American Curls by Nancy Springer

June 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

American Curls by Nancy Springer
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (12 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

When Cindy stops by the local cat shelter where she volunteers, she discovers her coworker Samantha unconscious on the floor. Even more horrifying, to Cindy, is that a mother cat and her kittens have mysteriously disappeared out into the snow. While Cindy leaves the attack to the police to investigate while she seeks out the missing cats, a second assault finishes Samantha off. Soon, Cindy’s mixed up in a litter of death, missing cats and the police casting an eye in her direction as a possible suspect. Can Cindy find the missing cats and help pinpoint the murderer, or is she going to end up a victim of her own cat-astrophe?

Cats and a mystery seem to go together so well and American Curls was no exception. I have to admit I do have a weakness for a story centered around animals and especially about people helping them. Despite this one having a few clichés of the genre, I thought it was a fun read.
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There was a cast of characters to throw you off track as to the identity of the guilty party. While I did guess who it was, I found myself reading on just to see how the main character figured it out. Despite this story being just twelve pages, the author did a good job developing the characters in the few paragraphs or pages on which they appeared.

The dialogue is natural sounding and the pacing fast. If you’re a fan of a cozy but don’t have time to read a full length novel, this will be a good pick for you.

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#20 by Nancy Springer

June 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

#20 by Nancy Springer
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (12 pages)
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Little Veronica likes hanging out at Mrs. Life’s porch. She can see the whole town from the steps, and Mrs. Life is fascinating in the way that she keeps track of all sorts of numbers and information in her little spiral-bound notebooks. So it’s surprising to Veronica when the always-nice Mrs. Life has an argument with Mr. Quickel, the school health teacher and wrestling coach, about the cost of mowing her lawn. Soon, Mrs. Life has started to insinuate things about Mr. Quickel, his marriage and what he might or might not have done with a boy who ran off from the town to live life as an openly gay man. Soon, the entire town is turning on Mr. Quickel with rumors and threats and destroying his sanity. Before too long, Veronica starts to see what Mrs. Life’s real motivation is, and what dark secrets she keeps in one of her spiral-bound notebooks. This is primarily down to the enzyme PDE-5, which can stop the blood vessels dilating, restricting the supply of blood to the penis.Meanwhile, to promote the supply of the medicine in the market confirms the price of levitra cialis viagra the medicine. The standard dose of continue reading my drugstore tadalafil cialis generika Oral Jelly is a PDE5 inhibitor which boosts the blood supply into the required area.Sildenafil Citrate (viagra) is a discreet pill for the treatment of male impotence. The entrepreneur CEO can easily be the most stressed and occupied professional in an organization. pills viagra canada And this berry drink is the best antioxidant with the highest ORAC values in the world. pfizer viagra generic

It’s easy to think of it as innocent speculation but gossip has the power to ruin lives. Nowhere is this more true than in the small, isolated community of Pleasantville where even the slightest whiff of nonconformity has serious consequences.

What makes someone so interested in the affairs of others? #20 never directly answers this question. Part of the fun of reading it is stepping into the minds of each character and figuring out why they behave the way they do. Some seem to be motivated by fear of their own quirks being discovered, others do it as part of an urge to categorize and document everything that happens in their lives.

One of my favourite parts of this story was how it handled the issue of labeling others. Gay, HIV-positive, pedophile, eccentric, depressed, suicidal, on the brink of a divorce – all of these labels and more are pasted onto people who in many cases are never proved to actually warrent some or all of those things. What was really interesting, though, was seeing how the targets reacted once it became widely assumed that certain labels defined them as human beings. Words and the harsh judgements and social ostracism that accompanies them can cut more deeply than the sharpest knife.

The ending, while it fit in well with the tone and general message of the story, felt abrupt. I would have liked to see it foreshadowed and drawn out a little more for a bigger impact on the audience.

#20 is an eye-opening look at the damage caused by idle talk. Whether you’ve been on the giving or receiving end of gossip you’ll find at least one character in this story with whom you can relate.

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Damaged Goods by Jacquelynn Luben

June 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Damaged Goods by Jacquelynn Luben
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical (recent)
Length: Short Story (5 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

In England in 1939, Margaret (known as Peggy) and Tom are innocent sweethearts. Then comes a war, which affects the lives of everyone in the country, and which causes the young couple to part. When Tom is reported missing, no one knows what has happened to him.

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Damaged Goods is proof that you don’t need a story to be novel length for it to be engaging or span lots of time.

It’s told in letters that the main character both receives and writes. It’s moving, beautifully written, and even though it’s short I felt as if I knew the main character very well. I felt her pain as she reads the letter from her past love, and also her surprise when she finds that he’s alive and what’s happened to him. There was even a twist at the end.

I highly recommend Damaged Goods for the perfect quick read and will be looking for more stories from this author.

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Fanged by Wade J. McMahan

June 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Fanged (A Richard Dick Mystery)by Wade J. McMahan
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (31 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

Count Earl Duke is three hundred years old, and a vampire…arguably the world’s most pitiful vampire, but a vampire nonetheless. Private investigator Richard Dick becomes embroiled in a lethal investigation when Count Duke suddenly drifts into his Chicago office.

In this latest laugh-out-loud release in the worldwide bestselling Richard Dick mysteries series, Count Duke hires Dick to recover blood stolen from his high-tech blood cellar. From there on, Dick confronts the deadly “Grand Fang” himself, Professor von Schweinzturd, and his equally dangerous associate, the beautiful seductress, Serafina. Dick makes a ghastly discovery during his perilous, undercover investigation of the storeroom at the local chapter of the Vampires Lodge.

Just when you think everything’s been written about vampires, you stumble upon a short story like Fanged.
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I have to admit I do have a weakness for PI stories and especially ones with some humor thrown in. While it did have some clichés of both PI and vampire stories, overall it’s humor won me over. What’s stranger than a vampire hiring a PI to find out who stole his stash of blood? And why does he need a stash in the first place?  He’s a toothless vampire.

The dialogue was great, lots of witty banter and the pacing fast. It kept me turning the pages and I definitely want to read more stories featuring Richard Dick.

If you like a good story, a good laugh and like some paranormal elements thrown in, check out Fanged.

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French Romance Cooking Class by Beth Mathison

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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French Romance Cooking Class by Beth Mathison
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (12 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

Frannie and David Young have been married over twenty years, have two kids, busy jobs, a house in the suburbs and a dog named Max. To keep the romance alive in their relationship, they plan a “date” twice a month. Their block of time together includes very few rules—no kids or dogs, but requires an open mind. Frannie and David take turns planning dates, depending on the NFL’s schedule and how the planets are aligned that particular month.

In this second short story in the series, Frannie chooses a hands-on French cooking class as their outing. As they struggle with the “right” way to spice up their lives (both in and out of the kitchen), they discover that their strength as a couple depends on their ability to “wing it.” They also discover that “winging it” with raw oysters, a bottle of wine and an eccentric French cook can make for one interesting date.

Charming…not an adjective I normally use to describe a story but I can’t think of another word that describes it better. It’s a quick read that had me smiling, and sometimes laughing, from first to last word. The two lead characters are fun and very realistic. I enjoyed their interaction with other couples in their French cooking class and their funny banter. I also thought the conversations with the instructor were great, too. It’s got romance, humor, food, and French food no less. A reader couldn’t ask for a better combination.

French Romance is the second book in the Young at Heart series for Ms. Mathison. It was interesting to see her switch genres from mystery to contemporary romance. Her writing is strong and her characters solid.

While the story focuses on an older couple I know readers of any age will enjoy this story. I’m positive, as it did with me, the word charming will spring to mind after you’ve read it. This is one I highly recommend.

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From Berkeley With Love by Hamilton Waymire

May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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From Berkeley With Love by Hamilton Waymire
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (10 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

The hunt for a blackmailer sends private investigator Benson Keirstad on a trip up the California coast. Neither attack dogs nor violent brawls in seedy dives can stop him in the pursuit of his mission. When he finally arrives in Berkeley, an unexpected and deadly showdown awaits him. Could this be Keirstad’s last case? A short story.

Combine a classic private investigator tale with a whodunit and you’ve got From Berkeley With Love. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They were all well drawn and the dialogue was natural sounding. Most of the PI stories I’ve read tend to be gritty but I found this one to be more regular mystery with a cast of potential baddies who had you continually guessing about the identity of the blackmailer.

Mr. Waymire has a clever way of building the plot to a crescendo at just the right moment. There’s action and mystery that piqued my interest and kept me glued to the pages to see how Keirstad would spoil the villains plans.

If you have ten or fifteen minutes to spare, and if you’re a die hard mystery fan who likes a PI as a lead character, this very short story will be a good pick for you.

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Bananas Foster by Sandra Murphy

May 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

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Bananas Foster (Fingerprints) by Sandra Murphy
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (6 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

Everybody has “those days.” The ones where you realize that things aren’t what they used to be and may never be again

So you trek off to the doctor’s office for a tonic or pill and hope for the best. When the doctor starts with “you’re getting older,” it’s never going to end well. And, if he’s going to prescribe “doing something you used to really enjoy,” he’d better know what that was before putting the idea in your mind. Some therapies aren’t really as helpful as they appear.

I’m not sure whoever first suggested doing a “Random Act of Kindness” had Bernice’s version in mind.This spunky little Pink Lady isn’t about to grow old gracefully. Especially when she has the opportunity to use her “advanced age” to her benefit. If that whipper snapper of a doctor thinks she should get out and do something fun, by golly she’ll show him fun and if it means giving peace of mind to a friend, all the more better.

This is a very quick paced fast read that’s perfect if you have five minutes to spare or maybe waiting in line. It’s full of quirky characters and I thought a unique plot line. Ms. Murphy did a top notch job at fitting in just enough detail for both characters and plot in only six pages.

I didn’t see the ending coming which made it all the more fun. It’s got a good twist to it and a touch of humor, too.

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My Learned Friend by Heather Parker

April 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

My Learned Friend by Heather Parker
Publisher: Untreed Reads-Fingerprints
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (17 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanotis

When James Whitman moves to a small village in the English Lake District, he thinks he is leaving the world of crime behind him in the courtrooms of Manchester. Surely folks here wouldn’t find themselves in need of a good defense lawyer – even one of the most highly respected in the land.
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Yet, when an old lady dies in mysterious circumstances, James finds himself working to protect a young boy accused of her murder. A local social worker, Katy, becomes his unlikely ally, and the pair begin to investigate. They soon discover life in the isolated village may not be as peaceful and innocent as it seems…

If you’re a fan of mysteries with a British setting I know you’ll enjoy My Learned Friend. Ms. Parker did a wonderful job with the description of the village where this story takes place. I felt as if I was there and getting to know each of the characters as she introduced them.

I especially liked the way the author told this story and how it unfolded in just seventeen pages. It felt longer and I mean that in a good way. Ms. Parker packed a lot of story into this short read. As with any good mystery I kept wondering what would happen next. What I really liked was she had me guessing who was going to be the victim of the crime. It was a surprise, and then I found myself wanting to read on to find out who did it.

And to add even more layers to this story, she added a touch of romance that was enjoyable, too. This is a quick and very fun read for anyone who likes a good whodunit with a cast of British characters and a country setting.

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Parting Shot by Rekha Ambardar

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Parting Shot by Rekha Ambardar
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (6 pages)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

When the head of a scrap metal business is found shot in the head in his study, Detective Foster suspects there’s more to the death than meets the eye. A work of super-short fiction from our Fingerprints mystery/thriller line.

This short story, Parting Shot, jumps right into a murder investigation. Detective Foster and his assistant, Carrie Goldsmith, arrive at the home of a well-to-do man, found shot to death at his home office. Who could want Bruce Carter dead? Clues are presented. Bruce’s wife Blanche finds him as he’s dying—that’s a clue, and there are physical things too, making it fun for the reader to try to figure out.

Bruce had an enemy, his ex-partner in business who left, disgusted with Bruce for his practices. Could it have been him? Naw—that would be too obvious. Or would it? Then there’s Bruce’s brother, Simon, who resents him. Could he be the murderer? His comments to the police are suspicious, and he seems to have motive. But so does Bruce’s ex-partner. Suspense is created. The ischemic muscle tissues cause get viagra pain in muscles with spasm. A detox plan eliminates and neutralizes toxins Body detoxification is accomplished through natural mechanism in our bodies that work on a daily cycle. browse around over here now buy viagra professional cialis generic cheapest Orthodontics treatment will not only straighten the teeth for a better appearance but also keep the myriad of health troubles at bay. Due to its aphrodisiac properties, it can improve libido level in men and women. viagra for free buying this

This is a short story, so as expected, the setting is minimal. There’s just no room for much in a tale of this length. However, there is just enough. Also, character development is not expected in something this short, but it’s okay. The plot and the questions presented carry the story. This flash fiction piece has the proper beginning, middle, and end to be a complete story. It’s wrapped up nicely with a bit of a surprise. It’s fast-paced and can be read in just a few minutes. Parting Shot is a good little flash fiction mystery, and flash fiction can be hard to pull off, often being incomplete. Good job by the author.

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