Somewhere Beneath Those Waves

Starred review from November 7, 2011
Monette’s lyrical tales vacillate between despair and hope in this powerful collection. The 25 short stories touch on such weighty topics as the substantial consequences of saving the world, or how ghosts eventually out their killers with frightening results for those who hear and see the revelations. While the tales may be carried by their unusual environments and dilemmas, Monette displays an equally strong gift for characterization. The pair of paranormal investigators in “A Night in Electric Squidland” and “Impostors” are such strong characters that they merit their own, larger work; the gender-bending spy of “Amante Dorée” is a heartbreakingly compelling protagonist. Though the tales vary in theme and tone, there is not a weak note in the collection, and both fans and new readers will be drawn into Monette’s strange and imaginative worlds.

Starred review from December 1, 2011

In a world where vampires rule the night, a human insomniac makes a startling discovery in "The World Without Sleep." A young woman visiting the maritime museum in a seaside town aids a local selkie and uncovers the secret behind a strange collection of ship figureheads in "Somewhere Beneath Those Waves Was Her Home." These and 25 other tales and one poem make up this standout collection by one of fantasy's most elegant and dazzling writers (Melusine), who pushes the boundaries of emotional content and modern storytelling. VERDICT Monette invites comparison with Tanith Lee, Storm Constantine, and Jacqueline Carey for her sensuously evocative prose and strong yet delicate storytelling.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.