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Carly
Carly has been through a horrendous ordeal; her cousin has disappeared, and her family were murdered in front of her by a crazy neighbour.
She tells the police that James Andres had been stalking her, then he killed her family and kidnapped her and that she has killed him. However, she refuses to reveal where the body is.
Once in custody, Carly agrees to a meeting with a female reporter, Vanessa St John. Carly insists she tells the whole story in her words. She talks about the dog and the box, but where are the dog and box now?
Vanessa St John appears to have her own agenda as the tension builds in both of the women seated opposite each other.
She tells the police that James Andres had been stalking her, then he killed her family and kidnapped her and that she has killed him. However, she refuses to reveal where the body is.
Once in custody, Carly agrees to a meeting with a female reporter, Vanessa St John. Carly insists she tells the whole story in her words. She talks about the dog and the box, but where are the dog and box now?
Vanessa St John appears to have her own agenda as the tension builds in both of the women seated opposite each other.
- GenresCrime
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 23, 2017
Excellent thriller short story told in interview form, great writing. In D.M. Wolfenden's short story Carly, the entire narrative occurs as an interview. The protagonist is in police custody, and slowly the horrific backstory is revealed. The story is violent, but serves a purpose. One could also argue that the exposition is too subjective, but it works in the context of the a character telling the story out loud. In the end, there is a plot twist which most won't see coming. I shan't say no more! The story definitely resolves with a sense of accomplishment despite the tragedy.
My only criticism is that the main character is in police custody at all, apparently just for defending herself, which seems to stretch credulity. I do understand that this may be a critique of society for not taking violence against women seriously enough, but it's hard to understand that it could be this bad. Perhaps there could have been a bit more explanation from the point of view of prosecuters or something, even if the reader is supposed to disagree with that point. Just something to make the world of this story seem real.
My only criticism is that the main character is in police custody at all, apparently just for defending herself, which seems to stretch credulity. I do understand that this may be a critique of society for not taking violence against women seriously enough, but it's hard to understand that it could be this bad. Perhaps there could have been a bit more explanation from the point of view of prosecuters or something, even if the reader is supposed to disagree with that point. Just something to make the world of this story seem real.
March 12, 2018
A total twist. I don't know how to write a review without even saying that. A horror, who done what, rather than who "dun it" in my mind. Written somewhat in a Stephen King style. I think this short story could have been a novella with more background into Carly's family and particularly her cousin Lisa. But, some good character portrayal with Carly and Lisa and good plot twists.
September 14, 2015
***Book received in exchange for an honest review***
***Reviewed by Morgan at Twisted Soulmates Book Reviews***
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book! Even though it's a short story, it packs a full length book into it!
I Ioved the different writing style the author used, definitely bringing a refreshing side to the story.
This book is full of exciting twists, turns, and an amazing surprise ending that's sure to leave you with your jaw on the floor.
Read this amazing thriller and follow the clues as Carly reveals her story. A spit fire story that will keep you on your toes!
***Reviewed by Morgan at Twisted Soulmates Book Reviews***
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book! Even though it's a short story, it packs a full length book into it!
I Ioved the different writing style the author used, definitely bringing a refreshing side to the story.
This book is full of exciting twists, turns, and an amazing surprise ending that's sure to leave you with your jaw on the floor.
Read this amazing thriller and follow the clues as Carly reveals her story. A spit fire story that will keep you on your toes!
April 19, 2018
What the what?!?
This book is less than 40 pages but still has managed to be in my list of top best mystery/thrillers! Absolutely amazing! 100% recommended!
This book is less than 40 pages but still has managed to be in my list of top best mystery/thrillers! Absolutely amazing! 100% recommended!
August 16, 2016
The Goodreads group Shut Up & Read (Read It & Reap) provided the ePub in exchange for an honest review.
D. M. Wolfenden’s short story Carly takes place while she is in police custody. Carly has agreed to be interviewed by a reporter. She has experienced horrific loss and she shares her story with a reporter. Carly’s pain feels real and raw. Her strength of character is exposed during the interview. The author seamlessly weaves her flashbacks into this original page-turner.
Carly is a quick well-written read. The secrets exposed are shocking. A totally unexpected conclusion. Will the truth be revealed?
D. M. Wolfenden’s short story Carly takes place while she is in police custody. Carly has agreed to be interviewed by a reporter. She has experienced horrific loss and she shares her story with a reporter. Carly’s pain feels real and raw. Her strength of character is exposed during the interview. The author seamlessly weaves her flashbacks into this original page-turner.
Carly is a quick well-written read. The secrets exposed are shocking. A totally unexpected conclusion. Will the truth be revealed?
May 22, 2018
This was an interesting read. Good sharp writing that kept me gripped. It told of Carly who is prison. Slowly the story of why she is there unravels. Carly then tells a journalist the whole story so the reader understands what went on from the beginning.
There were flashbacks which brought the reader to the centre of the action.
I knew there was a twist coming. I just could quite work it out.
There were flashbacks which brought the reader to the centre of the action.
I knew there was a twist coming. I just could quite work it out.
January 20, 2016
A taut plot and absorbing twists and turns make this a good read. The author has a visual style of drawing the reader into the centre of the action. The characters are etched with fine detail, particularly the lead character. A bit of tight editing and the book would be a fine example of its genre.
August 22, 2016
* I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Yesssss! Congrats D.M. Wolfenden! You held my attention from the beginning and, even better, had me wanting to keep going until I was done. OK, lets see, this had me trying to figure stuff out. I was wondering why the guard was kind to her. Ooohhhhh it was good. The writing was very descriptive and had me saying 'eww' out loud when she was describing some of the 'watchin' and 'torturing' activities. Yes, creepy indeed. Oooohhh Carly! You smart girl! I liked it a bunch. I liked the transition from present to past and back to present. Overall, the book flowed fine to me and had me flipping the pages in anticipation. Obviously I am looking forward to MORE! Job well done. Oh, and the covers are fantastic!)
Feeling meter: Oooohhhh yeahhhh!!!!! :)
Yesssss! Congrats D.M. Wolfenden! You held my attention from the beginning and, even better, had me wanting to keep going until I was done. OK, lets see, this had me trying to figure stuff out. I was wondering why the guard was kind to her. Ooohhhhh it was good. The writing was very descriptive and had me saying 'eww' out loud when she was describing some of the 'watchin' and 'torturing' activities. Yes, creepy indeed. Oooohhh Carly! You smart girl! I liked it a bunch. I liked the transition from present to past and back to present. Overall, the book flowed fine to me and had me flipping the pages in anticipation. Obviously I am looking forward to MORE! Job well done. Oh, and the covers are fantastic!)
Feeling meter: Oooohhhh yeahhhh!!!!! :)
August 9, 2016
A thoroughly engaging read. For me the strongest element of this story was the atmosphere. I really felt like I was in the interview room with Carly. The overall style made the story fell like a classic Film Noir, and even though the descriptions involved colour I still saw it as a black and white edgy thriller. The overall pace of the story was well maintained as it wove flashbacks throughout the interview to allow us to see more of the story without the characters just telling us. If you like a good twist, this has a couple of them which will keep you entertained all the way to the end. Also as a fellow Brit, I loved seeing the word 'arse' show up more than once!
*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.
*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.
July 29, 2015
This was a cracking read! DM Wolfenden has a talent for hooking the reader, and although it’s only a short story – a novelette, I believe the term is – it just breathes tension.
Two women sit down in a police cell to talk across a steel table, and the weight of the atmosphere just oozes out of the pages of your kindle. Vanessa St. John is professional and diligent, Carly is aloof and controlling. In fact she doesn’t give a damn about anything except the dog, but as the story unfolds ….
Do you know what? Just read this book, you’ll love it. If I say anymore I’ll end up throwing spoilers in, which I have no intention of doing.
This is a cracking little read!
Two women sit down in a police cell to talk across a steel table, and the weight of the atmosphere just oozes out of the pages of your kindle. Vanessa St. John is professional and diligent, Carly is aloof and controlling. In fact she doesn’t give a damn about anything except the dog, but as the story unfolds ….
Do you know what? Just read this book, you’ll love it. If I say anymore I’ll end up throwing spoilers in, which I have no intention of doing.
This is a cracking little read!
November 30, 2015
Not sure about the cover, but this is a brilliant story! Recommended
The story is written interview style in a cell. Vanessa interviews Carly, who has admitted to murder, but won't say where the victim is. But who is the real victim. Flashbacks show you the ordeal Carly has gone through.
Even though most of it is back and forth dialog between two characters, I connected with Carly and Lisa. You can sense the anger, and tension. It didn’t feel like a short story, it was compelling and nothing is left out.
I received a free copy for an honest review
The story is written interview style in a cell. Vanessa interviews Carly, who has admitted to murder, but won't say where the victim is. But who is the real victim. Flashbacks show you the ordeal Carly has gone through.
Even though most of it is back and forth dialog between two characters, I connected with Carly and Lisa. You can sense the anger, and tension. It didn’t feel like a short story, it was compelling and nothing is left out.
I received a free copy for an honest review
August 23, 2015
I found this to be a demanding read, in a good way. The tense discussion between the two women required concentration so as not to miss anything. When I finished, I found myself skipping back through as things that were dropped in earlier started to become clear.
The details are what makes this story; the characters seem real because of them. Some bits are a little disturbing, but that is part and parcel of the plot and are not purely for shock effect.
The details are what makes this story; the characters seem real because of them. Some bits are a little disturbing, but that is part and parcel of the plot and are not purely for shock effect.
November 28, 2015
This book was interesting. I think it was a different to write the story in an interview style. I liked it. This book was a good short story for me. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 17, 2016
(Receive a copy of this book from Shut Up& Read Group in exchange for an honest opinion.)
Very short and quick read. But detailed enough to follow the story through. Ending is not what I expected. And good job in throwing me off the book.
Very short and quick read. But detailed enough to follow the story through. Ending is not what I expected. And good job in throwing me off the book.
March 30, 2018
Well written, fast paced, edge of Your seat story
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. I packed a punch and was full of heart pumping emotionally raw scenes.
The twist was well written , I did not guess it was coming.
I recommend This short for anyone looking for a quick ride on the emotional rollercoaster.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. I packed a punch and was full of heart pumping emotionally raw scenes.
The twist was well written , I did not guess it was coming.
I recommend This short for anyone looking for a quick ride on the emotional rollercoaster.
April 16, 2018
Very entertaining read. This short story by D.M. Wolfenden's bring us into the story of Carly, who is in police custody. We relieve he horrible tragic incidents she has witnessed. I found myself sucked into Carly's life. Recommended for any readers who can take some violence and a scary story. The story resolves the way most of us would want. Great read.
June 10, 2017
FOR A SHORT READ THIS BOOK PACKED A PUNCH. A WELL WRITTEN BOOK THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE WRITTEN IN MORE DETAIL AND MADE INTO A FULL LENGTH NOVEL. WOULD LOVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CARLY AND LISA AND WHAT HAPPENED WITH JAMES. AS A DOG LOVER HAD TO SAY LOVED HONEY.
December 1, 2017
I loved this short story because it kept me entertained and wondering what was going to happen next. The characters are written so well that I wanted to immediately go to the internet to research the crime! Author Wolfenden could easily teach a course on writing short fiction. Well done.
October 12, 2017
Great little short story.
April 4, 2018
Carly (Kindle Edition)
by D.M. Wolfenden
Really enjoyed this book.
Great page-turner throughout.
Great stuff!
June 30, 2019
Very cleverly written and I never saw the twist coming. I love devouring this author's books one by one.
November 30, 2023
A short novel that packs a punch.
August 26, 2016
The Goodreads group Shut Up & Read (Read It & Reap) provided the PDF in exchange for an honest review.
I had to read this short story twice, just to see if my first impressions still lingered. Seeing all the 4 and 5 stars, I thought I had read the wrong story.
Unfortunately, the story fell just as flat the second time around.
Writing in the short form is difficult and I applaud anyone who writes in the format. But it's frustrating when it's done poorly.
First, the over the top descriptions: 'bright green eye', 'the hard fluorescent lighting', clip-clop of high heels', 'pale blue eyes shone from her porcelain face'. Lord, it was like description diarrhea! Arg! The writing felt like D.M. had this great idea for an ending and then tried really hard to create a story to go with said ending. Unfortunately the story and the ending both failed.
Flashbacks are hard to write. And when you write them well, they are fantastic. In Carly, it's a textbook example of what NOT to do with flashbacks. Either we're told xyz happened and then we get a flashback showing us just what was told to us or we're given a flashback that does nothing to move the story forward. Carly demonstrated a poor use of flashbacks.
The payoff of the ending was nonexistent. There was no twist and it wasn't even believable. The lack of originality, the flat writing, and the lackluster storyline made for a difficult read.
I had to read this short story twice, just to see if my first impressions still lingered. Seeing all the 4 and 5 stars, I thought I had read the wrong story.
Unfortunately, the story fell just as flat the second time around.
Writing in the short form is difficult and I applaud anyone who writes in the format. But it's frustrating when it's done poorly.
First, the over the top descriptions: 'bright green eye', 'the hard fluorescent lighting', clip-clop of high heels', 'pale blue eyes shone from her porcelain face'. Lord, it was like description diarrhea! Arg! The writing felt like D.M. had this great idea for an ending and then tried really hard to create a story to go with said ending. Unfortunately the story and the ending both failed.
Flashbacks are hard to write. And when you write them well, they are fantastic. In Carly, it's a textbook example of what NOT to do with flashbacks. Either we're told xyz happened and then we get a flashback showing us just what was told to us or we're given a flashback that does nothing to move the story forward. Carly demonstrated a poor use of flashbacks.
The payoff of the ending was nonexistent. There was no twist and it wasn't even believable. The lack of originality, the flat writing, and the lackluster storyline made for a difficult read.
July 8, 2015
SPOILER FREE (unless character names are spoilers, which I don't think they are)
I received this book as an ARC from DM Wolfenden to review.
I'm not really a short story type of person, but I really enjoyed this one. I read this based off the description, which sounded really interesting. This Carly manages to introduce all the characters it needs to in order to complete the story. There's no blabbing on about something that's not important to the story.
One of the main things I liked about this story was how it was written interview-style, between Vanessa and Carly. It was refreshing from all those other books I read. I loved the way the characters were introduced. I could connect well with Carly and Lisa, which was really nice. In her own way, Carly comes off quite badass-y. I also enjoyed Vanessa's character arc. And the plot twists??? I mean come on! I like my con artist type shows, I should've seen that coming. I also adore the use of the flashbacks to get a feel on the characters and story without Carly's narration.
Overall, I rate this story a 4/5 stars because I thought it was a fantastic read, but it didn't move me. I didn't connect to it on an emotional level. However, I was left wanting to read more.
THE FULL REVIEW CAN BE READ ON MY BLOG AND IS NOT SPOILER FREE http://beautifulfandoms.com/2015/07/b...
I received this book as an ARC from DM Wolfenden to review.
I'm not really a short story type of person, but I really enjoyed this one. I read this based off the description, which sounded really interesting. This Carly manages to introduce all the characters it needs to in order to complete the story. There's no blabbing on about something that's not important to the story.
One of the main things I liked about this story was how it was written interview-style, between Vanessa and Carly. It was refreshing from all those other books I read. I loved the way the characters were introduced. I could connect well with Carly and Lisa, which was really nice. In her own way, Carly comes off quite badass-y. I also enjoyed Vanessa's character arc. And the plot twists??? I mean come on! I like my con artist type shows, I should've seen that coming. I also adore the use of the flashbacks to get a feel on the characters and story without Carly's narration.
Overall, I rate this story a 4/5 stars because I thought it was a fantastic read, but it didn't move me. I didn't connect to it on an emotional level. However, I was left wanting to read more.
THE FULL REVIEW CAN BE READ ON MY BLOG AND IS NOT SPOILER FREE http://beautifulfandoms.com/2015/07/b...
November 25, 2015
Carly by DM Wolfenden is a chilling short story that grips you with the unfolding narrative of a young woman named Carly who is the victim of a deranged killer. The story is revealed during a Q and A session between a reporter and the victim. Her chain smoking-filled sessions as she recounts the details of her brutal encounter with the killer is mesmerizing.
I found Carly to be an interesting character. It's clear that this is a damaged woman. But she manages to come across as intelligent and very grounded during her interview. I had no problem following the story, even during its many necessary flashbacks. I did sometimes wish there were more insight into the mind of the reporter Vanessa. To be able to see into her mind a little bit more would certainly have made the story even more compelling as well as added depth to the narrative.
Readers who are used to reading whodunits may easily figure out where the story is going. But the twists and turns of the story are quite interesting and kept me flipping pages.
I would recommend this book to readers who love an intriguing tale of revenge.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found Carly to be an interesting character. It's clear that this is a damaged woman. But she manages to come across as intelligent and very grounded during her interview. I had no problem following the story, even during its many necessary flashbacks. I did sometimes wish there were more insight into the mind of the reporter Vanessa. To be able to see into her mind a little bit more would certainly have made the story even more compelling as well as added depth to the narrative.
Readers who are used to reading whodunits may easily figure out where the story is going. But the twists and turns of the story are quite interesting and kept me flipping pages.
I would recommend this book to readers who love an intriguing tale of revenge.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2015
Not really my genre, but I thought this was a well thought out little story. The twist ending was clever and the format, with the present-day interview intercut with the narrative in flashback, was done well. My only criticism would be that the story did not start quickly enough. This could have been shorter, jumping straight into the meat of the story without a lot of character and setting fluff. Short stories have got to engage right away, with sentence one, paragraph one, and page one already completely immersing and captivating the reader. This one felt, instead, very moody. The reader has to suspend disbelief long enough to really care about Carly and let him/herself be drawn into the mystery of why she's being interviewed and what she did. If the mood strikes you, the payoff is worth it. *I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.
February 27, 2016
This was an excellent short story thriller!
I really enjoyed this intense, mystery, psychological story, starting from a point where the author cleverly builds the story, the plot, and as a reader you are really unsure which way it will turn and twist. The main character Carly starts by telling her story of abduction, psychological abuse and escape in prison to a reporter... but as the story continues questions arise about what actually happened, and how Carly actually escaped.
Even though this is a short story I felt quickly assimilated to Carly's character, the build up of James and his personality had me on the edge, and I just wanted to give the poor dog a real meal. The author's style quickly engages you into her characters and that's what made this particular story so very effective.
Highly recommended
I really enjoyed this intense, mystery, psychological story, starting from a point where the author cleverly builds the story, the plot, and as a reader you are really unsure which way it will turn and twist. The main character Carly starts by telling her story of abduction, psychological abuse and escape in prison to a reporter... but as the story continues questions arise about what actually happened, and how Carly actually escaped.
Even though this is a short story I felt quickly assimilated to Carly's character, the build up of James and his personality had me on the edge, and I just wanted to give the poor dog a real meal. The author's style quickly engages you into her characters and that's what made this particular story so very effective.
Highly recommended
August 24, 2015
This short story was everything they are supposed to be in terms of a great story with a punch at the end. I became hooked on the characters and gradually came to know them better, though very subtle nuances. Carly is in prison for something not clear at the opening, although she seems to be regarded as a dangerous offender. Vanessa is conducting an interview, but gradually has a problem maintaining neutrality and then has to retrench miles for the interview to continue. Carly could close the interview at any point after this and doesn't. So it builds into an exquisite finale I didn't see coming..
July 2, 2015
Tense, absorbing, compelling. Wolfenden sits two women down in front of each other and builds the story around them. Is one of the women not playing it straight? what's really going on beneath the surface? The under-thread of menace and unanswered questions kept me reading right through to the end. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2016
This was a quick, hot, suspenseful read. I can truthfully say, it kept me on the edge of seat for the duration. I was so engrossed in the book, I ruined my dinner by burning the crap out of it, who’s ever heard of burnt cod. That’s what I’m having for dinner tonight, all because of this book. The ending was not what I expected. Great read! Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews