Among the Shadows

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of short stories in "Among the Shadows". There are romantic stories, mysteries, thrillers, ghost stories and even one that is gothic in style. They all have a somewhat dark or chilling vein running through them. However, true to Montgomery's silver-lining style there is always some moral or lesson to take away from each story. By no means are the stories preachy. They are very entertaining and perfect for reading on a stormy night in front of the fire. You'll be thrilled and chilled. You'll laugh and perhaps you'll even shed a few tears. I know I did.

Montgomery's short stories start us with some typical PEI characters, and surprise us with some not-so-typical behaviors! Just remember, Anne's haunted wood may have come to life...

One of the very very few chances to view Lucy Maud Montgomery in a darker light. These tales are all excellent and interesting, as L.M. touches on the supernatural, gothic, and mystery. "The Red Room," is L.M.'s attempt at a gothic story, and her powers of description and story-telling don't let her down. "Some Fools and a Saint," the longest story in the collection, is a truly wonderful mystery story - and you probably won't guess how this one turns out either. This is my favorite collection of L.M. tales, because it's diverse and adult, and for once L.M. lets darker characters and events have their way, instead of her tales with the more upbeat, romantic, happily-ever-after plots. Although I love all of her other books, I think "Among the Shadows" is a compelling group of stories which shouldn't be missed - especially by any L.M. fan.

This book contains mysteries and spooky tales--not the kind of stories this author is famous for--but after reading the book I was pleasantly surprised! Lucy can write so many kinds of things. Also there are morals included which she does so well. There are stories that will make you laugh, cry, and shake your head at the actions the characters take! But also there are characters not unlike those in the Anne and Emily books Lucy created. The only part I didn't like was the one story called "Some Fools and a Saint", it just ran to long and some parts confused me (can't tell you got to read it) but I guess that's why their called fools! lol I loved the rest of the stories and its hard to pick the best b/c their all so good. But here are a few: "The House Party at Smoky Island" "The Tryst with the White Lady" (as seen on the cover) "White Magic" "The Closed Door" "A Redeeming Sacrafice" and many many more! 20 stories in all and I highly reccomend you get this book--it has totally sold me on getting more collections of short stories by this author!