Tales of the Cemetery Trees II by John R. Cobb

Editorial Review - Voices of Excellence

Author John R. Cobb

5 Star Review

3rd Place in Short Stories

Summer Edition 2026

Click HERE

In Tales of the Cemetery Trees II, John R. Cobb delivers a fascinating collection of stories that explore the mysterious, the unexpected and the extraordinary hidden within the landscapes and lives of ordinary people. Set against the evocative backdrop of Maine’s rugged wilderness and secluded coastal communities, this collection brings together tales of suspense, supernatural intrigue, personal struggles and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Each story introduces readers to a different set of characters facing unusual circumstances, unsettling discoveries, or life changing challenges, creating a reading experience filled with variety, atmosphere and intrigue. From a battered woman seeking protection from an abusive husband to a ranger investigating a peculiar island off the Maine coast, Cobb explores situations where danger and mystery often lie just beyond the familiar.

The collection also delves into forgotten places, unexplained phenomena and the emotional complexities of human experience. Readers encounter treasure hunters drawn to an abandoned town and its legendary wishing well, a homeless man struggling to survive in a world marked by hardship and a wounded World War I veteran returning home after devastating personal losses. Other stories explore the difficulties of navigating grief, isolation and strained relationships, while an intelligence agent's search for an enigmatic man introduces a fascinating element of the unknown. Through these varied narratives, Cobb demonstrates how mystery can emerge from both extraordinary events and the everyday struggles that shape people's lives. The stories balance elements of suspense and speculation with deeply human experiences, offering readers multiple perspectives on courage, vulnerability, survival and the search for answers.

One of the collection's most compelling qualities is its use of the Maine wilderness as more than simply a setting. Its remote islands, forgotten towns and secluded landscapes create an atmosphere in which secrets can remain hidden and seemingly ordinary places can conceal remarkable histories. Cobb draws upon this environment to establish a sense of unease and anticipation, encouraging readers to consider what might exist beyond the boundaries of the known world. Each tale offers a fresh mystery to unravel, keeping the collection engaging while allowing its individual stories to explore different themes and emotional tones.

With its blend of suspense, supernatural possibilities, historical elements and human drama, Tales of the Cemetery Trees II offers an engaging experience for readers who appreciate stories that venture into the unfamiliar. John R. Cobb brings together a diverse range of characters and circumstances, reminding readers that the world is filled with unanswered questions and unexpected encounters.

Atmospheric, thought provoking and rich with mystery, this collection invites readers to explore the hidden corners of the human experience and the secrets concealed within the Maine wilderness, where every path may lead to an unsettling discovery and every story holds the possibility of something extraordinary.