Book Review – Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix

First published, 2023

I know. Twice in two days. Will wonders never cease?

A short story, this one, with dramatic, horror elements. The story follows Marcus, a volunteer at a crisis call centre, whose mother was killed when he was a small boy. As his father was sent to prison for the crime, he issued a warning to the young Marcus which he has kept at the forefront of his mind every time he goes to sleep.

But when Marcus has a date that goes rather well, will he switch the light on in time? And will anyone believe him if he doesn’t?

This is a great example of the short story as art. It grabs the reader (not by the ankles, but) by the shoulders, and does everything it needs to do without wasting a word. The story is powerful, the writing resonant, and I loved it. Ankle Snatcher taps into a primal fear and I look forward to reading more from this author in future. Must read.

https://shorturl.at/8KF2Y