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The Cloud Brothers Short Stories #9
Doomsday Diary
A diary is handed in to the police as lost property. The pages are filled out ten days into the future, terminating with the prediction of Professor Maurice Masterson's death. As the days pass, and each day's account comes true, Chief Inspector Dobbs is forced to swallow his scepticism and prevent the inevitable.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2015
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
James Field
28 books138 followersHello, fellow book lovers,
I’m James Field — reader, writer, and lifelong lover of stories.
I write soft science fiction and fantasy, usually with a touch of humour, and I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, What on Earth, with readers who choose to join my newsletter.
Born and bred in England, I spent much of my working life in automation engineering before life took an unexpected — and very welcome — turn north. I married a Norwegian lass and have lived for the past thirty-five years in Norway, much of that time in the Arctic regions, whose landscapes and light have quietly worked their way into my imagination.
Now that I’m a pensioner, I finally have the time to read widely and write steadily. Alongside science fiction and fantasy, I’m increasingly drawn to books that explore the human condition — philosophical, spiritual, and occasionally uncomfortable ones included.
One author who has always fascinated me is Roald Dahl — his adult stories are mischievous, imaginative, and far darker than he’s often given credit for. That mixture of playfulness and edge has stayed with me.
On Goodreads, I’m here first and foremost as a reader. I enjoy thoughtful discussion, honest reviews, and the slow discovery of books I’d never have found on my own. If that sounds like your sort of thing, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths.
Warm wishes,
James
I’m James Field — reader, writer, and lifelong lover of stories.
I write soft science fiction and fantasy, usually with a touch of humour, and I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, What on Earth, with readers who choose to join my newsletter.
Born and bred in England, I spent much of my working life in automation engineering before life took an unexpected — and very welcome — turn north. I married a Norwegian lass and have lived for the past thirty-five years in Norway, much of that time in the Arctic regions, whose landscapes and light have quietly worked their way into my imagination.
Now that I’m a pensioner, I finally have the time to read widely and write steadily. Alongside science fiction and fantasy, I’m increasingly drawn to books that explore the human condition — philosophical, spiritual, and occasionally uncomfortable ones included.
One author who has always fascinated me is Roald Dahl — his adult stories are mischievous, imaginative, and far darker than he’s often given credit for. That mixture of playfulness and edge has stayed with me.
On Goodreads, I’m here first and foremost as a reader. I enjoy thoughtful discussion, honest reviews, and the slow discovery of books I’d never have found on my own. If that sounds like your sort of thing, I’m glad we’ve crossed paths.
Warm wishes,
James
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 18, 2021
I am not a fan of short stories usually. I rarely read them as I believe they always end too quickly. James Field has completely changed that for me. Doomsday Diary was spectacular! I fell in love immediately, the world-building was impeccable and drew you in. Not only did his short story draw you in but it kept you there! I couldn't put this short story down, it was that good! I really love this story as it's extremely unique and his writing is extremely descriptive. Descriptive writing is extremely important, especially for readers who are able to visualize books.
That's exactly what I was able to do. Books and short stories are able to play in your head like a movie, but only if done correctly. Congratulations to James Field for writing the description just perfectly for me to play this short story like a movie in my head. I know, sounds weird, but my visualization readers know what I mean.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is on the go or only has a short period of time to read. It's quick, to the point and still hold everything you would ever want in a book.
This review can be found on my website:
https://queensbookreviews.wixsite.com...
That's exactly what I was able to do. Books and short stories are able to play in your head like a movie, but only if done correctly. Congratulations to James Field for writing the description just perfectly for me to play this short story like a movie in my head. I know, sounds weird, but my visualization readers know what I mean.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is on the go or only has a short period of time to read. It's quick, to the point and still hold everything you would ever want in a book.
This review can be found on my website:
https://queensbookreviews.wixsite.com...
December 3, 2015
Love the descriptions of the characters and environments. The author makes his main character a full person. You know what he believes, how he thinks, what his attitude and views are about people he interacts, police politics, and sports. I felt I was right at Dobbs' side every step of the way and in his mind watching events unfold.
I was beginning to wonder, "Where's the humor this story is supposed to embody?" Then immediately read Dobb's smug remarks to Professor Masterson's inspecting the diary and his fifty-six year old woman with dandruff statement. That had me all but choking as I laughed. Then there was Dobb's understanding of physics which is hilarious but sort of makes sense. In a roundabout way at least. All in all I found the story fun to read. I think it is just right for reading when forced to wait. Perhaps being stuck at the airport, a train station. Or you have a rainy day or boring night at home. Or maybe you just like a good story that won't take you days or more to read. This story is a perfect entertainment break.
I was beginning to wonder, "Where's the humor this story is supposed to embody?" Then immediately read Dobb's smug remarks to Professor Masterson's inspecting the diary and his fifty-six year old woman with dandruff statement. That had me all but choking as I laughed. Then there was Dobb's understanding of physics which is hilarious but sort of makes sense. In a roundabout way at least. All in all I found the story fun to read. I think it is just right for reading when forced to wait. Perhaps being stuck at the airport, a train station. Or you have a rainy day or boring night at home. Or maybe you just like a good story that won't take you days or more to read. This story is a perfect entertainment break.
November 15, 2015
What would you do if you found a diary that predicted the events of the next ten days, like the winning lottery numbers, or the death of someone you knew? This is the predicament facing Chief Inspector Dobbs, who is both a sceptic, and not partial to the man whose death has been predicted. When the diary proves accurate, he’s obliged to investigate.
James Field shows his trademark wit in this short story, which has a deceptively cunning plot that quietly twists and turns its way to a satisfying conclusion. Dobbs is a great character, an underachieving and bumbling policeman who you can’t help but like. Pitted against the curt and authoritative Professor Masterson, you’re bound to be delighted by this ‘odd couple’ science fiction short. Review over. I’m off to buy a lottery ticket…
James Field shows his trademark wit in this short story, which has a deceptively cunning plot that quietly twists and turns its way to a satisfying conclusion. Dobbs is a great character, an underachieving and bumbling policeman who you can’t help but like. Pitted against the curt and authoritative Professor Masterson, you’re bound to be delighted by this ‘odd couple’ science fiction short. Review over. I’m off to buy a lottery ticket…
May 15, 2017
This is a short story that can be read in twenty minutes, a pocket-size resource of wit and satire.
I enjoyed the rapport between a bungling inspector and a fearless academic professor, as they work together on his death prophecy before it happens. The cast of characters is zany and unpredictable. This story is very British in tone and setting.
However, I didn't understand the ending. It was a little too cryptic for me. I get it that it's an eccentric story, but I was also a little frustrated that I couldn't decipher the resolution.
A fun story to zip by.
I enjoyed the rapport between a bungling inspector and a fearless academic professor, as they work together on his death prophecy before it happens. The cast of characters is zany and unpredictable. This story is very British in tone and setting.
However, I didn't understand the ending. It was a little too cryptic for me. I get it that it's an eccentric story, but I was also a little frustrated that I couldn't decipher the resolution.
A fun story to zip by.
January 24, 2016
This is another excellent addition to the series, which is a creative and well-written story.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews