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All The Sand And Tears A Monkey Can Buy
It finally happened.
They dropped the bomb!
Six people will converge on a store called O.K. GROCERIES, to try to hide from the radiation and regroup until they can come up with a plan.
But there are things far more dangerous than the toxic air.
Humans.
How fast will humanity crumble when faced with the end of the world?
The span of this story is only about an hour, but you will not believe how much can happen in that time. Don’t blink or you will miss something.
"Look out for both literal and metaphorical fallout when Mort Stone assembles a zany cast of characters to watch the world go to hell."
BRIAN ASMAN, author of MAN, FUCK THIS HOUSE and RETURN OF THE LIVING ELVES
They dropped the bomb!
Six people will converge on a store called O.K. GROCERIES, to try to hide from the radiation and regroup until they can come up with a plan.
But there are things far more dangerous than the toxic air.
Humans.
How fast will humanity crumble when faced with the end of the world?
The span of this story is only about an hour, but you will not believe how much can happen in that time. Don’t blink or you will miss something.
"Look out for both literal and metaphorical fallout when Mort Stone assembles a zany cast of characters to watch the world go to hell."
BRIAN ASMAN, author of MAN, FUCK THIS HOUSE and RETURN OF THE LIVING ELVES
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2023
3 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Mort Stone
3 books1,635 followersMort Stone is a reader, reviewer, editor and award winning writer. The award in question was second place at the county fair for handwriting when he was eight years old. It was a blue ribbon!
A socially awkward introvert, he will be the life of the party once he relaxes and is all by himself. Growing up as somewhat of a movie buff, his discovery of the family comedy PET SEMATARY when he was thirteen years old developed a life-long love of darker stories. And humor. And a keen eye for misspelled words.
He was already in his twenties when he first tried his hand at writing. Having given up on ever becoming a professional athlete in extreme sports like speed chess, needle-less knitting and invisible ink Sudoku, the world of books remained his one constant.
His journey took decades before he sent one of his stories out into the world for public consumption, with his novelette THE DATE being chosen as the 8th winner of the Emerge series by D&T publishing.
Mort hopes to entertain you by either scaring you or making you laugh, and if all goes well both, with his brand of dark humor on top of truly horrific events. You know, like his school pictures.
He is a resident of a third world country, where he lives with his wife (he married up), his son (he was truly blessed), two dogs, three cats and all the unlucky animals they manage to catch and bring him…in a strange way making him feel like a resident of an animal cemetery.
A socially awkward introvert, he will be the life of the party once he relaxes and is all by himself. Growing up as somewhat of a movie buff, his discovery of the family comedy PET SEMATARY when he was thirteen years old developed a life-long love of darker stories. And humor. And a keen eye for misspelled words.
He was already in his twenties when he first tried his hand at writing. Having given up on ever becoming a professional athlete in extreme sports like speed chess, needle-less knitting and invisible ink Sudoku, the world of books remained his one constant.
His journey took decades before he sent one of his stories out into the world for public consumption, with his novelette THE DATE being chosen as the 8th winner of the Emerge series by D&T publishing.
Mort hopes to entertain you by either scaring you or making you laugh, and if all goes well both, with his brand of dark humor on top of truly horrific events. You know, like his school pictures.
He is a resident of a third world country, where he lives with his wife (he married up), his son (he was truly blessed), two dogs, three cats and all the unlucky animals they manage to catch and bring him…in a strange way making him feel like a resident of an animal cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
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May 26, 2023"I can only imagine what Mort will come up with when he tries his hand at something longer, but what I imagine won't come close."
Duncan Ralston – Author of WOOM and GHOSTLAND
"A short, blisteringly fast read, this is a story that will have you guessing until the very end"
Daniel J. Volpe – Author of TALIA and LEFT TO YOU
“Like a Russian nesting doll of WTF. This apocalyptic vision'll be seared into your eyeballs like a retina-frying nuclear flash long after the final page."
Brian Asman – Author of MAN, FUCK THIS HOUSE and NUNCHUCK CITY
***
Duncan Ralston – Author of WOOM and GHOSTLAND
"A short, blisteringly fast read, this is a story that will have you guessing until the very end"
Daniel J. Volpe – Author of TALIA and LEFT TO YOU
“Like a Russian nesting doll of WTF. This apocalyptic vision'll be seared into your eyeballs like a retina-frying nuclear flash long after the final page."
Brian Asman – Author of MAN, FUCK THIS HOUSE and NUNCHUCK CITY
***
April 25, 2023
It's the end of the world as we know it and NO ONE is feeling fine.
Multiple characters find themselves taking shelter in the OK Grocery story after a nuclear explosion. Who and what is truly a threat here? You'll have to read this to find out.
Of course the story comes with an abundance of Mort Stone's humor so it's not all doom and gloom and yet there will be plenty of blood for those with the thirst for such.
The ending was truly unexpected.
My one niggle is that with short stories I can't seem to become invested in the characters so I never really care what's happening to them. That was the case here. However if your looking for straight up entertainment without being bogged down in character development then this is a great way to spend an hour.
A short 38 page novella that's like an adrenaline shot to the heart. Don't forget to grab some Twinkies while you're there! 3 stars!
Mort, you may write about terrible people and terrible things but you are truly a bright light in this world. Thanks for being my friend. 💖
Multiple characters find themselves taking shelter in the OK Grocery story after a nuclear explosion. Who and what is truly a threat here? You'll have to read this to find out.
Of course the story comes with an abundance of Mort Stone's humor so it's not all doom and gloom and yet there will be plenty of blood for those with the thirst for such.
The ending was truly unexpected.
My one niggle is that with short stories I can't seem to become invested in the characters so I never really care what's happening to them. That was the case here. However if your looking for straight up entertainment without being bogged down in character development then this is a great way to spend an hour.
A short 38 page novella that's like an adrenaline shot to the heart. Don't forget to grab some Twinkies while you're there! 3 stars!
Mort, you may write about terrible people and terrible things but you are truly a bright light in this world. Thanks for being my friend. 💖
April 15, 2023
An explosion. The end of the world. The walking dead. This was another awesome story by Mort Stone, which is fast paced and packed full of punches, all wrapped up in a short story. Absolutely brilliant!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available via godless.com
Available to pre-order now via Amazon
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available via godless.com
Available to pre-order now via Amazon
May 13, 2023
It's the end of the world, there's a big explosion, the radiation will come, if they survive the night. Strange occurrences could still kill them.
I enjoyed All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy, by Mort Stone.
I recommend it!
I enjoyed All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy, by Mort Stone.
I recommend it!
May 5, 2024
The End of the World As You Know It...
ALL THE SAND AND TEARS A MONKEY CAN BUY
by Mort Stone
No spoilers. 5 stars. In the not so distant future, when Twinkies will surely be used as currency...
Tony and Rachel...
... are on a blind date when Rachel farts in Tony's car, causing the couple to wait on the sidewalk while the noxious car airs out...
Goth kid Chad...
... was walking down the sidewalk with a Glock in his pants, trying to decide whether or not to kill himself when he witnessed...
A male drunk driver...
... smash into Tony's car, totaling both vehicles. The drunk exited his car loaded for bear when suddenly...
Nina and Perry Spencer...
... barrel down the street arguing, Nina dressed for a costume party as Pennywise and Perry as a zombie. Nina was at the wheel when their car ran over the drunk, killing him at the scene...
An old man...
... hearing the collision, came out of his house with a loaded shotgun firing at the Spencers, calling them commies...
At that time...
A large mushroom cloud preceded a massive explosion, which shook the ground for miles...
All of these people (except the dead man) end up seeking refuge at an all-night grocery store where Horace is behind the counter...
It's the end of the world as you know it!...
This was an excellent and hilarious story. It had so many twists and turns that my mind was spinning.
This is the first of Mort's stories that I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised at his ability to weave such a twisted plot in only 65 pages! It honestly felt more like a novella than a short story.
If you're looking for a noir story that has plenty of laughs, try this excellent story!
ALL THE SAND AND TEARS A MONKEY CAN BUY
by Mort Stone
No spoilers. 5 stars. In the not so distant future, when Twinkies will surely be used as currency...
Tony and Rachel...
... are on a blind date when Rachel farts in Tony's car, causing the couple to wait on the sidewalk while the noxious car airs out...
Goth kid Chad...
... was walking down the sidewalk with a Glock in his pants, trying to decide whether or not to kill himself when he witnessed...
A male drunk driver...
... smash into Tony's car, totaling both vehicles. The drunk exited his car loaded for bear when suddenly...
Nina and Perry Spencer...
... barrel down the street arguing, Nina dressed for a costume party as Pennywise and Perry as a zombie. Nina was at the wheel when their car ran over the drunk, killing him at the scene...
An old man...
... hearing the collision, came out of his house with a loaded shotgun firing at the Spencers, calling them commies...
At that time...
A large mushroom cloud preceded a massive explosion, which shook the ground for miles...
All of these people (except the dead man) end up seeking refuge at an all-night grocery store where Horace is behind the counter...
It's the end of the world as you know it!...
This was an excellent and hilarious story. It had so many twists and turns that my mind was spinning.
This is the first of Mort's stories that I've read, and I was pleasantly surprised at his ability to weave such a twisted plot in only 65 pages! It honestly felt more like a novella than a short story.
If you're looking for a noir story that has plenty of laughs, try this excellent story!
August 28, 2023
If you have been on Goodreads for a while and read horror you will most likely of read a review of Morts or come across him as one of the most prolific reviewers on here. I've always enjoyed his reviews and when I heard he released a novella of his own I knew I had to read it.
This novella is intriguing and different. We follow numerous characters after a bomb is dropped on a town causing what could be the end of the world. These characters all end up seeking refuge at some point in a convenience store. Not everyone is who they seem to be however and it's clear that most will not survive the day...the bomb is not the only horror they need to be concerned about.
What is a good story with some great characters turns into a GREAT story with that ending. A twist I did not see coming and leaves you shocked with your mouth hanging open. A horrific ending and some great writing leaving me with a "WTF" feeling of adrenaline as I process that awesome final chapter.
This novella is intriguing and different. We follow numerous characters after a bomb is dropped on a town causing what could be the end of the world. These characters all end up seeking refuge at some point in a convenience store. Not everyone is who they seem to be however and it's clear that most will not survive the day...the bomb is not the only horror they need to be concerned about.
What is a good story with some great characters turns into a GREAT story with that ending. A twist I did not see coming and leaves you shocked with your mouth hanging open. A horrific ending and some great writing leaving me with a "WTF" feeling of adrenaline as I process that awesome final chapter.
April 22, 2023
Mort Stone's rapier wit strikes again!
I had the pleasure of reading another enormously witty horror story by Mort. In All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy, Mort gives us a taste of mayhem ensuing from an accident (I won’t tell you what kind, you gotta read it to see that) and the immediate aftermath of a nuke going off. (I don’t count that as a spoiler since it’s on the cover!). This short story had me laughing my butt off right off the bat
This one, like the first Mort Stone short story I read, The Date had lots of twists and surprises efficiently woven in there. For such a short piece, ATSATAMCB, manages to provide a multi-layered narrative, each complete by themselves, while forming an even better whole from having the multiple perspectives. This is also a good story to pay close attention to as you read it.
It’s entertaining! No denying that, in my humble opinion.
I had the pleasure of reading another enormously witty horror story by Mort. In All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy, Mort gives us a taste of mayhem ensuing from an accident (I won’t tell you what kind, you gotta read it to see that) and the immediate aftermath of a nuke going off. (I don’t count that as a spoiler since it’s on the cover!). This short story had me laughing my butt off right off the bat
This one, like the first Mort Stone short story I read, The Date had lots of twists and surprises efficiently woven in there. For such a short piece, ATSATAMCB, manages to provide a multi-layered narrative, each complete by themselves, while forming an even better whole from having the multiple perspectives. This is also a good story to pay close attention to as you read it.
It’s entertaining! No denying that, in my humble opinion.
May 14, 2023
Tension!
Very small backstory:
A nuclear bomb goes off which sends a mix of people to gather in a grocery store as they all try to figure out what they are going to do. Being crammed into one place with people from different backgrounds becomes more of a survival then what is laying outside in wait for them!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory as this book is super short and there would be spoilers otherwise so if you are intrigued then go read this book!
Thoughts:
Another great book by author, Mort Stone as these short stories that he has been throwing out to us readers has been giving us a fine meal with some white wine! Author, Mort Stone has a flair for keeping the reader engaged and the writing flows along at a great pace. Looking forward to more books by this author in the future. Giving this book five "Toxic Terror" stars!
Very small backstory:
A nuclear bomb goes off which sends a mix of people to gather in a grocery store as they all try to figure out what they are going to do. Being crammed into one place with people from different backgrounds becomes more of a survival then what is laying outside in wait for them!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory as this book is super short and there would be spoilers otherwise so if you are intrigued then go read this book!
Thoughts:
Another great book by author, Mort Stone as these short stories that he has been throwing out to us readers has been giving us a fine meal with some white wine! Author, Mort Stone has a flair for keeping the reader engaged and the writing flows along at a great pace. Looking forward to more books by this author in the future. Giving this book five "Toxic Terror" stars!
May 7, 2024
After loading up on supplies, they left the store with the dead bodies inside. Nobody even commented on the dead zombie and clown in the back of the store.
And one man was happy as can be, because he managed to snag all the Twinkies for himself.
THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT…
And one man was happy as can be, because he managed to snag all the Twinkies for himself.
THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT…
July 9, 2025
What a trip this short story was! Seriously it was so random haha, do not get attached to any characters because you’ll never guess what is about to happen on the next page. I was shocked a few times, and the apocalypse was definitely a background problem compared to everything else that was chaotically occurring.
April 7, 2023
"All the Sand and Tears A Monkey Can Buy" by Mort Stone. I was sent my copy in exchange change for an honest review.
Is this another end of the world book? Yes. Does it involve zombies? Also, yes. But is it your average run of the mill the world is ending story? Not by a long shot.
I loved that there were different character points of view on what was happening. The storyline flowed well, there were several gut punching surprises and the ending of this was fucking MAGNIFICENT. The title is also really creative and I loved seeing how it related to the story. Stone does a great job at transporting the reader into the novel and keeping you at the edge of your seat. 5 fabulous 🐒 🐒 🐒 🐒 🐒's
You can find your copy on Amazon and Godless.com!
Is this another end of the world book? Yes. Does it involve zombies? Also, yes. But is it your average run of the mill the world is ending story? Not by a long shot.
I loved that there were different character points of view on what was happening. The storyline flowed well, there were several gut punching surprises and the ending of this was fucking MAGNIFICENT. The title is also really creative and I loved seeing how it related to the story. Stone does a great job at transporting the reader into the novel and keeping you at the edge of your seat. 5 fabulous 🐒 🐒 🐒 🐒 🐒's
You can find your copy on Amazon and Godless.com!
November 25, 2023
Brilliant!
My first read by Stone, and now I need more. This one starts with a bang and only gets better from there. An absolute blast from the first page to the last. Highly recommended!
My first read by Stone, and now I need more. This one starts with a bang and only gets better from there. An absolute blast from the first page to the last. Highly recommended!
April 13, 2023
Funny at times, a little chaotic, and a lot of bleak, in other words this story speaks my language and I loved it!
Also it's (in part) a cautionary tale about shitty dating advice from friends.
Also it's (in part) a cautionary tale about shitty dating advice from friends.
May 25, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Another amazing read from Mort Stone !
May 13, 2023
Rachel is on her way back to her place with Tony, after a very pleasant first date. Due to a very unfortunate and extremely mortifying (on her part) incident, she forces him to stop the car, but it turns out that's to be the least of her worries!!
Chad is a goth guy, at the end of his tether, when he stumbles upon the others.
Perry and Nina are in shock and completely distracted by the bomb, and Horace is working in the store nearby, when people start to seek refuge!
It's happened! The Big One! A nuclear bomb, and surely, the end of the world!! But which is worse, the bomb or the people that have been brought together by it! Fearing the worst and desperate to survive, they're all brought together in one small store, with the power out and the world turning to shit around them!
The situation descends rather quickly into chaos, a huge clusterfuck of deviousness and depravity! Nothing is as it seems however, and we are quickly shown the terrifying descent of humanity, which is actually a lot more terrifying than the world's eminent demise!
This is a fast-paced, fully immersive read, that is rammed full of goodness, badness and wtf's! Completely unexpected twists and turns, and everything all linking together nicely! Easy to follow, smooth flowing, dark and chilling!
Mort has a real knack for the unexpected! I loved it! 🖤
Chad is a goth guy, at the end of his tether, when he stumbles upon the others.
Perry and Nina are in shock and completely distracted by the bomb, and Horace is working in the store nearby, when people start to seek refuge!
It's happened! The Big One! A nuclear bomb, and surely, the end of the world!! But which is worse, the bomb or the people that have been brought together by it! Fearing the worst and desperate to survive, they're all brought together in one small store, with the power out and the world turning to shit around them!
The situation descends rather quickly into chaos, a huge clusterfuck of deviousness and depravity! Nothing is as it seems however, and we are quickly shown the terrifying descent of humanity, which is actually a lot more terrifying than the world's eminent demise!
This is a fast-paced, fully immersive read, that is rammed full of goodness, badness and wtf's! Completely unexpected twists and turns, and everything all linking together nicely! Easy to follow, smooth flowing, dark and chilling!
Mort has a real knack for the unexpected! I loved it! 🖤
June 2, 2023
Two young people on a blind date are riding home when the world comes to an end. Literally. They end up in a grocery store with several other survivors, and things go from bad, to worse, to just about the most f*cking worst scenario ever. Can't say much without spoiling but damn....
Quick, to-the-point and right in your face, this story does exactly what it is suppose to. It is NOT your average apocalyptical story. And that ending...that will be following me for awhile.
Quick, to-the-point and right in your face, this story does exactly what it is suppose to. It is NOT your average apocalyptical story. And that ending...that will be following me for awhile.
May 5, 2023
This title is beyond awesome, as was the story itself. A hot bubble bath, a glass of wine and this was just what I needed after a few busy 12 hour shifts at the hospital.
This was a fun and gruesome apocalyptic story that had me laughing at times and surprised at other times. The characters were great and the story had some twist and turns that I didn’t see coming. I also had a lot of WTF moments while reading this and I hope it isn’t anytime near Halloween when the apocalypse happens, or we all may be confused.
This was a fun and gruesome apocalyptic story that had me laughing at times and surprised at other times. The characters were great and the story had some twist and turns that I didn’t see coming. I also had a lot of WTF moments while reading this and I hope it isn’t anytime near Halloween when the apocalypse happens, or we all may be confused.
April 13, 2023
This story went places I never thought it would. It felt a bit like Spielberg doing a Tarantino short, and then they both decided to go Midsommar. I loved the ending, I loved the writing, I loved the absurd title. And it's awesome fun, as well. Mort Stone really knows how to keep the reader's interest, and delivers what he promises. Not a word is wasted. Recommended!
April 7, 2023
This was such a great story, with a twisted ending that was perfect, and left me saying, "Oh Wow!" I highly recommend this read and this author. He's definitely one to follow and look for what he comes up with next.
April 3, 2024
Short read following a group of people and their run in together. This kept me engaged from start to finish and i couldn’t put it down. The plot twists in this short story had me floored and shocked! Definitely a good read.
April 12, 2023
In this story, the world ends with a bang but the human race itself ends in a whimper. And some twinkies.
April 12, 2023
Wow! That came at me fast, so much in a tiny package. Go read this now!
December 14, 2023
This is not your typical zombie book. In fact, zombies do not have much weight in it (even if they are out there).
Mort Stone's second short story is, as I had hoped when I finished The Date, fleshier than his first. It is also... I wouldn't dare say "more believable", but the thing is, characters behaved as one would expect.
It is astounding how much Stone manages to do with so many characters in such a brief story. Lots of things going on at the same time, lots of twists and turns, and a sick, sick ending I definitely was not expecting.
Looking forward to Mort's next work!
Mort Stone's second short story is, as I had hoped when I finished The Date, fleshier than his first. It is also... I wouldn't dare say "more believable", but the thing is, characters behaved as one would expect.
It is astounding how much Stone manages to do with so many characters in such a brief story. Lots of things going on at the same time, lots of twists and turns, and a sick, sick ending I definitely was not expecting.
Looking forward to Mort's next work!
May 22, 2023
This is a story of a bunch of strangers, who all happen to converge on a convenience store, at the time of the Apocalypse.
It is their story and what happens in the store, not so much about the end of the world.
We read about each person's story, through a series of mishaps and blunders, and how they intersect with the others in the store.
It is a strange tale. You just have to remember it is very dystopian.
It is their story and what happens in the store, not so much about the end of the world.
We read about each person's story, through a series of mishaps and blunders, and how they intersect with the others in the store.
It is a strange tale. You just have to remember it is very dystopian.
May 22, 2023
A great, extremely short, little novella full of blood, sweat and tears. There's defiantly enough there for a full length novel and I would have loved more. Great writing, great characters and a fun ending.
May 6, 2024
Who would have thought so much could be packed into 38 pages? This book is fantastic. The story flows well, and it's fun
May 21, 2023
This story is brilliant. I laughed more than anything and the twist horror ending was absolutely killer. While it could use a little polish on the grammar, this is still a five star read for me, hands down. Consider me a fan. I will continue to snap up anything Mort Stone writes from here on out in hopes that it will be anything like this clever little thrill ride of comedy-horror. Kudos. Who'd have thought a mushroom cloud could be so fun.
July 23, 2023
Amazing Apocalyptic Short by Mort!
All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy by Mort Stone is an impressive post apocalyptic horror short story. As the world faces nuclear fallout people attempt to seek refuge at O.K. Groceries. What ensues isn’t just a fight against radiation poisoning, but also a fight against fellow man.
For Mort’s second writing outing I was blown away by this short story. It was captivating from the beginning to end, and very easy to read in one sitting. I feel like Mort shows that he has diversity in his writing, and is capable at writing different types of stories.
All in all, I enjoyed this story immensely! For those who love post apocalyptic thrillers this is a must read! I give All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy by Mort Stone five solid stars out of five. It also has the honor of being one of my favorite reads for 2023. Until next time, my friends.
Written by Andy C. on 07/05/2023
All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy by Mort Stone is an impressive post apocalyptic horror short story. As the world faces nuclear fallout people attempt to seek refuge at O.K. Groceries. What ensues isn’t just a fight against radiation poisoning, but also a fight against fellow man.
For Mort’s second writing outing I was blown away by this short story. It was captivating from the beginning to end, and very easy to read in one sitting. I feel like Mort shows that he has diversity in his writing, and is capable at writing different types of stories.
All in all, I enjoyed this story immensely! For those who love post apocalyptic thrillers this is a must read! I give All the Sand and Tears a Monkey Can Buy by Mort Stone five solid stars out of five. It also has the honor of being one of my favorite reads for 2023. Until next time, my friends.
Written by Andy C. on 07/05/2023
August 12, 2024
This is a great story about a nuclear bomb being dropped, but doesn't focus on the bomb itself.
Instead, we follow 6 characters dealing with the aftermath, where they all meet up in a store to try and survive.
A lot of great mystery here, do we trust our characters? Will one of them turn on the other? Why was the bomb dropped? Can they trust other people coming to the store?
With the title of this short story, I thought I had an idea of what I was going to read, but I was definitely wrong! I just wish it was longer, because of that ending that came out of nowhere!
4/5
Instead, we follow 6 characters dealing with the aftermath, where they all meet up in a store to try and survive.
A lot of great mystery here, do we trust our characters? Will one of them turn on the other? Why was the bomb dropped? Can they trust other people coming to the store?
With the title of this short story, I thought I had an idea of what I was going to read, but I was definitely wrong! I just wish it was longer, because of that ending that came out of nowhere!
4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews