Second Avenue Second Hand: Short Story Fiction Anthology

by Wendy Tyler Ryan

Second Avenue Second Hand is a short story fiction anthology with all stories centering around a little curiosity shop in the fictional town of Bottle Bay. Multiple genres and unique voices come together in a cohesive and intertwining, fascinating reading experience. This anthology features 10 authors from around the globe and is a must-not-miss.

Welcome to Bottle Bay, a little town where anything can happen, especially should you choose to visit the old curiosity shop on the corner of Second and Main.

Come on in if you dare. Open the door, wipe your feet on the mat, and have a look around. The proprietor, Mr. Blank, is looking forward to meeting you.

Genres: Short Stories

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2013

About the author

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Reviews

[d. phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do a knight; a twelve-year-old boy; a secondary English teacher; a run-away teen; and a serial killer have in common? — “objects...cloaked in cobwebs and dust...” —

A curiosity shop sits on the corner of Second and Main in Bottle Bay. Its proprietor, Mr. Blank, is a savvy trader, his shop—something of a portal. Mr. Blank seems to know what is needed when and by whom, magically, maybe even eternally.

I read with interest how this enigmatic shop and its owner influenced each character in every story. I was fascinated by the crafty ways writers engaged the prompt to weave their stories around this central theme. The plots, twisted and thick, kept me guessing, often catching me by surprise.

As I do love schlepping around in second-hand shops, I found myself quite envious of some of the finds: an old book with a handwritten story between the lines; a Ming Dynasty vase; a door to re-entering one’s past. I will tell you though, should I find even the most gorgeous ring, or should someone offer me a ring they confess to finding in such a shop, I will, in the words of one character politely refuse saying, “I don’t accept gifts!”

You’ll have to read this clever anthology to find out why not!

[Linda Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book i liked a lot and the short stores do exhibit good writing from all of the authors that put there story in this wonderful books of stores I must say the enjoyment i had reading them and also trying to understand the story behind the so called Mr Blank's and his trustfully side kick of a cat but all in all lovely collection of beautiful stores and i thank the authors for putting there precious stores to to be used in the book and heart felt thanks to Wendy Tyler Ryan for selecting there stores to add to the book and very good luck with the writing and keep the stores coming so as I say happy reading to all.xxxxxxx

[Stacy McKitrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology has a mix of genres. Sweet romance to horror to just plain bizarre. Can't tell from the titles which is which, either. But I enjoyed reading them all (even the bizarre--although the romance was my favorite. Duh!). All stories revolve around the same second hand store (and proprietor), so it has that theme going for it. If you're looking for some interesting short stories to read, can't go too wrong here.