The backdrops for these tales are sparse rural lands, from the Alleghenies to the deserts of the West. Farmers, gangsters, meth cookers, miners, cafe workers, lovers, and dreamers. And the animals that cross their paths, mysterious and wild.

Addiction, neglect, and conflict combust, ignited by the slim flickers of self-pride, humor, and hope that yet linger. But what haunts is tenacious and unwavering. And otherwise wretched. 

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

“…gruesomely saturnine and comic… sharply limns the bleaker aspects of rural life.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“…sterling, startling language… These are hard-hitting, reflective literary works…”
—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

“…looks the horrific in the eye, and pushes back.”
—Meagan Lucas, author of the Anthony-nominated collection Here in the Dark and Editor-in-Chief of Reckon Review

“…strongly emotional, nostalgic, heartbreaking, and oftentimes hilarious.” 
—Joey Hedger, author of Deliver Thy Pigs

by William Burtch
Page Count: 154
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: February 25, 2025
Imprint: Catamount Press
Genre: Literary / Short Stories

FICTION / Short Stories (single author)
FICTION / Small Town & Rural
FICTION / Addiction