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Black Bubbles
Fear doesn’t always knock. Sometimes it whispers, waits, and watches.
Step into twenty-one doorways you were never meant to open.
From shadowed corners of familiar streets to the silent depths of grief and guilt, Black Bubbles drifts between the ordinary and the horrifying with unsettling ease. Each story offers a new angle on fear—the slow creep, the sudden strike, the lingering aftertaste you can’t quite name. Whether it’s the quiet betrayal of a trusted face, the thing that moves just beyond the light, or the choices we make when no one’s looking, these tales will find their way under your skin.
You won’t know where the next chill will come from. Only that it will.
Black Bubbles is the first volume in the collected short fiction of Kelli Owen — a dark invitation to return for more.
Praise for Black Bubbles
“Double hell if Black Bubbles wasn't one of the most imaginative stories I've come across in some time.”
~ David Spell, The Scary Reviews
“It's rare that I'll give a collection of short stories 5 stars. There are nearly always one or two that don't work for one reason or another. Not the case here. Kelli Owen's Black Bubbles is filled with gems.”
~ Frank Errington, horror-web reviewer
“Black Bubbles is a large and varied collection... all with Owen's tremendous storytelling style.”
~ This Is Horror
Step into twenty-one doorways you were never meant to open.
From shadowed corners of familiar streets to the silent depths of grief and guilt, Black Bubbles drifts between the ordinary and the horrifying with unsettling ease. Each story offers a new angle on fear—the slow creep, the sudden strike, the lingering aftertaste you can’t quite name. Whether it’s the quiet betrayal of a trusted face, the thing that moves just beyond the light, or the choices we make when no one’s looking, these tales will find their way under your skin.
You won’t know where the next chill will come from. Only that it will.
Black Bubbles is the first volume in the collected short fiction of Kelli Owen — a dark invitation to return for more.
Praise for Black Bubbles
“Double hell if Black Bubbles wasn't one of the most imaginative stories I've come across in some time.”
~ David Spell, The Scary Reviews
“It's rare that I'll give a collection of short stories 5 stars. There are nearly always one or two that don't work for one reason or another. Not the case here. Kelli Owen's Black Bubbles is filled with gems.”
~ Frank Errington, horror-web reviewer
“Black Bubbles is a large and varied collection... all with Owen's tremendous storytelling style.”
~ This Is Horror
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Owen
52 books152 followersKelli Owen writes dark fiction, thrillers, and suspense that explore characters, consequences, and the uneasy shadows of everyday life. Her novels dig into psychological tension, while her short fiction has earned her a reputation for sharp, character-driven storytelling in bite-sized doses of dread.
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 26, 2023
This is an excellent collection of twenty-one horror stories, with an excellent range of theme, length, and character. I appreciated some of the ways that traditional tropes such as zombies, serial killers, and ghosts were examined in innovative fashion. My favorites were The Tin Box, a nifty twist on the things-left-behind riff, Good Enough, a unique serial killer tale, Spilled Milk, which was set in Brian Keene's Rising universe, and the titular Black Bubbles, a very different kind of apocalypse story. A most enjoyable read, with something different and unexpected in almost every piece.
May 17, 2012
It's rare that I'll give a collection of short stories 5 stars. There are nearly always one or two that don't work for one reason or another. Not the case here. Kelli Owen's Black Bubbles is filled with gems.
The prose is lyrical at times, allowing the reader to relish every word. While reading one story in the collection, I noted, it was as if Kelli was seeing things from the corner of her eye and getting those details down on the page.
There's a lot of variety in this collection, all with the intent to disturb or frighten the reader. In Shadow of Skepticism, a couple of paranormal investigators encounter more than they want to. There's also Kelli's first foray into the world of Zombies, with atypical results, in Feeding the Animals. It all wraps up with the title story, Black Bubbles, a totally original concept of what happens when too many children are taking meds for AD/HD and are no longer having nightmares.
I also really enjoyed Kelli's Notes after each short, where she would relate that story's inspiration.
If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you can read Black Bubbles for free as one of your monthly lending library selections. Even if you don't read it for free, it's well worth the price of admission for hours of good solid horror.
The prose is lyrical at times, allowing the reader to relish every word. While reading one story in the collection, I noted, it was as if Kelli was seeing things from the corner of her eye and getting those details down on the page.
There's a lot of variety in this collection, all with the intent to disturb or frighten the reader. In Shadow of Skepticism, a couple of paranormal investigators encounter more than they want to. There's also Kelli's first foray into the world of Zombies, with atypical results, in Feeding the Animals. It all wraps up with the title story, Black Bubbles, a totally original concept of what happens when too many children are taking meds for AD/HD and are no longer having nightmares.
I also really enjoyed Kelli's Notes after each short, where she would relate that story's inspiration.
If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you can read Black Bubbles for free as one of your monthly lending library selections. Even if you don't read it for free, it's well worth the price of admission for hours of good solid horror.
May 28, 2012
Thinking it would simplify my first reviewing task, I chose “Black Bubbles” a short story collection by Kelli Owen. I figured I could read a few stories per sitting, over the course of a few days. I could take my time, jot down take some notes on the stories and then formulate a concise review. The idea was sound, but once I started reading Black Bubbles, my plan changed.
Story after story, I was hooked and I couldn’t put the book down.
The collection contains 21 stories of differing themes. From ghosts to zombies, to serial killers and women scorned, Kelli’s stories touch on all kinds of scary things nightmares are made from. Through her descriptive storytelling, her words paint an easy-to-imagine picture in your mind’s eye, allowing you to follow her well-developed characters as they deal with their extraordinary situations. The lengths of the 21 tales vary from quick flash reads, 500 words long, (“The Rabbit” and “Brian Made Me Do It”), to full-length short stories (“Spell” and “How’s That Make You Feel?”). There’s even a “poetry-esque” free verse entitled “Shadows in a Bowl of Soup.”
Here are a few of the stories that stood out and deserve extra mention:
“The Worst intentions”: Patti and Debbie are the main characters in this short but intense story. The action begins almost immediately with a scene involving the two women and what should be ultimate terror, yet Kelli Owen paints an eerie picture of calm and serenity as they come to terms with their situation.
“Potential”: A story of secrets, loneliness, dating and death. The twists in this plot will keep the reader guessing throughout the story.
“Trials and Tribulations of Dr. Jekyll’s Third Cousin Twice Removed”: The title alone is enough to pique interest in the reader. The story is a humorous but disgusting account of what may happen when homemade acne cream comes with mutative side effects. “Trials and Tribulations… Removed” is easily the most horrific story in the collection.
“Black Bubbles”: The story after which the collection is named is the final story in the book. Henry is trying to stay alive, just like everyone else. The “Shadows”/black bubbles are like nothing anyone has ever seen before. Kelli walks us through a scary day-in-the-life-of-Henry and what could happen if our nightmares ever became real.
Black Bubbles is proof that some of the scariest tales are sometimes formed from the most mundane of ideas. The author’s notes included at the end of each chapter allow the reader a personal glimpse into the mind of the writer, as Kelli Owen takes a few moments to describe how the ideas for her stories came to be.
Kelli Owen has once again excelled in her ability to weave a story—or 21 of them—which will captivate the reader from start to finish. The variety of themes in Kelli’s storytelling ensures there is something to suit all tastes. Black Bubbles will please both the serious horror fan and the short story aficionado.
Story after story, I was hooked and I couldn’t put the book down.
The collection contains 21 stories of differing themes. From ghosts to zombies, to serial killers and women scorned, Kelli’s stories touch on all kinds of scary things nightmares are made from. Through her descriptive storytelling, her words paint an easy-to-imagine picture in your mind’s eye, allowing you to follow her well-developed characters as they deal with their extraordinary situations. The lengths of the 21 tales vary from quick flash reads, 500 words long, (“The Rabbit” and “Brian Made Me Do It”), to full-length short stories (“Spell” and “How’s That Make You Feel?”). There’s even a “poetry-esque” free verse entitled “Shadows in a Bowl of Soup.”
Here are a few of the stories that stood out and deserve extra mention:
“The Worst intentions”: Patti and Debbie are the main characters in this short but intense story. The action begins almost immediately with a scene involving the two women and what should be ultimate terror, yet Kelli Owen paints an eerie picture of calm and serenity as they come to terms with their situation.
“Potential”: A story of secrets, loneliness, dating and death. The twists in this plot will keep the reader guessing throughout the story.
“Trials and Tribulations of Dr. Jekyll’s Third Cousin Twice Removed”: The title alone is enough to pique interest in the reader. The story is a humorous but disgusting account of what may happen when homemade acne cream comes with mutative side effects. “Trials and Tribulations… Removed” is easily the most horrific story in the collection.
“Black Bubbles”: The story after which the collection is named is the final story in the book. Henry is trying to stay alive, just like everyone else. The “Shadows”/black bubbles are like nothing anyone has ever seen before. Kelli walks us through a scary day-in-the-life-of-Henry and what could happen if our nightmares ever became real.
Black Bubbles is proof that some of the scariest tales are sometimes formed from the most mundane of ideas. The author’s notes included at the end of each chapter allow the reader a personal glimpse into the mind of the writer, as Kelli Owen takes a few moments to describe how the ideas for her stories came to be.
Kelli Owen has once again excelled in her ability to weave a story—or 21 of them—which will captivate the reader from start to finish. The variety of themes in Kelli’s storytelling ensures there is something to suit all tastes. Black Bubbles will please both the serious horror fan and the short story aficionado.
January 11, 2013
Very good introduction to Kelli Owen's work. I loved this collection. I will be searching out more of her work. Superb story telling.
November 26, 2020
Double hell, I enjoyed this collection! There are so many great stories in Black Bubbles. Review can be read here ---> https://wp.me/p5t5Tf-1W5
Read
May 1, 2020The latest re-issue from Poltergeist Press is the story collection Black Bubbles, from author Kelli Owen. The book contains 21 stories, all complete with author notes, and if you’ve read my thoughts on collections/anthologies, you’ll know author’s notes at the end of a story have a way of winning me over. Usually Kelli’s are a few thoughtful words, a couple paragraphs at most, about the genesis of the story. Some are just fun, others gave a nice insight and enhanced my enjoyment of a particular piece. If you are someone who prefers to read a story and develop your interpretation, I will defend your right to do so, but I like to get inside the author’s head.
One could argue that inside the head of Kelli Owen is a scary place to be. No doubt, packed with information on serial killers, zombies, and a myriad of other nightmares, both human and not, that fill the pages of Black Bubbles. Like the majority of collections, there were stories that I enjoyed, whose cleverness left me with a smirk. There were some that didn’t resonate with me, but were written with the same flair present throughout, and just may be your cup of tea. There were others that will stick with me, long after this book nestles into its new home on my shelf.
Allow me to highlight a few stand-outs. The Tin Box is a solid choice for an opener, and it goes in a direction that I didn’t expect. That being said, after reading the other twenty stories, I might have been more prepared if it came later on in the collection. Brian Made Me Do It is a fun, fourth-wall breaking flash fiction piece, only enhanced by the story notes. Well worth the time of anyone complicit in this thing we call the horror community. Dig the Hole is a terrific story about domestic abuse and revenge. It’s also added a new phrase to my vernacular. How’s That Make You Feel? is Kelli Owen writing inside the mind of serial killers, a place that she seems to feel, if not comfortable, at least well-versed. No implications here.
Two stories stuck with me above all others, however. Spell is a tough one to read as a parent. Hell, I would imagine it’s tough to read not being a parent. Like in the recent work of Andrew Cull in Remains, the mixture of grief and horror is beautifully blended and captured in this story.
The final and titular story, Black Bubbles, is infinitely creative. The moment I recognized what was going on in the story, that twinge of jealousy that can only come from wishing you had thought of this idea, hit home. It’s dark, scary, semi-cosmic, it’s got brilliant social commentary regarding children and medication, and it’s oddly plausible.
This book was a pleasure to spread out over the course of a few weeks, reading a story or so a day. In order for a story collection to be able to unfold in this manner, every story has to have some redeeming value. Even the ones that aren’t up my alley are still written in a way that begs you to try the next one. There’s likely to be something that invites you in, or keeps you up at night. Why not both?
I was given an e-copy by the publisher for review consideration.
One could argue that inside the head of Kelli Owen is a scary place to be. No doubt, packed with information on serial killers, zombies, and a myriad of other nightmares, both human and not, that fill the pages of Black Bubbles. Like the majority of collections, there were stories that I enjoyed, whose cleverness left me with a smirk. There were some that didn’t resonate with me, but were written with the same flair present throughout, and just may be your cup of tea. There were others that will stick with me, long after this book nestles into its new home on my shelf.
Allow me to highlight a few stand-outs. The Tin Box is a solid choice for an opener, and it goes in a direction that I didn’t expect. That being said, after reading the other twenty stories, I might have been more prepared if it came later on in the collection. Brian Made Me Do It is a fun, fourth-wall breaking flash fiction piece, only enhanced by the story notes. Well worth the time of anyone complicit in this thing we call the horror community. Dig the Hole is a terrific story about domestic abuse and revenge. It’s also added a new phrase to my vernacular. How’s That Make You Feel? is Kelli Owen writing inside the mind of serial killers, a place that she seems to feel, if not comfortable, at least well-versed. No implications here.
Two stories stuck with me above all others, however. Spell is a tough one to read as a parent. Hell, I would imagine it’s tough to read not being a parent. Like in the recent work of Andrew Cull in Remains, the mixture of grief and horror is beautifully blended and captured in this story.
The final and titular story, Black Bubbles, is infinitely creative. The moment I recognized what was going on in the story, that twinge of jealousy that can only come from wishing you had thought of this idea, hit home. It’s dark, scary, semi-cosmic, it’s got brilliant social commentary regarding children and medication, and it’s oddly plausible.
This book was a pleasure to spread out over the course of a few weeks, reading a story or so a day. In order for a story collection to be able to unfold in this manner, every story has to have some redeeming value. Even the ones that aren’t up my alley are still written in a way that begs you to try the next one. There’s likely to be something that invites you in, or keeps you up at night. Why not both?
I was given an e-copy by the publisher for review consideration.
January 25, 2016
Although I'm not the biggest fan of short story collections when I was offered the chance to review this e-book from Kelli Owen I jumped at the chance. Having read two of her previous e-books (The Neighbourhood and Waiting Out Winter) I knew that it could be a good collection and I was not disappointed.
Within Black Bubbles are 21 short stories which are all easy to read and cover a good variety of topics ranging from the morbid and heartbreaking to the currently popular zombies, but what makes this collection different is that every tale is told in an original manner and there are plenty of twists and surprises which makes this a refreshing read in a world where there are plenty of good books easily available. It was because of this approach which led to me enjoying every story within the collection and that is something which is hard to achieve.
Table Of Contents:
Tin Box
Shadow of Skepticism
The Worst Intentions
Feeding the Animals
Potential
Brian Made Me Do It
The Rabbit
Crash and Burn
Grim Circumstances
Family Reunion
Shadows in a Bowl of Soup
Divorcing the Dead
Dig the Hole
Spell
How’s That Make You Feel?
Spring Thaw
Good Enough
Mercy’s Gasp
Trials and Tribulations of Dr Jekyll’s Third Cousin Twice Removed
Spilled Milk
Black Bubbles
So to sum things up; this is one very good collection of horror themed short stories which has been written in a way that allows for them to be consumed and enjoyed easily. The characters in each story are believable and helps turn this into a real page turner. If you've not read anything by Kelli Owen yet then now is a good chance to try her work.
Within Black Bubbles are 21 short stories which are all easy to read and cover a good variety of topics ranging from the morbid and heartbreaking to the currently popular zombies, but what makes this collection different is that every tale is told in an original manner and there are plenty of twists and surprises which makes this a refreshing read in a world where there are plenty of good books easily available. It was because of this approach which led to me enjoying every story within the collection and that is something which is hard to achieve.
Table Of Contents:
Tin Box
Shadow of Skepticism
The Worst Intentions
Feeding the Animals
Potential
Brian Made Me Do It
The Rabbit
Crash and Burn
Grim Circumstances
Family Reunion
Shadows in a Bowl of Soup
Divorcing the Dead
Dig the Hole
Spell
How’s That Make You Feel?
Spring Thaw
Good Enough
Mercy’s Gasp
Trials and Tribulations of Dr Jekyll’s Third Cousin Twice Removed
Spilled Milk
Black Bubbles
So to sum things up; this is one very good collection of horror themed short stories which has been written in a way that allows for them to be consumed and enjoyed easily. The characters in each story are believable and helps turn this into a real page turner. If you've not read anything by Kelli Owen yet then now is a good chance to try her work.
May 23, 2020
This review follows the Poltergeist Press reissue. --- It seems like most readers (that I follow) agree that collections are often hit or miss, due to how many stories included you liked or disliked. I'm on this page; it's not easy for me to love a collection, because usually there's a handful of stories I don't care about.
Black Bubbles was like this for me. However, Owen's writing always impressed, even when a story wasn't resonating for me. That is one reason I look on this collection more favorably.
Of the stories I enjoyed, quite a few of them struck me as wonderful previews to larger works. "Shadow of Skepticism," "Feeding the Animals," "Potential," "Family Reunion," and "Good Enough" all felt like they offered worlds worth exploring further.
I also found "The Rabbit" and "Shadows in a Bowl of Soup" to both work wonderfully as flash fiction pieces. "Divorcing the Dead" had a great emotional thread throughout it, and "Spilled Milk" made me want to look up the Brian Keene story Owen wrote this one to accompany.
Prior to this reissue, I didn't know Kelli Owen. I had a novella of hers that came in a Nightworms box, but I had yet to give it much thought. After reading Black Bubbles, I think I will now go ahead and move that book up my list - I'm interested in reading more of Kelli Owen.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher, Poltergeist Press, for review considerstion.
Official Website: www.aidenmerchant.com
(E) contact@aidenmerchant.com
Instagram @ Aidenmerchant.Official
Twitter @ AidenMerchant89
Black Bubbles was like this for me. However, Owen's writing always impressed, even when a story wasn't resonating for me. That is one reason I look on this collection more favorably.
Of the stories I enjoyed, quite a few of them struck me as wonderful previews to larger works. "Shadow of Skepticism," "Feeding the Animals," "Potential," "Family Reunion," and "Good Enough" all felt like they offered worlds worth exploring further.
I also found "The Rabbit" and "Shadows in a Bowl of Soup" to both work wonderfully as flash fiction pieces. "Divorcing the Dead" had a great emotional thread throughout it, and "Spilled Milk" made me want to look up the Brian Keene story Owen wrote this one to accompany.
Prior to this reissue, I didn't know Kelli Owen. I had a novella of hers that came in a Nightworms box, but I had yet to give it much thought. After reading Black Bubbles, I think I will now go ahead and move that book up my list - I'm interested in reading more of Kelli Owen.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher, Poltergeist Press, for review considerstion.
Official Website: www.aidenmerchant.com
(E) contact@aidenmerchant.com
Instagram @ Aidenmerchant.Official
Twitter @ AidenMerchant89
August 20, 2015
Excellent collection of a wide range of horror shorts. Everything's here. Ghosts, monsters, killers. Lots of originality in this book. The title story "Black Bubbles" was super creepy. "Trials and Tribulations of Dr. Jekyll’s Third Cousin Twice Removed" was gross and hysterical. I would love to see Kelli write another story in this humorous and horrific style. Check this book out!
May 23, 2012
Review forthcoming at The Crow's Caw.
July 21, 2013
Awesome compilation of spine tingling and mind probing short stories. This is a must-have for every horror reader's collection.
April 19, 2020
A great collection from Kelli Owen.
Standouts for me were: The Tin Box, Crash and Burn, and Black Bubbles.
Every story, I felt, had a great build to it, even though some of the endings I didn't care for, it kind of didn't matter. I was there for the ride. They were all wonderfully written.
Definitely recommend this collection.
And I'll definitely read more by Kelli Owen.
Solid 4 stars.
Standouts for me were: The Tin Box, Crash and Burn, and Black Bubbles.
Every story, I felt, had a great build to it, even though some of the endings I didn't care for, it kind of didn't matter. I was there for the ride. They were all wonderfully written.
Definitely recommend this collection.
And I'll definitely read more by Kelli Owen.
Solid 4 stars.
April 13, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was my first trip into a Kelli Owen book and I was no disappointed. The stories were enthralling and I found myself savoring them not wanting them to end. I took my time reading this because of the stories, re-reading some because they were that good. The way she makes characters jump off the pages in just a short amount of time captures your attention and leaves you craving the next story. The more I read the more I have decided I will be looking for her books from now on, knowing that she will leave me captivated with her story telling. Highly recommend!!
June 9, 2020
Black bubbles is a collection of short, dark and wonderful horror stories. Each story is perfectly formed and unique, featuring a host of subgenres. There are zombies, hidden horrors, strange realities and scientific horrors. I devoured the collection, unsure and excited to see what would unfold on the page with each story.
The tales vary from tightly knit flash fiction to longer short stories. Some of the offerings are tasty morsels, while others are satisfying meals.
Some of the highlights of the collection for me were:
The Tin Box – A story of family, hidden histores and buried secrets.
Feeding the Animals – An interesting take on love and the undead.
Grim Circumstances – A humourous take on the Grim Reaper.
Shadows in a Bowl of Soup – Dark and mesmerising poetry.
Divorcing the Dead – This story gives Till Death Do Us Part a whole new meaning.
Spring Thaw – Scarily realistic and chilling, the stuff of nightmares.
Good Enough – Jet black humour and serial killers.
Trials and Tribulations of Dr. Jekyll’s Third Cousin Once Removed – The title is an interesting as this gory and claustrophobic tale.
Spilled Milk – A zombie that had me screaming at the characters, wishing for a different ending.
Getting an insight into the inspiration behind each offering was a lovely treat. Inspiration can ignite from the most mundane activities and become something horrific and beautiful.
I loved the varying lengths and themes of Black Bubbles. All have horror elements and written in the author’s unique voice. To finish, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short story collection that veers towards the darker side of life.
The tales vary from tightly knit flash fiction to longer short stories. Some of the offerings are tasty morsels, while others are satisfying meals.
Some of the highlights of the collection for me were:
The Tin Box – A story of family, hidden histores and buried secrets.
Feeding the Animals – An interesting take on love and the undead.
Grim Circumstances – A humourous take on the Grim Reaper.
Shadows in a Bowl of Soup – Dark and mesmerising poetry.
Divorcing the Dead – This story gives Till Death Do Us Part a whole new meaning.
Spring Thaw – Scarily realistic and chilling, the stuff of nightmares.
Good Enough – Jet black humour and serial killers.
Trials and Tribulations of Dr. Jekyll’s Third Cousin Once Removed – The title is an interesting as this gory and claustrophobic tale.
Spilled Milk – A zombie that had me screaming at the characters, wishing for a different ending.
Getting an insight into the inspiration behind each offering was a lovely treat. Inspiration can ignite from the most mundane activities and become something horrific and beautiful.
I loved the varying lengths and themes of Black Bubbles. All have horror elements and written in the author’s unique voice. To finish, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short story collection that veers towards the darker side of life.
May 20, 2020
Black Bubbles by Kellie Owen covers a vast array of characters and a wide spectrum of horrific ideas. Her straight forward prose lays out each story with clarity and allows the reader to become fully enveloped in the actions and events the characters struggle through; no flowery language or hyperbole needed to state the terrors that lie within these stories.
Each tale is accompanied by a short paragraph of notes explaining where the concept came from which is fascinating for both readers and writers alike. For instance ‘The Tin Box’ which was birthed from the glimpse of a small trinket in an elderly relatives belongings that grows into a full blown story of dark secrets and violent ends, these notes give an extra layer to the collection that I certainly appreciated.
The titular story that rounds off this collection, as stated by the opening introduction from Thomas F. Monteleone, is indeed unique and unsettling. An idea I haven’t heard the likes of before and that you can glimpse a hint of on the cover for this edition though that hint does nothing to prepare you for the frightening end that this collection has.
Each tale is accompanied by a short paragraph of notes explaining where the concept came from which is fascinating for both readers and writers alike. For instance ‘The Tin Box’ which was birthed from the glimpse of a small trinket in an elderly relatives belongings that grows into a full blown story of dark secrets and violent ends, these notes give an extra layer to the collection that I certainly appreciated.
The titular story that rounds off this collection, as stated by the opening introduction from Thomas F. Monteleone, is indeed unique and unsettling. An idea I haven’t heard the likes of before and that you can glimpse a hint of on the cover for this edition though that hint does nothing to prepare you for the frightening end that this collection has.
April 24, 2012
Kelli Owen joined my list of "authors to watch" a few years ago, but quickly climbed to the top of my "most anticipated authors" list from there.
Every time she releases something new, I stop what I am currently reading in favor of her latest. Black Bubbles is no exception.
While her novel-length stories (such as Six Days) are incredibly compelling, she absolutely excels at short fiction. That's not to say that her longer writing isn't as good...it most definitely is. But Kelli has the ability to tell a complete story in her short fiction; a talent that a lot of authors struggle with. Each story in this collection can last for either 5 pages or 30. No matter their length, Kelli draws you into them, and manages to create a complete world for every single one. If you're not reading Kelli Owen, you should be.
Every time she releases something new, I stop what I am currently reading in favor of her latest. Black Bubbles is no exception.
While her novel-length stories (such as Six Days) are incredibly compelling, she absolutely excels at short fiction. That's not to say that her longer writing isn't as good...it most definitely is. But Kelli has the ability to tell a complete story in her short fiction; a talent that a lot of authors struggle with. Each story in this collection can last for either 5 pages or 30. No matter their length, Kelli draws you into them, and manages to create a complete world for every single one. If you're not reading Kelli Owen, you should be.
February 20, 2016
This is a perfectly entitled volume of stories, beautifully produced in hardback by Thunderstorm Books. Each tale within is a fragile, slightly hypnotic thing that’s compelling while it’s floating in front of you, but quickly forgotten when it’s gone. There’s little depth, and if you poke the structure of each story too hard in search for something beneath the glistening surface then you’re going to be left with nothing at all. Owen constructs these stories like a fast-talking comedian rattling off tidy jokes, setting them up, nailing a punchline, and moving on. A diverting, palate-cleansing sort of read.
December 25, 2015
Wonderfully scary!!!
Character driven horror as only Kellie Owen can provide. So many "what if" scenarios. And the writing...top notch! Real edge of your seat page turning. I loved them all.
Character driven horror as only Kellie Owen can provide. So many "what if" scenarios. And the writing...top notch! Real edge of your seat page turning. I loved them all.
November 23, 2020
The title story is amazing. I picked this collection up because I really loved Owen’s story in the Dark Highways collection: Jim’s Eats. There are some great gems in here but by far the best is Black Bubbles.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed all of the stories in this collection. Here you will find zombies, ghosts, body horror, and haunted pasts. The stories are humorous, horrific, and unsettling. Well worth a read (or two).
October 6, 2020
Black Bubbles is on my list of top books I've read in 2020. I simply loved every story. Kelli has a way of getting under your skin with stories that just stick with you. There are 21 stories in this collection and a little note explaining how they came to be, at the end of each.
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