Book Review - Vintage Whodunnits Ed by Maxim Jakubowski

Hi
The Mammoth Book Of Vintage Whodunnits contains a very mixed bag of 27 short stories ranging in time from 1834 to 1936. It covers a wide range of authors including Arnold Bennett, Alexander Pushkin, Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens.Some of these stories are excellent.
The Three Strangers by Thomas Hardy (1883) describes a meeting between a thief, a hangman and the thief's brother at a christening. It is full of intrigue and humour.  
A Trap To Catch A Cracksman by E. W. Hornung (1905) is about the famous Raffles and is once again intriguing as well as humorous.
The final story The Bitier Bit by Wilkie Collins (1858) was presented in the form of letters between the three main characters. I have seen this before in a novel and find it interesting how much we can learn from communications without recourse to descriptive passages.
Many others in the book are well worth a read. I was rather perplexed over the choice of the editor to include stories such as The Crimson Curtain by Barbey d'Aurevilly (1874) since this tale contained neither a murder nor a mystery.
My favourite one was probably the first one in the book, Murder by Arnold Bennett (1926). This told the tale of a murderer who escaped justice due to the bungling pride of an amateur sleuth. If the rest had been of this caliber it would have proved to be a most entertaining book.
Overall it was worthwhile for the chance to read some short stories by people such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens which were new to me but if I could have avoided some of the authors I would have found it more pleasurable. I appreciate the nature of vintage but did expect at least a mystery to be solved.

Book Review Vickie Taylor - Carved In Stone & Flesh And Stone

Hi
I have completed my first two novels by Vickie Taylor, Carved In Stone and Flesh And Stone. These are fantasy romance books set around a race of Gargoyles. The concept is fascinating. I became intrigued with the idea of gargoyles when I read Terry Pratchett's Disc World novels years ago where the gargoyles come to life at night and feed on unwary pigeons. Vickie Taylor's gargoyles are more sinister but have an unusual history of being given the task of saving mankind.
They masquerade as humans but are monstrous creatures in reality. They are either hideous or beautiful depending on your point of view and I suppose whether they are trying to save you or kill you.
The basic premise is well thought out and intriguing. I quite enjoyed the gradual disclosure of their background.
Each story seems to centre around a different main character who finds love. Not unlike the Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunter series. As long as you are okay with the romance details they are a fun read.

Book Review, Trudi Canavan - The Black Magian Triology, The High Lord

Hi
I have just finished reading The High Lord by Trudi Canavan so completing The Black Magician Trilogy. This was an excellent read if you enjoy something magical. The author manages to give an impression of the landscape the characters are travelling through without using excessive detail. The story follows the life of a slum girl Sonea as she discovers her magical abilities in The Magician's Guild, her subsequent training and friendships in The Novice and finally her part in repelling an invasion by black magicians in The High Lord.
It is a compelling read. The characters appear believable and natural.
This is the first Trudi Canavan I have read but I will certainly be looking for the next trilogy.

Book Review: Jane Smiley A Thousand Acres

Hi
I have just returned from holiday where I finished reading A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley. I found this a fascinating read. It was based on the King Leer Story so was naturally sad. The characters were well drawn and their actions believable. I have never experienced farm life but felt that the author probably had. The relationships between the three daughters and their interaction with their father seemed very real. This book is well worth a read.

Book Review: Dawn Bridge Supermarket Saga

Hi
I have recently finished a novel by Dawn Bridges called Supermarket Saga. This story is told through the eyes of four people who work at the local supermarket. Each of the main characters take it in turn to continue the narrative gradually building a picture of their lives and loves. As each person picks up the story they are free to express their thoughts and feelings to the reader.
The setting and the situations the characters find themselves in are realistic and by the end I felt as though I knew the people well enough to want them to make the 'right' decisions; which I might add they didn't always do!
Overall a fun read. This is the first book by this author. It states that she is working on the sequel, so I look forward to that. 

Book Review: Angela Carter Nights at the Circus

Hi
A friend lent me a book recently, called Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter, that she thought I might enjoy. I have not read anything by this author before so I gave it a try not knowing what to expect. It is written in an unusual style. In places I found it a bit confusing but overall it was an intriguing if rather weird story. It has a lot of descriptive passages and tries to be a bit philosophical from time to time. The main character was called Fevvers. She was a larger than life cockney who sported a pair of wings and hence the life in a travelling circus show.
I found her character developed well and I grew to sympathise with her as the book gradually revealed her life history as it followed her romantic involvement with a newspaper reporter.
If you have read this book or anything else by her I would be pleased to hear your opinion.

My Short Stories; Imagery

Hi
Here is another very short story about two people meeting for the first time.
It is called Imagery.

Dorothy sighed. She hated cleaning this room. She glanced around the art studio to see what Monsieur Dupont’s latest project was.


The large picture window frame and balcony covered in plastic flowers looked cheap and tacky but her mind drowned her senses with romantic images. Knowing that she was unlikely to be disturbed at such an early hour Dorothy climbed up behind the window and was lost in a moonlit scene.

She watched the stranger approach; the gentle evening breeze fluttering his blonde locks. His pale blue eyes smiled into hers. She leaned out of the window to better hear the words of love he was serenading her with.

“What on earth are you playing at? Come down from there at once.”

Dorothy blinked back into reality. The shock of finding herself trapped half in and half out of a window with a tall dark figure storming towards her upset her balance and she plunged into the scenery.

She lay still hoping that the plastic flowers would somehow hide her.

She felt him kneel and tentatively remove fake petals from her crimson cheeks. Their eyes met. The silence stretched into eternity. He helped her stand. His touch gave her goose bumps. His lips parted.

Then he laughed.

With as much decorum as she could muster, Dorothy grabbed her vacuum and left the room, earnestly hoping that Monsieur Dupont’s creative urges never again disturbed him this early in the morning.

My Short Stories; Going Green

Hi
Here's another short story I wrote. I wrote this to include that famous invention of the word misunderestimate.

It's title is 'Going Green.'

“Hi Mum.” Charlie bent to kiss her cheek.


“I still know it’s there no matter how high your collar is.” Her tone was disapproving. “I thought you were going to have it removed.”

Charlie shrugged as he tucked into his Sunday lunch. “I’m used to it now and girls find it fascinating.”

He gave her a cheeky grin.

His mother nodded. She had noticed his confidence growing.

She looked at the spreading branches weaving their way up his neck and disappearing into his hairline. Who would have thought that having his torso tattooed as a tree would achieve her ambition to see him settle down.

“I guess I misunderestimated the importance of going green in today’s world.” She smiled. “Do one favour for me though, grow your hair for the wedding.”

Short story publication

Hi
My first set of short stories has been put out as an app today. Decimal Swan have made them into an app for android phones. The set is entitled 'A Touch of Life' and consists of four short stories of roughly fifteen hundred words each. They are suitable for adults and teenagers and could pass the time on a bus or tube ride. They are listed under Short Stories and the set costs 0.99p. I hope you enjoy them.

My Short Stories: Beauty and the Farmer

Hi
Hope you are enjoying these very short stories. This one is the first meeting between two people called Beauty and the Farmer.

“Hey.” The rough country voice bellowed. “You there, what do you think you are doing?”


Sharon stopped and turned round. “I’m looking for some lavender.” She watched as the young man approached in his green wellies.

“Lavender?” He was astounded. “You won’t find any here, this is a corn field.”

“Oh sorry.” She looked abashed. “Do you own the field?”

“Yes, and most of the land you can see from here. I’ve farmed it for eleven years now, ever since my father passed away. He bought it on the day of my birth twenty eight years ago.”

‘Umm, four years older than me’ she thought. She smiled shyly as she realised that she was trespassing and needed a good line to get herself out of this one. “Sorry again. I think I’ve destroyed some of your crops.” She looked around anxiously.

“Not too much damage. I’m Mike by the way. What do you need lavender for?”

She was relieved that he didn’t sound quite so cross now.

“I’m Sharon.” She offered her hand. As she shook she felt how rough his skin was. “I work at the local beauty parlour it's used in treatments. You should come in some time.”

He looked shocked. He laughed. “Now there’s a thought. A farmer in a beauty parlour. I don’t think so.”

“It’s my job to do the manicures,” she added with a sly grin.

"Well, I might just pop in sometime then!"

My Short Stories: Waiting for Dawn

Hi
Here is another very short story for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Waiting for Dawn by Jay Freeman

We sat patiently, waiting for the sun to come up. Being cold and damp no-one was in a good mood. Anticipation kept the adrenaline flowing. We jumped at the slightest sound or glimpsed movement. Things didn’t usually get going till dawn but you still had to be alert for danger. It wouldn’t do for the enemy to surprise us. We had maneuvered silently under cover of darkness. The ground was soft and muddy under our feet. We were in position and raring to go. All we needed now was the dawn.
As the first rays chased each other over the land we stood as one. The cry went up. The sun hit our freshly polished shields and sparkled back at our enemy blinding them. They thought having the sun in our faces would be to their advantage. Now it was our turn to smile. We let them charge up the hill towards us, slipping and sliding until the ground was a muddy river. Then we charged into them. Our full weight knocking them off balance, we watched them roll down. We cheered as our flag was planted into their base. We congratulated ourselves on a job well done. We had changed the course of history. Our tactics would be discussed for many club meetings.
Then we turned and marched the losers off to the pub. Well we couldn’t go without them could we? After all they would be paying.

Book Review: Sue Grafton E is for Evidence

Hi
I have just finished reading E is for Evidence by Sue Grafton. This continues the story of Kinsey Millhone who is a private investigator. It reveals more of her past life and we get to meet one of her previous husbands. Once again she solves the crime while surviving personal attacks. It is quite a short book but moves along at a good pace. I am looking forward to F is for Fugitive. I believe she has released U this year so I have a lot of catching up to do.

My Short Stories: Cold Blooded Revenge

Hi
I thought I'd share a story I have written using less than fifty words with you. My short stories usually range from 1000 to 2000 words which allows me to develop the characters, but this extra short one was fun to write.

Cold Blooded Revenge by Jay Freeman
The hand was held out in greeting. The fingers clasped firmly.
The grey eyes smiled cruelly; the smile disdainful.
"I told you he was mine." The voice was almost calm.
The gun peeked out from the newspaper.
"Yes" her reflection whispered "you're ready. Let's go do this."

Book Review: Barbara Kingsolver The Poisonwood Bible

Hi
I have just finished reading "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver. I enjoyed  this book.
It's about a missionary who takes his wife and four daughters to Africa. The story is unusual in that it is told in the thoughts of the four women without any true narrative. The thoughts and reasons of the father/husband are never revealed. I was quickly drawn into this story and always left wanting to know more.
It's been out a few years now but if you haven't read this one yet it is an interesting insight into life in the 'Congo'.

Short Story News

Hi
About two years ago I joined a writing group and began producing short stories. It was strange at first being given homework but quite fun. The titles were varied and any genre was acceptable. I have now built up a selection of stories. The company Decimal Swan has agreed to publish them on the Android platform. Details have yet to be finalised.
From time to time I will post a story to give you an idea of the sort of thing I am writing.
I will let you know how this develops.

Let's get started

Hi everyone; Jay Freeman here.

I am starting a blog about my story writing.

Hope it's going to be fun.