Santa Barbara Independent Reviews Emily Doyle’s Debut Short Story Collection
The Santa Barbara Independent published a book review by Brian Tanguay of Emily Doyle's debut short story collection, ‘Please Don’t Touch The Body’. The review praises Doyle's impressive range and ability to conjure distinct atmospheres in her often strange and…

Santa Barbara Santa Maria San Luis Obispo, CA, October 1, 2026 — A recent review in the Santa Barbara Independent has spotlighted Emily Doyle’s debut short story collection, titled ‘Please Don’t Touch The Body’. The assessment, penned by reviewer Brian Tanguay, offers praise for the collection’s authorial strengths and thematic content.
According to the review, Doyle demonstrates an impressive range within her work. Tanguay highlights the author’s skill in creating distinct atmospheres for each narrative. The stories are described as often strange and surreal, indicating a departure from conventional storytelling.
The collection delves into a variety of subjects, with the review noting explorations of personal struggles, the complexities of relationships, and elements of the supernatural. These themes, combined with Doyle’s atmospheric writing style, contribute to the unique character of the collection.
The review from the Santa Barbara Independent provides a critical overview of Doyle’s first published collection of short stories. Specific details regarding the publication date of the review or the book itself were not provided in the summary. Similarly, no direct quotes from Brian Tanguay or Emily Doyle were included in the provided summary, nor were specific examples of stories or their plots mentioned.
Story summarized from the original created by Brian Tanguay on www.independent.com, see more information here.