Howling at the Moon

by Steven Mayfield

Funny, incisive, heartbreaking, and at times wickedly cynical, this eclectic collection of short fiction by Steven Mayfield mines the soul of the American character, unearthing hope and despair, goodness and gloom, largesse and larceny. With four new versions of previously published work and five new stories.

146 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2010

Reviews

[Brandy McGlaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally read short stories, but Steven Mayfield’s collection in Howling at the Moon is a great read! Relatable and tangible characters all equally flawed and equally vibrant that bring forth the small nuances of life and how we all manage to pass from day to day. Which way’s to Ireland was my favourite... heartbreaking and poignant, beautifully written.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Twists, turns and tingling descriptions of character and environment. Loved each story as it sparks lots of emotion throughout. A great read! Thanks Steven for being an amazing writer and friend!

[Elina Vaysbeyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howling at the Moon is a sharp, emotionally varied collection that captures the contradictions of the American experience with humor, grit, and compassion. Steven Mayfield moves easily between the funny and the heartbreaking, often within the same story, revealing characters caught between hope and disappointment, generosity and self-interest.

What stands out is the tonal control. Even at its most cynical, the collection never loses its sense of humanity. The stories feel attentive to ordinary lives and quiet failures, allowing moments of largesse and larceny to coexist without judgment or sentimentality.

This is a thoughtful and engaging collection for readers who enjoy literary short fiction that balances wit with emotional weight and isn’t afraid to examine both the light and darker corners of the American character.