The theme works well and allows for a decent variety in the stories. The stories themselves are all worthy reads, but none of them really grabbed me and elevated this above a decent read. It's a little bit of a shame as for the most part they are well written, with some flashes of imagination.
I think that's the biggest problem for me. They're all solid stories, but also familiar ones. The differences in location and time provide some interest. Another issue is that some of the Lovecraft theming utilises some of the common phrases - 'cyclopean architecture' is one that pops up a few times. While there are some of these repeated motifs (a familiar form in music), overall there is sufficient variation.
So unfortunately this isn't a new classic in the genre, but is a decent collection of stories, that fans of the genre might want to consider.
Music can transport you. It can bring sunshine on a cloudy day and lift your heart in times of trouble. But there is another side, a darker side, to music. Allow yourself to be open to a different melody, and who knows where the dance will take you.
In this collection you will follow the music into dark places, down dark passageways, where dark melodies play.
"William Meikle's stories capture the reader's imagination and takes it on a whirlwind of a roller-coaster ride that will leave you breathless come the last page." - Ginger Nuts of Horror
"I have become a big fan of Mr. Meikle, his books are always good and he is one hell of a storyteller." - Famous Monsters of Filmland
"In a literary world of mediocrity, William Meikle stands out as an author of almost arcane talents." - J Kent Holloway, author of Primal Thirst
"William Meikle's short stories and novels are shining examples of what is missing in horror fiction today: atmospheric in style, old-school in character, with an intriguing story to be told." - David Wynn, Mythos Books
Click here to buy Dark Melodies from Amazon
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