The Other Side of the Closet: A Queer Horror Collection

While reading The Other Side Of The Closet I felt like I should be sitting in on a Literature course to help me dissect the meaning of the stories. After reading each story, you have to write down your impressions of what the story might really be about other wise it is just a gory snippet or a mind fuck adventure you are reading.

Looking at the cover I am thinking that it is a human searching for their identity whether they are transitioning, finding themself, or in a bad relationship (this last one is from the hint in the synopsis). I kind of figured out Manicure but that was only because of how the scene is set up. I totally did not figure Big Spoon, Little Spoon.

Quote: “Lily stared straight up at the ceiling, gagging on her own maroon spill, yet she somehow managed a simple smile across her face before the night took her away.” (Loc 211, Big Spoon, Little Spoon”.

Kane has a fantastic use of language to describe actions. Circuit had me squirming so much my cat slapped me. Kane would be delirious to know that they made me squirm and be all, “No, No, No....” Yet I kept reading thinking at one point Zahir is going to wake up, get away...freaking something. I will confess that I have an aversion to horror stories with piercings because you know it is only going to go one way. Still shaking my head “No” (laugh).

I think Redux surprised me the most as it is completely opposite in style as the rest of the collection. It is an emotional trauma piece which you realize can't be true and I think that makes it sadder because there is no happily-ever-after. You just experience the trauma with no relief.

There is one story that started to make me cry. Local Queen could be a recounting of an event that actually happened. I am getting all emotional and thinking poor Scarlet. Kane is now thinking, “Sucker!” Yeah...holy sugar! Do not get sucked in because this is a gross dark one rainbows. I thought Kiernan was going to be cleaning my vomit next. (laugh)

I don't know if I would read The Other Side Of The Closet in one sitting like I did. I was still saying, “ewwww” to one story and then jumping into Kane's next story without taking a break (laugh). This book would actually make a great horror discussion marathon with everyone voicing what they think the truth is behind the horror. Enjoy this #FrightNight addition.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.