Excerpted from the anthology BLACK LIGHT OF DAY -- by #1 Kindle Suspense author Jason McIntyre comes a tale of two old souls connecting under darkening skies. On this day, as they peer into the heavens together, elderly Jarvis Schloss unburdens his soul to another park dweller as they sit on his favorite park bench. In the tradition of Rod Serling, this eerie tale begins as the two each reflect on the primes of their lives and uncover something even darker than the sky overhead. DARK THAT DAY, AFTER ALL explores our relationship with others, our duty to them, and whether we can expect to trade someone else’s good fortune for our own.
JASON MCINTYRE is the #1 Kindle Suspense author of THE NIGHT WALK MEN, bestsellers ON THE GATHERING STORM and SHED, plus the multi-layered literary suspense THALO BLUE. His short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and won several awards.
His debut novel ON THE GATHERING STORM earned McIntyre a spot in the Top 20 Debut Authors for the Goodreads Choice Awards.
THE DEVIL'S RIGHT HAND is the latest instalment in the THE NIGHT WALK MEN saga and it's available now.
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Acclaim:
"Five stars! Grows up around you like a vine." - Art Lange, Smashwords
"Completely unpredictable! Like something out of a Quentin Tarantino film, a memoir, and something so bizarre...out of the Twilight Zone.” - Jennifer Nessen
"I needed to keep reading (until four in the morning!!) to see how it would turn out." - Will Kagan, Smashwords
"This is a roller coaster ride: you're in the hot sun, chugging to the top, anticipating the drop the whole way and then--boom--the drop comes and you're gasping for air. The hot wind blasts you and your guts are in your throat. In the last half of the book, some scenes had me by the larynx. Highly recommended!" - Dvier, Sony Reader Store
"[McIntyre] writes some of the most beautiful sentences being published today." - Vincent Zandri, author of "The Remains"
This short story is surprisingly full of depth, both with plot and characters. Right from the first sentence, Jason McIntyre captured my attention. The dialogue perfectly fit the characters. I felt like I knew these men, sitting there on that bench having a casual chat. The twist at the end caught me completely by surprise, giving a little taste of McIntyre's signature darkness. Loved it!
I make no apologies for being a total fan-girl when it comes Jason McIntyre's writing. He brings a whole new twist to dark, gritty tales with an undercurrent of sardonic humour; this new short story is no exception.
A lot of authors would have turned this into a redemption tale. This is definitely not one of those; the revenge theme and ending tips it over the edge from a tense little narrative into horror - mainly because you never actually see the full outcome. You just know it's coming, and the more you think about the more awful it becomes.
I sympathised with both parties here, which is quite an achievement. One man did something awful out of desperation (and never knew the full consequences of his actions for years, which is part of the horror)but has regrets.
His victim has no interest in forgiveness - and in his situation, who could blame him? Although waiting this long for revenge means that it's not just cold, it's been in the deep freeze, and the way the need for vengeance twisted what might have once been a good man into something fearful is yet another psychological twist to the tale.
Recommended for short story lovers and psychological thriller fans.
Two old men meet on a park bench. As one of them begins to reveal his past, he realises that he has far more in common with the other man than he had first imagined. This short story contains realistic dialogue, an intriguing storyline and a gruesome, twisted theme, which I have come to expect from the darkly entertaining Mr. McIntyre. Karma, secrets, revenge, pride (& other deadly sins), are all examined in this mini-saga. A quick read that will keep you guessing.
Two men sitting on a park bench begin a conversation baring their souls. Soon they discover something they didn't imagine, something very dark. A gripping short story with an original plot, twisted and dark. I really enjoyed Dark That Day, After All and recommend to those who love a great read!
A quick read, yet a powerful one. A cleverly laid out story, where...I don't give spoilers. But I will say that if you wish to be chilled and delighted at the same time, read this short tale.
Just re-read this amazing short story. Enjoyed it even more the second time around. Artful story-telling with a suprising twist. Left me feeling snookered and delighted all at the same time.
Strange things happen in the dark and this author always has a suspenseful tale to share. Jarvis Schloss is about to find out that the dark holds secrets of the past and for him, a peek into what his future will be, The author digs into a dark look at Karma and payback for past sins as the eclipse darkens the sky. Well done book by an author who knows how to tell a story.
Payback a Entertaining reading that is will written. Two men talking about the passed, one with revenge on his mind. I would recommend series to anyone who is looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 2019
This is a story taken from McIntrye's anthology Black Light of Day. I haven't read the anthology, but I'm pretty sure I'll be buying it after reading "Dark That Day, After All."
I enjoyed the set up of this story. Jarvis the main character tells of a defining moment in his life, a hard life. I gained sympathy for him early on. What I wasn't expecting was a nice and dark twist in the story. By the time I caught the cue for the twist, it was too late; the story turned on its heels, amazing me.
This is a tale of redemption, confession, revenge, and the strange events that a solar eclipse can bring with it.
Two old men sit on a bench as people gather in a park to watch an eclipse. One gentleman begins his tale about how he robbed a woman and hurt a copper during the last eclipse in 1954. After listening patiently his audience of one recounts his own tale of being a cop on that same day... Awesomely weird with a twist I was not expecting. This short was only fourteen pages I believe but worth the few minutes it will take you to read. McIntyre takes a sad story and turns it into one of hope, a second chance. Just not the kind you are thinking of.
I loved this one, especially the ending as it took a turn that I didn't see coming. Basically, the book starts with 2 old-timers talking on a bench and as it turns out (I don't think this is giving anything away) they have a connection. Some have compared the tale to something one would see from the Twilight Zone or other similar serial show which I would agree with. It's worth the time to read this short story.
I saw that Dark That Day, After All was up for grabs on Amazon and immediately downloaded it. I'd been wanting to check out McIntyre's work for some time. It is funny at first, and then it sort of shocks you with its intensity. The style captivates you throughout. It's very imaginative; mysterious but it flows. The suspenseful ending really made me think about this story in its entirety for a while. I really enjoyed it.
FS: "Jarvis Schloss shuffled toward the empty half of a wood and iron park bench next to another elderly man who sat and stared - either out at the green grass and the children playing or up at the partially clouded blue dome and the tree tops, Jarvis wasn't sure which one."
LS: "Only when it's approaching or receding. Trust me, I know..."
There are a few things you can count on when reading any of Jason McIntyre’s works: deep characterizations, great dialog, and vivid imagery. ‘Dark That Day…’ does not disappoint. While not my favorite McIntyre story (see Road Markers) still well worth the read. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Payback's a beach. Two old men seemingly reminiscing about the past have a long lost connection with consequences. Very short 35 e-reader pages. Some background and elaboration could have been a good return on the writer's investment in this story. I enjoyed it nontheless. Free on my Nook.
Pretty good ... I would have liked a bit of unbiased background on both of the old men in the present day, instead of just going to the present and what happens.
This is only an excerpt. This portion of the book wasn't an original story line, as far as, man done wrong coming back for revenge. Maybe the book as a whole has more to it.