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Mimes
Joseph is having a bad day. Temperatures are soaring, the air-conditioning in his truck has died, and his boss is being a bigger jerk than usual. Things couldn't possibly get any worse. And then he begins to see sinister-looking mimes around the city of Houston. As more of the silent, ominous clowns appear during his deliveries, Joseph starts to wonder if he's losing his mind. “Mimes” is a horror tale that will leave you silently screaming. This novelette from Paul E Cooley's "Dark Recesses" Collection was a 2013 finalist for the Parsec Award.
- GenresHorror
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2015
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Paul Elard Cooley
34 books250 followersPaul E Cooley is a full-time writer and Parsec Award Winning podcaster from Houston, Texas. In 2009, he began producing free psychological thriller and horror podcasts, essays, and reviews available from Shadowpublications.com and iTunes.
His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.
He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.
He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.
His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.
He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.
He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 13, 2015
Mimes is what I would call Cooley at his best doing what he loves. Being creepy and having fun doing it. The story is a quick, in and out creep show about a working class Joe and the clowns who..."love" him? The internal dialogue of the main character gives the story a very grounded feel, and Cooley even somehow manages to redeem the irredeemable towards the end. This isn't a unique story, nor one that hasn't been told but Cooley's flair, attention to the mundane, as well as his lavish love of the gorier side of "Life" gives this short tale a surprising amount of personality and depth. A wonderful quick read, worth the pick up.
November 1, 2015
MIMES is a quick, nasty read and a heck of a lot of fun, particularly if clowns and their vile ilk are you horror go-to staple. Here, we have a truck driver noticing the odd and random appearances mimes along his delivery route. It's a weird but entertaining conceit, and being a short story, it doesn't take long for things to spiral into out of control madness. It's good stuff, and only about twenty pages, so perfect for a lunch-break read.
December 4, 2023
DISCLAIMER: I received a preview copy in exchange for a review.
WARNING: This review contains mild spoilers.
If you've never read Paul E Cooley before, this is a great starter for you! It's a short novelette that showcases what Paul does best, take an everyday guy with an everyday job, then take him on a left turn into weird.
Normally, I don't give 5 star reviews, particularly for psychological horror. That looms large in my wheelhouse. I cut my teeth on Poe and Lovecraft, after all. I like my horror creepy, not just slashy. I have to tell you, this...this was creepy. I loved it!
Joseph is really having a horrible day. Bad job, bad boss, bad circumstances, and then the mimes. What Paul does with this short tale is immediately grab the reader with a believability that rings true. We've all had that job, and we've all had that boss. Joseph also behaves exactly like we would, he looks for the nearest exit. He doesn't run, horror movie style, into the deserted house. Nope, this guy flees to the familiar.
And, the bad guys. If you haven't figured it out from the cover, they're mimes, but they don't do the walking against the wind trick. They stand and freak you out. Here's a great example of Paul's tension building. Mimes preform, it's what they do. These mimes don't perform, and their wrongness grates on the nerves and plucks at the animal brain. Yeah, your gooseflesh will creep.
Paul uses an economy of words to draw you into the story, then wring you out the other end. It's a freaky, fast trip that leaves you asking, "What just happened?"
The novelette drops July 17th, 2015. If you're still on the fence just remember, it's short so your investment in time and money will be minimal, but the payback will be huge! Buy it, read it, enjoy it!
WARNING: This review contains mild spoilers.
If you've never read Paul E Cooley before, this is a great starter for you! It's a short novelette that showcases what Paul does best, take an everyday guy with an everyday job, then take him on a left turn into weird.
Normally, I don't give 5 star reviews, particularly for psychological horror. That looms large in my wheelhouse. I cut my teeth on Poe and Lovecraft, after all. I like my horror creepy, not just slashy. I have to tell you, this...this was creepy. I loved it!
Joseph is really having a horrible day. Bad job, bad boss, bad circumstances, and then the mimes. What Paul does with this short tale is immediately grab the reader with a believability that rings true. We've all had that job, and we've all had that boss. Joseph also behaves exactly like we would, he looks for the nearest exit. He doesn't run, horror movie style, into the deserted house. Nope, this guy flees to the familiar.
And, the bad guys. If you haven't figured it out from the cover, they're mimes, but they don't do the walking against the wind trick. They stand and freak you out. Here's a great example of Paul's tension building. Mimes preform, it's what they do. These mimes don't perform, and their wrongness grates on the nerves and plucks at the animal brain. Yeah, your gooseflesh will creep.
Paul uses an economy of words to draw you into the story, then wring you out the other end. It's a freaky, fast trip that leaves you asking, "What just happened?"
The novelette drops July 17th, 2015. If you're still on the fence just remember, it's short so your investment in time and money will be minimal, but the payback will be huge! Buy it, read it, enjoy it!
July 12, 2015
Joseph’s day went from crap too bad in just one phone call from his boss. This is the day that getting out of bed was the wrong option.
Mimes…. they are just one step above clowns when it comes to the creep factor. This is the first in a series of short stories that will entertain and put a shiver in your spine. This is the same author that gave you “Closet Treats”. You know, the store that makes you look at the ice cream man differently.
This is a fast paced story that will leave you wanting more.
If you are into the horror genre and looking for a new author to try, this story is a great place to start.
Mimes…. they are just one step above clowns when it comes to the creep factor. This is the first in a series of short stories that will entertain and put a shiver in your spine. This is the same author that gave you “Closet Treats”. You know, the store that makes you look at the ice cream man differently.
This is a fast paced story that will leave you wanting more.
If you are into the horror genre and looking for a new author to try, this story is a great place to start.
December 24, 2015
Nope With a Side of Nope
Just when I thought mimes couldn't get any creepier, Cooley proves me wrong. This was a fantastic, albeit dark read and definitely worth the time as its only 20 pages or so. Just make sure the next time you see a mime, smile and don't mutter anything under your breath. It may cost you your life.
Just when I thought mimes couldn't get any creepier, Cooley proves me wrong. This was a fantastic, albeit dark read and definitely worth the time as its only 20 pages or so. Just make sure the next time you see a mime, smile and don't mutter anything under your breath. It may cost you your life.
July 18, 2015
Mimes is a quick read that makes silence into something chilling. I wouldn't necessarily call this novelette scary or terrifying, but it definitely gave me goosebumps. The main character, Joseph, is fairy unobtrusive, so that it would be easy to project myself into his shoes. Normally, I would say that his sort of "everyman-ness" would detract form the story, but this wasn't a long enough read for it to be an issue. There was just enough information, action, and personality in him to keep things moving and interesting. Honestly, I think it is the other real character we are involved with, Harvey, that shows the character development I know Cooley for.
As for the story itself, I enjoyed it all in one sitting and got shivers at the end. I did have the desire to see it expanded, if not into a full novel, then into something longer. It's not bad at this short length, but I wanted more development of plot, if not necessarily in character. I believe Mimes could be expanded into a thoroughly chilling novella, at least. Is it worth a read? Absolutely! The ending alone makes me cringe in a delicious way when I think about it, and that alone makes it worth the effort to consume Cooley's words.
Is it Cooley's best work? No. But it's a nice little treat.
As for the story itself, I enjoyed it all in one sitting and got shivers at the end. I did have the desire to see it expanded, if not into a full novel, then into something longer. It's not bad at this short length, but I wanted more development of plot, if not necessarily in character. I believe Mimes could be expanded into a thoroughly chilling novella, at least. Is it worth a read? Absolutely! The ending alone makes me cringe in a delicious way when I think about it, and that alone makes it worth the effort to consume Cooley's words.
Is it Cooley's best work? No. But it's a nice little treat.
March 12, 2019
This is a very quick read but definitely worth it. The cover is a dead giveaway about what you are walking into but Paul Cooley is a master of building tension and drama. After reading this you will question driving not only in the day time but certainly at night. In fact it might have you sprinting to and from your car and buildings for a couple days...did I mention you will be looking over your shoulder for not just mimes but people eerily and creepily standing near you. If my previous statements haven't convinced you to be seriously paranoid yet...just be sure to double check your door locks wouldn't want anyone getting inside.
July 12, 2015
Do you like scary stories? Here's a doozy for you from Paul E. Cooley.
First, look at this cover! That's enough to give me chills.
Second, read the story (remember that mime on the cover?)
Third, try to sleep without dreaming of demonic clowns and mimes.
This is the first in a planned series of short stories from Cooley. Much like his earlier story, "Closet Treats," this one will stay with you a long time. If you weren't already creaped-out by mimes, this will do it for you.
Enjoy, and pleasant nightmares!
First, look at this cover! That's enough to give me chills.
Second, read the story (remember that mime on the cover?)
Third, try to sleep without dreaming of demonic clowns and mimes.
This is the first in a planned series of short stories from Cooley. Much like his earlier story, "Closet Treats," this one will stay with you a long time. If you weren't already creaped-out by mimes, this will do it for you.
Enjoy, and pleasant nightmares!
January 6, 2016
Not my normal type of book to read, but this was recommended by a friend, so I read it. Now I don't particularly care for mimes, but this was intriguing, a little scary, and I was SO not ready for the book to end. Great short read!
December 22, 2016
Early Cooley
It is interesting to read this after knowing a lot of Paul's work. Not as detailed or developed but a great short story and view into the twisted mind of a great author.
It is interesting to read this after knowing a lot of Paul's work. Not as detailed or developed but a great short story and view into the twisted mind of a great author.
July 21, 2015
What a great cover! If you are scared by waving clowns then this short story will make you keep your car doors locked when driving at night.
January 11, 2016
Too short! I would really like to see this as a book instead of a short story!
July 19, 2015
Cool short story. Evil mimes are fun.
August 10, 2022
Nice short little scary story. Would have been better if I was a person bothered by mimes and clowns tho!
November 4, 2016
Mimes, by Paul E. Cooley, is a horror short story that will stick with you long after you are done reading it.
This is an amazingly simple story starring Joseph, a delivery truck drive. He is going about his daily route in a truck with inadequate air-conditioning in the heat of a summer day. At the end of the day on his way back to the warehouse, he sees a mime at the corner. The mime catches his eye and smiles at him. This creeps Joseph out. When he gets back to the warehouse, he mentions it to the other drivers. They all deny seeing anything odd. From there, things escalate very quickly.
Joseph seems to be a typical single guy with an attitude that says he’s at the bottom of the economic barrel. The other characters are brief and sparingly describe. The boss, angry, controlling and likes to yell when unhappy.
Truly a spooky story. If you aren’t scared of clowns or mimes, give this one a try. If you are scare of them, this will really get to you. I recommend for adults and young adults.
This is an amazingly simple story starring Joseph, a delivery truck drive. He is going about his daily route in a truck with inadequate air-conditioning in the heat of a summer day. At the end of the day on his way back to the warehouse, he sees a mime at the corner. The mime catches his eye and smiles at him. This creeps Joseph out. When he gets back to the warehouse, he mentions it to the other drivers. They all deny seeing anything odd. From there, things escalate very quickly.
Joseph seems to be a typical single guy with an attitude that says he’s at the bottom of the economic barrel. The other characters are brief and sparingly describe. The boss, angry, controlling and likes to yell when unhappy.
Truly a spooky story. If you aren’t scared of clowns or mimes, give this one a try. If you are scare of them, this will really get to you. I recommend for adults and young adults.
July 21, 2015
Who can make the Mimes weird(er)? The Cooley man can.
This is a short story. A lot of people die... Well they don't all exactly die, per se. There's not enough time for characters to develop into anything other than a pile of body parts or a mockery of something that was once human. Be prepared to see mimes in a whole new and, true to Cooley's form, even more disturbing light. If this doesn't creep you out at least twice and make you more reluctant to turn your back on the clown's white faced relative, then you may have already begun the change...
This is a short story. A lot of people die... Well they don't all exactly die, per se. There's not enough time for characters to develop into anything other than a pile of body parts or a mockery of something that was once human. Be prepared to see mimes in a whole new and, true to Cooley's form, even more disturbing light. If this doesn't creep you out at least twice and make you more reluctant to turn your back on the clown's white faced relative, then you may have already begun the change...
July 22, 2015
Super short read that I really wanted more of. It was well written and detailed to the point of allowing my imagination to get carried away. When I started the book I wanted the typical "happily ever after" kill all the bad guys ending. I even fussed a little for a few minutes because I really don't like mimes or clowns and needed them to go bye bye. But...I actually appreciate the change up. Seems that Paul Cooley has a way of drawing me out of my "go to" romance categories and making me interested in something I never thought I would be. Another great piece of work by Paul Cooley!
July 24, 2015
Lives up to the tag line
Paul Cooley is one of the masters of dread. Not just horror, but dread. The kind of dread that has you looking over your shoulder every few seconds, certain that this time, the monster is there, when all along it's right in front of you. This is Cooley at his best, and he doesn't disappoint. Creepy, dreadful, and an outstanding read.
Paul Cooley is one of the masters of dread. Not just horror, but dread. The kind of dread that has you looking over your shoulder every few seconds, certain that this time, the monster is there, when all along it's right in front of you. This is Cooley at his best, and he doesn't disappoint. Creepy, dreadful, and an outstanding read.
September 22, 2015
Liked the story well enough. Must admit being disappointed that it was a short story. One, because I would of liked to read more. Two, this was my pick for the entire month for my Amazon Prime account. Now I have to wait another month to 'borrow' another book. I love to see self-publishing authors out there, out there enough so I become aware of their work. Keep writing, Paul.
April 30, 2016
A short read that will leave you peeking out your window hoping you don't see mimes. If clowns scare you, don't read this story because you lose control of your bodily functions. A fast read that will have your heart thumping by the end.
January 27, 2016
all I can really say about this book is that I am still scared. thank you Paul E Cooley for haunting my dreams.
October 28, 2015
Wow
I will never look at mimes the same ever again! Or delivery trucks... Lol. Good read, don't expect anything less from Cooley.
I will never look at mimes the same ever again! Or delivery trucks... Lol. Good read, don't expect anything less from Cooley.
December 12, 2015
Enkoyable little
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews