Gothic Blue Book V: The Cursed Edition: A Collection of Haunted Gothic Horror Stories and Poems

by Maria Alexander, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Max Booth III

Gothic Blue Books were dark cousins of chapbooks and their popularity peaked between the 1800s and early 1900s. They were abridgements, so shorter versions, of Gothic novels which made them very cheap. These tiny tales of terror were often set in dark castles, cursed abbeys, and haunted houses. This year’s collection is called the Cursed Edition because many of the places featured hold an imprint of something terrible that happened. Many also feature cursed buildings, houses - and people. Some people use the word ‘curse’ jokingly, but some religions, beliefs and cultures do believe that objects, places, and people can become overwhelmed by misfortune. It’s often thought that people can place curses on others, or on objects with the hope that harm and hurt will be inflicted. Whether or not you believe in curses there are those that not only believe in them but believe they can place them – so beware. In this collection you will find haunted and cursed hotels, an old woman who enjoys to knit quietly – keeping her dark secret guarded. There is a meeting with Robert the Doll – believe created with Voodoo, and of course there is a meeting with our dear friend Death. We hope that you enjoy this, our fifth Gothic Blue Book – The Cursed Edition featuring fiction by Maria Alexander and poetry Stephanie M. Wytovich. Cynthia (cina) Pelayo Gravedigger/Publisher Burial Day Books

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Anthologies

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2015

About the author

Maria Alexander is an award-winning author of YA and adult fiction. Her debut novel, MR. WICKER, won the 2014 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her debut YA novel, SNOWED, both won the 2016 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel and was nominated for the 2017 Anthony Award for Best Children's/Young Adult Novel.

When she’s not stabbing people with her foil, she’s being outrageously spooky or writing Doctor Who filk. She lives in Los Angeles with two ungrateful cats, a Jewish Christmas caroler, and a purse called Trog.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gothic Blue Book V is a slim book that broods with inky chills. None of the stories are long so it's easy to dip in for a quick shiver and then go back later in the day for more, which I found myself doing frequently. A few poets are included to round out the volume with the addition of verse. Of course I enjoyed Maria Alexander's story about the haunting of the Queen Mary but I also enjoyed stories from many writers I hadn't read before.

Though this is the Cursed edition the theme is taken loosely so the stories and interpretations are quite varied. If I'm not mistaken there is even a happy ending or two. But mostly you will find tales of mysterious happenings, deadly mistakes and horrific discoveries. The book ends on a high note with some stellar poems by Stephanie Wytovich. Overall there's a lot to be had from this petite publication. If one story doesn't tickle your fancy the next likely will.

[Carolyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

A well written collection of poetry and prose dealing with curses, this was an interesting read that flowed very well.

[SARDON · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only thing this Burial Day Books publication managed to bury was my interest to read anything else from their catalog; it's a generic reading experience in almost every aspect.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5