Sizemore tells us. And it ain’t pretty.

“The Thing At The Side Of The Road” by Ronald Kelly. Straight up monster fun.

“The Witch Of Black Mountain” by Alethea Kontis, a perfect bookend to Debbie Kuhn’s story: a tale of love, loss and what one young woman does for revenge.

I could go on and on, raving about the stories by Geoffrey Girard, Jeremy C. Shipp, Robby Sparks, Maurice Broaddus, and the rest, but you should pick up the book and discover the wonders and terrors for yourself. The only story that doesn’t quite fit is “Hiding Mountain:Our Future In Apples” by Earl P. Dean, a fine tale that just seems a little too “bizarro” for this collection.

Overall, Harlan County Horrors is a delightful collection of miners and monsters, lovers and losers, majestic scenery and dark, dangerous holes boring into the ground and into the unknown. Highly recommended for all collections.

Table of contents:

“Introduction” by Mari Adkins

“The Power Of Moonlight” by Debbie Kuhn

“Hiding Mountain:Our Future In Apples” by Earl P. Dean

“Psychomachia” byGeoffery Girard

“Yellow Warblers” by Jason Sizemore

“Kingdom Come” y Jeremy C. Shipp

“Trouble Among The yearlings” by Maurice Broaddus

“Spirit Fire by Robby Sparks

“The Thing At The ide Of The Road” by Ronald Kelly

“Inheritance” by Stephanie Lenz

“Greater Of Two Evils” by Steven L. Shrewsbury

“Harlan Moon” by TL Trevaskis

“The Witch Of Black Mountain” by Alethea Kontis

“A History Of Harlan,KY” by Preston Halcomb

Contains: Violence, gore, sex and strong language.

Review by Erik Smith