Another great one from Lutzke and Boden. Loved it. This one was not what i expected, which made it even a much better read. thought it was a very good twist at the end. Fast easy read and in such a short book, you really get to like the characters alot. Read the description and then dive in. Cant really say much about the story itself without spoiling it for you, but just know it is a good one.

i wish this ended with some backstory of how maggie ended up doing what she did and for what reason idk I think it would've added alot

I will read anything that Chad Lutzke writes. His stories have heart and emotions. This book is another great example of this.

What an interesting story! This book follows two young boys who live with a motherly figure they call Miss Maggie. Every so often, visitors come to stay with them, but they never stick around for very long. The boys begin questioning why this is and learn more about Miss Maggie and their lifestyles when Benjamin shows up. With Ben’s help, the boys are able to figure out what has been missing from their lives and are able to find peace.

Not scary but plays along the line of something that's terrifying. Heartbreaking though.

Reviewing this collaboration between Lutzke and Boden presents a unique challenge, as discussing the story without spoiling its essence is a tightrope walk. This was my introduction to Boden's work, and it's left me eager to explore more of his creations in the future. Lutzke, on the other hand, is becoming a distinguished name in the horror landscape for good reason. His brand of horror doesn’t rely on jump scares but rather cultivates a deep-seated eeriness that lingers. He possesses the rare ability to evoke profound emotional responses, delving into territories that might be even more unsettling to a true horror aficionado than conventional frights. This depth of feeling, however, brings into question whether the nuanced terror Lutzke crafts could ever be fully realized in film form.

The story itself, while gripping, ends on a note that left me wanting, hence my rating of 4 stars instead of 5. This sentiment echoes my usual critique of shorter narratives: they often conclude too abruptly, leaving an unresolved aftertaste. Despite this, the collaboration excels in the atmosphere, weaving suspense, and an undercurrent of dread with masterful precision. The writing is sharp, and the premise is compelling, managing to pique curiosity and maintain engagement throughout. Yet, as the mystery unravels toward its climax, the resolution feels lacking, particularly in fleshing out the character of Maggie, whose potential depth and destiny remain just beyond reach. Furthermore, the actual story is diluted by an excess of promotional material filling the last portion of what is already a brief read, detracting from the overall experience. In summary, while this novella stands as a potent example of horror that probes deeper than mere surface scares, it also leaves a yearning for a more comprehensive exploration of its characters and their fates.

this was kinda reminiscent of brother by ania ahlborn if it was a little fantastical and less scary

I really like this story and characters and i wish it didnt rush toward the end so quickly at the very least build up to a bit more of a climactic end. It was witchy,sad, scary and overall really cool.
Im sure itll stick in the back of my brain for a long time and i defiantly recommend it.