Fragments

by James Forrest

"Fragments" contains 18 uncompromising stories from James Forrest, the author of "Believers."

A murderer stalks a city's streets, killing at will. The press has nicknamed the killer The Vampire ... A group of men plan a bloody act of revenge against a gangland family .... A man wakes up in a military hospital, infected with a deadly disease .... A woman contemplates her violent marriage, and confronts the awful truth about the man she thought she knew .... A hostage taker makes a shocking, and unexpected, demand ... A burglar, caught in the act, is given a terrifying choice ...

"Fragments" is a dark, violent, blackly funny look at the darkness in all of us.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2013

About the author

My name is James Forrest, and I'm the writer of Fragments, a book of stories, many of which are set in my own home town of Glasgow.

My book can be found here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...

I am currently editing my first novel, "Believers" with a view to publishing it soon, and I am also busy writing my next novel, "A Pocket Full of Posies", which should be finished by the end of April.

I have been writing for years, on a variety of subjects, most notably Scottish Football. I am the editor of a blog called On Fields of Green, which I hope to turn into a site which explores the game in Scotland from the grassroots to the national team.

I am a passionate Celtic and Scotland supporter, and have written for a number of Celtic fan publications and blogs, and I'm currently assistant editor and co-publisher of the Famous Tartan Army Magazine.

I love to read. I am a firm believer in Story Story Story, above all else. I hope that comes across in my work.

Reviews

[Marieanne Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fragments is a tantalising taste of dark characters. An exploration of the ordinary, the extraordinary and the surreal in very ordinary settings. Like King's Nightshift or Welshes Acid House, Forrest provides a literary tapas with wit, political, psychological, cultural and sociological insight in a readable and engaging manner. 'Dead Dark' is the literary equivalent of the opening credit explosion in Die Hard with a vengeance. Boom, and Forrest has our attention.
For the Glaswegian reader, the landmarks are terrifyingly familiar, however if 'The Dictator' is any gauge, one does not have to be a native of the setting to enjoy and appreciate the storytelling in Fragments.
A debut to be proud of. My only complaint would be that, as with all engaging collections of short stories, I am now left wanting more.

[John Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series of short stories that explore the darkest recesses of the human mind. Definitely not for the faint hearted it is brilliantly written and has some very humurous moments (thirty quid) and some touchingly poignant writing about the religous divides that still continue to trouble the city of Glasgow. If you like books that headbutt you full in the face, then this is for you.