What is it about lighthouses that stirs the heart and sparks the imagination? Built for strength and permanence, they are nonetheless always vulnerable. We look to them for guidance and reassurance yet never quite lose the feeling of being watched when near them. Their keepers work tirelessly to serve humanity, protecting many hundreds of lives each year; yet they themselves are isolated from other people. And of course, we are ever aware that these often remote outposts can be unforgiving of human frailties, so inevitably they become the setting for tragedy and consequently for spirits that linger at the site of their ruined hopes, their sufferings, and their obsessions. In Lighthouse Hauntings a dozen contemporary authors spin an intriguing mix of supernatural tales around this evocative theme. Some of these never before published stories are just plain creepy, others are mystifying or metaphysical, or even heartwarming, but all are vividly memorable."

"Over the past 30 years, Hoffman has received more than 30 nominations for a wide variety of awards...This collection of 16 fantastical stories, drawn from the latter half of her career to date and including one story not previously collected, highlights the talent that makes her a perennial nominee...Hoffman's skills shine at short lengths, and this collection of perfect, gemlike stories would complement any library." -Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

The Nebula and World Fantasy Award-nominated author of A Red Heart of Memories continues the spellbinding story of the wandering witch Matilda (Matt) Black, who possesses the ability to communicate with inanimate objects and see into people’s dreams—and her companion Edmund Reynolds, a young man with magic of his own who is only beginning to come to grips with his past and his powers…

The two travelers have come to the town where Edmund grew up, and found shelter in the benevolently haunted house that was a refuge for Edmund and his friends when they were children. But the house begins to speak to Matt, urgently, telling her that she and Edmund have to leave, to seek out the long-scattered friends. For a darkness is rising, a dangerous, powerful entity. And the only chance of stopping it lies in the hearts of the lost children of the house…

From Publisher's Weekly starred review: "Over the past 30 years, Hoffman has received more than 30 nominations for a wide variety of awards...This collection of 16 fantastical stories, drawn from the latter half of her career to date and including one story not previously collected, highlights the talent that makes her a perennial nominee...Hoffman's skills shine at short lengths, and this collection of perfect, gemlike stories would complement any library."

A brilliant fantasy from Bram Stoker Award-winner and Nebula and World Fantasy Awards finalist Nina Kiriki Hoffman.

The special F. Paul Wilson and Nina Kiriki Hoffman issues of Weird Tales.