Foggy Mountain Breakdown

by Sharyn McCrumb

Foggy Mountain Breakdown, the first-ever collection of Sharyn McCrumb's short fiction, is a literary quilting of old and new, humorous and heartfelt, offering award-winning works--and two stories never before published, contrasting mountain childhoods past and present.

Chilling tales of suspense alternate with evocative character portraits and compelling narratives that embrace the southern Appalachian locales and themes of McCrumb's acclaimed Ballad Novels. Within this cornucopia of two dozen stories, Old Rattler, a mountain healer, skirmishes with a serial killer . . . Princess Di investigates long-kept secrets within the House of Windsor . . . A reincarnated murder victim seeks delicious revenge . . . And while honeymooning in the bridegroom's ancestral hilltop homeplace, two newlyweds harbor second thoughts.

The author's perfect-pitch ear for dialogue and ability to illuminate the dark side of human nature merge with her brilliant artistry to make Foggy Mountain Breakdown a virtuoso collection for devotees of Sharyn McCrumb--and for the legion of new readers who will find themselves caught under her spell. 

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories, Fiction, Southern, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Collections

340 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

​
    Sharyn McCrumb, an award-winning Southern writer, is best known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels, including the New York Times best sellers The Ballad of Tom Dooley, The Ballad of Frankie Silver, and The Songcatcher. Ghost Riders, which won the Wilma Dykeman Award for Literature from the East Tennessee Historical Society and the national Audie Award for Best Recorded Books. The Unquiet Grave, a well-researched novel about West Virginia's Greenbrier Ghost, will be published in September by Atria, a division of Simon &Schuster.        
       Sharyn McCrumb, named a Virginia Woman of History by the Library of Virginia and a Woman of the Arts by the national Daughters of the American Revolution,  was awarded the Mary Hobson Prize for Arts & Letters in 2014. Her books have been named New York Times and Los Angeles Times Notable Books. In addition to presenting programs at universities, libraries, and other organizations throughout the US, Sharyn McCrumb has taught a writers workshop in Paris, and served as writer-in-residence at King University in Tennessee, and at the Chautauqua Institute in western New York.

Reviews

[Taury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Foggy Mountain Breakdown by Sharyn McCrumb Is a collection of short stories and assays set in the Appalachian mountains. The collection includes Historical Fiction stories which fall into the realm of gothic and ghost stories. The collection brings to life the Appalachian mountains set in a time of hard work in an area that is immersed in poverty and the people who survived the rough mountain life.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story collections are always hit or miss for me (and if I'm being honest, mostly a miss). Knowing that, I still picked this up to read during the long car line time to pick up my daughter in the afternoons and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! While a couple of the stories are forgettable (I mean, they can't all be winners) there are several that are highly memorable, including:
A Snare as Old as Solomon
Remains to Be Seen
Gentle Reader
The Matchmaker
Old Rattler (This is my current favorite; I'd love a full-length novel about Rattler!)
An Autumn Migration

Most of these are mysteries/involve murder, some have humor, several have a southern gothic vibe; but what they all have in common is compelling characters.

This was my first Sharyn McCrumb and it certainly won't be my last!

For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com

[Beth Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharyn McCrumb is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories are funny, well-characterized, and tend to have a very satisfying twist at the end. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Bon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These ranged from spooky and chilling to funny and entertaining! I'm so obsessed with Sharyn's writing. Another enjoyable read.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine recommended Sharyn McCrumb - she had just attended one of the author's events, and really like how she was a "local girl" - a lot of the writing set in Appalachian mountains. I am *so glad* I began reading her, because now I've got a new author and a load of new books to read.

Anyway, THIS is a collection of short stories. While I normally read a book fairly quickly, I found myself pausing a day or so between stories- because I couldn't shake them off that quickly. One or two were so haunting, that I did the opposite and immediately starting reading another. The writing isn't contrived or pretentious - just real life. Much like the mountains she loves.

Highly recommended, especially for anyone interested in Appalachian life/mindset/culture.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 24 of the stories in this collection read quickly, so even during the very few that didn't work for me, I knew it wouldn't be long before the next would be up, and most often that next would take me somewhere completely different. In her intro, McCrumb says that if she had to pick one common thread that links all two dozen tales it would be this: "in every single story, there is someone who feels like a stranger." That's probably true, but it seems like all of them also share a common theme of revenge, some more than others. She saves the title story for the very last, and the revenge in that one is probably the most gruesomely presented of all. My favorites of the lot, though, were "Happiness Is a Dead Poet," which struck me as the funniest; "Nine Lives to Live," which was probably the most inventive (and also funny); "Gentle Reader," which to me had the best ending, and that's saying something because McCrumb clearly has a flair for those final lines and made many of these contenders in that category; and "An Autumn Migration," because it's a ghost story of sorts (without any element of horror whatsoever) but also with, once again, the satisfying revenge element. McCrumb says upfront that some of the selections are serious character studies, some deliberately sort of sad, others whimsical: "The difference in styles reflects the duality in my nature: Mountain versus Southern, Daddy's side versus Mothers's side. I like to think that both of them win." I think they do. Her take on people, sense of humor, and general wit are also threaded through all these, even the ones she calls the sad ones, making this an overall fun and, for sure, worthwhile collection.

First line [from the first story, "Precious Jewel"]:
"Dying cost nothing and could be done alone--otherwise, Addie Hemrick might have lived forever."

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been introduced to Sharyn McCrumb through the haunting and mysterious Holmesian pastiche "The Vale of the White Horse". The way she had fused myth into everyday life as well as her superb characterisations had made that pastiche superior to many others. That had driven me to get hold of her first collection of short stories. And here we are!
First of all, McCrumb's characters and dialogues are sharp and realistic here as well. Those who wish to see the Appalachian settings and the people of those parts come alive, would really enjoy the book.
Secondly, these are solid short stories, with a healthy dose of dark humour, rather than mysteries or other works of genre fiction.
Unfortunately, the book has been seriously compromised by the nano-sized font and dirty paper that has become even shabbier over the past two and half decades. That made reading the book a real chore.
Otherwise, a good collection of short stories. Recommended.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharyn McCrumb is a master story-teller. If I didn't have to work, I would have read this book in one sitting. We have tales from the Appalachians, as we would expect, but also modern fairy tales, fantasy stories and Tales of Terror. Some of them are heart-wrenching, others humorous. They always keep you on your toes. One features a character or two from the Ballad novels. I kept waiting for Nora Bonesteel to show up. McCrumb's characters are never all-good, or all-bad. She recognizes a poor and tragic upbringing, but never excuses it. The stories in the first half are the best. The modern re-telling of a classic tale is probably the weakest one in the bunch, but still interesting. All in all, I liked the mountain people stories the very best, but the entire collection is enormously readable, and sometimes very thought-provoking.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

short stories which Sarah Vaughn says I must read as it gives an overview of author’s work. Also Sarah wants me to read it so I understand the sequence of the eight (8) Elizabeth MacPherson Novels: Sick of Shadows, Lovely in her Bones, Highland Laddie Gone, Paying the Piper, The Windsor Knot, Missing Susan, MacPherson’s Lament, If I’d Killed Him when I Met Him (Lord that seems like a lot of books to read…); 340 pgs. written 1997

[Ericka Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Story collections tend to be hit or miss with me and it seems others who read this collection feel the same. Some of the stories just ended and that added to the entertainment in some and didn’t help the conclusion in others. Of the 24 stories I liked 10 of them. Of those 10 stories, they were either really creepy or were like an old mountain tale. I liked the following stories: Telling the Bees,A Snare as Old as Solomon, Remains to be Seen, Nine lives to Live, Gentle Reader, The Matchmaker, Old Rattler, Typewriter Man, An Autumn Migration, Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent audiobook with multiple narrators! "An Autumn Migration" and "A Predatory Women" were highlights. My mom read several of Sharyn's Ballad novels when I was a young child, so I will be digging them out of the basement to read them myself.

[Ken Bickley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very mixed bag of short stories, ranging from whimsical through touching to macabre (a la Edgar Allen Poe). Some I really liked, some I didn't like at all. They are not mysteries such as those for which the author is known. Most readers will enjoy the book, but will probably feel the same way about it. Whether you like the particular story or not, Sharyn McCrumb is a master story-teller, befitting her Appalachian Scots-Irish roots.

[Laird Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two women I work with insisted I read this to better understand Appalachian culture. A lot of between the lines stuff, set often in the Smokeys just South of Gatlinburg, TN. The area near Cades Cove. Charmingly written and it does allow much insight, in case you thought you knew it all.

[Flynt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an almost ten-year interval, I decided to re-read this collection of short stories. And I liked it much better! Go figure. I wonder if perhaps it's because just recently Sharyn McCrumb admitted some of the stories were based on dreams. Either way, I was more receptive this time around.

[Kristi Bumpus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the mix of stories here. Good dark winter reading.

[Craig Hardyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story, Gentle Reader, is a 5 star.

[Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s close to impossible that I will become interested in a short-story collection. But I’ve long toyed with reading the author’s two other series collections, so I thought this group of short stories would at least give me a glimpse into her writing style. It did at least that, and I liked the style enough to start on the series soon.

That said, I found the collection rather uneven. My favorite and arguably the darkest of the stories was “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” the story of a young man in poverty-stricken Appalachia who labors long and hard for a second-hand bicycle he cobbles together from used parts only to have his bike abused and broken by a neighborhood bully. The story with its chilling consequence is memorable and worthy of your time if you don’t pay any attention to any other stories here.

In “All Brides Are Beautiful,” a reporter craving celebrity status agrees to marry a serial killer only to have that backfire memorably.

There’s a rather unimpressive story in here about Princess Diana that I blew off after a short few minutes. But on balance, this generally has merit. There is profanity in this book, and the mysteries aren’t exactly cozy in case that has bearing on whether you read it. But the writing style carries you along through Appalachia's rolling hills, even into London.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this collection of McCrumb's short stories for some time now sitting on my shelf--forgotten really. I am kind of kicking myself for waiting this long to enjoy this collection, especially since I have enjoyed a few of her novels in the past.

Like her novels, the short stories collected here in Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Other Stories showcase McCrumb's ability to craft characters that feel like they could literaly walk off the page and stand before you. Her ear for dialog is quite spot on, particuarly that of her characters in the stories set in the hills of Appalachia.

In many ways, McCrumb's writing and her characters remind of me of Flannery O'Connor's writing and her characters; they are often quirky, dark, and intriguing, and they highlight some of the basest elements of human nature. However, the characters are appealing rather than repulsive even with their darkest tendencies revealed.

Perhaps McCrumb reminds me of O'Connor because they are both Southern women writers. McCrumb, however, is not poor immitation of O'Connor; she brings her own strenght and execellent ear for dialog to these stories.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharyn McCrumb is highly regarded as an expert storyteller and regional author whose audience is far-reaching. Having never previously read any of her works, I decided to start with a short story collection. The audiobook version of FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREAKDOWN and OTHER STORIES is expertly performed by a variety of narrators and has a cinematic quality to it. The stories range from whimsical to mysterious. I particularly enjoyed the last story in which Ms. McCrumb employs a series of letters between an author and one of her ardent fans who will do anything to keep his favorite author writing the crime novels he so greatly enjoys. This particular story ends with a great plot twist. (The fact that I saw it coming did not diminish my admiration for Sharyn McCrumb's writing skills!)

If the reader enjoys short story collections, they will find something in this collection to enjoy.

I have given this book four stars on Goodreads. I borrowed this audiobook through Libby.

[Konnie Maskell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of stories but it took me a long time to get through it. Each story was enjoyable in varied ways but my favorite was “Old Rattler” because it features a character from one of McCrumb’s full length novels set in present times. I like to read series that develop the same characters over time. McCrumb has done this in some of her “Ballad” series books. This would be a good book to sample Sharyn McCrumb’s writing style.

[PSXtreme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly enjoyable. Best expressed IMO as "Twilight Zone Lite-ish." I really was expecting the stories to make a severe right turn into the macabre as they approached their apex, but they strayed just short of my imaginative expectations. Nevertheless, I'll be looking forward to more creations from Ms. McCrumb.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is really good but the stories were all so dark that I had to slog through the last few. I love short stories and I am glad that I read these, a couple will stick with me, but in a rather distressing way. I was looking for creepy for the autumn season but these were just more dark than creepy.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storytelling is in Sharyn McCrumb's blood. She learned family history from stories told by both her parents about their ancestor's amazing accomplishments and experiences. This book contains all kinds of stories from a variety of places and time periods. Sometimes I enjoy picking up a book of short stories just for a change of pace. I would highly recommend this one.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this author, and I like the world she creates. I don’t believe it for a minute; it all sounds dowdy and fake and impossible and very very white. But I like reading spooky stories with a female sensibility, and I like reading about Appalachia. I love the folklore themes and the woodsy atmosphere. I think I have read everything of hers.

[Jean Lindholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharyn McCrumb at her best

What a feast! I have always loved Sharyn's stories and her books, especially her Ballad Series. This anthology of her short stories was sheer delight from beginning to end, giving us a taste of all her different styles. And I had never heard of Rattler before. That's my next read. Please keep writing, Sharyn. I've been your fan since day one!

[William Howle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of short stories, therefore some are clever and enjoyable, while others are not. Liked some of it and generally enjoy the authors other writing, especially the Ballad series. Will start another book by her soon.

[Dale Rosenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Sharyn McCrumb's mysteries before but had never read any of her short stories. This is a fun collection with a mix of humorous, poignant, and thought provoking entries - sometimes all three at once. Lots of Appalachian color, too!

[Gail Gibson-milliron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this collection of short stories. Entertaining, insightful with just that last bit left for the reader! Heading back out to get another book by Sharyn McCrumb!

[Kareninfolsom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author has quite an imagination.

[Bibliomama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely smashing collection of stories. I liked some better than others, but they all had points of interest and the natural cadence of her writing goes down easy.