Strings: something big is about to happen...

by B.A. Spicer

Please note: this is a short story.
Astrophysicist, Madeleine Happer, is on the brink of a momentous discovery. But will she be too late?

18 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2014

About the author

Bev Spicer has been writing full-time for eight years, from her crumbly Charentaise house in France. In a past life she gained a degree in English and French Literature (Keele University) and a PGCE in English methods (Queens' College, Cambridge).

She has lived in Bridgnorth, Cambridge, Rethymnon (Crete), Mahe (Seychelles), and now lives in Charente Maritime with her husband and youngest son. The next place she wants to explore is probably Spain. Her husband is very tolerant, and secretly enjoys chaos.

Bev has been a teacher, blackjack dealer for Playboy, examiner for Cambridge ESOL, secretary (various sorts - most boringly 'legal'), lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, and a Sunday checkout girl for Tesco (who allowed her to deliver surplus bakery products to the homeless – ‘every little helps’).

She loves people, reading, writing, speaking French, astronomy (quantum theory addict), gardening, travelling, and hates housework, cooking, drizzle and honey.

Bev publishes under the name Bev Spicer for her lighter books and B. A. Spicer for more literary work.

Reviews

[Harmony Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely short story (of 18 pages) that is skilfully done. The suspense and build up is done perfectly, and I loved this little gem :)

[Mareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Astrophysicist Madeleine Happer is convinced that her nightly dreams are trying to tell her something. She isn't quite sure what is going to happen, but the frequency and vividness of each dream seems to indicate whatever happens - it will be momentous. Yet Maddy is certain - deep within herself - that in some indefinable way, the earth will be intrinsically changed.

Now, teetering on the brink of her own personal scientific discovery - one which could potentially prove monumental in the field of astrophysics - Maddy must make everyone understand that they all need to be prepared for what is coming. But is it possible that, even now, she may be too late? Only the universe can say for certain; yet it appears that the universe has suddenly become...mute.

I must that I really enjoyed reading this particular story. I found that the plot was remarkably well-developed for its length; and I appreciated that even at eighteen pages long, the story was unusual and filled with several unexpected plot twists. I give this book an A!

[Mark Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting story reminded me of the old "Outer Limits" stories that were so popular in the 60, but with more current science than was available at the time. A lot of string theory and quantum mechanics woven into a fantastic story, but really no more unbelievable than the science itself!

Much kudos to the author, Bev Spicer, for taking on a story that might not be of interest to much of the general public, but for closet science geek, which I must admit to being, I found this story to be intriguing.

I would highly recommend this little coffee break read to Bev's fans around the world and to other readers who have an interest in leading edge science.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Astrophysicist Madeleine Happer is disturbed by dreams that seem to suggest an impending disaster.

This is a gripping short story, with a sense of tension that builds up as Madeleine's frustration grows. The science may be unfamiliar to many, but the fear and foreboding are universal and timeless. A very modern twist on the classic science fiction story, and an enjoyable read.

[Chris Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good old fashioned short SF story, but updated with current science thinking. Nicely written.