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Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 305
Charles Grimly has marital problems you wouldn't believe. His mommy issues are even worse. He may not be all there, but he's going to have to pull himself together if he plans on making it through this day in one piece.
Enjoy this free short story based in the world of my novel Don of the Living Dead.
Enjoy this free short story based in the world of my novel Don of the Living Dead.
104 pages, Nook
First published September 12, 2011
23 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Robert DeCoteau
13 books45 followersRobert DeCoteau
I was born in 1974 in Bremerton, Washington. I moved to Bellingham, Washington at the age of four and have been here ever since.
I love living in the Pacific Northwest about two months out of the year. The other ten months it rains.
Constant rain gives me plenty of time to read and write. While I'm hooked on writing horror right now, I enjoy many other genres.
My favorite author is Robin Hobb, who also lives in the northwest. She is the award winning Fantasy author of Assassin's Apprentice and several sequels.
I have one son. I named him Chance. He is six going on fifteen. We are both currently enrolled in school, but I am a few grades ahead of him.
I was born in 1974 in Bremerton, Washington. I moved to Bellingham, Washington at the age of four and have been here ever since.
I love living in the Pacific Northwest about two months out of the year. The other ten months it rains.
Constant rain gives me plenty of time to read and write. While I'm hooked on writing horror right now, I enjoy many other genres.
My favorite author is Robin Hobb, who also lives in the northwest. She is the award winning Fantasy author of Assassin's Apprentice and several sequels.
I have one son. I named him Chance. He is six going on fifteen. We are both currently enrolled in school, but I am a few grades ahead of him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 9, 2012
Is there ever a good time to murder your wife?
Yes.
The best time to murder your wife is when everyone in town has become a brain-nomming zombie and is too busy chowing down on the brains of acquaintances, friends, neighbours and their own wives, to notice that you've murdered your wife.
Is there some way that I can arrange an inner-city zombie based apocalyptic chow-fest in order to detract from my culpability in a wicked spousal dismemberment?
Er, no. Not really. However, if you are really lucky, like Charles Grimly in Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt 305, then these things will all just coincide quite nicely. Charles has a lovely lapdancer wife called Mariana. Mariana is a nice lady who likes older men, fast cars, hooker heels and witholding the conjugal goodies to keep Charles on his toes. Charles has an inner monologue with his dead (murdered) mother who, daily encourages him, to annul his marriage to Mariana in the most final manner possible.
As Charles is merrily taking a chain saw to his dearly beloved, the rest of the world is turning into a splashy gorefest which makes his efforts look like minor abrasion which could be repaired with a band-aid. So the world is going to hell in a handbag and Mariana is going to the municipal dump in a suitcase (or two) At least there will be one less zombie lurching about the apocalyptic scenery of Primrose Court... unless Mariana is really good with a sewing kit.
Amusing short story spin-off generated by Robert DeCoteau's Don of the Dead.
Yes.
The best time to murder your wife is when everyone in town has become a brain-nomming zombie and is too busy chowing down on the brains of acquaintances, friends, neighbours and their own wives, to notice that you've murdered your wife.
Is there some way that I can arrange an inner-city zombie based apocalyptic chow-fest in order to detract from my culpability in a wicked spousal dismemberment?
Er, no. Not really. However, if you are really lucky, like Charles Grimly in Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt 305, then these things will all just coincide quite nicely. Charles has a lovely lapdancer wife called Mariana. Mariana is a nice lady who likes older men, fast cars, hooker heels and witholding the conjugal goodies to keep Charles on his toes. Charles has an inner monologue with his dead (murdered) mother who, daily encourages him, to annul his marriage to Mariana in the most final manner possible.
As Charles is merrily taking a chain saw to his dearly beloved, the rest of the world is turning into a splashy gorefest which makes his efforts look like minor abrasion which could be repaired with a band-aid. So the world is going to hell in a handbag and Mariana is going to the municipal dump in a suitcase (or two) At least there will be one less zombie lurching about the apocalyptic scenery of Primrose Court... unless Mariana is really good with a sewing kit.
Amusing short story spin-off generated by Robert DeCoteau's Don of the Dead.
November 16, 2011
Ok, so, even though this is my THIRD review of one of Robert DeCoteau's short/parallel stories related to his Don of the Living Dead book, I really want to reiterate that I generally abhor short stories with a fiery, stinging passion. But that maybe, just MAYBE, he has changed my mind a smidge.
The concept of the "Zombie Tales" books, perspectives (in separate novellas) of different residents of an apartment building set in the Don world during an impending zombpocalypse was such a novel (heh, novel, I made a joke!) concept, that I overlooked my general dislike and decided to take a chance.
Not only was this very well written (some minor editing complaints, though), but it was surprisingly well done in so few pages.
Robert DeCoteau has written his main character, Charles Grimly (and equally so his unfortunate Mexican stripper of a wife) superbly well in such a small space. Charlie is...disturbed. I mean, he makes a good living and all, and somehow was even able to convince a hot stripper to marry him, when his own appearance is less than desirable. But seriously? Charlie? Whacked. He's been taking abuse from both his wife and his mother, who does not approve of the marriage, for far too long. Charlie is fed up, and he's not gonna take it anymore.
So, of course, he WOULD decide to finally stand up to his wife and just say "NO" to her abuse on the same day as the onset of a zombie apocalypse...
The concept of the "Zombie Tales" books, perspectives (in separate novellas) of different residents of an apartment building set in the Don world during an impending zombpocalypse was such a novel (heh, novel, I made a joke!) concept, that I overlooked my general dislike and decided to take a chance.
Not only was this very well written (some minor editing complaints, though), but it was surprisingly well done in so few pages.
Robert DeCoteau has written his main character, Charles Grimly (and equally so his unfortunate Mexican stripper of a wife) superbly well in such a small space. Charlie is...disturbed. I mean, he makes a good living and all, and somehow was even able to convince a hot stripper to marry him, when his own appearance is less than desirable. But seriously? Charlie? Whacked. He's been taking abuse from both his wife and his mother, who does not approve of the marriage, for far too long. Charlie is fed up, and he's not gonna take it anymore.
So, of course, he WOULD decide to finally stand up to his wife and just say "NO" to her abuse on the same day as the onset of a zombie apocalypse...
August 31, 2016
'Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt 305' is the second story of three short stories which are in the same universe of 'Don of the Living Dead' by Robert DeCoteau. Charles Grimly who lives directly above Theodore Granger is having problems with his marriage, his young wife is demanding and refuses to give up her job as a lap dancer, she also constantly undermines Charles about everything, something which Charles is unfortunately used because of his mother but Charles sorted out that problem, just like he is about to sort out the problem with his wife.
As Charles's day becomes steadily worse, he walks outside into chaos but he knows he must get away before its too late.
Charles Grimly, he is such a poor soul, unhappy and not sure what to do next, as with the previous story, its keeps you interested and you want to know what will happen next.
As Charles's day becomes steadily worse, he walks outside into chaos but he knows he must get away before its too late.
Charles Grimly, he is such a poor soul, unhappy and not sure what to do next, as with the previous story, its keeps you interested and you want to know what will happen next.
May 21, 2013
Ok, this time I knew what was coming. The story here centers around a couple, their marital problems and how they play out. You have the same lack of zombies until the end of the story but a nice bit of karmic justice. There is not a lot to say about this since it has no major scenes of carnage or zombie rampage.
The story is good for what it is.
The story is good for what it is.
October 28, 2011
This zombie short follows Charlie, a fellow with very low self-esteem and high frustration, and his mom as he deals with his lady. It is reminiscent of the Psycho films and I couldn't stop thinking about Norman Bate and his mom! Overall it was a good read. Give it a try!!
October 1, 2012
Great little stories from different viewpoints. Neat idea and well enough written to keep me turning pages.
May 7, 2013
Crazy Charles in Apt. 305 picks the perfect time to give some personal 1:1 attention to his whiney wife in this short story spin-off of "Don of the Dead." A fun read for zombie fiction.
January 11, 2013
it was ok. kind of a rip off of psycho. but with a zombie element.
May 8, 2020
Murder on the menu
The last short novelette in the Apartment series follows the last of three tenants caught up in a zombie apocalypse.
This time it is Mr. Grimley and his Mexican wife, previously seen arguing outside their apartment.
This was another okay read, quite fun, and certainly worth picking up but, like all the others, is really short.
A nice bite-sized read, no pun intended.
The last short novelette in the Apartment series follows the last of three tenants caught up in a zombie apocalypse.
This time it is Mr. Grimley and his Mexican wife, previously seen arguing outside their apartment.
This was another okay read, quite fun, and certainly worth picking up but, like all the others, is really short.
A nice bite-sized read, no pun intended.
October 30, 2017
50% of the book is an excerpt of Don of the dead. The same excerpt that was in the first book of the series. Why use the same excerpt? Book deals with the viewpoint of one tenant. Very little here and nothing you haven’t read before.
September 26, 2012
I was was almost turned away with the beginning, but I'm glad I stuck around. It was a unique thrill to be in the passenger seat of the main character. Charles had a retro, 1950's feel to him. The vivid descriptions and mannerisms made him very easy to picture. We all know someone disgusting like him. Believe it or not, I'd rather the apocalypse started a little later in the story, but it is a short story so you can't expect too much. I enjoyed the story and I would have rated it higher, however...
The Don Of The Dead excerpt that followed was God awful. It brought the value of the entire book down when I saw it was written by the same person. The excerpt contained too much fluff and social commentary without presenting the audience with anything new. Why is his zombie novel any different than any other zombie novel? It wasn't the main character (a boorish, half-wit malcontent with his mediocre life). It wasn't the catalyst to the apocalypse (the old zombie lab test idea). It damn sure wasn't the zombies themselves (slow, stupid, arm-biting, foot shuffling type). Also, DeCoteau either forgot or didn't care about an important aspect when it comes to writing fiction. Interjecting your political opinion in a fiction book (that doesn't present itself as such) will automatically divide your audience. Primrose Court itself was an acceptable addition to the "Zombie World." But Don Of The Dead (based off the excerpt) is a trite, unimaginative off-putting story. Make no mistake, I enjoy DeCoteau's writing style and he has all the skills a good writer needs. But the excerpt was a poor read for DeCoteau's experience level. That aside, I will check out his other work The Second Ward and Silent Night Of The Living Dead.
The Don Of The Dead excerpt that followed was God awful. It brought the value of the entire book down when I saw it was written by the same person. The excerpt contained too much fluff and social commentary without presenting the audience with anything new. Why is his zombie novel any different than any other zombie novel? It wasn't the main character (a boorish, half-wit malcontent with his mediocre life). It wasn't the catalyst to the apocalypse (the old zombie lab test idea). It damn sure wasn't the zombies themselves (slow, stupid, arm-biting, foot shuffling type). Also, DeCoteau either forgot or didn't care about an important aspect when it comes to writing fiction. Interjecting your political opinion in a fiction book (that doesn't present itself as such) will automatically divide your audience. Primrose Court itself was an acceptable addition to the "Zombie World." But Don Of The Dead (based off the excerpt) is a trite, unimaginative off-putting story. Make no mistake, I enjoy DeCoteau's writing style and he has all the skills a good writer needs. But the excerpt was a poor read for DeCoteau's experience level. That aside, I will check out his other work The Second Ward and Silent Night Of The Living Dead.
July 18, 2013
3.5 Stars
Most of what I have to say about this story is summed up in my review of Primrose Court Apt. 205 as the spelling and grammar errors are about the same as they were in the first mini story. I do appreciate that all 3 short stories revolve around each other and we basically get to see the viewpoints from 3 different people while they go about their lives in the Primrose Apt building. This one was probably my favorite out of the 3 short stories because of the serious effed up factor to it with the main character. The main character is going through some pretty heavy stuff but he has no idea that through all of his dark planning and preparations it will mean nothing because zombies don't care what your plans or priorities are. I also find it interesting that it doesn't bother me at all that the stories just up and end without finding out what specifically happens to the characters. I love stories where we get a brief peak at a character's life while the veil is pulled back and then just as quickly the curtain drops and we are left wondering what happened. I will definitely be reading Don of the Living Dead, which this story was a spin off of. If you aren't sure if you're going to want to read the actual novel then you can read the first 2 or 3 chapters in any one of the Primrose stories as 50% of the story (according to my Kindle) is actually a peak at "Don" so only 50% of the Kindle length is actually the Primrose story.
Author has some potential so I will continue watching out for his work. I just wish more time was spent on spelling and grammar so I could've given this a higher rating.
Most of what I have to say about this story is summed up in my review of Primrose Court Apt. 205 as the spelling and grammar errors are about the same as they were in the first mini story. I do appreciate that all 3 short stories revolve around each other and we basically get to see the viewpoints from 3 different people while they go about their lives in the Primrose Apt building. This one was probably my favorite out of the 3 short stories because of the serious effed up factor to it with the main character. The main character is going through some pretty heavy stuff but he has no idea that through all of his dark planning and preparations it will mean nothing because zombies don't care what your plans or priorities are. I also find it interesting that it doesn't bother me at all that the stories just up and end without finding out what specifically happens to the characters. I love stories where we get a brief peak at a character's life while the veil is pulled back and then just as quickly the curtain drops and we are left wondering what happened. I will definitely be reading Don of the Living Dead, which this story was a spin off of. If you aren't sure if you're going to want to read the actual novel then you can read the first 2 or 3 chapters in any one of the Primrose stories as 50% of the story (according to my Kindle) is actually a peak at "Don" so only 50% of the Kindle length is actually the Primrose story.
Author has some potential so I will continue watching out for his work. I just wish more time was spent on spelling and grammar so I could've given this a higher rating.
September 8, 2012
This is one of a set of three short stories (also Zombie Tales Primrose Court Apt. 205 and Zombie Tales Primrose Court Apt. 502) written about the same series of events, through the eyes of the residents of three apartments in the same complex. These stories lead up to the full length book Don of the Living Dead. The first three chapters of the book are previewed at the end of each of the short stories, though I'm going to wait to read because I have a feeling I'm going to want the entire book at hand when I start.
One thing I'll say about the series so far is the author does an amazing job at introducing his characters so the reader is able to get a good picture of each of them in such a short section of reading, and leave the reader wanting to know more.
This story, my least favorite of the three, tells the tale of a married man (the fat slob) and his wife (the gold-digging stripper). The fat slob seems to be an interesting character with a dark past of his own, the gold-digging stripper was just down right annoying. Nevertheless, a must read if you're going to read the other parts of the story.
One thing I'll say about the series so far is the author does an amazing job at introducing his characters so the reader is able to get a good picture of each of them in such a short section of reading, and leave the reader wanting to know more.
This story, my least favorite of the three, tells the tale of a married man (the fat slob) and his wife (the gold-digging stripper). The fat slob seems to be an interesting character with a dark past of his own, the gold-digging stripper was just down right annoying. Nevertheless, a must read if you're going to read the other parts of the story.
November 13, 2019
Okay this wasn't really much of a zombie story, it was more of a serial killer story that had zombies show up in the last couple of pages.
***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS***
So the more I read this series the more I liked it. This is the story of the couple who the other two main characters saw arguing in the courtyard. It turns out that the dude killed his mother and kept her severed hand in his closet. He then is finally fed up with his wife's constant nagging, her insults, her forcing him to become vegan, her stripping and flaunting her body for other men. He finally kills her and chops up the body. This whole time he is hearing the voice of his dead mother in his head telling him what to do. Now that was really cool!
He gets bitten while trying to get her cut up body into his car. Then he goes to McDonald's because he's hungry and when the worker hands him his order, he grabs the kid's hand and starts to eat it.
***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS***
I really liked this story, and if this is a preview of how good this author is with zombie literature, it's very likely I will check out their other works.
***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS***
So the more I read this series the more I liked it. This is the story of the couple who the other two main characters saw arguing in the courtyard. It turns out that the dude killed his mother and kept her severed hand in his closet. He then is finally fed up with his wife's constant nagging, her insults, her forcing him to become vegan, her stripping and flaunting her body for other men. He finally kills her and chops up the body. This whole time he is hearing the voice of his dead mother in his head telling him what to do. Now that was really cool!
He gets bitten while trying to get her cut up body into his car. Then he goes to McDonald's because he's hungry and when the worker hands him his order, he grabs the kid's hand and starts to eat it.
***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS*** ***END SPOILERS***
I really liked this story, and if this is a preview of how good this author is with zombie literature, it's very likely I will check out their other works.
August 7, 2012
I read all three of the Primrose Court short stories in one setting, going from 502 to 305 to 205. I don't think it matters what order you read them in, but I have to implore anyone who loves to watch good character development to read all three.
Robert DeCoteau really takes a different tone with this book, much to this reader's delight. Charles Grimley is a bad guy who talks to his dead mother, ala "Psycho." And his wife might be hot, but she's not really pleasant. He's so involved in his own life that he fails to notice that the zombie apocalypse is upon him ...
I liked that these stories all tied into one another but each stood alone, as well.
I noticed a few typos, but it still wasn't bad for a Kindle book.
Looks like I'll have to buy Don of the Dead to get more of DeCoteau's zombie writing because when I was finished reading these books, I really just wanted more.
Robert DeCoteau really takes a different tone with this book, much to this reader's delight. Charles Grimley is a bad guy who talks to his dead mother, ala "Psycho." And his wife might be hot, but she's not really pleasant. He's so involved in his own life that he fails to notice that the zombie apocalypse is upon him ...
I liked that these stories all tied into one another but each stood alone, as well.
I noticed a few typos, but it still wasn't bad for a Kindle book.
Looks like I'll have to buy Don of the Dead to get more of DeCoteau's zombie writing because when I was finished reading these books, I really just wanted more.
February 7, 2012
The second story of three from DeCoteau's zombie world. I didn't enjoy this one as much as Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 205 as the humour wasn't as sardonic but still a fun short story to read.
One thing really annoyed me whilst reading this however, and that was the terrible misuse of 'your/you're'.
"This is you're mess, you have to be smart".
This happens 23% into the short story and is a damning mistake to make.
That really should have been picked up and corrected in the editing process.
Other than that, good story but not as much fun as the other two in the series.
One thing really annoyed me whilst reading this however, and that was the terrible misuse of 'your/you're'.
"This is you're mess, you have to be smart".
This happens 23% into the short story and is a damning mistake to make.
That really should have been picked up and corrected in the editing process.
Other than that, good story but not as much fun as the other two in the series.
December 6, 2011
This, and the other Primrose Court tales, are part of a larger universe (novel). That might explain why there was no explanation for the zombie epidemic.
That said, the three Primrose Court stories run simultaneously. Each story tells about one man, his circumstances, and his actions during the zombie rampage. What happens in Apt. 305 is a so-so story. I think the author and the reader would have been better served if these three stories had been combined into one.
That said, the three Primrose Court stories run simultaneously. Each story tells about one man, his circumstances, and his actions during the zombie rampage. What happens in Apt. 305 is a so-so story. I think the author and the reader would have been better served if these three stories had been combined into one.
May 30, 2012
3.0/5.0 Read during my lunch break .. Its the second part of a short/parallel stories related to his Don of the Living Dead book, all three parts ( Aprt 205 / 305 / 502 ) are still free on Amazon right now. I liked the writing style but not that much zombie action to be fair. Was a pleasant way to pass some time though and will read the next one soon as I need to find out why the bloke in 502 is on the ledge!! :)
June 23, 2013
I got this book as a free download and thought it was very entertaining. It is the second short story I read from this series that leads up to the main book. If you are expecting Zombies from beginning to end you will be disappointed. They only make an appearance at the end but it is all part of the big picture. I can't wait to read the next book to see how it will all end. If you love gory stories this book will be for you.
October 29, 2012
Not as good as the first one that I read, the Apt 500 something one. Still good though. I think the reason this one lacked a little was mostly because I didn't identify with either of the main characters in it as much as I did the first one that I read. Or should I say three characters? Does the mother count as another character? Hmmmm . . .
September 6, 2014
I swear I've seen this scenario, or something very similar, in a "Twilight Zone" episode or something. Not so much the zombie part of the story but definitely the part of dude killing his wife and struggling to get rid of body.
Anyway, this is a very short story albeit a decent one. I found it to be okay. It would be nice if there is a continuing story in a bigger form tho'.
Anyway, this is a very short story albeit a decent one. I found it to be okay. It would be nice if there is a continuing story in a bigger form tho'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2012
Wasn't a big fan of this short zombie read.. Nothing about it was really special, nor did the character really captivate me in any way that would entice me to read further into the series. Kind of a throw away read for me.
January 15, 2014
Zombie Tales is a cool series to read. This is my second book. I’m not about to give away the plot, but once you read this story, you are hooked and need to read the next installment. I love how all the books are connected.
January 17, 2014
Another short story introduction to "Don of the Dead". A hidden psychopath finally goes over the edge and does his best, with Mommy's help to cover it up...well boy he couldn't have picked a better day...
October 16, 2011
Quick, bloody and for some reason weirdly amusing. Sometimes I worry about myself when blood and gore makes me laugh.
October 23, 2011
I am not sure what to say after reading this. Strange if you ask me. Amusing at times but, I am still not sure what just happened in this short story.
May 31, 2017
There are two stories in this free short read. The second story had me lol. I really like his writin style. Lookin forward to more of his work, bc I love me some Zombie stories.
January 16, 2012
I was bored with this. I found the main character to be whiny and just unlikeable. I am unlikely to read more stories by this author.
May 10, 2012
loved all 3 of these short stories. really liked how they tied in with one another. would love to read more like them.
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May 25, 2012Really great short stories about zombies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews