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Star Lady Tales #3
Twisted Tales from the Desert
Twisted Tales from the Desert - an anthology of short stories with twisted views and endings.
In this collection you will find humor, murder, a love story involving a ghost, an inhabited ghost town, a Fairy Godmother tale unlike anything you would expect, and more.
NOTE: Contains content considered unsuitable for readers 17 and under.
In this collection you will find humor, murder, a love story involving a ghost, an inhabited ghost town, a Fairy Godmother tale unlike anything you would expect, and more.
NOTE: Contains content considered unsuitable for readers 17 and under.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2013
12 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Mari Collier
42 books71 followersI was born on a farm in the state of Iowa, Audubon County, Lincoln Township. To say that my upbringing was bucolic would be an understatement. My first writing was for the Audubon Advocate as the Douglas Township correspondent. I was 13 and received the magnificent sum of $.03 per line. If the item were published in the society section, the pay increased to $.04. The monthly check was always under $5.00.
My mother took me to Phoenix, AZ when it became impossible for me to eat, sleep, or breathe in Iowa. The climate restored my health and I attended school there, graduated, and married my high school sweetheart. Together we raised two wonderful children. During this time I started writing stories and sold one story to Jack and Jill. In 1976 he moved us to Western Washington to escape the desert sun. Washington is a land where it can and did rain 133 1/3 inches of water a year. He was a finish carpenter contractor; I did the books, and worked for Nintendo of America. Upon retirement, we returned to the desert and this wonderful, quirky town of Twenynine Palms. We had just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary when he passed away.
I serve on the Twentynine Palms Historical Society as a docent, and write a column for the Old Schoolhouse Journal.
My mother took me to Phoenix, AZ when it became impossible for me to eat, sleep, or breathe in Iowa. The climate restored my health and I attended school there, graduated, and married my high school sweetheart. Together we raised two wonderful children. During this time I started writing stories and sold one story to Jack and Jill. In 1976 he moved us to Western Washington to escape the desert sun. Washington is a land where it can and did rain 133 1/3 inches of water a year. He was a finish carpenter contractor; I did the books, and worked for Nintendo of America. Upon retirement, we returned to the desert and this wonderful, quirky town of Twenynine Palms. We had just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary when he passed away.
I serve on the Twentynine Palms Historical Society as a docent, and write a column for the Old Schoolhouse Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 28, 2017
Bestselling author, Mari Collier writes amazing science fiction sagas taking place in the old west. These are contemporary stories with unique characters and desert landscapes. Her detailed, descriptive writing is well researched, showing an authentic command of language and a deep grasp about subjects most of us have only heard about, such as ham radio frequencies, shifting harmonics and cruise control. Unusual topics, only the most talented writer can make interesting. In fact, all her Twisted Tales from the Desert are mesmerizing and most will leave you breathless if not shocked. To spin a thrilling tale on a few pages complete with a suspenseful plot in each story is brilliant and in this case, truly twisted.
Whether it’s a story called Forgotten Gods about Native American folklore that had me searching on the floor for the bottom of my jaw, or simply a story about a wife wishing her husband Phil would someday return, in The Kiss, there’s a lot to love in this fascinating collection. In Ghost Town Remodel, Kim wants to refurbish a haunted bordello, in Conversations with the Unknown, Kevin is spending entirely too much time working on a broken radio while his wife Darla keeps nagging that he should stop so they can start a family. The hairs on the back of your neck will rise as Collier pulls you into A Victim of Murder which, along with many of these stories could be made into television movies or full-length novels. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d choose Rest in Peace which is a happier ghost story with a satisfying ending. The combination of ghosts, science fiction and “sweet spring desert air,” makes for some seriously great reading and since these are short stories, you can read one and put the book down until you have time to read another.
Whether it’s a story called Forgotten Gods about Native American folklore that had me searching on the floor for the bottom of my jaw, or simply a story about a wife wishing her husband Phil would someday return, in The Kiss, there’s a lot to love in this fascinating collection. In Ghost Town Remodel, Kim wants to refurbish a haunted bordello, in Conversations with the Unknown, Kevin is spending entirely too much time working on a broken radio while his wife Darla keeps nagging that he should stop so they can start a family. The hairs on the back of your neck will rise as Collier pulls you into A Victim of Murder which, along with many of these stories could be made into television movies or full-length novels. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d choose Rest in Peace which is a happier ghost story with a satisfying ending. The combination of ghosts, science fiction and “sweet spring desert air,” makes for some seriously great reading and since these are short stories, you can read one and put the book down until you have time to read another.
October 7, 2021
Twisted Tales by Mari Collier is an intriguing collection of short stories by the Californian indie lit author. Many of the tales are situated in rustic towns and backdrops with an authentic flavor that enhances the ambiance. There is also a welcome absence of the blood and gore that 21st century horror novelists seem compelled to depict. Instead we are delighted by the skillful weaving of poignant yarns that will enthrall readers of all ages.
Many are anecdotal in nature, compact bits of cleverness as we see in the opening Fairy Godmother Tale, as well as The Kiss and Bath Time. A trip to the author's hometown of Twentynine Palms is a longer story as we enter Conversations With The Unknown on a netherworldly radio. The topics grow deeper and darker as abused women seek payback in A Victim Of Murder and Ghost Town Remodel. It ends in a crescendo of cosmic harmonies in Between that Stephen King fans will greatly enjoy.
It's a smorgasbord of spooky tales that ghost story lovers and returning Collier fans won't want to miss.
Many are anecdotal in nature, compact bits of cleverness as we see in the opening Fairy Godmother Tale, as well as The Kiss and Bath Time. A trip to the author's hometown of Twentynine Palms is a longer story as we enter Conversations With The Unknown on a netherworldly radio. The topics grow deeper and darker as abused women seek payback in A Victim Of Murder and Ghost Town Remodel. It ends in a crescendo of cosmic harmonies in Between that Stephen King fans will greatly enjoy.
It's a smorgasbord of spooky tales that ghost story lovers and returning Collier fans won't want to miss.
April 14, 2021
This is the fourth book I read from the Bestselling author, Mari Collier, and her ability to write beautifully written scenes, interesting characters and fast-paced plots never stop to amaze me. Her sci-fi/western stories remind me of Serenity and Firefly, which have a special place in my heart, and so do Mari’s books. I’ve enjoyed reading them as much as watching Firefly, and I hope one day they turn into TV shows too. Highly recommended.
November 1, 2019
Twisted Tales from the Desert :by Mari Collier
A real mix of twisted short stories with unexpected endings. From a two way radio with a disastrous outcome for one of its users, to Native American folklore. There is something for everyone in this compilation of short stories. The endings are definitely twisted, dark, weird and occasionally funny. There is such a mix of tales here. In my opinion, this would be a good little book to take on holiday as the stories are truly diverse and short enough to read in whatever free time the reader has.
A real mix of twisted short stories with unexpected endings. From a two way radio with a disastrous outcome for one of its users, to Native American folklore. There is something for everyone in this compilation of short stories. The endings are definitely twisted, dark, weird and occasionally funny. There is such a mix of tales here. In my opinion, this would be a good little book to take on holiday as the stories are truly diverse and short enough to read in whatever free time the reader has.
April 21, 2021
A Gentler Twist
I’ve now read all three of Collier’s Twisted Tales, and found this one a gentler collection, perhaps a bit more traditional than the previous two. The scenarios are just as imaginative, but far less bizarre and creepy. The characters are more relatable, more like regular folk, who find themselves in extraordinary situations - but the twisty end is there: surprising, ironic, and oh, my!
Who among us hasn’t hoped to hit a big money payoff? Or felt the presence of a loved one who has passed on? Believe in ghosts? Maybe not, but how do you explain two “entities” in an eternal battle for male/female dominance shape shifting before your eyes? Conversations on either side of a radio “Portal” result in an identity switch. There are Bad Seeds, a battered wife fantasizing a way out and driven to the brink, a Fairy Godmother (be careful what you wish for). There’s a stunning reminder to always maintain “control” while driving; and watch out for that sculpture of a Desert Iguana.
I gave the book four stars because one of the stories is published in a previous collection, although it is an intriguing adventure. Pick up this final anthology and make your collection complete.
I’ve now read all three of Collier’s Twisted Tales, and found this one a gentler collection, perhaps a bit more traditional than the previous two. The scenarios are just as imaginative, but far less bizarre and creepy. The characters are more relatable, more like regular folk, who find themselves in extraordinary situations - but the twisty end is there: surprising, ironic, and oh, my!
Who among us hasn’t hoped to hit a big money payoff? Or felt the presence of a loved one who has passed on? Believe in ghosts? Maybe not, but how do you explain two “entities” in an eternal battle for male/female dominance shape shifting before your eyes? Conversations on either side of a radio “Portal” result in an identity switch. There are Bad Seeds, a battered wife fantasizing a way out and driven to the brink, a Fairy Godmother (be careful what you wish for). There’s a stunning reminder to always maintain “control” while driving; and watch out for that sculpture of a Desert Iguana.
I gave the book four stars because one of the stories is published in a previous collection, although it is an intriguing adventure. Pick up this final anthology and make your collection complete.
August 9, 2020
Paranormal Stories from the American Mainland
In Twisted Tales from the Desert, Mari Collier lets her fantasy out to play. There are all manners of ghosts, active Stone Lizards, murderers, infantile and grown-up, just to mention a few. Certainly, there are twists and turns and surprises at every corner. The reader feels comfortable in her deft hands – except when the stories go to the bare bones of humanity. That’s when cold shivers run down your back. There is mythology and subconscious horrors to enjoy in this collection of short stories that I can recommend to those readers who dare.
In Twisted Tales from the Desert, Mari Collier lets her fantasy out to play. There are all manners of ghosts, active Stone Lizards, murderers, infantile and grown-up, just to mention a few. Certainly, there are twists and turns and surprises at every corner. The reader feels comfortable in her deft hands – except when the stories go to the bare bones of humanity. That’s when cold shivers run down your back. There is mythology and subconscious horrors to enjoy in this collection of short stories that I can recommend to those readers who dare.
July 27, 2020
Interesting Twists
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did "Twisted Tales from the Universe." That being said, Mari Collier provides a wild ride with unexpected turns and unusual twists. There were a few stories that I wished were a bit longer so I could have a bit more closure to the story but I suspect that this was a deliberate style choice by the Author.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did "Twisted Tales from the Universe." That being said, Mari Collier provides a wild ride with unexpected turns and unusual twists. There were a few stories that I wished were a bit longer so I could have a bit more closure to the story but I suspect that this was a deliberate style choice by the Author.
January 3, 2020
Some short stories are better than others, not too complex to read and can get finished in one sitting.
March 10, 2017
This was the first book I've read by Mari Collier & I'm so glad that I picked one out of my usual genre. A fun, easy read, each tale twists and turns towards an unusual ending. It's a fast-paced book full of imaginative characters but I couldn't help feeling that I wanted a little more depth.
June 30, 2016
Fun Reads.
Twisted tails lives up to it's name. The stories are short, very fast reads. They're fun with nice twists and some peculiar endings. I think my favorites were the last two, Ghost Town Remodel and Between. All of the stories are based in the desert and the writer dies the descriptions of it justice. This is the second book I've read by this author and will definitely be getting more of them.
Twisted tails lives up to it's name. The stories are short, very fast reads. They're fun with nice twists and some peculiar endings. I think my favorites were the last two, Ghost Town Remodel and Between. All of the stories are based in the desert and the writer dies the descriptions of it justice. This is the second book I've read by this author and will definitely be getting more of them.
May 14, 2020
Twisted Tales from the Desert is a collection of short stories by author Mari Collier and is the third book in her Star Lady Tales. I really enjoyed the variety of tales, from love and hauntings, to forgotten gods and fairy godmothers. I really enjoyed each tale, and the different tales gave the author a brilliant opportunity to display their diversity. Great descriptions combined with strange and unusual plots which are, as the title suggests, twisted in their own way.
June 27, 2016
Interesting collection of short stories with twisted and sometimes peculiar endings. The author did a great job with the feel of these stories and I enjoyed the tales. I think my favorite was rest in peace, but all were well written and a great chance for readers to get a taste of this authors writing style.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews