Houses in the Fog

by Sandra O'Driscoll (Editor), Megan Munn (Editor), Shani Dykens

In a city as old as Saint John, every house has a tale or two to tell. In this collection of stories written by Saint Johner, by birth or choice, we take the time to tell those tales.

With stories of love and romance, horror and thrills, comedy and fantasy, and some steeped in the rich history of fog city, there's a little something for everyone. Told by 9 different authors with very different voices and experiences, the one thing that they all have in common is the city that they live, and the fact that they will leave you wanting to see more of the history hidden in the houses.

When you take this book with you, you'll always have a doorway back to Saint John and it's captivating houses in the go.

233 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer Bourque (ButterflyReader77) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 Stars *****

I loved "Houses in the Fog" and I am now looking forward to reading the other books in this series. There were a wide array of short stories written by Authors of Saint John, New Brunswick. The stories spanned across many different genres including romance, horror, fantasy and the supernatural and that means that there is something for every type of reader in this compilation.

The stories were elegantly written and they embraced the rich history and beauty of Saint John and the fog that is forever tied to our city on The Bay of Fundy. I love reading stories that take place in my hometown and "Houses in the Fog" did not disappoint. As I read I could easily envision all of the houses and community locations that were mentioned throughout the book; and for readers who are not from Saint John, you will be provided with a glimpse of the city by the sea.

I truly enjoyed all of the stories, but there were a few that I resonated with and absolutely loved. These stories were "1908" by Sandra O'Driscoll, "The Girl in the Summer Dress" by Amanda Evans, "45.3074°66.163°W ( Co-Ordinates)" by Shani Dykens and "Fresh Baked History" by Amanda Evans. These particular stories had some elements that I especially enjoy including a historical fiction style story of a young female newcomer in the early 1900's, supernatural/ghost components, and romance and the importance of loving your "one" life long love when you find them.

[Heather Zipser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick short stories. I enjoyed some, and others seemed juvenile.

[Justine Laporte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories about my local city written by local authors?!
Yes please! This collection of stories has something for everyone. It has romance, poetry, horror, historical tidbits and beautiful artwork of Saint John. It’s a wonderful collection of stories inspired by our port city.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would feel bad writing a review of the book. But so many authors did such a great job writing amazing stories that I feel like I should write a review.

The historical, the romance, the fantasy. They are so varied and each and every voice stands on it's own. It's a great first collection and knowing the writers, I know that with the time they will have getting the next story written they will put together an even stronger book.

Houses in the fog is Saint John, but not the one we know, it's the one that could be if people are willing to let their imagination off it's leash for a little while.

[Dave Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some really great stories by Saint John writers. Favorite had to be Almond Eyes by Maryam Syed, though they are all worth your time.

[Amari Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago, but the bookstore's push about earning extra ballots made me review it. I don't remember when I read it, so I'm trying to get the dates as close as possible.

Anthologies are hard to review. This one, like most, had some stories that I really liked and some that I didn't.

I thought the one with the coordinates had a problematic timeline to follow. The opening poem set a dark tone; the one about the fire and the child made very little sense, and the story about the woman and the church was controversial for no reason.

But I also loved a lot of the stories. For a first collection from a small company, this was an excellent book, and the little bits of art helped a lot.

[Susan Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

This book is an excellent assortment of stories set in Canada's oldest incorporated city. While the stories are fiction, the houses are real. Their occupants ranging from new immigrants and failing marriages to centuries old witches. I read it all in one sitting.

[Michael Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are great stories inspired by random buildings in my home town. This book makes Saint John a lot more interesting than I thought it might be.

[Cody Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short stories! My favourite is by author; Gregory Somerville! Such an amazing writer.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute series of short stories of familiar places in Saint John

[Amanda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it again. Even though I've read the stories a dozen times they are all different than I remember them being.

worth the time it takes to read if a second and third time.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Talented Atlantic Canadian authors come together in this entertaining anthology.

[Shani Dykens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the stories about so many familiar houses in Saint John and the accompanying drawings added to the experience