Deadly Sins
Ian Laver, award winning author of two novels, CRUCIAL STEP and UNEASY, lures the reader into a world of deadly sins in this collection of short stories. Each story reveals character flaws, human excesses and weaknesses, fantasy, adventure, humour, lust and desire. These are the varied human sins that wreak havoc upon ordinary and eccentric characters. The reader will not be able to stop at one story as the next enticing sin beckons.Ian's short stories appear in five Coolum Wave Writers anthologies. He has won more than a dozen awards for his stories including the Henry Lawson Emerging Writer, twice.
Counting A Star with Rabbit and Turtle
Two friends set off on a journey that will test the friendship and trust they have for each other. Sometimes it only takes a disagreement and greed to lose a friendship that has been built for a long time. Read to discover how Rabbit and Turtle's friendship turns out after their silly competition.
Counting A Star with Rabbit and Turtle
Two friends set off on a journey that will test the friendship and trust they have for each other. Sometimes it only takes a disagreement and greed to lose a friendship that has been built for a long time. Read to discover how Rabbit and Turtle's friendship turns out after their silly competition.
Splatterpunk!
Splatterpunk: a movement within horror fiction originating in the 1980s, distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, countercultural alignment, and hyper-intensive horror with no limits. Welcome to Echo Valley, where the rent is cheap, and the mortality rate is high.After an ancient deity cursed the region, this place became infested with supernatural weirdness.A masked murderer, lurking in the shadows and striking fear into the hearts of the unsuspecting.A killer doll with a razor-sharp tongue, unleashing its foul-mouthed mischief upon the town's inhabitants.Giant spiders weaving their intricate webs, waiting for unsuspecting prey to stumble into their deadly traps.And overseeing it all, a benevolent Pig with mysterious powers.Yet, amidst the chaos, Echo Valley still thrives with regular people going about their day-to-day lives, coexisting with the inexplicable menace that lurks all around them.
The Sylvia Plath Effect
The stories in this book feature women who were key literary figures across the ages who have always had rules for their life in the face of liberation, submission and illness. From Jean Rhys, Emily Dickinson, Bessie Head to Virginia Woolf they are women who faced the extraordinary, the impossible, innermost joy and mental illness.
Impossible Love Stories
19th century Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin is primarily known abroad for his poetry, particularly his novel in verse "Eugene Onegin". Assembled here are three delightful samples of his prose - three tales of mischance, mayhem, intrigue, and, of course, true love. This collection includes novellas "The Blizzard", "Novel in Letters", and "The Lady Peasant".
Lost Minds Wandering Souls 8
Can a haunted mirror protect a young girl from her murderous predator father? Will a chance encounter with a primordial creature change a student's life forever? Can an internet shopping spree leave a girl possessed by an ancient demon? Will a mysterious vacation lead a modern warrior to his ultimate destiny?
Girl in the Sun
Girl in the Sun" is a poignant narrative that explores the emotional and psychological journey of Annie, a young girl thrust into a new existence following the devastating loss of her parents in a plane crash. The story is set against the backdrop of a small town where Annie begins to live with her grandfather, a man she barely knows but who becomes her guardian and guide through this turbulent period.As Annie adjusts to her new life, the novel delves into themes of grief, healing, and the search for identity amidst tragedy. Her grandfather, a figure of stability and wisdom, helps Annie navigate her feelings of loss and disconnection. Through their shared experiences, Annie learns about her family's past and discovers a unique gift that creates a tangible link to her lost parents, offering a sense of continuity and belonging.The narrative also introduces a cast of characters from the small town, each contributing to Annie's healing process in different ways. These relationships, rich with warmth and complexity, paint a picture of community support and the impact of interpersonal connections on overcoming grief.Conflict arises when a custody battle threatens the delicate balance of Annie's new life, challenging the familial bonds she has started to form with her grandfather. This legal battle adds tension to the story, highlighting the importance of family, both given and chosen, in providing a sense of home and security.The climax of the book brings a powerful resolution to Annie's journey, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and forgiveness. As Annie comes to terms with her past and embraces her future, "Girl in the Sun" offers readers a moving testament to the enduring strength of family ties and the healing power of nature and human connection.This story, while rooted in the experiences of loss and recovery, ultimately celebrates the beauty of finding light in the darkest of times, and the unbreakable bonds that help us navigate life's challenges.
Based on Real-Life Events
Reality and fantasy are two opposing concepts. In contrast, fantasy is something that cannot be verified and does not exist in our surroundings. Reality is everything that surrounds us and can be verified through our senses or research.Although fantasy is the opposite of reality, we cannot prove its existence even when we search for it on Google. However, when we read a story, we must accept the fantastic as real and reality as fantasy. By paying attention, we may discover that our daily life is full of reverie that can help us live happier.
Blue Threads and Other Stories
Blue Threads and Other Stories is the second solo short story collection from Matthew Kunashe Chikono. The collection consists of nineteen short stories that transport readers to worlds that are new and exotic and yet feel familiar and relaxing. The nineteen stories transverse across genres from literary to speculative fiction of science fiction and fantasy.
Jhal Muri
Step into a world of unexpected emotions in "Jhalmuri: Embracing Life's Unpredictable Flavours." Are you ready to savor life's unforeseeable twists and turns, much like a bite of Jhalmuri? Life is a rollercoaster of emotions - full of joys and sorrows, pleasures and disappointments. In his recent collection Jhalmuri: Embracing Life's Unpredictable Flavours, Gaurab Dasgupta captures the kaleidoscopic nature of life's surprises and challenges through 14 diverse short stories. With heartwarming observations, sensitivity and vivid anecdotes, the author whisks his readers through tales of horror, sports, mystery and more. Like the colorful assortment of ingredients that make up this eclectic Indian snack, life promises a tantalizing and diverse range of flavors. Just like Jhalmuri itself, life offers us an abundance of experiences that we never quite anticipate and that is the beauty of it. So, dive into Jhalmuri and relish the ever-changing and extraordinary journey that captures the essence of life. From coming of age to parenting dilemmas, humour to heartbreak, inspiration to warning, these slices of life ultimately reveal a common truth: despite life's unpredictability, we must cherish every moment. This book is a reminder that life's true flavour comes from the unexpected mix of ingredients - embrace them all...
Life is a Circus
Various aspects of love, life, and death, set against the circus background.
Auntie Beers
Auntie Beers is an amalgam of tales told to the author by her mother, as well as a mystery that she couldn't resist sharing. Witty, raw and often poignant, these are tales for the ages by one of Canada's leading story-tellers. Reminiscent of Alice Munro--these stories are heart-wrenching, authentic, and luminous. Ginger Bolton, author of the Deputy Donut Mysteries Catherine Astolfo is an award-winning author of mystery short stories and novels. She is a Derrick Murdoch award winner for service to Crime Writers of Canada and a Past President. Catherine's a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime and The Mesdames of Mayhem.
The Shepherd
The Christmas story has the power to take life to the next level. Sadly, layer upon layer of tradition has built up around this story over the years, neutralizing its effectiveness to bring the hope that never disappoints and life that not even death can kill. For many people today, Christmas is a feel-good holiday, the positive effects of which are extinguished each January.These stories are intended to reignite the light of Christmas and help us see beyond the customs and rituals of the season, to rediscover the spectacular power of the Christmas story to transform lives, not simply for a few weeks but every day, 24/7, 365 days a year.So come discover Christmas in all its God-created beauty, love, and wonder. Experience the miracle that transcends time and even lifts us up to the gates of heaven.
The Belle of Sleepy Hollow and Other Untold Stories in Classic American Tales
The Belle of Sleepy Hollow contains nine tales, each tied to a classic American short story. The new stories are implicit critiques and interpretations of the old ones, but they are also tributes to some of the most beloved works in American literature. Referencing the same characters, settings, and events, these tales are situated within a time gap left by the original, or placed before or after the known story, or told from a different point of view. Each new story is a self-contained and artful work of fiction inspired by its source but offering a fresh perspective on the fictional world immortalized in the prior work. The style evokes, rather than imitates, the voice of the original. Beautifully illustrated with scenes from the stories, the collection pulls the reader back into the iconic story-worlds of authors as diverse as Poe and Chesnutt or Hawthorne and Chopin.
Shallow Manor
First Book of a series of short storys set in times gone by
Behind the Fa癟ade and Other Stories
In this collection of taut stories, David Chasumba tells it like it is, with delicate tales about foibles of modern life in the city and countryside. Anything can happen when congregants get involved in incongruous but steamy love affairs. Anything can be used as a weapon when a man does not fancy his soon to be son-in-law. Any feelings come to the fore when a black girl thinks she is too dark-skinned. Anything goes when racist traffic police meets a cheeky, wide-eyed migrant driver on the wide highways of Europe. Out of this writer's pen emerges new problems and new solutions. Memory Chirere, University of Zimbabwe: NAMA winner (2024) for Outstanding Poetry Book, Shamhu yeZera RenyuDavid Chasumba is an award-winning Zimbabwean Author and Poet. His debut short story collection, The Mad Man on First Street and Other Short Stories, won a National Arts Merit Award in 2023 for Outstanding First Creative Published Work, in Zimbabwe. His short story, Crossing the Rubicon, was longlisted for the Fish Publishing Short Story Competition (2013-14). He has published short stories and poems with Kalahari Review. He has also published poems in British Haiku Society anthology (2023), and Ipikai Poetry Journal (2022-23).His short stories have been published in five anthologies: Zimbolicious 8: anthology of Zimbabwean literature and Arts (2023)A Bundle of Joy and Other Short Stories from Africa (2014)Momaya Short Story Review: (Treasure) (2015)Small Worlds anthology (2014)Reflections anthology (2015)
Behind the Fa癟ade and Other Stories
In this collection of taut stories, David Chasumba tells it like it is, with delicate tales about foibles of modern life in the city and countryside. Anything can happen when congregants get involved in incongruous but steamy love affairs. Anything can be used as a weapon when a man does not fancy his soon to be son-in-law. Any feelings come to the fore when a black girl thinks she is too dark-skinned. Anything goes when racist traffic police meets a cheeky, wide-eyed migrant driver on the wide highways of Europe. Out of this writer's pen emerges new problems and new solutions. Memory Chirere, University of Zimbabwe: NAMA winner (2024) for Outstanding Poetry Book, Shamhu yeZera RenyuDavid Chasumba is an award-winning Zimbabwean Author and Poet. His debut short story collection, The Mad Man on First Street and Other Short Stories, won a National Arts Merit Award in 2023 for Outstanding First Creative Published Work, in Zimbabwe. His short story, Crossing the Rubicon, was longlisted for the Fish Publishing Short Story Competition (2013-14). He has published short stories and poems with Kalahari Review. He has also published poems in British Haiku Society anthology (2023), and Ipikai Poetry Journal (2022-23).His short stories have been published in five anthologies: Zimbolicious 8: anthology of Zimbabwean literature and Arts (2023)A Bundle of Joy and Other Short Stories from Africa (2014)Momaya Short Story Review: (Treasure) (2015)Small Worlds anthology (2014)Reflections anthology (2015)
The Bookstore
The Bookstore is a captivating and intriguing story of Titus, a radioactive dwarf elephant, his daughter and her best friend. All three have particular powers. They leave a war torn country to seek a more peaceful environment; they relocate to a New Zealand island and build a magical bookstore. The books allow any reader to be literally 'in' the book and on those unique adventures. Find out the interesting backstory of how this bookstore came to be and experience hilarious incidents.
Life, and Everything Else
Anna String's memoir, Life, and Everything Else, is a reflection on her experiences. She sees life in a more sensitive way because she has a schizaffective mental condition. Based in South Africa, she shares her thoughts on the outbreak of World War II, the Holocaust and apartheid. She is profoundly affected by the humanitarian catastrophes that occur in the world today, and cares about people. She discusses the various theories, beliefs, ideas, love, etc., that have helped her to find inner calm, balance and peace. This story connects ideas about surviving human disasters, and still living well.
Jonny's on the Run...
The Thunder Road Rock Diner introduces us to a bunch of eccentric night wolves, among them Duke, with his bizarre hangover fantasies, Maggie the Witch, desperate to save her dignity by insisting to pay for her own drinks, Sally, with a beautiful gap between her front teeth and a deadly promiscuous lifestyle, Charlie the Viking, finally at peace with his past, and Harry, paying a security guard with a handful of bullets instead of a handful of coins, as per usual. And then there's Jonny, forever in on the action, forever running around in circles in a vain effort to get away from it all. In this collection of tales, you will hear them all and more. These characters, on the edge of existence, expressing their views in raw prose and poetry, will leave you with a curious blend of wonder, fear, self-recognition and perverse envy.
The West Mulberry Street Diaries
In this is darkly comic satirical tale, Wolfgang is a heavy drinking, heavy smoking impoverished poet living in a rundown flat in a rundown area. Living a very hand to mouth existence, his poetry funds his liquid lifestyle in the ever-desperate search for enough money to buy alcohol and cigarettes. But beneath the world-beaten exterior, Wolfgang's poet's heart beats strongly. Love comes in all forms and Wolfgang embraces it each time.
The Towers of Metropolis Volume 2
THE TOWERS OF METROPOLIS VOLUME 2 In 1927, German filmmaker Fritz Lang created the silent science fiction masterpiece, "Metropolis." It remains a monumental work of imagination wherein the struggles of mankind are challenged by the soulless evolution of the mechanical age. Here, in this setting of mile-high towers of wonder, the secret sufferings of the past collide with the shining ambitions of the future. And yet, the citizens of "Metropolis" remain ever slaves of the present. Here in this second volume of new stories, writers Dexter Fabi, Carson Demmons, and Harding McFadden revisit Lang's supercity where all times collide and only the pure of heart can truly survive. Artist James Lyle provides the 12 interior illustrations and cover, while Art Director Rob Davis handles the book design.
Not Down in Any Map
"A...vivid collection of urban tales...containing keen insights...full of believable, distinct and memorable characters." -Kirkus Reviews2024 PenCraft Award Winner2025 Indie Book Award Finalist"In these beautifully written stories, P.A. Callaro shows us a wide variety of people grappling with the fundamental problem of how to maintain vitality, creativity, kindness, and hope in a world that presents so many impediments to the flourishing of these crucial human virtues. Not Down in Any Map is a thoughtful, nuanced, soulful debut." -Matthew Sharpe, author of The Sleeping Father, an NBC Today Show Book Club selection, and Jamestown, and former Adjunct Assistant Professor of Writing, Columbia University MFA ProgramIn this collection of twelve insightful and evocative stories, vivid characters bruised by their relationships, their decisions, or by life itself are compelled to move in new directions.These are everyday people tempted, or forced, to search for truth, guided by the signposts of their urban world. But along the way, each discovers a primordial truth: that the world is indifferent, and its signposts are ambiguous, often concealing truth rather than illuminating it.Written with fearless introspection, lyrical prose, and rich symbolism, Not Down in Any Map explores the choices we make between fear and courage, hostility and compassion, disillusionment and hope-momentous choices bearing the power to either curse or save.
Table for Two
An Instant New York Times Bestseller "A knockout collection. ... Sharp-edged satire deceptively wrapped like a box of Neuhaus chocolates, Table for Two is a winner." --The New York Times "Superb ... This may be Towles' best book yet. Each tale is as satisfying as a master chef's main course, filled with drama, wit, erudition and, most of all, heart." --Los Angeles Times Millions of Amor Towles fans are in for a treat as he shares some of his shorter fiction: six stories based in New York City and a novella set in Golden Age Hollywood. The New York stories, most of which take place around the year 2000, consider the fateful consequences that can spring from brief encounters and the delicate mechanics of compromise that operate at the heart of modern marriages. In Towles's novel Rules of Civility, the indomitable Evelyn Ross leaves New York City in September 1938 with the intention of returning home to Indiana. But as her train pulls into Chicago, where her parents are waiting, she instead extends her ticket to Los Angeles. Told from seven points of view, "Eve in Hollywood" describes how Eve crafts a new future for herself--and others--in a noirish tale that takes us through the movie sets, bungalows, and dive bars of Los Angeles. Written with his signature wit, humor, and sophistication, Table for Two is another glittering addition to Towles's canon of stylish and transporting fiction.
Tall Tales of Alaska The Red Dog Saloon
Delve into the vibrant history of Alaska's legendary Red Dog Saloon, a captivating destination nestled among the picturesque landscapes of Juneau. In this intriguing compilation of short stories, Tall Tales of Alaska The Red Dog Saloon: Stories of the Gold Rush & More, readers will embark on a thrilling journey through time, uncovering the captivating stories and historical moments that have made this iconic bar a magnet for curious travelers.Within the pages of this book, you will be transported to the heart of Juneau, where the Red Dog Saloon has stood as a witness to both the wild days of the gold rush and the evolution of a vibrant, modern tourist destination. Each tale reveals a different facet of the Red Dog's rich tapestry from its humble beginnings as a rowdy watering hole for prospectors to its transformation into a renowned music venue that has welcomed a variety of entertaining characters to amuse the saloons patrons.Whether you're a history enthusiast seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Alaska or a curious cruise ship traveler preparing for an unforgettable cruise ship experience, Tall Tales of Alaska The Red Dog Saloon: Stories of the Gold Rush & More, will ignite your imagination and leave you yearning to explore the historic depths of Juneau's iconic Red Dog Saloon.Read About: The Kodiak Grizzly bear, the world's largest brown bearThe Duck Fart, a famous Alaskan shooterBlack Mary, one of Juneau's first madamsPhineas Poon, one of the famous entertainers from the Red Dog SaloonThe Birdman of Alcatraz, an infamous criminal from AlaskaWyatt Earp, the quick trigger sheriff who helped tame the west
A Mixed Bag
Sixteen short stories from sixteen different perspectives, this thoughtful collection traverses a range of topics and themes intrinsic to the human experience. Connected only by their exploration of how we understand our world, each tale is a journey through a unique scenario with a unique personality. With relatable characters and situations inspired by real-world events, A Mixed Bag grapples with interpersonal relationships, complex emotions, and how different people might react when life throws them curveballs. Brimming with profound insights, a good dose of humour, and range of voices, A Mixed Bag offers a survey of diverse ideas and champions a compassionate interest in people, relationships, and the human experience-both positive and negative. Multi-faceted and bold, this story collection reveals the potential for good in us all.
A Mixed Bag
Sixteen short stories from sixteen different perspectives, this thoughtful collection traverses a range of topics and themes intrinsic to the human experience. Connected only by their exploration of how we understand our world, each tale is a journey through a unique scenario with a unique personality. With relatable characters and situations inspired by real-world events, A Mixed Bag grapples with interpersonal relationships, complex emotions, and how different people might react when life throws them curveballs. Brimming with profound insights, a good dose of humour, and range of voices, A Mixed Bag offers a survey of diverse ideas and champions a compassionate interest in people, relationships, and the human experience-both positive and negative. Multi-faceted and bold, this story collection reveals the potential for good in us all.
Table for Two
An Instant New York Times Bestseller "A knockout collection. ... Sharp-edged satire deceptively wrapped like a box of Neuhaus chocolates, Table for Two is a winner." --The New York Times "Superb ... This may be Towles' best book yet. Each tale is as satisfying as a master chef's main course, filled with drama, wit, erudition and, most of all, heart." --Los Angeles Times Millions of Amor Towles fans are in for a treat as he shares some of his shorter fiction: six stories based in New York City and a novella set in Golden Age Hollywood. The New York stories, most of which take place around the year 2000, consider the fateful consequences that can spring from brief encounters and the delicate mechanics of compromise that operate at the heart of modern marriages. In Towles's novel Rules of Civility, the indomitable Evelyn Ross leaves New York City in September 1938 with the intention of returning home to Indiana. But as her train pulls into Chicago, where her parents are waiting, she instead extends her ticket to Los Angeles. Told from seven points of view, "Eve in Hollywood" describes how Eve crafts a new future for herself--and others--in a noirish tale that takes us through the movie sets, bungalows, and dive bars of Los Angeles. Written with his signature wit, humor, and sophistication, Table for Two is another glittering addition to Towles's canon of stylish and transporting fiction.
Now We Can, We Do
In this anthology, we encounter a wonderful collection of eclectic and exciting short stories, set in numerous countries, that will appeal to a wide audience.In his inimitable simple and free-flowing style, Jacques Coosh revisits important moments of his life, memorable as well as confronting ones. He enthuses us with his lust for travel to distant parts of the globe. And he surprises us in several fictional tales full of twists and thrilling endings. Throughout, the author brilliantly succeeds in drawing us succinctly into his actual and imaginary worlds.
The Fragile Blue Dot
Climate change, food insecurity, carbon footprints, environmental justice, global warming-questions of staggering consequence that inflame emotions, generate fierce debate, and resist quick fixes and easy answers.West tackles these complicated issues through fifteen timely and thought-provoking tales that explore how the problem affects everyone-from businesses and industry to workers, families, and endangered species-in big and small ways.Although there are no simple or convenient solutions, The Fragile Blue Dot-Stories from Our Imperiled Biosphere presents compelling narratives for change that will stay with you long after you've read the final page.
Pigeon House
Pigeon House is pulled from the stories women tell each other in hushed tones over a tea-kettle, a firepit, at the nail salon, while stirring a steamy cauldron, or kicking mud into an open grave. It's cottagecore meets bog witch, Ophelia floating down the river in the John Everett Millais painting, Anne of Green Gables if she lived in modern times and only ever loved bad men, Stevie Nicks if her album Bella Donna was a haunting. Pigeon House is for the Practical Magic cult-witches who spent the late 90's sectioning themselves off between the Jillians and the Sallys only to wake one day as the aunts. It's for the manic-pixie-dream girlies, the Harley Quinn used-to-be's, the ex-girlfriends of Heathcliff and Team Jess and Jimmy Angelo. You'll come for the magic, stay for that youthful gnawing hunger, and leave with the ghosts of your lovers past.
Exile in Guyville
In the stories of Exile in Guyville, probable futures and alternate realities take aim at unruly women, and show how they refuse to be ruled. With a speculative and surreal style, Amy Lee Lillard's prize-winning collection explores a living museum of women from across time; a life app that forces women to comply with beauty standards; a future internment camp with a literal race for survival; and a band of middle-aged Riot Grrrls, taking vengeance with a new power. With humor, rage, and a razor-sharp eye for detail, Exile in Guyville renders the invisible as seen, and the powerless as empowered.
Half-Lives
A playful debut short story collection imagining women's lives in a world free of social limitations. Amid heightened restrictions about what women can and cannot do with their bodies, Lynn Schmeidler's debut short story collection, Half-Lives, is a humane, absurd, and timely collection of narratives centering on women's bodies and psyches. Playful and experimental, these sixteen stories explore girlhood, sexuality, motherhood, identity, and aging in a world where structures of societal norms, narrative, gender, and sometimes even physics do not apply. The protagonists grapple with the roles they choose and with those that are thrust upon them as they navigate their ever-evolving emotional lives. A woman lists her vagina on Airbnb, Sleeping Beauty is a yoga teacher who lies in state on the dais of her mother's studio, and a museum intern writes a confession of her affair in the form of a hijacked museum audio guide. Half-Lives is the 2023 Rising Writer Prize winner, selected by Matt Bell.
Once Removed
"The stories comprising Once Removed are consistently excellent... I have not been this compelled by a collection of short fiction in a considerable time." - Dr Michael Titlestad The stories in Once Removed traverse the theatres, artist studios and archives that characterise the world of contemporary art and performance. But they also zero in on the homes, private lives, daily journeys and emotional interiorities of the various characters that inhabit them. While the stories in Once Removed draw from the undercurrents of the South African art world, their concerns and evocations are not limited to it."Once Removed is for readers who are familiar with the worlds of art and performance, and those for whom it is completely foreign. A reader doesn't need to be immersed in the world of artists, critics, exhibitors, gallerists or academics to access the collection, and to enjoy the imbalances, precarity, hilarity, and possibilities represented in it," explains Mann.Part ironic realism, part experimental surrealism, these stories will matter differently, but equally significantly, to those inside and outside the world they evoke and inhabit.
Negative Tilt
An out-of-work journalist finds a second life 'stealing cars'; A grad student finds out that theft is easy, but getting away with it is another matter entirely; A long-lost love can't be rekindled in a remote hotel room, but a long-held ember of anger can be reignited; A tale of murder and mayhem in the Big Easy ...In NEGATIVE TILT: Stories, award-winning author Bobby Mathews shares twenty-eight tales that run the gamut, from a literary punch in the gut to unrequited and lost love to fast-and-hard crime fiction to out-and-out horror that's hard to turn away from.What folks are saying..."Bobby Mathews is a hell of a Southern storyteller conjuring stories with brutal honesty and truth. He writes about a world of jilted lovers, down on their luck journalists, and desperate men seeking revenge. A wild and haunting ride from start to finish."-Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of Don't Let the Devil Ride"Negative Tilt unveils Bobby Mathews as a modern, powerful, and versatile voice of modern noir, with a collection that will weave readers through a tangled cast of characters that reflect the lonesome, hard-fought, and relatable that populate Mathews's tales of struggle and revenge. Negative Tilt's stark, chiseled prose shoots through you from the first story. Next thing you know, you've burned through the entire book. Don't miss this collection."-Alex Segura, award-winning and bestselling author of Secret Identity and Alter Ego"Mixing gimlet-eyed intensity, a poet's gift for the perfect phrase, and a breathtaking depth of humanity, Bobby Mathews offers one stunner after another in Negative Tilt, illuminating the lives of characters haunted by what they've done, what's been done to them, and the fierce weight of what they might do next."-Art Taylor, Edgar Award-winning author of The Adventure of the Castle Thief and Other Expeditions and Indiscretions"This gripping, wide-ranging collection encompasses backwoods vengeance, Parisian tricksters, a mirror that reflects the crimes of the past, and so much more. Bobby Mathews' versatility is matched only by the humanity he invests in even his most broken, desperate characters."-Scott Von Doviak, Edgar Award-nominated author of Lowdown Road and Charlesgate Confidential"Most crime writers come on hard, like they want to show the world how tough they are. Bobby Mathews is a different kind of cat: in Negative Tilt, he wants to show you how even the worst of us have a vulnerable heart. This insightfulness and empathy make him one of the best writers working today."-Nick Kolakowski, author of Payback Is Forever and Love & Bullets"Negative Tilt is more than a collection, it's a body, sprawled out on the table, open and sensitive and bleeding yet furiously, gloriously, alive. With a reporter's eye for detail, a barbarian's taste for chaos, a poet's sense of soul, and a conman's mastery for turns of phrase, Bobby Mathews announces himself as a vital voice, not just to crime fiction, but also as an heir to Portis, Woodrell, and Hiaasen."-Paul J. Garth, author of The Low White Plain
The Dead Spot
The dead spot: a corner drenched in shadow; an earthquake's epicenter; the part of a roller coaster ride where the car rounds the final curve and all force dissipates, leaving those trapped beneath the safety bar feeling sick and hollow. From the beloved author of Frost Bite and Chopping Spree comes this heartbreaking horror collection about girls and women trapped by circumstance, manipulation, and obsession. The book includes a moving introduction by J. A. W. McCarthy (Shirley Jackson Award finalist for Sometimes We're Cruel) and seventeen stories by Sylvaine. The stories include: Astronaut Dreams, The Bride, New Hue, Playing Tricks, Sorry, We're Open, Antifreeze and Sweet Peas, If Heard, Please Call, Starved, Return of The Wilderness Girls, Night Maere, The Dead Spot, Burnt Embers and Bluebirds, Mr. Chew, Crimson Clover, Unrestful Dogs, Clutching Air, Edge of Decay.
The High-Fiveable, Fire-God Brilliant, Clever-In-Spades and Utterly Ripsniptious Short Story Collection
Every once in a while a short story collection bursts onto the scene, which, let's face it, can make one helluva mess! What lives within these pages is no less than a genuine madhouse troupe of 87 of the most off-kilter, puzzling and all-out striking narratives you're likely to come across this or any year. Funny, frightening and fascinating in equal parts, these mini stories range in length from 30-second to ten-minute reads. Deliciously nuanced and featuring a sumptuous smorgasbord of compelling characters, psychological thrills and existential truths (what the heck?), you'll need to save room for a decadent dessert of unanticipated plot twists as well. A collection you will not be able to put down...on the bottom tier of your low-to-the ground and awkwardly positioned bookshelf.
The High-Fiveable, Fire-God Brilliant, Clever-In-Spades and Utterly Ripsniptious Short Story Collection
Every once in a while a short story collection bursts onto the scene, which, let's face it, can make one helluva mess! What lives within these pages is no less than a genuine madhouse troupe of 87 of the most off-kilter, puzzling and all-out striking narratives you're likely to come across this or any year. Funny, frightening and fascinating in equal parts, these mini stories range in length from 30-second to ten-minute reads. Deliciously nuanced and featuring a sumptuous smorgasbord of compelling characters, psychological thrills and existential truths (what the heck?), you'll need to save room for a decadent dessert of unanticipated plot twists as well. A collection you will not be able to put down...on the bottom tier of your low-to-the ground and awkwardly positioned bookshelf.
Tale Spins
A guided tour of America from coast to coast, with many stops along the way. For example, you look in on a man trying to live up to his father's heroic image, only to find it's based on an illusion. And meet a teacher bringing out the best in a student who has been written off by other teachers. You suddenly find yourself in the middle of a racial brouhaha and have to come to the rescue. Best part is, you can zig zag around the country at your leisure without having to worry about catching a plane.
To Skin a Cat
A collection of thirteen stories of great range, verve, and humor from the highly acclaimed author of Cloudbursts and Ninety-two in the Shade Thomas McGuane's first short story collection is "a cornucopia of McGuane's grace, humor, gusto, and smarts" (Philadelphia Inquirer), and McGuane is a writer who "makes the page, the paragraph, the sentence itself a record of continuous imaginative activity.... [He is] an important as well as a brilliant novelist" (The New York Times Book Review). Includes the stories: - The Millionaire - A Man in Louisiana - Like a Leaf - Dogs - A Skirmish - Two Hours to Kill - The Rescue - Sportsmen - Little Extras - Partners - The Road Atlas - Flight - To Skin a Cat
The Last Night at the Jupiter Saloon and Other Stories
A diverse collection of forty-three stories inhabited by eclectic characters waiting to meet you.A stranger enters a saloon in a desolate, baking hot town in the Arizona desert with a cryptic warning. A murder mystery involving Santa Claus.Ghosts with a sense of humor haunting a graveyard on Halloween.Dogs chasing cats, kids playing T-ball, what really happened to Hitler, and aliens from Alpha Centauri that have plans for planet earth.Plus, many more. Sit back in a comfortable chair and enjoy the journey.
Born to Be a Mountain Cowboy
Snapshots of Dale's Hunting Life Twenty-eight short stories from Born to Be a Mountain Cowboy The Hunting Chronicles: A Cowboy's Tale of Adventures in the Wilderness These hunting and bush camp construction stories, grouped together, provide a comprehensive and entertaining view of the narrator's experiences as a hunting guide, working bushman, and adventurer in the wilderness. Snapshots of Dale's Rodeo Life Fifteen short Stories from Born to Be a Mountain Cowboy The Rodeo Chronicles: A Cowboy's Tale These stories offer a glimpse into the narrator's rodeo journey, filled with excitement, challenges, and memorable moments, showcasing the life of a dedicated rodeo cowboy. Dale is a character with a strong connection to rodeo and a love for hunting, which is intertwined with his life story from an early age. Despite facing significant challenges, including debilitating injuries, he maintains his spirit and involvement in rodeo. Snapshots of Dale's Hockey Life Five short stories from Born to Be a Mountain Cowboy Ice Rinks and Stick Boy Adventures: A Hockey Journey From the echoing slap of the puck against the boards to the heart-pounding races across the ice, these five tales glide through the highs and lows, the triumphs and spills of Dale's journey. Whether he's wielding a hockey stick or lassoing cattle, Dale's story is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the love of the game. Snapshots of Dale's Accident Four short Stories about the Saudi Arabia Accident and Rehabilitation from Born to Be a Mountain Cowboy Resilience and Recovery: The Cowboy's Journey after an Accident Following a debilitating accident in Saudi Arabia, the narrator faced an uncertain fate, paralyzed from the waist down. Initially treated in a local hospital with minimal comfort, he was later transferred to the American Hospital in Meaux, France. The care in France marked a stark contrast to his initial ordeal, offering hope and advanced medical support. A VARIETY OF LONGER STORIES31 stories from Born to Be a Mountain Cowboy Rock and Roll and Rumbles: A Cowboy's Wild Ride"Rock and Roll and Rumbles: A Cowboy's Wild Ride" is a collection that's going to take the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions, one story at a time! With thirty-one tales that twang with the strings of heart and spirit, this anthology combines the gritty essence of cowboy life . Each story depicts wild adventures, heartfelt moments, and the untamed freedom of both the open range and the open road.
The Mind of a Writer and other Fables
"a lovely collection, imbued with warmth, wit, and wonder" -BlueInk ReviewThe Mind of a Writer and other Fables collects the often playful occasionally charming always quirky tales, short plays, verse, and other inhabitants of the imagination of playwright and author Stephen Evans.
Dolores and Other Sorrows
Life is full of unexpected twists, but how do ordinary people like us handle these pivotal moments? This insightful book delves into the myriad choices we face: those thrust upon us, made subconsciously or where the right path is shrouded in uncertainty. It's a reflection on the signs that guide us - those we heed and those we overlook - and a meditation on the intricacies of human nature encompassing frustration, joy, growth, and the subtle progression of ageing. It's a celebration of the strength of the unnoticed heroes who don't make it into the history books but move forward regardless. "Often, Denis speaks so softly that you have to put your ear down close to the page to hear what he is saying. Then the b*st*rd turns the volume up." - A snippet of praise, from Greta Voitel, musician and artist.
Spectre of the Brocken
Ran Kime presents a captivating literary journey in "Spectre of the Brocken: A Halo for the Observer," a two-part exploration that tears into the intricacies of the human experience. This thought-provoking collection seamlessly weaves together short stories and stream of thought poems, offering readers a unique blend of narrative styles that reflect on a vast spectrum of emotions.In the first part of the book, Kime showcases a series of short stories. These narratives deliver the scenarios of a typical life, tackling subjects such as lost love, struggles, relationships, loneliness, drinking and despair. Through vivid and evocative storytelling, Kime skillfully captures the complexities of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.The second part, "Halo for the Observer" takes readers on a poetic journey through the realms of hope, love, and self-discovery. Kime's deep poems offer the reader a perspective on life's challenges to let them know they are not alone. The verses touch upon a range of emotions, providing a powerful and relatable exploration of the human psyche.
