Cranium

by Lee Scarratt

Ever wondered what it’s like to be in someone else’s head? Dive into the deep depths of my adventurous dreams, vivid and sometimes frightening imagination and the unusual workings of my brain. Wander inquisitively through the first half of this book with short stories involving a curious silhouetted man drenched in rain, a malicious warlock that transforms a woodsman, and a mysterious vintage word processor with deadly consequences. Meanwhile, a ghostly house with a mysterious atmosphere gets shaken down to its very foundations….and exposes its hidden depth.

Then prepare in the second half to be thrown head first into the whirlwind story where two strangers who are unaware but inexplicably linked try to beat the trepidation, overcome the terrifying truth and escape plunging into the abyss of insanity. The darkness is upon them, but are they willing to make that final decision, take that final step and walk into the unknown? Join me now and see where your imagination takes you.

196 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2013

About the author

Born in Reading, UK.

Educated in Law at Southampton Solent University and Guildford College of Law.

Singer, Song Writer, Story teller, Author, Designer, Lawyer, Adrenalin junkie & Tea Drinker.

Reviews

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review from dwjjones1.blogspot.co.uk

Review:


This was read as part of my 2014 Goodreads.com reading challenge.

I also received this copy for free from the author, in a Goodreads.com give-away and had promised a fair and honest review.

This book is rather different from anything I have read previously. Written in almost blog style, it is a series of short stories, poems and musings. Some are a lot darker than others. Personal favourites are "No Knowledge Needed" about a computer that changes the world around you depending on what you type into its word processor, "The Butterfly Complex" a short one page poem about a dream of being a butterfly and "The Ascension" the books outstanding short novel about two people intertwined in a dark tale of the afterlife.

I sat and read this book in one sitting. To be honest I had started it, stopped after 2 or 3 pages and headed up to my local library as I didn't want any distractions and it seemed the place I would get the most peace. It is a wonderful collection of different stories and I cannot recommend it enough.

It's not a book I would have normally picked up to read as my experience with short stories ended with the casebooks of Sherlock Holmes, however, since reading this I have been looking for more books with short stories.

10 out of 10.

[Celia Conrad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway a few weeks ago and was delighted to be given the opportunity to read it.

The blurb on the back of the book states, 'Ever wondered what it's like to be in someone else's head?' This is what it actually felt like reading the book which is a collection of short stories and verse. Lee writes with a stream of consciousness as if he has written down exactly what is in his dreams. My personal view, and I emphasize that this is my personal view, because whether we like someone's book or not depends in many ways upon our own personal preferences and is therefore subjective, is that some editorial input is needed to tighten up the text. There are also quite a few instances in the book where the tenses change within the same sentence and I just didn't think it flowed as well as it could - but then of course if this is from the author's stream of consciousness then that may explain it.

Lee certainly has a vivid imagination and his own style and I think he has a talent for writing verse. I really liked 'Lights' and '500 Days of Summer' and I really hope he writes more verse very soon.

[Abbie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book as it was in a short story format which I've never read before but I can assure you it doesn't disappoint. From romance to horror this book covers all genres and is exceptionally well written and a fantastic read. Already recommended it to some work colleagues who are intending to read it. Couldn't put it down and read it within a week. What a brilliant new author! Highly recommend. Oh "The Basement" "The Ascension" and "The Glowing Ball" are my favourites.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time positively flew by whilst reading this book. More than once I lost myself in it and had to force myself to put it down before running late. The pastiche of content made for a highly interesting and gripping read, and I loved the selection of photographs and quotes. As a whole I thought the book had an eerie, dark and philosophical feel. An excellent structure, order, and balance of content has been achieved and it therefore flowed really well. I'm very much looking forward to further work from this author. A must read!

[Emma Corke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. To be honest, I am not normally a fan of books in a short story structure, but this book is something different. This books vaults through different genres, covering fairy tale, love, despair, humour and terror. As cliched as this sounds, there really is something for everyone. My personal highlights are The Ascension, The Timekeepers, Photographs Which Caught My Attention and The Midnight Woman. Highly recommended (and I am only just a tiny bit bias).

[Rhiannon Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! The range of short stories really keep you engrossed in the book and interested in the characters. The writing style flows easily, dipping into various genres from suspense horror to Grimm style fairy tales provoking vivid imagery when reading. Particular favourites include The Time Keepers, The Fortress and The Basement.