Book Review: We Bleed Orange & Black

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By Elizabeth Suggs

We Bleed Orange & Black31 Fun-Sized Tales of Halloween by author Jeff C. Carter is a twisted short story collection with Halloween 2020 in mind. While many of the stories are not based around Halloween they range from a twisted faerie finding a lost child to an Old West Mars.

One of my favorite things about this book was how it started. Carter opens with a list of “safe for kids” horror stories. Don’t get me wrong, I love horror, but more often than not, themes are too graphic or intense even for some adults, so having a section for the squeamish or underage is really beneficial. I appreciated that. 

Carter has a unique way of writing that keeps the reader plugged in. While I think each and every one of his stories are worth reading, I’m going to focus on my top three favorite stories.

"The Dentist" is a hilarious take on what being a dentist might actually be like during Halloween. It’s one of the shorter stories kid-friendly. I won’t spoil anymore, but if you think dentists only give out toothbrushes, then you’re in for a surprise!

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The next story on my list is “Copper Nails.” This one isn’t really for children—it still gives me the willies thinking about it! But I really like its relationship with nature and how that relationship can seep into pipes—if you’re not careful.

One of my favorite lines from Carter’s book actually came from this story: She thought it would look like blood, but it was foul and milky, like the pustulant drainage of bedsores. Ew! I love it. 

Another great line: Morning arrived like a rude guest, pointing out the dust and mildew have yet to be dealt with.

We end with an endearing story: "How to Preserve Your Pumpkin." This is the best story symbolically. Amidst the mold and wrinkled pumpkin skin, there’s a seed for next Halloween—hope for 2021. 

Carter has a way of scaring readers that is sometimes mildly humorous or subtle, and most of all, it’s different. I highly suggest it, especially if you’re dealing with the 2020 blues. I can’t wait to read more of what Carter has to offer!

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Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com