ODD OCCURRENCES

Two young podcasters broadcast tales of eerie events.

After his best friend, Tobin, goes missing from the creepy Carnival Nocturne, Jesús, who goes by the nickname Zeus, starts a podcast with Tobin’s sister, Jana. Their show, Odd Occurrences, collects prerecorded tales both unnerving and unusual from kids around the world. Woven throughout the stories that follow is Zeus’ recounting of his and Tobin’s experience at the House of Mystery and Mirrors, which is overseen by the cruelly beautiful Queen of the Carnival. Typical of the genre, the tales feature spine chillers like creepy dolls and homicidal ghosts alongside more contemporary terrors, like simulation theory and an escape room. Due to its structure, the stories in this collection must be read in order for certain elements to work. However, the anthology lacks cohesion as the stories encompass a vast range of time, extending from World War II to the present day, making for befuddling plot holes. The vignettes have an unevenness to them, with some ending abruptly while some are sheer spooky fun. The overarching narrative finds its conclusion dissolve into a teaser for subsequent volumes; perhaps later offerings will find a better connection between narratives. Zeus is cued as Latinx; Tobin, Jana, and most other characters read White. Final art not seen.

A collection that never quite coalesces.