Short Story Collection Double Review: Sticky Fingers
Today Kim and I are both reviewing the short story collection Sticky Fingers by JT Lawrence. Kim and I received an Audible copy from the author that we were more than happy to listen too. I had previously bought it on my Kindle, but had yet to read it, so this way I was able to get to it sooner. Thank you so much JT Lawrence for the copy, we both really enjoyed it and took different approaches for our reviews. This short story collection received 5 stars from both of us! That is not an easy accomplishment as Kim and I are so different in our opinions. Bravo to JT Lawrence for achieving this!
Author: JT Lawrence
Published: July 28, 2016
Audible Audiobook
Book Description from Goodreads:
Diverse, dark-humored, and deliciously bite-sized, this compelling collection of 12 short stories includes:
Escape
A suicidal baby who knows he was born into the wrong life must get creative to correct the mistake, much to his mother’s horror.
The Itch
A story about an intense, uncontrollable, unexplainable itch that lands the protagonist in a mental institution.
Bridge Gate
A daughter years to connect with her absent father through the letters they exchange. She’s not put off by his pedantic corrections of her writing, despite the slow reveal that he is less than perfect himself.
The Unsuspecting Gold-Digger
A woman gradually poisons her husband so that she doesn’t have to break his heart.
Kim’s Review
Kim’s Rating: 5 Stars
I normally don’t do short story collections, but the author gave me a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for a review, so I went for it. I loved it!! Seriously, I came up with excuses to get in my car just so I could keep listening. They all were definitely on the darker side, but in a great way. Every time a new story started, I ended up trying to guess what the twist would be. Some were easier to figure out than others. I think my two favorites were The Itch and A Pair of Pigeons. Both escalated so quickly and I was left looking like that little emoji with the huge eyes, just staring. The narrator was really good too! Sticky Fingers is definitely the collection for the reader who is slightly off color and enjoys the darker side of fiction. I recommend this to anybody!
Jessica’s Review:
Dates Read: December 18-22, 2017
Jessica’s Rating: 5 Stars
Wow! I am a fan of short stories if they are well written and JT Lawrence is outstanding! Not every story was for me, but Lawrence’s writing pulls you in and you quickly get through each short story all the way up to the unexpected endings. These stories are dark, twisted, and delightful! It was perfect for me to listen to in the car during my commute to and from work. I will share a brief review of each of the twelve stories written below.
I had previously purchased this on my Kindle, but the author sent Kim and I an Audible version. Lawrence is from South Africa and I believe that the narrator is as well. Due to my hearing issues, I had to adjust to the narrator’s accent but I enjoyed the narration. She is clear and well spoken.
Bridge Gate
I enjoyed the communication via letter for father and daughter. I quickly figured out where dad was located. I enjoyed the letters as we saw Emily grow up. I wanted to know more about dad.
The Itch
This one would be a living nightmare! I had to scratch and did throughout this one! I dare you to NOT scratch while reading this one. I still scratch thinking about this story!
The Unsuspecting Gold Digger
I did not see that ending coming! OMG….. That is all I can say.
Traveling Slacks
This was my favorite of all the stories. It is a hidden gem. If you work with the public at all you will love this one! If only we could actually say what we think….
Something Borrowed
Another twist I did not see coming. There are so many emotions with this one. I thought it was going in one direction but it was a in reality a complete 180.
She Did It
Who is the victim and who is the suspect? What is going to happen next? Who is helping the detective?
Grey Magic
I enjoyed this one was different as it dealt with magic and witches. I’m hoping this was an introduction of sorts to the novel of the same name that Lawrence has written.
Pigeon Pair
This one freaked me out. Though I have never seen the movie The Birds, I kept thinking of it while listening to this one. I loved the ending!
The Little Pink Book
Being a midwife and helping to deliver babies should be a wonderful thing… shouldn’t it??? I wanted more to this story!!!
Off the Hinge
This one is a schizophrenic mess and that is the point. Can someone just get the lady some milk!?!?!
Sticky Fingers
What happens when you have ‘sticky fingers’? Let’s hope it doesn’t end the way this short story did with that surprising ending!
Escape
A suicidal baby. He knows he is in the wrong family and wants to correct that error. This one won’t be for everyone, but it makes you wonder just how cognitive babies really are….
**Thank you again to JT Lawrence for the Audible copy. We both enjoyed it and highly recommend this short story collection!
