Since my time is currently limited by NaNo and everything else that takes place in my life, I couldn't really concentrate on new, longer books this month. So I started reading short stories and novellas that I already had on my list. I definitely have a penchant for horror stories as it fits in very well with the story I'm writing. About most of them I'm not ready to say anything about the books, but I've finished two of them. And I can recommend them.
'Sick Gifts' by Casey Campbell
This novella took me on quite a rollercoaster. Although I had a suspicion early on what it was all about, I was very surprised at some points. But first things first.
"Sick Gifts" is a novella by author Casey Campbell. We accompany the aged detective Drysdal Weir, whose hunt for a seriel killer claimed his wife years ago. While the killer has now been executed, Weir is hunted by his guilt and memories of his wife. That doesn't get any better when suddenly a copycat begins the work of the Seriel Killer again. Is he after the young woman who moved into the killer's house? The gifts she receives suggest it. And Weir is determined to prevent another victim.
The author has drawn an interesting world on the few pages. Weir's backstory would probably have been enough to write a book on it own. But I also enjoyed this approach, which throws us into the consequences of events and paints a frightening picture, especially at the end. There would certainly have been enough for the characters to develop more slowly, but I also liked the story in this shorter form. Until the end I wasn't sure if there wasn't some supernatural aspect hovering over the whole story. And I'm still not. A positiv thing from my side.
I can definitely recommend the book to anyone who likes to immerse themselves in the cat and mouse game of a serial killer and who wants a short but very exciting adventure.
'A steamy New England Samhain' by Natalie Bartley
'A steamy New England Samhain' is an erotic story written by Natalie Bartley. It takes place around Samhain and our protagonist is a modern witch.
I can say one thing in advance. It was a really steamy story. The focus is on the sex scenes and the author describes them very well, so that it is fun to follow them and you get an accurate picture in front of your eyes.
For me personally, the focus was too much on sex, but that's my preference for the fact that I really enjoy yearning characters for each other as foreplay as well. Since it is a short story, I can still fully recommend it. If you are in the mood to read some very good sex scenes (or want to get in the mood) this is the perfect pick.
I am giving the story 4 stars, but as I said, only because it was not entirely my personal preference. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
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