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Alf and Bert, the mansion's security guards, have never been beaten. A cunning pair of con artists have never failed. The security guards have a few tricks up their sleeves, but the con artists fight dirty.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2017
About the author
James Field
30 books150 followersHello, fellow book lovers,
I’m James Field — reader, writer, and lifelong lover of stories.
I write quietly unsettling fiction with a wry edge, where ordinary people find themselves in situations that don’t quite make sense.
I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, (link opens StoryOrigin) Strange Encounters, 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 quietly unsettling fiction with a wry edge, where ordinary people find themselves in situations that don’t quite make sense.
I’m always more interested in ideas, people, and curiosity than in strict genre boundaries. I also share a free short story collection, (link opens StoryOrigin) Strange Encounters, 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 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 15, 2017
Pest is an entertaining addition to the Cloud Brothers short story collection. This is another Alf and Bert episode, two security guards who make up for their absence of IQ with street smarts and brawn. Here, they face off against two would-be thieves who also pack muscle and cunning. As always, James Field manages to pack in plenty of plot twists and turns, laughs, and fascinating sci-fi gadgetry. Although it’s not my favourite Alf and Bert adventure (Yoikes stands out as my fave for plot, story, humour and a brilliant twist IMHO, so hard to beat), I like how this story stretches our heroes with a challenge they’ve never faced before: a romantic interest. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers. Enjoy the ride.
May 22, 2017
The descriptions used to set up the setting of "Pest" grabbed me from the first moment. I immediately knew where I was, and I liked the scenes. The story has good humor with distinctive characters. The tone and pace are set well. I really liked this short story. The only issue I has was that I pretty much knew from the beginning that the bad guys would lose. Okay, that's the role of bad guys in stories, but somehow it was too obvious. Overall, I enjoyed the story, great work!
March 14, 2017
I've enjoyed all the stories in this series so far, and this one was no exception. It has a great cast of characters, and the plot is both interesting and full of surprises.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews