Moonless Nocturne by Hank Schwaeble
25 & Y Publishing (October 2022)
338 pages; $17.95 paperback; $7.49 e- book
Reviewed by Dave Simms
When a two-time Stoker winner pens a collection, there’s a strong chance the pages will be full of magic and exquisite darkness. Add to that an introduction by the grandmaster of horror, Dr. F. Paul Wilson, the reader will feel confident that Moonless Nocturne is worth every penny.
Hank Schwaeble has written the intriguing Jake Hatcher series, yet it’s his shorter fiction where his talent truly shines. This book of dark tales span quite the spectrum of genres here, putting to rest any thoughts that the author is a one-trick pony.
While it’s cliché to say, there truly is something for everyone here. Just as in the previous American Nocturne, Moonless Nocturne spans the breadth of solid, dark fiction in a manner that is tough to find. There’s horror, dark fantasy, mystery, noir, and more between the covers and not one clunker in the bunch.
I don’t like to choose favorites in such an eclectic mix as this, as the mood swings with each reread. Yes, many fans love to reread stories, especially when the writing is this strong. Authors looking for inspiration can find it within the covers as the styles vary but the voice is steady throughout. It’s a clinic on sturdy, intriguing storytelling.
Okay, I’ll choose some and share the details without spoiling much.
“Household.” Wow. I love a good haunted house story, yet finding something different is tough to do. This one is something Shirley Jackson and the late great Peter Straub might approve of. It’s a curveball that the reader might see coming, yet it moves just a bit from what even the sharpest eye can detect.
“Everything Not Forbidden” just might wind up on many readers’ favorites list. To call out the genre would ruin everything. Let’s just say it’s a ride that is one to hold tight on and just smile through the pages. Schwaeble nails the noir and mystery so well, you might want to check for a fedora on his desk and a half-smoked cigar blazing in his hand.
“The Yearning Jade” is a brutal exercise in nostalgia that somehow manages to not feel dated. It’s stellar in its mix of deft moves.
The titular story, “Moonless Nocturne” might be the best in terms of pure storytelling that’s pure gold in the smoothest of tones.
“Shifty Devil Blues” is a fine addition to the legend of the crossroads, something I’m always a sucker for. Well done.
Highly recommended reading that one might be tempted to read in bunches, but it’s meant to be enjoyed one tale at a time. This one will be heavily considered for some hardware come award time.
