November 30, 2021

Slippery When Wet's Classic Fairy Tales of Murder and Mayhem by Linda Vanek Review

 


By: Linda Vanek
Publisher: Independent Published 
Review by: Shells Walter
Review done: 11/30/2021



Nothing says scary like some old-fashioned fairytales. In Linda Vanek's collection, Slippery when Wet's: Classic Fairytales of Murder and Mayhem, you get just that. It's not surprising in her telling of the fairytale "Rapunzel," you get shook up by how the characters are. In the same regards, you understand why they do what they do. There is somewhat of a lessoned learned.

In each of her stories, characters come alive in vivid personality flaws that you end up reading these classic stories in a different way than when you were a child. The stories never fail to give you a bit of a scare, yet a satisfaction on the ending each story brings about.

It has been a long while since I have read a collection where each and every story is its own gem.

If you wish for a lesson learned through reading a fairytale not like the old, take this collection for a twirl. It will not disappoint.

 Slippery when Wet's: Classic Fairytales of Murder and Mayhem can be found on amazon.

November 24, 2021

A Leaf and Pebble by Andrew Monroe

 





By: Andrew Monroe
Publisher: Andrew Monroe
Review by: Shells Walter
Review done: 11/24/2021



Leaf and Pebble, the first in the Learners Trilogy, is a fascinating read. In this first book of the tribology, we come in contact with Nil and Volant. One is a Learner and one is a Natural. What this means is that both are skilled in art forms just differently. When we are introduced to these two, they are moving forward with a robbery. The adventure for these two continue in a world-wind and somewhat chaotic time.

What was most enjoyable about this story was watching these two characters deal with the upcoming situations in their own ways. Monroe takes you into the hearts of these characters and the characters they meet along the way. As you read, you dive deep into the atmosphere around them and live in the story as if it was happening to you personally.

You really don't want to miss the first of this tribology. You would be denying yourself a treat and who can resist a good treat?

A Leaf and Pebble is available on Amazon



April 5, 2020

A Sinister Quartet Review






Publisher: Mythic Delirium Books


Review done by: Shells Walter

Review done:4/5/2020



A Sinister Quartet, is a collection of novellas by authors: C. S. E. Cooney, Mike Allen, Amanda J. McGee and Jessica P. Wick.



In the start of the book, I was in awe by the story of ‘The Twice Drowned Saint.’ I have read many stories dealing with angels in many different genres and most always deal with the same themes. However, this particular story was not only unique, but rich in character development. I would have to say one of my favorite angel stories I have ever read. In reading this story, keep in mind that because it is so different it will take your mind on a special journey that you will never forget.



It is not hard to say good things about all the stories in this collection. I wanted to scream at certain characters for their actions, while others I just wanted to either laugh or sympathize with. It has been a long time since I have read a collection that has brought out so many great story lines and characters.



If the above does not make you want to dip your imagination into this book, than just think of wonderful fantasy and horror themes that will not only grasp your mind, but grasp your emotions. You are in for the ride of your life and without a doubt, one you have been longing for.

March 14, 2019





By Derek Muk
 Published by: Unnerving
 Review by: Robert Walter
Review posted: 3/14/2019

PRIVATE NUMBER / CLAWS are two new stories in Novella format written by Derek Muk.  These two stories are tied together by an intrepid paranormal investigator/professor named Albert Taylor.

In the first story, Private Number, Taylor is called in to help solve the mystery of some phone calls to a radio show that are received from a dead person named Faye. Her number on caller ID comes up as a private number and she is calling to have some help with how and who killed her. Her death is part of a series of unexplained ghastly murders in the area. The story grows as  the professor and the radio show team work together to solve this and the other murders.

In the second story, Claws, the professor is called into a small mining town to help solve a series of brutal murders with a unique twist, they only happen during a full moon. The local sheriff is dubious about the paranormal professor “assisting” with the investigation. It includes a varied cast of characters from the big business family man to the group of arrogant rednecks.

Both stories have a good basis for the storyline and were entertaining to read. The characters, including the lead character, Professor Albert Taylor, lends to the story telling. While both stories seem a bit rushed at the end, they were interesting and definitely worth the read.

January 16, 2019

Tooth Decay: Short Story Collection by Shells Walter



On Sale here:
           

At Shells Walter's Website
http://www.shellswalter.com/p/shop.html

At AFK Bookstore Located here:

AFK Books & Records - 4801 Shore Dr, Suite D - Virginia Beach, VA 23455 - (757) 962-1996

November 7, 2018

Review of Arithmophobia by Ruschelle Dillon



Arithmophobia is a collection of short stories by Ruschelle Dillion. The stories in this collection are each unique and very special.

Stories such as 'It Takes Two,' that talks about the issue of vanity and plastic surgery going in a different direction. Still, there are stories such as 'Four Men on Horses,' that discusses what seems to be the issues of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse.

What I enjoyed most from these stories is the bit of introduction that this author puts in front of each story. Now if you have seen The Twlight Zone or some of those earlier mystery and horror type shows, you will know that each gives you an understanding of what is to come, what someone might do in dire circumstances and what they may feel is their only option.

I credit Dillon in taking the horror, the human nature that we possess and stretching it to the ultimate limits. I have never read a writer that is quite like this. In each story I felt as if I wanted these characters to learn their lesson or found myself saying to the characters "you should have known better." 

I loved every story. There of course was a favorite story of mine, 'Three is as Magic as can be,' that talks about a serial killer and his idea of the number three. In this story she drives the fear of being different, of not belonging in one way or another and having that feeling making a person do unspeakable things.

There is not a good enough reason why you should not get Arithmophobia. You need to read each and every story in this book and cherish what you have, maybe make some changes in your life and hope for the best in every situation. This collection is one of the best I have read and will read over and over again. Don't be afraid, pick it up and take a read. I promise you it won't hurt, not even a little.