by Karen Black
“Mountain Justice” is a short story that’s about more than a horse; it tackles a difficult subject spousal abuse. Anne is in a horrible situation with a cruel husband, George. The abuse scenes are graphic and realistic, and you can’t help but feel for her and root for her well-being. Even as grim as Anne’s situation gets her relationship with Rob and her horse, Czar adds hope and heart to this story. Fortunately, this was a short read because I would not put it down until I knew what happened. I highly recommend this read.
Having come from a background where monsters lurked, I could connect to this metaphorical short story. There’s some insight into why things aren’t always what they seem in households. It offers some hope with a glance back at what was in a broken family. Sometimes you have to move on. This is a quick read for those from verbally abusive situations as a child or even an adult.
By Fiza Pathan
“Caste Metal” is a well-written short story based on the Hindu Caste System in 1877. A young genius untouchable, Cacchar, teaches himself to read. The penalty for this is brutal and cruel. The details are very graphic, and I felt the pain of his entire family. Not only the injustice of Cacchar’s place in society, but the dark side of humanity is portrayed skillfully. This is a story that evoked many emotions from me and one I highly recommend.
by Staci Troilo, Joan Hall, Mae Clair, Jan Morrill, Pamela Foster, Stacy Claflin, Harmony Kent, Michele Jones, C.S. Boyack, and E.J. Lane
“Macabre Sanctuary” is a great collection to read at Halloween or any time of the year. Penned by ten different authors, I was already familiar with the work of five of them, but it was nice to be introduced to new writers. The stories were diverse but had that touch of creepy I enjoy. Each story is a terrific length for a quick read, but you have the option to keep reading, which I enjoy about anthologies. A couple of the stories will stay with me for a while in a good way, but they all entertained me. If you like a bit of horror in your short stories, this collection is for you!
UPDATES:
1. The monthly newsletter comes out tomorrow. Watch for it in your email if subscribed!
2. I will be on vacation with my husband this week. We are staying close to home, but my social media interaction will be limited.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good short story! D. L. Finn
Wishing you a great vacation, Denise! It was great to see Macabre Sanctuary included here with so many excellent books. Thank you! I admit that I shy away from anything that is graphic these day, especially when it comes to abuse, but I wish all of the authors much success with their stories,
Thank you, Mae:) Macabre Sanctuary was the perfect Halloween read. I understand about graphic and abuse stories, they do haunt me after.
Terrific Reviews, Denise.
Thanks, John:)
Good collection. I think Macabre Sanctuary would put me in the mood for the holiday!
Thanks, Jacqui:) It is the perfect Halloween read.
Denise, I’m so glad you enjoyed Macabre Sanctuary. Thanks for the great review!
I did, Joan:)
Glad you enjoyed Macabre Sanctuary. It was a lot of fun participating in an anthology.
It’s fun reading manys authors in one place:)
It’s fun participating, that’s for sure.
I hope you have a great vacation, Denise. Thanks so much for your lovely reveiw of Macabre Sanctuary. The other books look like good reads too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Harmony, I am having fun. Just got back with trip with my daughter and now on to part 2 with husband and older grandkids. I enjoyed the anthology! It was perfect for Halloween;)
Nice reviews Denise and have a wonderful break. I have read Caste metal, a gripping short story and Mountain Justice seems to be one of the stories from Long Stories Short, I enjoyed that one too. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Balroop, I agree Caste is gripping in many ways. I haven’t read Long Story Short but its on my TBR list!
Thanks for the wonderful review, Denise.
Enjoy your vacation!
It was the perfect holiday read:) Thanks, Staci, I am having a great and busy time!
Lovely reviews, Denise. I don’t think I can stomach Caste Metal. It sounds to traumatic a read. I have Macabre Sanctuary on my TBR.
It is horrible to realize how people were treated, Robbie. I’m sure you will enjoy the anthology.
Thank you for your input on these books. Have a lovely week!
Thank you, Mary. I hope your week is lovely, too:)
This is a good way to share reviews, DL. I’m so haphazard and all over the place. I’ll have to start sharing them by month… once I catch up. 🙂 Thanks for the recommendations.
Thanks, Diana. I used to post reviews as I went and found once a month helped me keep track. I hear you about catching up that’s never ending:)
Very dark stories. Having lived a lifetime of abuse, I don’t enjoy reading about it. The collection would be more my cup of tea. I appreciate your mindful reviews, Denise. I hope you’re having a terrific Tuesday! Hugs on the wing.
Dark stories aren’t my usual read either, Teagan. I tend to prefer less reality, but they were good so I’m glad I read them. Yes, the anthology is a fun read.
More fantastic reviews, Denise!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Jan:)
Mountain Justice caught my eye as I love horses and then I read the review… abuse is just so sad, isn’t it?
How did I miss hearing about Macabre Justice? I’m so behind on my reading! lol
It is horrible, but a reality Jacquie:( The horse caught my eyes, too. Macabre Justice is a great Halloween read:)
ACk! Even the review got me scared. That’s a good review, and good books for those who like dark and creepy. I’ll admit, I’m a light-weight when it comes to horror or scary books/movies. ;-0 🙂
They were great books for those who like dark and creepy for sure. Thanks, Pam:)
Great reviews, Denise! And have a good, relaxing vacation!
Thank you, Julie:)
Thanks for sharing, Denise. I downloaded my copy of Macbre Sanctuary yesterday. Looking forward to spooky read!
Happy Halloween reading, Mark:)
Hi, Denise! Another great collection of books and authors! Thanks for sharing your reviews, and for being such a big supporter of indie authors! <3 xo
It was another great month of reading, Vashti. Glad I can be of some support and enjoy my time doing so:) Happy Halloween.