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tattooedhorrorreader's review
5.0
Fantastic!
What a fun and amazing novella! I loved the concept, the writing, the characters, and story. I would love to revisit this world again in another story!
What a fun and amazing novella! I loved the concept, the writing, the characters, and story. I would love to revisit this world again in another story!
thejessleigh's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lesleyconner's review
5.0
A ghost story within a ghost story
Absolutely fantastic! This ghost story tells the story of the ghost takes we've all heard: the hitchhiker along the highway, Bloody Mary, and more. I love the way it gave each ghost her own personality. Delightful!
Absolutely fantastic! This ghost story tells the story of the ghost takes we've all heard: the hitchhiker along the highway, Bloody Mary, and more. I love the way it gave each ghost her own personality. Delightful!
lilyn_g's review
4.0
Though I know I've read at least one short story by Gwendolyn Kiste in anthology, Pretty Marys All in a Row was the first time I actually set out to read something specifically from her. I had actually originally intended to just skim it to get a sense of her style and whatnot. However, within pages I was absolutely hooked.
This is a dark fantasy novella with its roots in horror. The concept was so unique that it delighted me. (While the cover is absolutely gorgeous, I was not expecting the story that accompanied it!)
Kiste has a lovely writing style which immediately draws you in. I loved the way all the characters interacted. The sisterhood of the Marys and how they supported each other. I love that Kiste took characters from our urban legends that are meant to horrify us, and showed us another side of them. Not saying I'll start saying Bloody Mary three times in the mirror anytime soon (because I won't!), but this softer touch was very nice. At one point I remember commenting to a friend that had already read the book that "I can't believe she's got me feeling sorry for horror monsters!"
This is a great novella. Kiste really doesn't miss a step and the end leaves you feeling satisfied, bemused, and somewhat melancholic all at the same time.
If you haven't read this yet, you should!
This is a dark fantasy novella with its roots in horror. The concept was so unique that it delighted me. (While the cover is absolutely gorgeous, I was not expecting the story that accompanied it!)
Kiste has a lovely writing style which immediately draws you in. I loved the way all the characters interacted. The sisterhood of the Marys and how they supported each other. I love that Kiste took characters from our urban legends that are meant to horrify us, and showed us another side of them. Not saying I'll start saying Bloody Mary three times in the mirror anytime soon (because I won't!), but this softer touch was very nice. At one point I remember commenting to a friend that had already read the book that "I can't believe she's got me feeling sorry for horror monsters!"
This is a great novella. Kiste really doesn't miss a step and the end leaves you feeling satisfied, bemused, and somewhat melancholic all at the same time.
If you haven't read this yet, you should!
claben's review
5.0
Like the legends of the Marys of the title, this book is simple on the surface but hints at a darker, more complex world that the characters themselves are only beginning to understand.
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