My Review (5 stars out of 5) This is Joy Mutter’s third collection of short stories and once again it demonstrates her ability to mix light-hearted topics with more sinister themes. Having read most of her books, I’m more than familiar with her writing style and this one is stamped with all her usual hallmarks.…
Category: Short Stories
‘Like Bottled Fire’ by Dominic Piper
My Review (5 stars out of 5) In Rome, Daniel Beckett takes on a risky assignment, using an attractive Italian waitress as cover. Unfortunately, Beckett’s plan goes askew, and he discovers his companion may not be what she seems… This short story is a prequel to the PI Daniel Beckett series and the first I’ve…
‘Caravan of Nightmares and Other Short Stories’ by Joy Mutter
My Review (5 stars out of 5) I’ve read most of Ms Mutter’s books, so I usually know what to except when a new tome appears on her Amazon page. This is the second time she’s penned a collection of short stories and like most of her writing there’s a dark side to more than…
‘Thames Valley Tales’ by Tim Walker
My Review (4 stars out of 5) (Audiobook) This collection of nine short stories is inspired by the author’s experience of living in Thames Valley towns, mixing modern-day themes with tales and legends from the area between London and the heart of rural England. As with all short story collections, there are those which stand…
‘Poetic Justice’ by Mark Tilbury
My Review (5 stars out of 5) In this new assortment of stories, thriller writer Mark Tilbury presents five twisted tales of murder and revenge. As with all short story collections, there are those that stand out and others that don’t quite hit the spot. For me, the first two are the best: In ‘Last…
‘The Boy Who Wasn’t There’ by Kristi Helvig
My Review (5 stars out of 5) In this short story, when Max the thief and sex-worker Skye, bump into each other in a café, it seems they’re being pursued by the same man. However, in their attempt to escape, things go awry and the two become separated. The story moves along at a good…
‘Sherlock Holmes of Baking Street’ Nancy Holder and Margie Deck (Eds)
My Review (5 stars out of 5) This is a compilation of essays, personal reflections and short stories using the general theme of baking as a starting point. As with any anthology, some pieces are more appealing than others but for fans of the detecting duo Holmes and Watson, there’s definitely something for everyone. Several…
‘Miscreants, Murderers, and Thieves’ by Samuel W Reed
Miscreants, Murderers, and Thieves This collection of stories from independent authors is edited by Samuel W Reed, who also contributes one of his own tales. Authors include Don Bapst, David Beeler, Shawn D. Brink, Dori Ann Dupre, Gabriel DiDomenico, Dane G. Kroll, Ethel Lung, Casey…
‘When Stars Will Shine’ by Emma Mitchell
When Stars Will Shine Compiled by Emma Mitchell, this short story collection delivers festive-themed tales with a twist. Featuring Louise Jensen, Graham Smith, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Lucy Cameron, Val Portelli, Alex Kane and many others, the proceeds will be donated to supporting our troops. As with all short story anthologies, this is a mixed bag, with…
‘Stasis’ by Ernesto San Giacomo
Stasis After spending years living as a Libertarian refugee, Kurt Williams returns to his former community. But what he finds is not what he expects. This is another of Ernesto San Giacomo’s short stories and like his story collection Ragged Souls, the author’s use of language and style is a real treat. Painting a kind…
Colin Garrow 