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The Mutilation Machination
A collection of eight tales that delve into the darker side of human nature. What happens when a sex doll malfunctions? Sit back and listen to an orchestra with a difference. Sometimes self help can work too well. A boy who brings dead things back to life. And what happens when the devil moves in next door? Now sit back and enter a world of nightmare and illusion.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2012
11 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Shaun Jeffrey
26 books182 followersShaun Jeffrey was brought up in a house in a cemetery, so it was only natural for his prose to stray towards the dark side when he started writing. He has had five novels published, The Kult, Killers, Evilution, Fangtooth and Deadfall, and one collection of short stories, Voyeurs of Death. He has also had over 40 short stories published in places such as Dark Discoveries and Cemetery Dance. His novel The Kult was optioned for film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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September 17, 2015Look at that cover.
August 11, 2014
The Algae- This is my second favorite in the collection but not by much. This one and Clockwork were my favorites and I had a hard time deciding which one I enjoyed more. This story was all over the place in the essence that it had many strong plot points it could’ve worked from. I actually would’ve paid to read a full length novel of this story. Algae that is spreading itself through the use of A.I. sex dolls; a very interesting premise.
Sweet Music- Superbly gruesome! I can’t really say anything about this story without giving the entire thing away but I’m going to out myself as the freak that I am and say, I’d most likely be one of those people that would pay to see this. Very disturbing and grotesque but at the same time I loved the dark beauty behind it.
Not So Different- This story was seriously messed up! But I really enjoyed it. It was a psychologically demented story and I loved the twist at the end. Knowing someone’s name gives you power over them…indeed.
Phantasmagoria- My least favorite in the collection because I just thought it was boring. I really liked the idea of the story but I just had a hard time with having no idea what the story was or was about until the last paragraph of the story. By the time the “twist” came up, I was already moving along to the next story.
The Mutilation Machination- This story was a little confusing but not really to the point that it made any difference on the story. In all honesty this story almost made me cry. The descriptions were breathtaking and I could easily see this whole story playing out in my head like so many steampunk stories I love so much. Heartbreaking, disturbing and darkly beautiful; I loved it!
Clockwork- All I can say about this one is that it was my favorite. The arch that the MC Alex takes is very interesting. Both for the logistics of the experiments he is doing from the first to the last; and the psychological changes that subtly take over the more he allows himself to submit to his interests.
The Neighbors from Hell- This was my 2nd to least favorite in the collection. It was ok but really I thought the neighbors were just annoying as hell (pun not intended) and so I didn’t like it. I thought it rather boring.
In Darkness- This story tied for my 2nd favorite. This was a very interesting story given that it was told entirely through the POV of a blind person. I liked that there was kind of a spiritual/paranormal feel to it but that it didn’t go overboard where those themes were concerned. The character has recognized that the universe is always trying to speak to us in a myriad of ways and due to her lack of sight; she has become very interconnected and interwoven with the universe’s messages. I liked the eerie feeling that was left over when the story was done because you’re not really given any context as to why particular words are showing up for the MC with regards to her “love” interest. We never really know why these descriptors are used and the love interest doesn’t give us (the readers) any reason to feel the same way the MC does. It freaked me out a little bit to think about being in the MC’s shoes and not having any idea what the messages I was receiving were referring to.
Anyway, a great collection. I will look forward to reading more work by this author.
Sweet Music- Superbly gruesome! I can’t really say anything about this story without giving the entire thing away but I’m going to out myself as the freak that I am and say, I’d most likely be one of those people that would pay to see this. Very disturbing and grotesque but at the same time I loved the dark beauty behind it.
Not So Different- This story was seriously messed up! But I really enjoyed it. It was a psychologically demented story and I loved the twist at the end. Knowing someone’s name gives you power over them…indeed.
Phantasmagoria- My least favorite in the collection because I just thought it was boring. I really liked the idea of the story but I just had a hard time with having no idea what the story was or was about until the last paragraph of the story. By the time the “twist” came up, I was already moving along to the next story.
The Mutilation Machination- This story was a little confusing but not really to the point that it made any difference on the story. In all honesty this story almost made me cry. The descriptions were breathtaking and I could easily see this whole story playing out in my head like so many steampunk stories I love so much. Heartbreaking, disturbing and darkly beautiful; I loved it!
Clockwork- All I can say about this one is that it was my favorite. The arch that the MC Alex takes is very interesting. Both for the logistics of the experiments he is doing from the first to the last; and the psychological changes that subtly take over the more he allows himself to submit to his interests.
The Neighbors from Hell- This was my 2nd to least favorite in the collection. It was ok but really I thought the neighbors were just annoying as hell (pun not intended) and so I didn’t like it. I thought it rather boring.
In Darkness- This story tied for my 2nd favorite. This was a very interesting story given that it was told entirely through the POV of a blind person. I liked that there was kind of a spiritual/paranormal feel to it but that it didn’t go overboard where those themes were concerned. The character has recognized that the universe is always trying to speak to us in a myriad of ways and due to her lack of sight; she has become very interconnected and interwoven with the universe’s messages. I liked the eerie feeling that was left over when the story was done because you’re not really given any context as to why particular words are showing up for the MC with regards to her “love” interest. We never really know why these descriptors are used and the love interest doesn’t give us (the readers) any reason to feel the same way the MC does. It freaked me out a little bit to think about being in the MC’s shoes and not having any idea what the messages I was receiving were referring to.
Anyway, a great collection. I will look forward to reading more work by this author.
February 24, 2013
Eight short stories by a gifted writer, ranging from malfunctioning sex dolls, to a blind woman reading the signs of danger in everyday life, even to the devil Himself moving in next door. Here you will find horror and illusion, stories that will make you think.
There are eight short tales included in The Mutilation Machination by Shaun Jeffrey, and while not all of these are the strongest work by this author the majority of them produce enough of a punch to make them enjoyable and entertaining.
Although perhaps the shortest story in the collection, Sweet Music was one of my favorites, and Clockwork and In Darkness were right up there as the pinnacle stories in this book. Not so Different contains great characters, something missing from much short fiction, and its ending is pretty damn good.
Yeah, okay, you could find better work from Shaun Jeffrey out there, but if you’re looking for an example of this author’s well-crafted engaging prose then you wouldn’t be making a mistake buying this book.
There are eight short tales included in The Mutilation Machination by Shaun Jeffrey, and while not all of these are the strongest work by this author the majority of them produce enough of a punch to make them enjoyable and entertaining.
Although perhaps the shortest story in the collection, Sweet Music was one of my favorites, and Clockwork and In Darkness were right up there as the pinnacle stories in this book. Not so Different contains great characters, something missing from much short fiction, and its ending is pretty damn good.
Yeah, okay, you could find better work from Shaun Jeffrey out there, but if you’re looking for an example of this author’s well-crafted engaging prose then you wouldn’t be making a mistake buying this book.
October 15, 2012
This book of short stories is delightfully dark. All of the stories are sinister and most of them work very well indeed.
The author has thought up some very imaginative ideas, and I am slightly afraid of how his brain works! I raced through the book, each story wanting me to read the next. If you like your short stories chilling and very dark, this book is for you. You won't find much joy here!
The only story that I didn't get on with was the title story. It was well-written, as with the rest of the book, but it was too removed from reality for my taste; it left me cold in the end. However, I fully enjoyed the other stories and it's well worth a look if you like your stories dark and murky!
The author has thought up some very imaginative ideas, and I am slightly afraid of how his brain works! I raced through the book, each story wanting me to read the next. If you like your short stories chilling and very dark, this book is for you. You won't find much joy here!
The only story that I didn't get on with was the title story. It was well-written, as with the rest of the book, but it was too removed from reality for my taste; it left me cold in the end. However, I fully enjoyed the other stories and it's well worth a look if you like your stories dark and murky!
March 6, 2012
Mr Jeffrey you have a sick and twisted mind. Love it!
The collection of chilling, thought provoking short tales will have you switching all the lights on while you read. I certainly couldn't read this at night lol
I loved all the stories but couldn't quite get my head around the title tale, The Mutilation Machination. I understand what you were trying to portray but it's didn't quite work for me and it seemed like a totally different writing style to what you normally use.
Saying that. This is one of the best collection of horror shorts I have read. Thanks for entertaining me.
The collection of chilling, thought provoking short tales will have you switching all the lights on while you read. I certainly couldn't read this at night lol
I loved all the stories but couldn't quite get my head around the title tale, The Mutilation Machination. I understand what you were trying to portray but it's didn't quite work for me and it seemed like a totally different writing style to what you normally use.
Saying that. This is one of the best collection of horror shorts I have read. Thanks for entertaining me.
August 30, 2012
Some creepy tales from an author who grew up near a cemetary so who else to know what lurks the darkside. From an algae discovered and used for an escort service like no other, a passenger that has a very sick mind and tales with torture and blood Shaun Jeffrey I will be looking out more of his work.
Two of my favorites was Clockwork a tale about a man that tinkering with dead things becomes a hobby and useful. A passenger who makes a man Daniel live a day he will never forget, sex, blood and death-refic.
Horror shorts your Kindle wants you to read. Shaun Jeffrey is a man of creepy.
Two of my favorites was Clockwork a tale about a man that tinkering with dead things becomes a hobby and useful. A passenger who makes a man Daniel live a day he will never forget, sex, blood and death-refic.
Horror shorts your Kindle wants you to read. Shaun Jeffrey is a man of creepy.
July 11, 2013
This was listed in the free section so I thought what the hell, I'd give it a whirl. This book is comprised of several short stories, some of which had potential, but others left me scratching my head. Clockwork seems to be everyone's fave. I started out liking In Darkness but...meh, it just left me hangin' much like the other stories.
December 31, 2013
A collection of short stories that differ from each other immensely. From the unnerving 'The Algae' to the chilling 'In Darkness', each tale envelopes you instantly, no faffing around with info-dumping here.
Shaun Jeffrey has the ability to drag the reader into the story, either kicking and screaming or at their own free will, this means however that every dark moment is intensified. There are some lovely turns of phrase within the text, things like, 'The walls either side of the entrance were daubed with the modern day hieroglyphics of graffiti artists'. and 'its limbs moving with the stiffness of a soldier on parade'. These may be short stories but they are well thought out and concisely written by an author who makes every word matter.
This isn't your Koontz, King, Hutson generic horror, this is cleverly manufactured and highly articulated horror, no need for a gore-fest with Jeffrey, he'll meddle with your imagination and leave you open-mouthed at the end of each tale. There are moments when you think you have second guessed the author only for him to prove you wrong, leaving you asking questions of yourself and your own innermost thoughts.
My favourite phrase in the book, is such a clever piece of writing that this alone should make you want to download this today, 'He laughed. It sounded like explosions going off in his throat'.
Shaun Jeffrey has the ability to drag the reader into the story, either kicking and screaming or at their own free will, this means however that every dark moment is intensified. There are some lovely turns of phrase within the text, things like, 'The walls either side of the entrance were daubed with the modern day hieroglyphics of graffiti artists'. and 'its limbs moving with the stiffness of a soldier on parade'. These may be short stories but they are well thought out and concisely written by an author who makes every word matter.
This isn't your Koontz, King, Hutson generic horror, this is cleverly manufactured and highly articulated horror, no need for a gore-fest with Jeffrey, he'll meddle with your imagination and leave you open-mouthed at the end of each tale. There are moments when you think you have second guessed the author only for him to prove you wrong, leaving you asking questions of yourself and your own innermost thoughts.
My favourite phrase in the book, is such a clever piece of writing that this alone should make you want to download this today, 'He laughed. It sounded like explosions going off in his throat'.
March 1, 2012
Another set of excellent short stories from Shaun Jeffrey. I really liked the first collection, Voyeurs of Death, so I was not disappointed to find that The Mutilation Machination follows the same path and brings more strange and weird and dark and unusual stories to the reader.
As usual, they're written in a way that will immerse you into the story right away, and as a reader you'll never really know what's coming next.
Can't help but feeling like it's too short though ! Must mean I'm hooked, keep wanting more and more and it's never enough !
Totally recommended !
As usual, they're written in a way that will immerse you into the story right away, and as a reader you'll never really know what's coming next.
Can't help but feeling like it's too short though ! Must mean I'm hooked, keep wanting more and more and it's never enough !
Totally recommended !
July 28, 2012
This is an anthology of 8 short stories. There is a theme of the darkness of the human soul running through them.
These were really creepy. The author does a good job of making you look over your shoulder as you read them! One or two of them had me scratching my head a bit, but this did not lessen my enjoyment of them any. On the whole it was an enjoyable romp through the darkness of the author's mind! I totally recommend this anthology but say don't read them on your own or in the dark as you may find yourself seriously freaked out, as I did!
These were really creepy. The author does a good job of making you look over your shoulder as you read them! One or two of them had me scratching my head a bit, but this did not lessen my enjoyment of them any. On the whole it was an enjoyable romp through the darkness of the author's mind! I totally recommend this anthology but say don't read them on your own or in the dark as you may find yourself seriously freaked out, as I did!
March 31, 2012
First of all, these stories were good. Not really spine-chillingly scary, but good. Except for the Mutilation Machination..I actually skipped that as the first few pages didn't interest me and it was just way too strange.
I didn't entirely understand the last story, and I was left wanting more.
Not So Different was very smart, I loved it. Definitely recommended!
I didn't entirely understand the last story, and I was left wanting more.
Not So Different was very smart, I loved it. Definitely recommended!
February 25, 2012
Another sublime collection of creepy, thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable short stories by Shaun Jeffery. Again, many scenes that he conjures through his words will long remain with me. Highly recommended.
March 7, 2012
If you like your stories to be dark and twisty then this is a collection of short stories that you MUST READ! Each story was gripping, disturbing and unpredictable I loved every bit of them.
Tim Burton eat your heart out.
Tim Burton eat your heart out.
March 17, 2012
This was a wonderful compilation of short stories that keep you interested until the very end. I love to read stories where the endings are unpredictable and Mr. Jeffrey certainly delivers. I will definately be reading more work from this author.
June 10, 2012
A great collection of dark and twisty short stories. Despite this not being a genre I have read much I found that I really enjoyed this collection. I will definitely be reading more from Shaun Jeffrey
March 8, 2012
I love horror short story collections and this one from Shaun Jeffrey is highly recommended. I especially enjoyed Clockwork.
March 3, 2012
A nice little collection of not-so-nice stories.
The only one I didn't enjoy was the title tale.
The only one I didn't enjoy was the title tale.
August 10, 2012
Gristly and gruesome, Shaun Jeffery is a voice to watch out for in horror. I loved this book!
September 6, 2012
Weird tales that have the twist at the end that science fiction lovers love. I like the contemporary settings, and the New School science. Well-written, suspenseful and fun. I am a new fan!
April 3, 2018
This wa a short (63 pages) collection of short stories. Some of these quick tales had decent premises, but some seemed to be just filler. Overall, just a meh read.
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My Rating: 2.5/5 stars
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My Rating: 2.5/5 stars
December 30, 2019
Great!
I loved it. And can't wait to read more. Also, couldn't imagine living where you did. It's interesting though. :)
I loved it. And can't wait to read more. Also, couldn't imagine living where you did. It's interesting though. :)
August 21, 2012
This is quite a short book containing 8 shorts, so some are very short. I'm not really a big fan of shorts, but was drawn to this because of the cover!!
The first story made me want to read more, but I did feel a bit disappointed with some of them. There were some that had the potential to be longer stories, and if they were made longer, I would definitely read them. I did like the way some ended on a slight cliffhanger, leaving it up to the reader to decide what would happen next.
I can definitely see influences of authors such as Clive Barker and Stephen King in this collection, and I would read more.
The first story made me want to read more, but I did feel a bit disappointed with some of them. There were some that had the potential to be longer stories, and if they were made longer, I would definitely read them. I did like the way some ended on a slight cliffhanger, leaving it up to the reader to decide what would happen next.
I can definitely see influences of authors such as Clive Barker and Stephen King in this collection, and I would read more.
October 5, 2015
Blurb:
A collection of eight tales that delve into the darker side of human nature. What happens when a sex doll malfunctions? Sit back and listen to an orchestra with a difference. Sometimes self help can work too well. A boy who brings dead things back to life. And what happens when the devil moves in next door? Now sit back and enter a world of nightmare and illusion.
I am not normally a cover whore, however how can't you want to buy this book, look at the damn cover. The cover had me on the edge before I even read the first line of the book and I have to say that these tales will not disappoint. They are just as good as the cover.
A collection of eight tales that delve into the darker side of human nature. What happens when a sex doll malfunctions? Sit back and listen to an orchestra with a difference. Sometimes self help can work too well. A boy who brings dead things back to life. And what happens when the devil moves in next door? Now sit back and enter a world of nightmare and illusion.
I am not normally a cover whore, however how can't you want to buy this book, look at the damn cover. The cover had me on the edge before I even read the first line of the book and I have to say that these tales will not disappoint. They are just as good as the cover.
June 11, 2013
You get what you paid for. I paid $0.99. I was very entertained for that much money but its hard not to be. The stories themselves are conceptually interesting but the writing is clumsy and repetitive (I lost count of the number of times characters asked themselves if they were insane). I all honesty, I read it because it was on a long list of things I purchased from Amazon in one go, before realizing I didn't really want to read any of them. Certainly a fun 45 minutes, but I will now never think about any of this again.
April 2, 2012
I'm not sure this is the genre for me. I enjoy horror, generally speaking, but I need to feel engaged, rather than a voyeur. I like to have that chill breath on the back of my neck that makes me think, 'Could this really happen?' If it could, it's truly horrific. I only felt this with 'Clockwork' from this collection.
May 4, 2012
I really wanted to like these stories - but I couldn't. Some great ideas but I think some could have been fleshed out a bit more. The title story was very confusing so I skipped that after a few pages, I liked Clockwork though, I think I'll try one of the authors novels, I don't think me and short stories get on as I feel I'm missing out on a decent storyline.
November 29, 2014
This author is good, however this collection of short stories simply leave me feeling unsatisfied and wanting to know more. It's as if someone handed me a book of stories with the parts of the stories ripped out :-( I think most of the stories would have been better if developed further into novellas.
Having said that, please note I think the author is very good and can pen a gripping story.
Having said that, please note I think the author is very good and can pen a gripping story.
May 13, 2013
Great collection of stories.I have only read one story in this collection before I picked this ebook up.Very impressive writer.Some of the stories are very dark and others not so much but leave a punch. I highly recommend this book.
July 13, 2015
This collection has hints of the twilight Zone and Tales of the unexpected, and whilst the concept of some of them are ok , the finished articles are lacking and sometimes clumsy. It was a freebie so really I shouldn't complain but I found the tales unsatisfying
June 2, 2012
A few clever concepts let down by short stories that are entirely too short, nestled inside a few other stories that think they're more clever than they really are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews