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Trial Run
Sometimes, to beat monsters, you must become one. Venture through the crime-ridden city of Molder as one mother risks everything to protect her baby. Margo, a single mother, agrees to housesit for her best friend in a not so friendly neighborhood for a bit of extra cash. Everything is fine until she becomes a witness to a horrendous crime, forcing them into a night of violence, endurance, and above all else, redemption.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2023
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Josh Davis
16 books5 followersJosh Davis made his first break out into the world of horror with his film reviews for CrypticRock and PopHorror.com. His first story was published in the Rejected for Content book series with his tale 'A Confession of Mortal Sins'- a bloody tale of cannibalism and terror. Since then, he has been in other JEA anthologies such as Full Moon Slaughter 2 and Triggered. In August of 2018, Josh released his first solo collection titled 'The Cure for ADHD'. He lives in Montrose, Michigan with his fiance and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 4, 2023
This story was born out of a parents fear of bringing a new child into the world. I think I can safely say that most parents reading this will be able to totally relate to the fears, trepidations and insecurities conveyed within its pages….making it that much more terrifying!
Margo and Raquel are best friends and quite the opposite to each other. Margo is a young single Mother to baby Tika, her family have pretty much disowned them both, leaving them to fend for themselves. Luckily, they have Raquel, who helps when she can. Raquel is still attending college part-time, and has wealthy parents to look out for her when she needs them. This of course, gives the two girls very different outlooks on life, and sometimes, each other. Responsibilities for one, and the lack thereof for the other, will this be the beginning of the end of their friendship?
When Margo finds herself suspended from work, broke, and the car in the garage, Raquel reluctantly offers her $200 to house sit for a couple of days and nights. Apart from having to drag Tika with her, it seems like the answer to her immediate problems, easy money right?? But of course, things just keep getting worse, bad omen after bad omen presents themselves, making her doubt her decision to help, but she needs that money! Desperately!!
Once at her friend's house though, Tika won't settle, so despite her doubts, Margo takes her for a quick drive around the neighbourhood, hoping to lull her to sleep. But Tika only seems to get more distressed, and rightfully so, as things quickly take an unexpected and horrific turn when they stumble upon an unwelcoming group of people.
In Molder, everyone knows everyone, and that's exactly why they keep to themselves and stay out of the others' business! In this instance it kind of makes Margo and her daughter some sort of trophy that everyone wants, and that is not a good thing, trust me! As if things weren't bad enough for them, things then escalate very quickly, insanely, brutally and sadistically when they find themselves at The Warehouse!!
The Warehouse is a kind of Hell all its own, and ending up there, in a horrific, life threatening, crazy, terrifying situation is unimaginable, but to end up there with your defenseless 10 month old child along for the ride….Holy Shit!!
As I said before, this was so very relatable. As a young single Mum myself (a very long time ago now, admittedly), it reminded me vividly and completely of the fear and trepidation felt over the littlest things, imagining the worst case scenarios and becoming a nervous wreck. Doubting yourself and your abilities as a parent. Always borrowing from friends and family to survive. But most importantly, always your child being your number one priority….always!!
I felt the utter terror, dread, fear, anxiousness and pure panic of Margo's situation, showing that a woman will do whatever it takes to protect her child. This story brings to light the lengths a parent will go to, the savage new heights she will reach to try and get her child back! A single Mothers determined fight against pure and savage insanity, to save her only child from a hellishly traumatic future. A true fight for survival, she uses her head cleverly to try and escape, and woe betide anyone who ever tries to come between her and her daughter, or to intimidate or harm her in any way. This experience has totally changed Margo's outlook on life, as it would anyone!
This is a short, fast-paced read that draws you in entirely, living Margo's nightmare right alongside her. It's an easy one sitting read, although I had to do it in two, because, you know, life!! Lots of action and tense build up from the beginning, jam packed, blood soaked, rage fuelled carnage…..a fiery tale of desperation, protection and determination!! I thought the situations, thoughts and feelings of the main character were all portrayed really well! Showing just how far a parent will go for their child!! 💜
Margo and Raquel are best friends and quite the opposite to each other. Margo is a young single Mother to baby Tika, her family have pretty much disowned them both, leaving them to fend for themselves. Luckily, they have Raquel, who helps when she can. Raquel is still attending college part-time, and has wealthy parents to look out for her when she needs them. This of course, gives the two girls very different outlooks on life, and sometimes, each other. Responsibilities for one, and the lack thereof for the other, will this be the beginning of the end of their friendship?
When Margo finds herself suspended from work, broke, and the car in the garage, Raquel reluctantly offers her $200 to house sit for a couple of days and nights. Apart from having to drag Tika with her, it seems like the answer to her immediate problems, easy money right?? But of course, things just keep getting worse, bad omen after bad omen presents themselves, making her doubt her decision to help, but she needs that money! Desperately!!
Once at her friend's house though, Tika won't settle, so despite her doubts, Margo takes her for a quick drive around the neighbourhood, hoping to lull her to sleep. But Tika only seems to get more distressed, and rightfully so, as things quickly take an unexpected and horrific turn when they stumble upon an unwelcoming group of people.
In Molder, everyone knows everyone, and that's exactly why they keep to themselves and stay out of the others' business! In this instance it kind of makes Margo and her daughter some sort of trophy that everyone wants, and that is not a good thing, trust me! As if things weren't bad enough for them, things then escalate very quickly, insanely, brutally and sadistically when they find themselves at The Warehouse!!
The Warehouse is a kind of Hell all its own, and ending up there, in a horrific, life threatening, crazy, terrifying situation is unimaginable, but to end up there with your defenseless 10 month old child along for the ride….Holy Shit!!
As I said before, this was so very relatable. As a young single Mum myself (a very long time ago now, admittedly), it reminded me vividly and completely of the fear and trepidation felt over the littlest things, imagining the worst case scenarios and becoming a nervous wreck. Doubting yourself and your abilities as a parent. Always borrowing from friends and family to survive. But most importantly, always your child being your number one priority….always!!
I felt the utter terror, dread, fear, anxiousness and pure panic of Margo's situation, showing that a woman will do whatever it takes to protect her child. This story brings to light the lengths a parent will go to, the savage new heights she will reach to try and get her child back! A single Mothers determined fight against pure and savage insanity, to save her only child from a hellishly traumatic future. A true fight for survival, she uses her head cleverly to try and escape, and woe betide anyone who ever tries to come between her and her daughter, or to intimidate or harm her in any way. This experience has totally changed Margo's outlook on life, as it would anyone!
This is a short, fast-paced read that draws you in entirely, living Margo's nightmare right alongside her. It's an easy one sitting read, although I had to do it in two, because, you know, life!! Lots of action and tense build up from the beginning, jam packed, blood soaked, rage fuelled carnage…..a fiery tale of desperation, protection and determination!! I thought the situations, thoughts and feelings of the main character were all portrayed really well! Showing just how far a parent will go for their child!! 💜
July 25, 2023
Full reviews at https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/chr...
TRIAL RUN by Josh Davis
I had had my eyes on this one for a while and finally snagged the audiobook so I could get through it a bit faster and friends, I am glad I did.
Margo is a single mom to Tika, her 10 month old daughter. He friend, Rachel, asked her to housesit in a not so nice neighborhood, what could possibly go wrong? Not heeding the three omens she experienced on the way to Rachel’s will come back to haunt her… if she survives.
This gave me WARRIOR vibes for some reason and I loved it so much. Not to the extent of the movie but you will get it when you read it. Davis takes us on a splatter-y, human trafficking, gang turf drawing, vengeance fueled rollercoaster and holy shit was I all about it. Also, I’m a firm believer in omens so I was like, “Margo, you dumb bitch…”
A quick paced, bloody, stress filled read just waiting to be enjoyed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 5/5
TRIAL RUN by Josh Davis
I had had my eyes on this one for a while and finally snagged the audiobook so I could get through it a bit faster and friends, I am glad I did.
Margo is a single mom to Tika, her 10 month old daughter. He friend, Rachel, asked her to housesit in a not so nice neighborhood, what could possibly go wrong? Not heeding the three omens she experienced on the way to Rachel’s will come back to haunt her… if she survives.
This gave me WARRIOR vibes for some reason and I loved it so much. Not to the extent of the movie but you will get it when you read it. Davis takes us on a splatter-y, human trafficking, gang turf drawing, vengeance fueled rollercoaster and holy shit was I all about it. Also, I’m a firm believer in omens so I was like, “Margo, you dumb bitch…”
A quick paced, bloody, stress filled read just waiting to be enjoyed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 5/5
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews