I just finished reading A Blurred Estuary of Demons by Rebecca Maye Holiday. Having read a fair amount of Ms. Holiday's work I was eager to get into this collection. So eager that I actually purchased it. It was not submitted for review. 

I usually steer away from short story collections for a few reasons, One, how to review a collection of varied stories, some of which the reader may or may not understand. Additionally, I have also had the experience of short stories not being able to adequately develop characters. Finally, I enjoy getting lost in books, difficult to do in a variety of short stories. Reading stand alone stories not in a collection format is perfectly fine with me and I've read several of Ms. Holiday's stories this way.

I must admit, there were a couple of stories I probably missed the point on. But it was only a couple and didn't diminish my overall reaction the the collection. 

My second concern was a nonstarter from the beginning. Each story, even with its limited length did not scrimp on character development in the least.

I did not get lost in the book. But I did get lost in some very very powerful tales. Her no-frills writing style does not waste time with superfluous verbiage. Characters reach out and grab the reader by the heart and/or throat. I believe most of these stories expanded to book length would be more than I could probably handle.

Many of the stories evoke a feeling like the old Twilight Zone, One Step Beyond or The Outer Limits. I don't think I can give this book any greater praise than that. Those old tv shows entertained, at times disturbed and often terrified the watcher, usually making one ponder the issues explored. Ms. Holiday's stories do no less. So, while my criticisms of short story collections are still valid in my mind, this collection avoids those pitfalls admirably. I would not hesitate for a moment to read another if she produced one.

I am so glad I set my preconceived prejudices against short story collections aside. Like I said, I've read several of her stories and wanted more. For a while her earlier works were not available, so I jumped at the opportunity to be able to read these. They are DARK don't for a moment believe they aren't. The title does include the word Demons after all. I enjoyed the h-e-double hockey sticks out of it. If you enjoy stories that give you a tingle on a dark night A Blurred Estuary of Demons is for you! Enjoy!

Mike