Trespassing Time – Ghost Stories from the Prarie

Do you want thrills and chills and all manner of ghosts? If so, then Trespassing Time: Ghost Stories from the Prairie is just the book for you! These four authors – Barbara J. Baldwin, Jerri Garretson, Linda Madl, and Sheri L. McGathy – hit a wide variety of paranormal spirit sightings in this spooky and spine-tingling anthology, from the poignant and tender to the wicked and dangerous. Among my favorites were:

The Rose by Barbara J. Baldwin
Death comes to us all, and when a loved one passes, the memories are all we’ve got left, or are they? Ms. Baldwin tells a tale of the flower that never bloomed until it became much more than just a rosebush, when it turned into a message from beyond the grave. This is one that will strum across your heartstrings and make you reach for the Kleenex as the author weaves her spell of love and devotion.

Maxie by Sheri L. McGathy
This short and sweet pet tale tells the story of Maxie, the dog that her owner didn’t really want but who came to be treasured. Told from the owner’s point of view, this three-page gem is tucked away in the middle of the anthology, and you won’t want to miss this one just because of its take on animal afterlife. Lovingly told and cannily crafted, Maxie packs a powerful emotional punch into this shortie.

Griselda by Jerri Garretson
Amy and Ryan have not been dating long, but she thinks that he may be the one for her. When Ryan comes up with a charming and isolated rental house for the two of them, it seems almost too good to be true...is it? Hang on and lock the doors, sister, because this one will totally creep you out. I’m not going to give the plot away, but let’s just say that Ryan is no knight in shining armor. Jerri Garretson creates a wonderful and strong female lead in Amy, and Griselda is just perfect as her feline assistant and savior.

Christmas at the Gates of Hell by Linda Madl
Ashley and Ellie are heading to Ellie’s home for Christmas vacation when they take a break at the old schoolhouse located not far from Ellie’s family farm. Ashley is out of the city and wants to experience some good ol’ country relaxation, but she’s heard rumors of supernatural activity at the school and wants to check it out. Afraid of offending her classy, city friend, Ellie agrees and the girls are swept back in time to a Christmas celebration of long ago. But are the spirits they meet benevolent or not? Ms. Madl balances readers on the fine line of spooky and scary in this ghostly tale of Christmas past, and leads the girls into an eerie place. Also in the anthology is a loosely related story by Ms. Madl called Halloween at the Gates of Hell, which is set in the same location. Both are just alarming enough to have chills walking up and down your spine!

Trespassing Time: Ghost Stories from the Prairie seamlessly blends fact and fiction in some of the most interesting ghost stories I’ve read. Entertaining and varied, Trespassing Time will keep you thrilled and chilled throughout the entire collection.

Reviewed by: Michelle