Boulder Girl, Remember Me When the Moon Hangs Low by Cynthia L. Clark
Obsession, love and dark flames of the past light up the pages of Boulder Girl, Remember Me When the Moon Hangs Low by author Cynthia L. Clark. In this compelling thriller, twisted memories and sinister schemes lay bare the rotten core of old envy, threatening two new lovers unexpectedly falling into happiness. Poignant narration and emotional complexity elevate this simple story of unrequited love to a complex examination of human nature, lust, and the delicate line between violence and passion. While the internal monologuing is occasionally melodramatic, Boulder Girl is a dark and thrilling escape that doesn’t disappoint.
The VD Anthology Volume 2 by Various Authors
A 2020 collection of savagely good writers, The VD Anthology, Vol. 2 brings together more than a dozen excerpts, stories and poems from Club Verbal Discharge. From letters to Coronavirus and nostalgic greasy spoon tales in London to modern-day bigotry and the trauma of losing one’s sight, these are hard-hitting and unpredictable pieces. Laced with British vernacular and colloquial speech, this eclectic gathering is well-edited and curated, without any notable weak points, and displays a masterful use of language. These stories come across as gritty, authentic and raw, yet they are also polished and precise, evidence of the obviously talented contributors behind this quick, impactful collection.
Perilous Last-Minute Christmas Shopping by Annie De Muynck
A shocking and multi-layered thriller, Perilous Last-Minute Christmas Shopping by Annie de Muynck is an unpredictable tale of terror, freedom, perseverance, and the occasional horror of the holidays. Written with a matter-of-fact, methodical tone that still pumps suspense into every scene, the plot moves quickly, giving readers a relentless ride through one woman’s seemingly endless nightmare. The dialogue is snappy and keeps the pace moving, although more emotion in the relationships and interactions could give the story more appeal. Despite the choppy writing and largely procedural narration, this is an expansive and spine-chilling read, and a perfect guilty pleasure for the holidays.
The Game with No Name by L.G. Cunningham
For fans of Jumanji, L.G. Cunningham’s The Game with No Name is a thrilling adventure for younger readers about a mysterious board game and a family in peril. The premise echoes its famous predecessor, but the story is highly inventive in its own right, with high stakes, chilling frights, and relatable lessons throughout, fronted by two engaging protagonists. The story has a creepy edge that is just right for the age range, and will keep readers turning the pages, as Cunningham is masterful at building and maintaining suspense. Cinematic and vividly written, the book should easily find an audience looking for a middle grade adventure with a slice of the macabre.
A Child is a Piece of Paper by Lance Crossley
Crossley has written a very powerful work of fiction. His dialogue is sparse and serves to underscore the profound impact of his narrative. The images he paints are vivid, and the emotions visceral, especially as they center on his main protagonist. Poignant and painful, A Child is a Piece of Paper is one of those stories that will stay with you long after the last page has been read.
Midsummer’s Bottom by Darren Dash
Midsummer’s Bottom delights with Shakespearian couplets and a cacophony of human foibles that smash up to a satisfying ending. Dash has created a stellar cast of full, engaging characters. The author dances with the Bard measure for measure as he twists and turns his characters through their tumultuous stay in Limerick. Tightly-written and imaginative, Midsummer’s Bottom glides the reader through a wonderful story towards a rewarding, and unexpected, end.