Tag: Short Story Sunday

Short Story Sunday: Slow Burner by Laura Lippman


Slow Burner
Series: Hush Collection

Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting.

Author: Laura Lippman
Published: July 30, 2020
46 minute read/ 33 Pages

Reviewed By: Jessica
Date Read: October 29, 2021
Jessica’s Rating: 3.5 stars

Book Description:

A woman watches her marriage implode over text message and decides that ignorance is not bliss in this bitterly satisfying short mystery by the New York Times bestselling author of Lady in the Lake.

Liz Kelsey promised herself she’d never again spy on her feckless husband, Phil. But then she discovers a string of suggestive texts on his secret burner phone. Even worse, he’s flirting with the woman who shook their unstable marriage once before. But knowledge is power. What’s more dangerous—what Liz knows or what Phil doesn’t know?

Jessica’s Review:

I found most of this short story annoying with Liz reading her husband’s texts to another woman. He may not be having a physical affair, but he is still having an affair: Scumbag!!! The texts were annoying for me but then we get to the ending of this short story…. and YES!!! That’s all I can say with this one.  It’s short, so give it a quick read or listen!

Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Short Story Sunday: Treasure by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Treasure
Series: Hush Collection

Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting.

Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Published:  July 30, 2020
Audiobook: 40 minute read/ 31 Pages

Reviewed By: Jessica
Date Read: October 7, 2021
Jessica’s Rating: 3 stars

Short Story Description:

Treasure is a wannabe Instagram influencer in Lagos, Nigeria. She shows off a luxurious life in a gated community that her almost five thousand followers can only dream of. @Sho4Sure is determined to be part of it. The macho mechanic is Treasure’s number one fan, and double taps and blushing emojis are no longer enough. He needs to meet her in the flesh. If only Treasure were more prepared for destiny.

Jessica’s Review:

Taking place in Nigeria, Treasure dreams to become an Instagram sensation and in some ways, she already has… and not in a good way… This is another story about the dangers of social media and putting yourself out there whether it is the truth or not.  Our society has become narcissistic in ways and we are all ‘walking zombies’ constantly connected to our phones; some people can’t stand to be away from their phones at all.  Smart phones have dumbed down us as a species.  This is a well written story, that shows one to be aware and think about what you post on social media before you actually do it.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK

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Short Story Sunday: Still Born by The Behrg

Still Born
Author: The Behrg
Published: October 13, 2014
38 Pages

Reviewed By: Jessica
Date Read: November 11, 2019
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars

Short Story Description:

A grieving couple coping with the unimaginable loss of their child being stillborn discover a disturbing anomaly. They can hear their deceased daughter through a baby monitor.

But is it really their daughter they are listening to?
And if so, who are the other voices coming through on the monitor?

As this couple is about to discover, not all second chances are meant to be taken.

Jessica’s Review:

**I must first say anyone who has experienced a miscarriage, still birth, or lost an infant child should not read this short story.**

This short story is true psychological horror as it would be every parent’s worst nightmare. Sam and Joel’s heartache over their loss feels 100% real. Then they start hearing things through the baby monitor they don’t need anymore. This includes a crying baby. Thus begins a descent into despair, confusion, and more.

This one is free on Amazon for those in the USA if you wish to pick it up (99p in the UK).

Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK

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