Nothing but Blackened Teeth: Ghost Brides, Haunted Houses, and Japanese Spirits

Are you in the mood for a thrilling ghost story with some gore, Japanese folklore, and a classic "friends stuck in a haunted house" trope? Then you might enjoy Cassandra Khaw's novella, "Nothing but Blackened Teeth." Set in a Heian-era mansion in Japan, the story follows a group of friends who reunite after a long time to attend the wedding ceremony of two of their own, Nadia and Faiz. The catch? The wedding will take place inside a supposedly haunted mansion.

As the friends arrive at the abandoned mansion, we learn about their relationships and backgrounds, including protagonist Cat's recent emotional trauma. The narrative makes liberal use of "purple prose," which some readers may find challenging to follow. Additionally, the book assumes some familiarity with Japanese folklore and spirits, but even if you don't have this knowledge, you can still enjoy the story.

Once the action starts, the book takes on a rollercoaster-like feel that's thrilling but doesn't leave a lasting impression. There are hints of interesting themes that the story could have explored more fully, such as Philip's entitlement as a rich white man, Nadia's fascination with haunted houses, and Cat's mental health struggles. However, the novella only brushes on these themes without fully exploring them.

Despite its limitations, "Nothing but Blackened Teeth" is a short, fun read that spooks readers with ghosts from another culture. It's a good choice for those looking for a quick and challenging read that explores a new cultural landscape. While the characters may not be entirely compelling, the setting and the ghosts make for a thrilling ride. If you're up for a mental workout and enjoy a good ghost story, give "Nothing but Blackened Teeth" a try.