Wrapped in White is an excellent showcase of the diverse range of short stories that may be encapsulated under the classification of ghost story. To be honest, I had no idea that the genre had such potential for variegation.

“The Curse of Kirby” by Patrick Greene is darkly twisted in way that left me vacillating between gales of laughter and horrified disgust. Joshua Rex left me feeling gently moved by “The White Boy.” “You’ll Thank Me by Tomorrow” had the elegant surrealism I associate with the best episodes of The Twilight Zone. I was delightfully surprised by the intriguing twist in “His Shrines to Santa Muerte” by Michael G. Williams. Patrick O’Neal’s “The Other One” had a lovely, classic feel somehow reminiscent of both Dickens and Lovecraft. Regarding “Ain’t They Bright” by Cecilia Dockins, all I can say is intense – I’m talking eyes-wide, breath-held, slight-wail-causing-husband-to-ask-if-you’re-okay intense.

For both the beauty of the prose and the unique deviation from the traditional expectations of ghost stories, “His Shrines to Santa Muerte” is my absolute favorite. Though “The White Boy” and “Ain’t They Bright” were close runners-up. ( )