Killer Loves A Dog

KUTTER by Jeff Strand has me wondering what kind of person I am, as I cared more about the dog than the women Charlie killed. Don't get me wrong, I think being a serial killer is horrible, but the guy takes such great care of Kutter, I began freaking out over the turn of events at the end of the story.

I'm not sure why so many readers consider this novella comical or dark humor. I don't think there's anything remotely funny about a guy finding his humanity through his experiences with a Boston Terrier. I can't believe I'm writing this, but Strand has mixed crime drama with psychological suspense to create a feel-good story about a murderer. W. T. F.

Please excuse me while I go hug my dog...

As always,
AstraDaemon

P.S. If you enjoy odd stories like this one, I also recommend SPECIMEN 313 by Strand.

True Power

A MEMORY OF HAPPINESS by Erik Lynd is essentially a story of hate and loss. A warlock remembers being attacked by a village, but the same people now need his help. Even though he is powerful, he is not sure if he has the power to forgive, until another shows him something else even more powerful than magic and forgiveness.

A family drama set in a fantasy short...solid writing, but not as entertaining as some of the author's previous stories.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Supernatural Misfortune

THE ANOMALY ARCHIVES by Travis Liebert is a collection of stories filled with suspense and horror in many forms...

GUARDIAN ANGEL: chilling family drama

THE FACE: terrifying childhood trauma

THE STONE: friendly competition goes wrong

PERFECT MIMICRY: tormented by words

CLOWNING AROUND: evil cosplaying

BADWATER: traumatizing search & rescue

REVERIE WOOD: otherworldly forest

GIG ECONOMY: price of money

THE FUNERAL: honoring a pact with the pack

All of the stories are captivating an well-written. I also recommend THE REALITY CONTAGION by Liebert.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Last Call

IF THAT AIN'T A ZOMBIE by Kyle Anthony is very believable onset of a zombie outbreak. I think anyone would have a difficult time convincing someone, even with video, and the reference to the 'Rona is a great touch.

I wish the story would've began with Greg's shopping experience to include more action.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Should've Stayed Home

A WOMAN IN WHITE by Katherine Poe is a flash fiction piece centered on an abused house wife who begins seeing things after a particularly violent beating. Left alone with her twin boys, she discovers a secret her husband has been keeping, and everything descends into a tragic downward spiral. The supernatural twist at the end could be the beginning of a new story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Teenagers Are Scary

AN INCIDENT AT SALEM MIDDLE SCHOOL by Clark Roberts is a short story written in an unusual format, but the style only serves to increase the suspense and dread. Jeremiah is a terrifying character, especially when he discusses the specifics of the incident.

I would absolutely love a sequel to follow-up with the outcome of Jeremiah's plan for Jessica. Roberts has created a concept too damn interesting for a mere short story.

As always,
AstraDaemon

They Ph*ck You At The Drive-Thru

MIDNIGHT SNACK by Terry M. West has a bit of long setup, but the backstory is necessary to draw readers into Calvin's state of mind. As soon as he meets Inocente, I knew West had something twisted planned for his readers.

Apparently, this is a revised version, and, after reading the notes at the end, I am very glad West made the changes. I love the ending!

As always,
AstraDaemon