A Pleasure to Burn

by David Bain

Rafe Johnson, favored target of the tabloids and critical darling of the movies is Green River, Michigan's most famous son - and yet he hides a troubled, secret past. Now, as the media speculates on his latest romantic split, the embattled actor has snuck home to put both the literal and figurative ghosts of the past to rest with the strike of a match. Unbeknownst to him, however, a paparazzi journalist has followed him. As the ghosts rise and the flames rage, Rafe must weigh his private vs. his public persona, his past against his future.

This story was downloaded more than 30,000 times in the horror anthology where it originally appeared.

NOTE: "A Pleasure to Burn" will also appear in David Bain's collection WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS: TALES FROM GREEN RIVER, a collection of short stories all set in the same mileu as his crime/horror novel GRAY LAKE.

Nook

First published August 14, 2011

Reviews

[Stuart Aken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this short on my Kindle. It has references to Ray Bradbury, which I didn’t fully get until I discovered Ray wrote a story with the same title (one I haven’t read). I felt the style was closer to some of the US detective stories I read in Ellory Queen, when I was younger, than to the sublime style of Bradbury.
The tale is told from two points of view; the ‘hero’, a celebrity returning to his home town, scene of a family tragedy, and the young female reporter following him and intent on getting a unique story. The writing is tight and moves the action along well. I felt the ending was predictable but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story.
This was one of those books that held my attention whilst I was reading but left me with no after-impression. So, an entertainment rather than a deep piece of work. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this work of horror/ghost story and would recommend it as a way to spend a short spell of time alone in an old house, especially if you’re of a suggestible nature.

[Melysah Bunting · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Pleasure to Burn by David Bain is a short story about a celebrity, Rafe Johnson, who goes back to his hometown to get some closure on a traumatic event that happened to him as a child. His is followed by a paparazzi journalist who finds herself in a compromising position.

I thought the story was interesting. At the end my mind said, "I want more." I also think the plot is very current. We love celebrities and their haunted past. It's a great story to read before Halloween!

I'd definitely like to read more creepy stories. The pace was good. I think it seemed rushed because I wanted the story to go on. I was like, "Oh. Ah. What? The end. No, I am not done!"

The characters, Rafe and Sandra, were typical. I felt like I could turn on the TV and see Sandra reporting the dirt on Rafe. And I do love a good gossip show like TMZ!

[Sarah Baethge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pleasure to Burn is a short ‘Green River’ story by David Bain that explores the lengths people will go to in an attempt to erase a past they’d rather forget. It’s also a chilling reminder of how we can sometimes lose all sense of caution when trying to uncover the secrets of another. Interesting characters here that are written in such a way you could be left wanting to read more about them. Both people written about have a clear motivation. Knowing all that was told of Johnson, I am left unsure even whether to trust his perception of the ending is real.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Bain crafted a chilling page turner in "A Pleasure To Burn".

Rafe Johnson, a mega-star, haunted by his past and hunted by paparazzi decides to return home to 'Green River',Michigan. Once home he must confront his past trauma put his ghosts to rest.

"Pleasure to Burn" is a short story but don't let that keep you from purchasing this gem.

[Mireille Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I loved how you could feel the despair Rafe felt while heading to and into the house, and when he remembered what had happened in the kitchen... wow. Fantastic! Emotions make a story for me, and this one was brilliant. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short story but excellent. It's nice to get a free book for following someone on Twitter and to then actually enjoy it, it really is priceless!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story. It involves celebrity, paparazzi, ghosts and family violence.