Backyard Volcano

And Other Mysteries of the Heart

Fiction - Short Story/Novela
200 Pages
Reviewed on 08/03/2019
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Backyard Volcano And Other Mysteries of the Heart is a quirky and unique short story collection penned by author Kathryn Lane. Both emotive and mysterious in their portrayal, the stories also have a more social purpose as they explore the area where Texas meets Mexico on the famed frontier. Cultures clash in a powerful and often magical way as protagonists seek out their dreams and encounter incredible legends and surreal realities. In the title tale, for example, we meet Patricia as a child and follow her through to adulthood as she engages with the legends and mysterious life of her grandmother. Secrets are revealed and danger rises to an incredible conclusion.

Author Kathryn Lane upholds a fantastic sense of authentic Mexican heritage in these insightful and engaging stories from the frontier towns. The collection is comprised of eight engaging tales, led by the outstanding heritage mystery of Backyard Volcano and finishing with the startling and surprising Baseball Over the Moon. I enjoyed each tale for its individual treatment of characters, as Lane takes time and care to develop the cultural and personal influences of the characters alongside the relevant plot points which they encounter. The mysteries are genuine and well-paced to reveal the right amount of information at the right time, which keeps you turning pages until the final discoveries are made. Overall, Backyard Volcano And Other Mysteries of the Heart delivers a fantastic reading experience for those seeking surreal and slightly magical mysteries and is a highly recommended story collection.