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A review by rmnedder
The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo

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

4.75

Lee Mandelo sure knows how to write fantastic Southern Gothics! This was scary, sexy, and unnerving from start to finish. The love for queer history is so clear in this story, and it's such a joy. It's incredibly atmospheric, the prose is razor sharp and super tight, and the main character is so well-written and complicated. I only wish there was more; there were details I wish were expanded upon or backstory I wish we got to learn more of (Leslie's past seems so interesting), but to me, that desire for more is a hallmark of a good story. 
It's unsettling, it's erotic, it's everything I could ask for in a queer horror novella. Read the content warnings on this one. It gets intense.
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