Bats and Bones is a collection of four more or less spooky stories. The audio version also includes two instrumental songs and the spoken stories have background music.
1. Bats and Bones (instrumental)
This one gets you in the right mood - dark and foreboding of the stories to come - move closer (to the light) and let's begin...
2. Tillamook Rock
The first, a classic ghost story, was easily the creepiest one, though it was not scary in a frightening way. The speaker did a great job here, and the accompanying music intensified the dark atmosphere. However, I'm not sure I would have been equally impressed if I had only read the story instead of listening to it. 5 stars.
3. Eye on Five
My least favorite story in the collection . Too loud, too fast and screechy for my taste, it did not fit in well with the other stories. 2 stars.
4. The Shade of a Tree in the Light
Quiet but intense. 3 stars.
5. The Barbershop
The longest of the stories, and a fine example of less is more. Subtle but impressive, this one still lingers in my mind. 5 stars.
6. A Stranger Within (instrumental)
A gentle return to reality.
Bats and Bones was very different from what I expected. Instead of using striking or 'gory' effects , the stories are much more sophisticated and subtle. The fitting music and excellently modulated voice of the audio version weave an impressively intense atmosphere. The mood is uncanny at times, but never downright scary. I also received an e-book version containing some unexpectedly colorful painted pictures, which contrast nicely with the stories. However, I prefer and recommend the much more powerful audio book version.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)