This book, though short, was packed full of tension and horror. Some of my favorite horror tropes are “There’s something in the forest” and “Small town religious trauma” and The Woods All Black had these in droves.
The story follows trans nurse Leslie Bruin as he heads to his next assignment with the Frontier Nursing Service. In the 1920s in Appalachia, Spar Creek is as far off the beaten track as you can get, and Leslie’s welcome is less than warm. As he navigates the tension of the highly religious locals (who shame him for being a working, unmarried woman in addition to being an outsider) and the feeling of something being not quite right, he discovers a secret about one of the townsfolk that could be life or death for both of them.
I’ve already recommended this book to several friends and shoppers, and I am eagerly awaiting Lee Mandelo’s next release.

I really enjoyed this book! I have enjoyed all of this author’s books. I would love to see this book adapted to film and would love to read more but it’s like this one.

Note: This is a review of the finished copy (obtained via a public library).

The Woods All Black, a historical horror novella about revenge and bodily autonomy, tells a riveting story about a trans man navigating an environment that disapproves of his appearance and demeanor. Set in Appalachia during the late 1920s, Lee Mandelo’s novella fantastically blends the supernatural with the irrational fear of queer people corrupting society.

Leslie Bruin, working for the Frontier Nursing Service, is assigned to the rural town of Spar Creek. Although his work involves ensuring safe childbirths and vaccinating the residents, the people of Spar Creek, particularly Pastor Halliday, treat him with suspicion. Leslie’s masculine wear marks him as a “mannish woman,” his unmarried status making him unsuitable for midwifery.
During his mandated stay at Spar Creek, Leslie finds out about Stevie, an assumed tomboy that Pastor Halliday insists should be fixed. Stevie, a trans man like Leslie, rebels against his mother and the church, running away into the seemingly ominous woods. When the town threatens and persecutes Leslie for his “degenerate nature” and potential for corruption, he searches for Stevie in the woods and discovers the hope of fleeing not only the town’s ignorance but also the church’s theft of bodily autonomy.

One thing about this novella that has stayed with me after the last page is the setting. The author does an excellent job of making the woods its own character, implementing vivid imagery and suspense. During scenes where Leslie watches or explores the forest, the descriptions depict feelings of dread and peculiarity. The attention to detail complements the significance of the story’s setting.

Another highlight of The Woods All Black is the eventual romantic relationship between Leslie and Stevie. The two are trans men fighting their way through a society that doesn’t understand them. The dynamics and erotic details add to the theme of bodily autonomy. Leslie and Stevie both want out of the cultural and social restraints of Spar Creek.

The Woods All Black is a remarkable narrative that expertly holds its breath until reaching its peak.

This was lovely. A lush, dark exploration of queerness, gender identity, and reproductive politics in the early 20th century that also gets what’s sexy about monsterfucking exactly right.

Okay, I’m going to get this right out of the way. I had no idea that this was on the spicier side. A little under 200 pages and there are a couple sex scenes that totally caught me by surprise. I’m no prude but I thought this was going to be more of a horror/period piece about a trans main character finding himself in a hostile Appalachian town. And it is. But there are definitely elements I didn’t see coming, which kind of took me out of the main narrative. It was also a little bit slow for such a short page count. In the end it wasn’t for me because it edges into a genre I don’t really enjoy. But it’s incredibly atmospheric and a narrative propelled by a trans protagonist in this era is really compelling. I would totally read more from this author, though!

My review is posted on my Instagram @boozehoundbookclub

DNF

I was hoping for a dark and atmospheric read, and unfortunately, I got something else entirely. I had to DNF when I learned it would become monster porn because that's not for me, and that's not what was advertised.

Thanks to NG and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a wild little book. I need more stories like this. I enjoyed the time period, the theme, the constant state of tension. The only downside was that it wasn’t longer.

This is a tale of small town Appalachia horror set in the 1920s, as a stranger comes to town and threatens the status quo. The oppression is palpable and the looming menace made this a quick read as I didn't want to put it down, I needed to know the protagonist got out safely. I'm not usually much of a horror reader but this is my kind of horror - very scary but with echoing themes and a satisfying ending. This is a story about bodily autonomy, from gender to reproduction to revenge but it never feels like a lesson, just a story of people trying to survive as themselves in hostile territory. A good, tense, read.

do you want a deeply researched, tightly plotted, gorgeously written novella that’s part historical horror and part t4t monster romance? luckily for you, it now exists; if this description intrigues you, you will probably love THE WOODS ALL BLACK by Lee Mandelo!

I have loved Mandelo’s previous work, and this was no exception! it delivered on everything I hoped for: all the gorgeous atmosphere, exploration of queerness, and creeping horror. the historical setting was immersive and obviously backed up by a great deal of research and attention; the sense of foreboding and suspense was perfect; and the characters were wonderfully developed, even in the short space afforded by the format.

my only critique is that I think the novella form limited this story a little bit; there was a LOT jammed into the book, and I sometimes felt like parts of the plot seemed a little rushed, like they would have been even better to read if they’d had more space to fully blossom. (in other words, I think it very easily could have been a full novel, and it might have been an even better story for it.)

THE WOODS ALL BLACK is out now, and I highly recommend picking it up for a fast and compelling read for Pride Month (or any other time of the year)! Thank you so much to Tor and Netgalley for the ARC!

I was not able to review The Woods All Black by the publishing date but now that I’ve read it I gave it 5 stars

Lee Mandelo has a way of really making you work for your emotional payoff. When I started reading Summer Sons, I HATED the main character, and a few times had to talk myself into continuing...just for it to end up my favourite read of the year. The great thing about The Woods All Black is that you don't have to wade through QUITE as much emotional agony in the beginning, Leslie is much easier to root for as he takes on his new nursing position. though there are certainly frustrations about as his new home pushes back against him.

What follows is...truly wild, in a "PLEASE read this novel," sort of way.

Lee Mandelo is a must-read author for me, the way he weaves terrifying magic into the everyday world keeps me on the edge of my seat. This book lived up to his others and was wonderfully entertaining! It is spooky and magical, full of suspicious small-town characters and powerful trans men.

In the years after WWI, rural towns could request a nurse through the Frontier Nursing Service and that's how Leslie ended up in Spar Creek. The town is instantly unwelcoming, and the preacher leads the charge against Leslie labeling him as a sinner, a bad influence, and a woman who doesn't know her place.

Leslie is only trying to help by vaccinating townspeople and educating and assisting pregnant women, but as tensions mount, it becomes clear that Leslie and another transman in town must flee for their lives.

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars--

Well, this one is tough. I greatly enjoyed the premise and plot up until around 3/4 of the way in, where this book becomes extremely explicit monster/shape-shifter erotica. It's hard to know what else to say... If that's what you're looking for, then go for it and enjoy! Otherwise, I'd recommend Mandelo's previous novel, Summer Sons. All of his talented, vivid, creepy, atmospheric, queer storytelling and prose without the hardcore elements.

Many thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

There’s just something special about the way Lee Mandelo writes. I was instantly hooked from the first chapter.

In The Woods All Black we’re following protagonist Leslie Bruin, on their way to their new placement as frontier nurse in 1920 Appalachia. Already battling the small-town fears of modern medicine, Leslie also doesn’t look how they expect.

The town is instantly unwelcoming. Labeling Leslie as a sinner and bad influence, they refuse his aid whenever he offers, and try to scare him out of town with threats of violence. But Leslie makes a connection with a youth in town, stubborn, but in need of help. A fellow “invert”pariah, fiercely independent and constantly punished for their otherness.

As tempers escalate, and a ravenous monster stalks the woods, it’s clear Leslie needs to flee but her conscience and heart won’t let her leave Stevie behind.

This book is definitely spicier than I was anticipating. I knew there was a trans romance element, but I didn’t expect that lake scene. 😅

Overall I found this to be a super tense read, where I wanted Leslie to be smart and leave town, but also really wanted all of the zealot bigots to get their comeuppance.

I loved the historical elements covering queer-life around WW1, and especially of the radically brave individuals who were their truest selves, even when that meant extreme persecution. (Fully acknowledging that LGBTQ+ people are still fighting for their rights and acceptance still.)

Thank you to Tordotcom for providing me with a copy of this book.

Are you afraid of the woods?

A quick horror novella with a relatable Black, trans MC. This book is sure to send chills and horrify you on multiply levels. Perfect for those who loved the author's last book, Summer sons. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! I look forward to reading more by this author even though this isn't my typical genre of choice.

Hmm an interesting story. It went a direction I was not anticipating and it kind of left me wanting to be done with it fast, definitely look up triggers for the storyline.

Revenge is best served - bloody. This novella touches on so many topics - and the brutal vengeance made me smile all day.
Leslie is sent to Spar Creek via his nursing contract. Under the guise of vaccinations and health checks, Leslie interest also lies in helping women in the child birthing years. These women needed help!
Spar Creek does not welcome Leslie, though his help was requested. He struggles to conform to the villagers' expectations of women wearing skirts. In his attempt to find a crack to build rapport, Stevie stumbles in his path. Leslie finds his mission - and passion.
Deliciously steamy, dark, and a creature lurking in the dark - thrilling!

I absolutely love the atmosphere Lee Mandelo can create in his books. After reading SUMMER SONS, FEED THEM SILENCE, and now THE WOODS ALL BLACK I am in awe. Both FEED THEM SILENCE and THE WOODS ALL BLACK are novellas and to pack so much into relatively short books is a skill not many authors have.

At first, I admit, I was a little hesitant with THE WOODS ALL BLACK. It is probably not something I would have picked up due to the historical period, religious small town, and traveling nurse synopsis but, again, I am a fan of Mandelo's work and trusted the system. And despite a slower start, this book has me HOOKED by the second half. This historical, small-town setting was a deft backdrop to look at and explore healthcare, sexual/reproductive health, and trans individuals during a current time where all of those things are very much contentious and in question. The horror here really was... bigotry.

I won't spoil the ending but I loved the twist and, once again, feel like this will be a Mandelo book that sticks with me for a long time.

This had potential but there was too much focus on the trans romance instead of the actual interesting things happening in the town. Stevie is just a kid so the romance was inappropriate on multiple levels. Too many confusing elements and not enough substance. Thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy

If you’ve ever read a book and thought after finishing it, “Wow, it’s like the author reached inside my head and told me an awesome story with all the elements and themes that have been on my mind lately!”, then you’ll know how I felt after finishing The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo.

It’s no secret I love a good punch-packing novella and The Woods All Black delivers one for sure. It follows Leslie, a trans (invert, in the novel’s historical terminology) nurse assigned to the Appalachian township of Spar Creek after the war. Intensely religious, multiple sinister forces are stirring in the congregation, in the township, and in the woods beyond them, forces that Leslie soon finds himself immersed in on all fronts.

This novella just has it all for me: complicated discussions of sexuality and gender in a historical context, the terrifying reality of bigotry within fundamentalist/evangelical Christian communities, a central queer relationship with an age gap some readers will find eyebrow raising, the delicious blend of horror and the erotic, and of course, the trans monsterfucking. I loved every moment of The Woods All Black unequivocally and highly recommend it if the aforementioned topics sound intriguing.

Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.