This was a quick and enjoyable book. It is three short horror stories. I thought they were all well done and I liked them all equally. I don't read a lot of horror but I was in the mood for it and this book hit the spot. I will definitely try more work by this author.

I'd like to thank Netgalley, Less Than Three Press and L.J. Hamlin for this ARC of Even in the Grave.

I wish I could say I enjoyed this book more, (as I do love short horror stories) but unfortunately, I felt this book fell flat. The first story; A Song of the Sea, was my favorite. Jared is a musician who ends up attracting a siren with his music. I felt this story was intriguing and it felt complete by the end, although I would be interested in reading more about Jared and the Siren.

Even in the Grave, All is Not Lost is the second story and as much as I was starting to like reading about the characters, the story felt very rushed and didn't make a lot of sense to me. It had a very creepy angle that could've definitely went deeper I feel. I wanted to know more about the killer, the demon, the psychic abilities, etc. I think a psychic detective could've been really interesting to read more about, but the story felt too short (even for a short story). I was left with more questions than answers.

Off the Beaten Track made little sense to me other than it being a romance story. The story was supposed to be about supernatural hunters, but I was never quite sure what they hunted (demons, vampires, witches, etc). The bar was protected, but I never knew who cast the spells, why they cast the spells, and if the bartenders were supernatural beings. I would've loved to learn more about the characters, about the supernatural elements...but again I felt let down.

The romances in the stories were strongly and well written, but I was really hoping for more of the horror and scare factor I was looking for. I felt like these mini stories could've definitely led to longer and more in depth stories.

Review: EVEN IN THE GRAVE, ALL IS NOT LOST by L. J. Hamlin

Subtitled "A Trio of Spooky Shorts," this single-author collection offers a variety of short stories in the LGBTQ realm. One features an accomplished musician, who adores the ocean, encountering a {male} siren. Another features a psychic transgender detective on a bizarre serial killing case, and his new friend, an outspoken Gay patrol officer (I would love to see these two in a novel, especially a mystery series!). The third involves a determined bartender and a demon hunter! I enjoyed this trio because they're open-minded, sweet, and encouraging, with characters who easily elicit my empathy (especially the detective and patrolman!).

This wasn't for me. The ideas behind the stories were interesting but the execution wasn't great with poor psychic distancing, head hopping and uncontrolled tense changes. I found the prose a little flat. I am picky with short stories though so perhaps it's me.

Super quick read. I particularly enjoyed " A Song of The Sea." Over all well written. Not your typical spooky stories as they definitely have a unique twist.