One of the best things about e-publishing is being able to read quality stories that might otherwise never have been published (such as The Lovecraft eZine).  While shopping at the Kindle store yesterday, I found By the Light of a Gibbous Moon, a collection of 10 Lovecraftian short stories by Scott Jäeger.  For only $2.99 I felt I couldn’t pass it up — and I’m glad I didn’t.  It’s a real gem.

From Amazon’s description: Join me in exploring the themes of arcane investigation, madness and cosmic dread in settings and times as diverse as “Interview With a Lunatic’s” 1920’s insane asylum and “Heartbeat’s” nameless, prehistoric village.

I don’t know Mr. Jäeger, but he sure does know how to write Lovecraftian fiction.  I don’t think I could put it better than one of the Amazon reviewers:

Fans of HP Lovecraft will notice some parallels in content (for example the first person perspective, and the creeping sense of malaise and dread) but these stories are not merely homages or fan-fics. Jaeger has a distinctive style and approach. When a story takes place in another era, you will notice that writing/spelling/grammar shifts to realistically reflect the writing styles of the day. This adds yet another touch of believability to the macabre tales. The writing itself is well-structured, clear and intelligent. It isn’t overly prolix but it doesn’t treat the reader like a child either; I wouldn’t be surprised if some readers found themselves reaching for a dictionary every now and then, or an encyclopedia should they wish to identify an historic artifact.

Some elements of a few of the stories are woven into seemingly unrelated tales in subtle ways that will unnerve the observant reader beyond the already unsettling content.

Most importantly in my opinion is the atmosphere and the ambiance of the stories. From the first moments of any given tale, the feeling of impending doom is nearly palpable. The reader feels a connection to the subjects of the writing and shares a sense of immediacy. Though not every character may come to a disastrous end, one cannot help but sense that dark hand reaching out, just out of sight, and just outside the bounds of sanity….

Long story short: If you own a Kindle, pick this collection up.  You’ll really enjoy it.

Buy on Amazon: By the Light of a Gibbous Moon (Buying this book through this website supports The Lovecraft eZine.  Thanks.)