Cemetery Tacos and Other Delights
Nora B. Peevy
Trepidatio Publishing (April 17, 2026)
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham
Nora B. Peevy’s debut collection, Cemetery Tacos and Other Delights, besides having a wonderful title, is a pretty impressive volume for a first book. I have watched Nora develop as a writer over the years, and I think I can say that she has definitely arrived. Brava!
There are 14 stories, and here’s what you get:
“Knock, Knock” – The tragedy of abuse, the deaths of family members, and a unique, if stalwart, childhood friend. Beware of the knock at the door.
“The Telling Place” – An odd woman uses a horrific version of hypnosis for behavior modification in children. I liked this story very much.
“A Taste of Murder” – Persephone as a vigilante. An interesting take.
“My Little Red Wagon” – A 10-year-old discovers a Radio Flyer wagon in his new house that carries a grisly history and an eerie passenger. This story had a great build-up, but ended too abruptly. More could have been written—it was off to a wonderful start.
“Carnivorous Cows from Outer Space” – Our cows are actually aliens from another planet plotting to take over the world for cowkind everywhere. A cute story, and a funny take on cows not being as stupid as humans think they are.
“What Happened in the Country” – Be careful about cutting down old-growth oak trees if you’re new in this town…there are consequences.
“Silence Has a Color” – An inmate at an asylum is haunted by an old friend.
“The Witch of Fox Point” – Be careful when playing with spells. You may call something forth that you can’t put back…and it may be hungry…very hungry… I enjoyed this one.
“How Romeo and Mori Saved the World” – The Intergalactic Federation of Traveling Librarians sends Romeo and Mori, two rather unusual members, to save the world from the destruction of soul-nourishing stories. I really liked this one.
“Bury Him by the River” – There are no monsters worse than intolerant human beings, but the Appalachian royalty will be avenged. This was my favorite story in the book. Wonderful.
“Murder Hornet Man Saves Milwaukee” – A frightening story, not of the potential killer, but the turnabout perpetrated by the targeted victim. Another favorite.
“Down to the Water’s Edge” – A story about a lesbian couple and the injustice and hatred they suffer.
“Chasing Rabbits” – A heartbreaking story of parental guilt. Very good.
“Cemetery Tacos on Wednesday” – The story of Mothgirl, with premonitions, death, and “Amazing Grace” as seen from the point of view of an alien to our planet. This one was terrific too.
And there you have it. And you should have it. I urge you to pick up a copy of this fine debut for yourself and some extra copies for those on your Christmas list who love a well-written, kitschy horror collection. It’s such fun!
5 out of 5 stars.
