12 Hours

Selected Papers from the Consortium for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena #2

by L. Marie Wood

The cabbie only remembers taking a break, pulling over in an alley to catch both his breath and the sunrise. His windshield shatters, and two people dash away. He tries to scream, to move, but his neck won’t turn. He can only stare at the cab’s dirty ceiling. Finally, a deliveryman calls the cops. Surely, they’ll arrive soon, but we’re pinned in place right along with him as he tries to puzzle it all out.

In this second installment of the CSAP novella series, award-winning author L. Marie Wood uses her descriptive powers to bring us fully into one incident in a person’s life, and hold us there, transfixed, until we see it all, crystal clear.

Genres: Horror

80 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 2024

About the author

L. Marie Wood is an award-winning author and screenwriter. She is the recipient of the Golden Stake Award for her novel The Promise Keeper, as well as the Harold L. Brown Award for her screenplay Home Party. Her short story, "The Ever After" is part of the Bram Stoker Award Finalist anthology Sycorax's Daughters. Wood was recognized in The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror, Vol. 15 and as one of the 100+ Black Women in Horror Fiction. Wood holds an MFA in Speculative Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University and serves as the Director of Curricula for the Diverse Writers and Artists of Speculative Fiction (DWASF.org). She is also the Director of the horror track for MultiverseCon.

Visit lmariewood.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Gyalten Lekden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This dark little story is one filled with heart and humanity. The writing itself goes on a journey, being an intimate first-person POV from a character that doesn’t know what is going on and then goes through a whole range of feelings about it once they figure it out. As he goes from frustrated to frantic with a dozen of other stops on the way the writing reflects that, really letting the reader go on the journey, too. In even such a short novella with a limited narrative scope we manage to get an interesting and rounded portrait of our main character, he feels human and flawed and complete, and we develop that experience of him through his memories and his hopes and his fears and everything else we share with him in this journey. The other thing to say is that if you read the synopsis and feel like you already know “the twist” don’t let that fool you into not picking this up. The audience learns about the main character’s situation before he does, giving a strong moment of empathy for this character, but he also clues in to the situation pretty quickly… It isn’t a twist, but rather the foundation for the exploration of what it means to live and be human. There isn’t too much else to say except that the novella is fast-paced and fun, a one-session read, and yet it brings up some weighty ideas that can linger after you put it down.

(Rounded from 3.5)

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cabbie has had a slow night so he decides right before sunrise to take a break maybe have a little nap or go get a coffee but definitely it’s time for a break. After pulling in the alley he doesn’t even know how it happened but a guy with a balaclava is on top of him holding him down his window is broken and before he knows it they’re running away. He knows his neck is hurt and thinks he just needs a good stretch but when he reaches for the car keys nothing happens he tries to scream but doesn’t think anyone can hear him as the life in the city starts thriving around him a delivery driver comes in ask him to move the cab because he hast to make a delivery he’s in a hurry and his two other deliveries he’s already late for, but one look at the cabbie and he knows he needs to call the police. While all this is happening the Kirby is thinking of his beloved Karen his childhood and many other things he’s also wondering why no one will talk to him. This was such a good short story I have never heard of Elle Marie Woods but that was a preamble before the story talking about her and her achievements in so I definitely want to see what other books is written because they said there were a few and after this one I would definitely like to read those. I want to think DRD publishing and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[A. Hadessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am Not a fan of a Portrait of ADHD thoughts (Sounds so wrong and I am sorry for that) cause they are kind of messy and not linear at all... but this was accurate. Not as haunting as I hoped it was....

[Ctgt · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10

[Becky Spratford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in the January 2024 issue of Library Journal

Three Words That Describe This Book: engaging narration, beautiful and brutal, intense unease

Also for those who like Stephen Graham Jones' shorter work.

I need to note somewhere that this book has a perfect ending. Sticking the landing on this one is key to the story.

Draft Review:
The last thing a cab driver remembers is pulling over to take a short break during his late night shift in a rough part of town where he regularly offers his services to those at the margins of society. As the story opens, he has been robbed and cannot move. What follows is a thoroughly absorbing, emotionally compelling story told with a conversational, first person narration. As he awaits rescue, readers stay with the unnamed narrator during his worst moments, and once his fate is realized, eagerly follow him as he comes to terms with his life’s choices. Filled to its brim with heart, this intensely unsettling and unflinchingly honest tale, meant to be read in a single sitting, will not only introduce readers to an unforgettable character at his worst moment, but it also demands that they take a long hard look at themselves especially after reaching the book’s perfect ending..

Verdict: Wood masterfully showcases the strengths of the novella as the perfect vehicle for Horror storytelling as she holds readers hostage for the duration of this captivating story that is in equal measures, beautiful and brutal, presenting terror both real and supernatural similar to the work of Gabino Iglesias and V. Castro.

[PinkPanthress · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿!

The story is about a Cabbie who is just about finish a tough night shift. All he wants is to enjoy a hot coffee and watch the beautiful sunrise.

But then, his front window breaks and he gets mugged. As he waits for help, we get to hear the Cabbie's thoughts.

The events in the book have been recorded by the Professor and his team for 'Selected Papers from the Consortium for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena'.

¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦

The author did a great job with the POV! We get just enough hints about certain elements and the story unfolds bit by bit.

The main character talks about the mistakes he made in his life and seems to regret them... but while reading, I wasn't always sure if I should feel sorry for him or not.

This 80-page novella was dark, intriguing, and quite a bit sad. The Cabbie's emotions and thoughts felt real, even though it's a horror story. The reality hits you early on, but you still want to keep reading to find out what happens next.… and how HE will react to it… what HE thinks!

I enjoyed the fact, that this can be read as a standalone piece, even though it's part of a series.

I'm giving it 4 out 5 🌟!

𝑰'𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒌, 𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

A taxi driver parks in an alley so he can rest after his long shirt, and suddenly his windshield is shattered, and two people run away, leaving him unable to move or make a sound. When a delivery person finds the cabbie later, he calls the police, and the cabbie watches as the police process the scene, thinking that they're checking out the body he believes in in the back seat of the cab.

While all this is happening, the cabbie reminisces about his life, and we see a person who has a family that he loves, but that he also has regrets, like all of us do, about roads not ventured or people not told about their impact.

The twist of the story is easily divined, but the horror is the cabbie's realization of his situation. Author L. Marie Woods then has the unnamed narrator initially want revenge against those who took away all his choices, then eventually come to terms with the things he has done with his life.

It's a thoughtful and sad story, with a wonderfully realized main character.

Thank you to Netgalley and to RDS Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories/ novellas are a true example of an author's skills. The story in 12 Hours is 80 pages long. L Marie Woods manages to grab the reader's attention as we watch with horror a cabbie get robbed and injured in the first few pages. Then in fewer pages than most chapters in a novel, we share the cabbie's experience as he wonders if his life is over and reviews his history. Has he truly lived his life to make a difference in the lives of others? Who will remember him? As he must wait for someone to find him and then wait for help to come, the picture he draws could give pause to most of us. Then Wood brings together all the questions to give an answer that's sure to leave you talking about this book for a long time. This is the first of Wood's titles I have read but with this example, I need to find her back library. It's no wonder she has so many awards.

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to meet L Marie Wood at AuthorCon this year and get a signed copy of this book from her. The inscription she wrote was "This is a wild ride!". And that was 100% accurate.
Is it full of blood and guts, jump scares and monsters? No. Does that make this book less terrifying? Heck no. New fear unlocked.
A slow burn that I couldn't put down. A main character that wormed his way into my heart. I really enjoyed this book.

[GiGi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit heavy-handed with its message, making the story drag and bore me out of my mind

[S.H. Cooper]

This is not a horror story in the traditional sense. There are no jump scares waiting around the next corner, no monsters lurking in the shadows. Not tangible ones, anyway. Wood has crafted a quiet, introspective horror that relies on much realer fears: the things that haunt us when we're left with only our thoughts and memories and the winding paths they take us down. Who we are, what could have been, maybe what *should* have been...

I would recommend this for readers interested in a man's poignant journey into himself as he hunts for the one he calls Dead Eyes.

[Michael Allen Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for an interesting point of view, and I've rarely seen a story told from the POV of the murder victim. Very cool, artfully done, and fun to read. I was hoping for a bit more resolution in the end, but I also understand why the author made the choice to provide a measure of ambiguity. Definitely worth the read.

[Showcasing Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review and Thoughts:

This is Volume 2 of an ongoing series put out by RDS press. Original, very exploratory of imagination. Very spot on creative storytelling through this series which is 2 Volumes so far and will be a continuing experience. An experience so will worthy of the readers time. So far I am in love. Both volumes have been just brilliant in so many ways. You can read my Review for Volume 1 here: Bleak Houses

This Volume is another fine example of a written experience that sends the reader on a journey of perfection in what I consider great memorable moments of fiction.

L. Marie Wood has away with sending the reader such brilliantly weaved words off the pages into the mind. Great imagery through out its page turning expectations.

Wood is not just a great creative storyteller, Wood is complex and filled with an intensity and passion for crafting a well executed read.

12 Hours is that wondrous fine example of getting lost in the pages of imagination.

Would I Recommended: Absolutely. This is a great series and I can't wait to see where it goes next. 12 hours is a wonderful read. I felt it. I loved it. It's been lingering on my mind and I highly recommend it because it's something that needs to be read. This series I think is something that needs to be experienced and RDS Press has created a wonderful example of an ongoing reality of pieces that stand out above and beyond

Would I Return to it Again: I can't wait for the next phase of the series. 12 Hours is another worthy piece to return to and experience all over again.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Four Final Words: Addictive, Imaginative storytelling, Memorable.

[Kiki Marie Bookish Wh0r3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost I want to thank NetGalley and RDS Publishing for approving my request to read this installment of the Selected Papers from the Consortium for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena series.

While I have been going backwards in the series, starting with Asylum and then 12 Hours and I have Bleak Houses ready to go... I love that these are stand alone books and don't need to be read in any particular order.

12 Hours is a story about a cab driver who pulled into an alley to get a little rest in before taking on the rest of his shift. While he is sleeping he is awakened by someone breaking into the cab. You follow him through the event and the aftermath thereof. The reader absolutely figures out what is going on before the main character does. Which was sad once I realized what was going on and he was still trying to figure it out.

The story itself was a wonderful concept. As you find out information about his life there are things that I was really invested in but of course since it only follows him, never got any more information or any closure to those aspects. Once he realizes what is going on I think it was about 60% into the story and then the last 40% just dragged on for me. The ending was confusing as well. There was no sense of closure or finalization to the story. Overall it was good for a one time read. There isn't any action aside from the event at the beginning and there isn't any thing.... scary or disturbing in it so I had to give it 3 stars out of 5 because to me it was just Ok.

[Dawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark isn’t just dark; it’s fucking black. Like the color, and it’s like ink in water, it coats everything and if it’s touches you, you feel like you’ll never get it off.

i didn’t know what to expect from this going in but this was defiantly a trip.

i don’t know if it’s strictly a horror in the typical horror writing senses -no jump scares no slowly creeping monsters of the supernatural or human kind - but rather a story that follows a horrific event and the character very slowly discovering the horror of what happened.

it’s well written and the perfect length for how it’s written and what it’s telling.

and while i would have loved to learn more about the details of what was going on around - the actual investigation, what the wife thought and all of that- as it’s told it carries it’s quiet horror of being left behind and while not necessarily forgotten, certainly the urgency of trying to be someone worthy if being missed and remembered well.


it’s a very well done little story.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure I write this on every single short story review, but short stories are difficult to rate.

This is no exception.

I was immediately drawn in. Seeing this play out from a man who has no idea that his life has been taken. To have to sit back and observe him playing out everything with an air of confusion and then the shock of finding out.

I did find that it drug out a little after he figures it out, but picks up again when he gets close to getting the closure he needed.

That's not the point of the story though. It's not a mystery to be solved. It's a reflection on the disappointments and regrets of living and only realizing them after someone is gone. It's trying to find solace and peace when you cannot change a thing about your past. This is brutal and honest about it. There is no "good guy", only misguided ones.

Anyway, its a short read, 80 pages or something. Worth checking out.

[Ambre McCuddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thought provoking read, very well written in that we felt as though we were the MC, or at the very least, next to him. Although some reviews mention that this is "predictable" for its genre, I would have to argue that the story wasn't in the plot of what had actually happened to the man, and it was not nearly as important as the self realization the MC was having about who he was and what his life and regrets were like. It was a satisfying read, I would be interested in reading more from L. Marie Wood and encourage anyone to pick this up if they like short reads that make them ponder their own lives. Thank you to this author, NetGalley, and RDS Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride of emotions! This story starts off with a bang and takes you on a ride until the very end. I felt shock, anger, sadness and then a sense of relief by the the time it was over. Only because I didn’t know where it was gonna go but it ends so satisfying. And sad! Wood has a way of making you feel so many different things for the cabbie.

For such a short story you really learn a lot about the cabbie and I appreciate that. If it weren’t for that, I may not have felt sorry for him. Did he mess up a lot? Yeah. But you could tell he meant well???

I really enjoyed this. Wood writes beautifully and fills you with such a sense of dread and grief.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and RDS Publishing for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review!

This short-story was like nothing I'd ever read before (in a good way); Based on the description I thought to myself, "how in the world could an author write a full story about a single instance in time?!" But this author did it in amazingly descriptive detail!! It felt as if I were directly inside the mind of the MC, thinking along with him!

I'm excited to read more from this author - and I definitely recommend giving this one a try!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was the ending meant to be ambiguous, or am I just not smart enough to understand what happened? 😆

I’d call this paranormal psychological crime horror - is that a thing? The main event is quite unpleasant, but the real horror was how this made me feel while reading it. Scared, confused, remorseful, powerless, resigned to a fate that I did not yet understand.

Easy to get through in one sitting, and, I think, offers something different enough to make it worth your time. Recommend to anyone who likes psychological horror, and endings that make you go hmm.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

12 Hours captures the blurring of the lines between life and death which makes for a unique ghost story. While it is a quick read, but don't be fooled as it digs deep into a journey of madness. The narrative was psychologically fascinating. As a fan of gritty fiction, it was definitely entertaining for me. I definitely recommend it for people who like supernatural horror and ghost stories with a grim twist.

Thanks Raw Dog Screaming Press for the ARC!

I am also posting this review on my blog:
http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...

[Lexi Denee · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley and Raw Dog Screaming Press for the eARC of this great novella!**

For only being 80 pages long, 12 hours really packed a punch. I was excited to learn that this novella is part of a series, as I am definitely interested in reading more like this from L. Marie Wood.

We jump right into the story into the mind and internal dialogue of a cabbie that is stuck staring at the ceiling of his cab. When I tell you I was stressed while reading this - I am not exaggerating.

Check this one if you like chilling horror, creeping suspense, and all-around great novellas!

[Kate Mettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book to start the new year off with. I’d like to thank the author and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book pulls you in from the very beginning, no easing you in nope bam action in the first page. While this is only a short story, it was done to perfection. No page felt unnecessary. If anything it left me wanting more! I wish this was a full novel but it was 5 stars regardless for the amazing writing and unique storyline. Definitely recommend everyone reads this as it’s short and sweet ( not so sweet but you know what I mean)

[TessaMcbessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cabbie only remembers stopping in an alleyway for a break before a man with dead eyes and a ski mask attacks him.
Suddenly he can't move, and is stuck staring at the ceiling of his cab hoping for help to arrive.

I originally thought this was going to be a survival horror, and I suppose it is...

Just with a strange twist

The author does a fantastic job at misleading the reader, and creating an atmosphere of tense suspense while we are with our MC hoping for his salvation.

My only complaint is that I did find my self a bit confused a few times as to what was actually going on, but it almost seems like the author was going for that.

A fun quick read that you can devour in one sitting.

Thanks so much to Raw Dog Screaming Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Vicki · Rating 1 out of 5]

A down-on-his-luck cabbie pulls into an alley to take a break. We are in the catbird seat for his final moment and then treated to an afterlife inner monologue. The pacing is staccato as this sad sack realizes that he is dead. We witness his disbelief, his anger, his helplessness, fear, and regrets. Just as the police seem to be closing in on his assailant, this short story comes to an abrupt end. And I do mean abrupt. The reader then has to come to their own conclusion as to whether this ending is genius or frustrating.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this eARC courtesy of NetGalley and Raw Dog Screaming Press.

This short story, although very well-written, was downright depressing. Not just that, but also claustrophobic and unsettling. Considering the setting and premise, I think this was intentional. The content didn't work for me but it would be right up the alley of suspense or horror fans.

My rating's 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

[Maryam · Rating 2 out of 5]

(This Digital ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Unfortunately not a very engaging read. While the prose was lovely, it felt like there was no proper hook (at least, not one clear enough to have me invested in the story). I did finish it, but only because it was short enough to warrant seeing it through to completion.

[ChanaReadsHorror · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a mix of an older Alfred Hitchcock presents episode and part of the film “Ghost”
It really made you feel for the cabbie and all the thoughts going through his mind while everything is seeming to go around him while he is in his cab confused.
The ride you take with gives you such an emotional rollercoaster.
Highly recommend picking this one up for a great quick read.

[Rebeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley and by RDS Publishing for the opportunity to review this book….honestly it was an okay book I enjoyed but, either I read to many stories, watch a lot of television or both that are similar to this genre it was kind of predictable to me.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short, kind of predictable little horror. It was fun for what it was, and I don't feel like I needed to know more about the main character, but when I found out that it's a series I'm intrigued enough to look for more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this