Published by Black Spot Books on 2019
Genres: Fiction, Anthologies (multiple authors), Mystery & Detective, General, Holidays
Pages: 250
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
Winner, Anthologies, 2020 International Book Awards
Six stories of not-so-merry Yuletide whimsy.A woman so cold she hardens to ice on a winter's eve. Risen from his grave before his time, a winter god alters the balance between seasons. A wolf's holiday season is interrupted by a strange curse. From a murder at the Stanley Hotel to demons of Christmas past, present, and future, and a mad elf and Santa's Candy Court, these authors share their love for winter holidays in this collection of dark winter tales, destined to chill your bones and warm your heart for the Yuletide season.
A Midnight Clear was my first winter holiday read of 2019 and overall I enjoyed it! Some of the stories I really connected to, others weren’t my cup of tea, though this is usually the case with short story collections. A Midnight Clear is a fun exploration of darker themes and ideas within the winter solstice season.
The Dauntless – A bit silly but made me laugh all the same. Since we are a family associated with the legal process, I admit I got a bit rowdy when the skeevy elf prosecutor was pulling some dirty, definitely not acceptable shenaningans.
The Tidings of a New Moon – This one didn’t work for me unfortunately, but it did make me think of the robot-only planet from Futurama that has robots terrified of humans. It was an interesting approach, but I wasn’t as engaged as I was with the other stories.
Movin’ On Up – This was an enjoyable twist on the Ghost of Christmas idea. It spurred a bit of reflection in this reader which doesn’t usually happen. I am definitely curious after that cliff hanger.
The Poetry of Snow and Stars – I just finished an ARC of Preacher Sam before picking up this anthology and I can’t tell you how excited I was to get another dose of Sam. I wish it was longer and that it ended differently just because I want my man Sam to succeed and be happy. I can’t give spoilers but Windwalker you are RUINING ME! I am looking forward to my next dose of Sam and Co.
Snow Angel – In my notes, I had this tagged as “Mommy Grinch” to remind myself of the story when I went to write my review. Not like this is a forgettable story though, but my view of the holidays is so far from Crystal’s (MC) that I was a bit happy when something happened to her. That sounds awful, I know, but I’ve never been one to force myself trying to create the perfect Hallmark holiday for my family. That said, I love the twist on solstice folklore, the message, and of course the gorgeous writing that truly brought the chill for a bit even when I was reading outside.
Sleep, Sweet Kohrs – If someone was to ask me to pick one holiday story that wasn’t cheesy, this would be at the top of the list. Was the most difficult read out of all the stories. Beautifully written, Little Lisa and her distress over her dying uncle broke my heart. As a parent, I don’t know how I would breach the topic of death and arguments about the afterlife. It was unsettling to have a young girl traipsing through a horror-scape but it was excellently written. Honestly, this story would work perfectly in audio form / storytelling setting.
Overall, this is short story collection is the perfect answer if you are looking for a bit of something different from your typical holiday cheer. Some are funny, some are gloomy, but all are well-written and thought out stories from some gifted authors.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
