Good morning, readers. There were times I thought this day would never arrive. I’ve wanted to publish a book of short stories for who knows how many years. When I began writing them in the fall of 2021, I expected to publish them in the spring. Then came summer, then fall, and… You get the picture.
The working title of this collection was A Book of Shorts, but I needed something better. A huge thanks to Staci Troilo for brainstorming with me to come up with something that would fit this mixed-genre collection.
When I think of the word, menagerie, a group of animals first comes to mind. Merriam-Webster also defines a menagerie as a varied mixture. Hence the title.
And now, for the cover reveal.

Menagerie is a collection of thirteen short stories. The shortest is around 3000 words, and the longest is around 9000. The genres include mystery and suspense, contemporary/family fiction, and ghost fiction. There is one dual-timeline story. While some are set during the present day, several of the stories take place during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
It’s my hope this collection has a little something for everyone.
Blurb
- Understand a young girl’s confusion when she suspects her brother is hiding a dark secret
- Share the suspense as two partners reunite to solve a thirteen-year-old murder
- Visit a neglected cemetery at dusk where a ghost is said to reside
- Discover the reason for a family’s mysterious disappearance
- Feel the bond between a lonely cowboy and a solitary wolf
- Realize that life in the music world isn’t always what it seems
- Learn the legend of a haunted bridge
- Find out progress isn’t always for the best
- Experience the emotions of two women while their husbands are away at war
- Pay tribute to a fallen hero fifty-one years after his death
- Take a whitewater rafting trip and meet a woman with a mysterious past
- Spend a week away from the everyday pressures of life
- Accept a ride from a friendly truck driver
Release Date and Blog Tour
Because I’m not superstitious, I plan to release this collection of thirteen stories on January 13, 2023. In case you’re wondering that’s on Friday.
I also plan a blog tour of thirteen stops beginning the following Tuesday, January 17, which will continue through February 28.
I already have ten of those slots filled. If you are interested in hosting me for one of the last three posts in late February, just drop an email to joan@joanhall.net. Thanks in advance to anyone who can host.
You must be logged in to post a comment.