What happened that night down by the river? When Shelby’s best friend goes missing, she has to return to her hometown to search for her. As soon as she steps off the bus, she knows it is too late. Her visions are vague but the sense of foreboding is not.What is Mary-Jo’s boyfriend not saying, and why is Sheriff Rawden Hughes so convinced he is guilty?This is a short read novellette.
This storyteller does a terrific job with her interesting storylines, good characters and variety of emotions. Although the stories are short, their pages are packed and the reader is satisfied.
A Cry in the Night – A rather intense short story. Two people suffering through a dark period in their lives. Together they start to climb back into the light. A small bit of vulgar language and non-graphic sex, but worth reading about their struggles, and for the ending. 4*
Distant Time – A quickly read short story that reminds me of a time travel I read decades ago about a Hollywood movie crew traveling back to a Viking settlement in what is now known as North America.
Instead of funny, there is plenty to worry since the time traveller ends up in an early morning battle. Something unique happens and is discovered upon return to present time. Not knowing what actually happened requires a return trip to the same time, same battle. Yep, kinda like Groundhog Day, but with a major difference. I liked both major characters and the storyline.
I can see where this would be the foundation of an interesting series, if both characters share the travels or have some way to interface. 4*
Down by the River – Another dark short story with several characters in pain, or the cause of pain. The location did not set right with me since it gave license to cast the townspeople as being thick-headed and suspicious. Although a bit more depth would have enhanced it, the story is interesting and good for a break. 3*
Finding Amanda – This is my first read by this author and I like it. A quickly read, sweet short story perfect for a coffee break. She ran away from home, did some stumbling about until she found her path in life. I like Mandy, she grew into an even more caring, but still naive, young woman. With a satisfying job and a possibly temporary love, she discovers her family is still searching for her after eight long years. Misunderstandings are worked out with several surprises for all involved. 4*
Play the Game – She has a hard life but keeps on fighting. He has done well but remains true to his roots. They would be great together if only her past and her insecurities did not create problems. He waits for her to let him in. A sad but wonderfully told short story that has good throughout with the pain. 4*
This is a short story of only 28 pages. Is it worth $1.00? In my experience, these types of ebooks should be offered for free as they’re a way for readers to get to know the author. Also, a $1.00 price tag is a bit odd in the book world. If an author charges any money, it should only be 099 cents.
As for the book cover, does it match the genre? Nope, it looks more like a horror cover than a psychological thriller. I don’t mean to be cruel, but with indie publishing, if your book cover doesn’t look professional, which this one doesn’t, or matches the genre, readers will never pick it up.
On to the story itself. For being such a short read, Mossman depicted her characters very well. We start off with tension and confrontation, and they last all the way to the end. What happened to Mary-Jo and who murdered Shelby’s mother many years before? There is a very dark side to this story as it briefly touches on child abuse and rape. I did figure out the killer before he was revealed. It was a totally ICK moment for me.
This is a very solid short story. However, for such a short story, there are a lot of proofreading errors. A little extra love needs to be taken to polish it up.
Anyway, I did enjoy the story, I felt for the characters, and I give it 4 stars.