A review by hb_bookworm
In Somnio: A Collection of Modern Gothic Horror by Alex Woodroe

5.0

I haven't visited the explicitly and proudly gothic corner of horror in a while, and this was a refreshing dip back in. at first it felt strong but not a standout, but i picked up steam while reading and really enjoyed most all of these. A House Without Ghosts, in particular, felt like THE gothic short story - very modern, and hits all the classic tropes in a way that is new and fresh. the illustrations were a lovely bonus as well. and i can't not love a collection that includes a story set on EDISTO??? i was not prepared for that and it honestly allowed that story to get under my skin in a way that any other location wouldn't have been able to do - i FELT the trip there and back and the smell of the pluff mud and post-storm dead sea life. CHILLS! as always, a 10p banger that has me itching to pick up another.

standouts:
- Always an After by A.P. Howell
- Self Storage by Barbara A. Barnett
- We Named You After Her by Rachel Unger
- A House Without Ghosts by M. Lopes da Silva