A review by readingrobin
Christmas and Other Horrors: An Anthology of Solstice Horror by Ellen Datlow

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

For a winter anthology, this collection is very diverse in terms of setting and depictions of winter traditions from various cultures. Some give an in depth perspective of a holiday/custom, while others are a little bit more subtle in their approach. I have to say, there were some that stumped me, like "The Mawkin Field" and "No Light, No Light," where I didn't really feel satisfied or understand their inclusion in this anthology. Otherwise, there were some real delights to balance them out, namely "His Castle," "Dry and Ready," "Return to Bear Creek Lodge," "Our Recent Unpleasantness," and "The Lord of Misrule." I hadn't read any of the authors before, excluding Garth Nix, so I was glad to be introduced to some authors I'd be willing to check out more. 

The others ranged from being perfectly entertaining and passable to probably will not remember a month down the line. Some ended before they really began, some relied on twists that didn't really land or really feel deserved. Still, I was glad to read this one to get a more well rounded experience of holiday horror.