Five Seasons

by Jeff Swystun

These five short stories take place at a renown resort community. We picture such destinations as pleasurable escapes. Quaint, idyllic, restful and rejuvenating. Yet, all places have a history. And, as you will discover, history refuses to rest or be forgotten. Spring Teens explore a derelict hotel. One that once hosted famous people and elaborate events. Now it contains a threat greater than the ghosts who walk the halls. Summer Golf may be, “a good walk spoiled” but during this particular round, things go from bad to horrific. The player finds himself in another time, thrust into a fight for his life. Fall Growing old is never a fun prospect. It is made worse when what you love to do is challenged. Over a glass of port, a woman learns that her enigmatic host may have a most desirable solution. Winter A group of fun seekers get more than promised from a brochure. Snowshoeing to a secluded cabin for dinner sounds exciting but when a storm charges in, it brings far more than bad weather. 5th Season A man defends his home and protects his growing isolationism by challenging a new, unwanted neighbor. Simmer leads to boil, and there can only be one winner.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2014

About the author

A Madison Avenue veteran, Jeff is a marketer, writer, and ghostwriter. He is an expert writer in nonfiction business and aspiring novelist. Jeff recently published, TV Dinners Unboxed: The Hot History of Frozen Meals, that is entertaining pop and food culture history. Why Marketing Works, topped the advertising and marketing categories on Amazon.

A prolific speaker, he has appeared at scores of conferences while global media outlets feature Jeff for his communications expertise. He is signed with Gotham Ghostwriters. Jeff welcomes writing projects and conversations about writing.

Jeff is quoted in several marketing books, over 100 publications including The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Advertising Age, and Rolling Stone. CNBC, Nightly Business Report, BNN, NBC, CNN, CTV, CBC and the BBC have featured Jeff.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed that fine collection of five strange tales all set in the rural idyll of Mont Tremblant. What happens when an old artist meets a Wendigo? What about the hiking trip in the dark? What surprise is waiting in a derelict old hotel? Can you have supernatural experiments when playing golf and what about annoying new neighbors. The prose was good, the twists striking and you had some unsettling elements in those mild horror stories. Really well done. Really recommended!

[Kay Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short read. I loved the introduction, it was so chilling. I loved too how each story was interwoven and connected. And each story was unique. A great, atmospheric, haunting collection. This would have received five stars, but it needs some editing, ie missing, repeated words, misspellings and grammar.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Loved these short stories, I didn't want them to end. Each story left me on the edge. This book would be perfect around the campfire.