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- Title: Mama Tulu: A Short Horror Story
- Author: Jessica Guess
- Narrator: Greer Morrison
- Length: 0.014583333
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 02-Mar
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Horror
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Every so often, an audiobook comes along that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you in, immerses you in its world, and leaves you haunted long after the final words fade. Jessica Guess’s *Mama Tulu: A Short Horror Story* is one of those works. Narrated by the talented Greer Morrison, this short but impactful tale is part of Nightfire’s *Come Join Us by the Fire Season 2* audio anthology. It’s a dark, atmospheric piece that lingers like the shadows of twilight, and as someone who’s spent a lifetime chasing stories, both in books and on the road, I can confidently say this one is worth your time.
The story follows a young Jamaican girl whose wish is granted by the enigmatic town Obeah, Mama Tulu, but as is often the case with wishes, the cost is unimaginably high. Right from the beginning, Jessica Guess masterfully weaves a narrative that feels both intimate and universal. As someone with a deep appreciation for cultural storytelling, I was struck by how the story drew upon Jamaican folklore and the rich tradition of Obeah, blending it seamlessly with themes of ambition, sacrifice, and consequence. It reminded me of evenings spent with a family in Oaxaca, where the grandmother would recount eerie tales under a moonlit sky. Her voice carried the weight of generations, much like Mama Tulu’s presence in this story.
The way Guess builds tension is extraordinary. The story unfolds like a storm gathering on the horizon—slowly at first, but then suddenly overwhelming. You can almost feel the sticky heat of a Jamaican summer, hear the rustling of palm trees, and sense the oppressive weight of decisions that cannot be undone. This vivid sensory immersion is not just a testament to Guess’s writing but also to Greer Morrison’s narration. Morrison doesn’t just read the story; she breathes life into it. Her voice is rich and textured, carrying an undercurrent of foreboding that perfectly complements the tale’s dark themes. Listening to her felt like sitting around a campfire while a master storyteller spins a tale designed to make you glance over your shoulder.
As I listened, I found myself transported back to the Atacama Desert in Chile, where I first discovered the power of a well-narrated audiobook. Just as *One Hundred Years of Solitude* felt like it was being shared by a wise elder, *Mama Tulu* feels like a story passed down through generations, gaining potency with each retelling. Morrison’s ability to shift tones, to embody both the innocence of the young girl and the chilling gravitas of Mama Tulu, is nothing short of remarkable. Her use of silence—those brief, suspended moments where the weight of the story settles—is particularly striking. It’s a reminder of the power of oral storytelling and how the spaces between words can be just as impactful as the words themselves.
Of course, no work is without its limitations. At just under 15 minutes, *Mama Tulu* leaves you craving more. The brevity of the story, while effective in delivering a punch, doesn’t allow for as much character development as one might hope. I found myself wanting to know more about the young girl’s backstory, about Mama Tulu’s origins, and about the broader community that seemed to live in fear and awe of the enigmatic Obeah. That said, the short format also works to the story’s advantage, creating an urgency and intensity that longer tales often lack.
For fans of atmospheric horror, this audiobook stands alongside works like Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s *Certain Dark Things* or even Nick Antosca’s *The Quiet Boy* (also featured in this anthology). It taps into the primal fears that reside in all of us—the fear of the unknown, the fear of making the wrong choice, and the fear of what lies on the other side of a seemingly simple wish. If you enjoyed the eerie, folkloric quality of *Nothing But Blackened Teeth* by Cassandra Khaw, you’ll find a similar allure here.
Ultimately, *Mama Tulu* is a powerful reminder of the dangers of desire and the costs of ambition. It’s a story that resonated with me deeply, perhaps because, as a traveler and writer, I’ve encountered countless cultures where folklore serves as both entertainment and warning. The tale of Mama Tulu feels like one of those warnings, a whispered cautionary tale that lingers in the back of your mind.
I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who appreciates short-form horror, culturally rich narratives, and exceptional narration. It’s perfect for a late-night listen, especially if you enjoy being left with a chill running down your spine. And since it’s part of Nightfire’s *Come Join Us by the Fire* anthology, it’s an excellent introduction to other talented voices in the horror genre.
In closing, *Mama Tulu: A Short Horror Story* is a brief but unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness. Jessica Guess’s writing is sharp and evocative, and Greer Morrison’s narration elevates the story to another level entirely. Give it a listen—you won’t regret it, though you may find yourself leaving a light on afterward.
Warm regards and happy listening,
Marcus Rivera
With wanderlust and literary appreciation, Marcus Rivera
