Fast Down

by James Field

You can find the alternate cover edition here.


if you suffer from elevator phobia, do not read!

15 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2013

About the author

Hello, fellow book lovers,

I’m James Field — reader, writer, and lifelong lover of stories.

I write quietly unsettling fiction with a wry edge, where ordinary people find themselves in situations that don’t quite make sense.

I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, (link opens StoryOrigin) Strange Encounters, with readers who choose to join my newsletter.

Born and bred in England, I spent much of my working life in automation engineering before life took an unexpected — and very welcome — turn north. I married a Norwegian lass and have lived for the past thirty-five years in Norway, much of that time in the Arctic regions, whose landscapes and light have quietly worked their way into my imagination.

Now that I’m a pensioner, I finally have the time to read widely and write steadily. Alongside science fiction and fantasy, I’m increasingly drawn to books that explore the human condition — philosophical, spiritual, and occasionally uncomfortable ones included.

One author who has always fascinated me is Roald Dahl — his adult stories are mischievous, imaginative, and far darker than he’s often given credit for. That mixture of playfulness and edge has stayed with me.

On Goodreads, I’m here first and foremost as a reader. I enjoy thoughtful discussion, honest reviews, and the slow discovery of books I’d never have found on my own. If that sounds like your sort of thing, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths.

Warm wishes,
James

Reviews

[Michael Gardner]

Don’t be fooled by the innocent premise. What starts out as a seaside family holiday in an old hotel turns into a rather scary tale with an almost poetic finish. Not recommended for people who are afraid of riding in elevators! Especially old elevators in a state of disrepair! For everyone else, this is a thoroughly enjoyable short story with a tasty twist.

[Helen Ewers]

A great little story, Granddad is the star of this - ever the optimist and only wanting his family to have a wonderful holiday. Shame it doesn't go as planned!

[Wilde Sky]

A grandfather takes his family (including ten-year old grandson) to a run-down hotel, where he stayed as a boy. Everything in the hotel is old and faulty. The grandfather and grandson work together to try and fix things. But will the family survive the ropey old elevator?

This story is enjoyable and has a satisfying twist at the end. If you’ve ever stayed in an old hotel you’ll recognise many of the scenes of faulty appliances / dodgy lifts / etc.

[Sasha]

a really fast pace short read that had me on my foots Seriously. i was a bit mad that it ended but that's what you get with a short read. you jump, get scared and then its over. but this one will stay with me for awhile. i will definitely think twice before getting myself into any type of elevator.

[Ceanne]

Funny! 3.5 stars