Review: The Way of the Leaves by David Tallerman

I recently received a chapbook from the rather wonderfully spooky Spectral Press.

The story inside was reminiscent of a ballad or a folk story retold. The writer has used a traditional structure to good effect where present day reflection takes the reader back to a previous, unnerving event. Told consistently from the unnamed protagonist's point of view, there is a pervading sense of menace throughout.
Despite winning the 2012 Spectral Press/This is Horror competition, I'd have to say it seemed to me more eerie and tragic than viscerally horrific. This is not a criticism. Rather the well-conveyed atmosphere and steadily unfolding plot made it unsettling and memorable. 

I thought it was particularly effective that the events were not explained, only their effects seen.

In short, well worth adding to your collection of chilling tales.