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Postal
From Matt Shaw (Sick B*stards) and J.R. Park (Upon Waking).
It was a bold move, an initiative by a truly inspirational leader. The scheme was a simple one. Each month a letter would be sent to selected people; thirteen in total. Within that month the receiver of the letter was given the lawful right to kill one person. It didn’t matter who it was or how they did it. The receiver granted the right to commit murder with no legal consequences.
Each month people wondered whether this time they’d be randomly selected. Whether they’d be chosen to make their lives that little bit easier by killing the person who was making it unnecessarily harder.
It was a bold move, an initiative by a truly inspirational leader. The scheme was a simple one. Each month a letter would be sent to selected people; thirteen in total. Within that month the receiver of the letter was given the lawful right to kill one person. It didn’t matter who it was or how they did it. The receiver granted the right to commit murder with no legal consequences.
Each month people wondered whether this time they’d be randomly selected. Whether they’d be chosen to make their lives that little bit easier by killing the person who was making it unnecessarily harder.
- GenresHorror
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2017
12 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
533 books2,212 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 21, 2019
4 STARS
Now that’s some thinking outside the box shit right there!
Yes, there are parallels to the movie THE PURGE – I thought the original was great – but this story is not a copy of that, so I can recommend it to those who enjoyed the movie.
Once a month, a lottery is held for legal, registered residents of the UK, where 13 winners will get the opportunity to kill one other person without legal recourse. A letter of permission is mailed to the recipients where it explains that they have one month in which to commit the act in whatever way they prefer. And, of course, it is not transferable.
That’s about it, in a nutshell.
And you can’t help but wonder, if anything like this would ever happen, who your target may be…
It won’t, of course. That would be silly. I mean, would it even take a decade to extinguish politicians and lawyers? And what then?
Used car salesmen?
Celebrities who annoy you?
Your boss?
The guy who steals your parking spot?
The children who are too loud outside?
Larry, who stole your third pen – that’s right, THIRD fucking pen – this week, and regularly misplaces the staplers and scissors because he can’t put the stuff back where they belong, like any DECENT FUCKING HUMAN BEING WOULD DO...BUT NOOOOOO, LARRY IS TOO FUCKING GOOD TO DO THE RIGHT THING, THE PRICK-
Ahem, yeah, enjoyed the story.
Now that’s some thinking outside the box shit right there!
Yes, there are parallels to the movie THE PURGE – I thought the original was great – but this story is not a copy of that, so I can recommend it to those who enjoyed the movie.
Once a month, a lottery is held for legal, registered residents of the UK, where 13 winners will get the opportunity to kill one other person without legal recourse. A letter of permission is mailed to the recipients where it explains that they have one month in which to commit the act in whatever way they prefer. And, of course, it is not transferable.
That’s about it, in a nutshell.
And you can’t help but wonder, if anything like this would ever happen, who your target may be…
It won’t, of course. That would be silly. I mean, would it even take a decade to extinguish politicians and lawyers? And what then?
Used car salesmen?
Celebrities who annoy you?
Your boss?
The guy who steals your parking spot?
The children who are too loud outside?
Larry, who stole your third pen – that’s right, THIRD fucking pen – this week, and regularly misplaces the staplers and scissors because he can’t put the stuff back where they belong, like any DECENT FUCKING HUMAN BEING WOULD DO...BUT NOOOOOO, LARRY IS TOO FUCKING GOOD TO DO THE RIGHT THING, THE PRICK-
Ahem, yeah, enjoyed the story.
April 28, 2023
3.5 stars. I loved...loved this concept. And Matt Shaw, even with some of his shorter books, always finds a way to amaze me with his creativity. This felt like a spin on The Purge movies, but a little more fine-tuned and reasonable, despite still being a bit 'out there.' Hopefully that made sense. I liked how we got to experience different characters all with different situations and dilemmas entertaining ways to use their government allotment of a single kill. Again, a fantastic idea. Why did I not rate this higher, you ask? It felt like someone hit the fast forward button on my Kindle. The story moves exceedingly fast, not allowing the reader to really get truly involved with the surface level characters. And, at about a hundred pages, a lot of time was spent dedicated to describing how people outside of the immediate cast of characters were using their privileges, which I didn't think was a great creative decision. With such a limited number of pages and a pretty sizeable bunch of characters to already wrangle, this needed to scale back and focus on what was actually pertinent to the plot. Or, if the author wanted to expand beyond that, he could have doubled the length of the book, which also would have resolved most of my critiques, resulting in an even better outing. So, despite a great idea and some really fun characters, the execution of the plot left a lot to be desired.
April 7, 2020
This was a fun and quick read. Of course it brings to mind The Purge and it’s sequels. The descriptions of the ways in which people choose to carry out their sanctioned murders are creative and gruesome.
June 23, 2022
Each month 13 people receive a letter, letting them murder a person of their choice. Whether it's a noisy neighbour, or a cheating spouse, nobody was safe.
A brutal, gory extreme horror that I enjoyed every second of. Matt Shaw's books are always so good, and J R Park with Matt Shaw is just as incredible! Such a quick book but filled with a story that will have you peaking through your fingers to read!
It's bloody, gory and terrifying. Absolutely brilliant, and I could have read so much more!
A brutal, gory extreme horror that I enjoyed every second of. Matt Shaw's books are always so good, and J R Park with Matt Shaw is just as incredible! Such a quick book but filled with a story that will have you peaking through your fingers to read!
It's bloody, gory and terrifying. Absolutely brilliant, and I could have read so much more!
January 4, 2018
Reviewed by Demetrius Svette
*This book was provided for an honest review
Many people wait every month for all sorts of things- it could be that they’re waiting for the government to send them money on their overused EBT cards to buy junk food and other useless crap. It could be that they’re waiting to get a Social Security check to pay their bills and other necessities that are needed to maintain their lives. Maybe they, like you, are waiting patiently and nervously six days a week to check the mail; what might you get today? Did that check come from the insurance department? Did your last paycheck from the job you just left with no warning come in? I myself waited patiently for a book called Postal by Matt Shaw and J.R. Park. How ironic it was, waiting for this book to come in the mail when it is about many people waiting to receive a particular letter in their mailboxes. While many in the general population are waiting in line for the next ticket to hit the mega millions, these two authors created the ultimate lottery in the form of violence beyond anything I have ever come across before.
Imagine a world where you get a letter in the mail, waiting for days to see if you are a part of the elite. Thirteen lucky participants will receive a letter a month. The rules are simple: you can only kill one person and the ticket is not transferable. There is a deadline though, so think quickly and relinquish that person from their mortal life. In the pages of Postal, you will experience anxiety, laughter and pure madness of a new world- think of Purging Day in The Purge. Only Postal is much better as it’s not everyone killing any and every person they can; it’s a limited time offer for only certain ones to obtain. I don’t want to give much away but I will say that Postal is smartly laid out in a different kind of world that Shaw and Park have presented to us. How would you kill someone if you happened to open your mailbox to find the golden letter? See how others choose to do it in the ultimate lottery ride inside this epic creation.
This is the first of Shaw’s and the second of Park’s work that I have had the absolute pleasure of reading. I’m not too sure who wrote what though as the story flows perfect and is connected beautifully together. The detailed writing and the character builds between these two is so creative in many ways but what made it unique and awesome to me was to see names of real people used in the story line. I will be pacing back and forth with anxiety to read more from Shaw and Park’s sick minds. To the many people wondering what you should read next, this is for you- a quick read that will make you think of all sorts of bad things. Oh good, the mail has just arrived. I wonder if I got that letter from the Department for the Postal Execution Center. I have been waiting for a year now and my patience is wearing off…
*This book was provided for an honest review
Many people wait every month for all sorts of things- it could be that they’re waiting for the government to send them money on their overused EBT cards to buy junk food and other useless crap. It could be that they’re waiting to get a Social Security check to pay their bills and other necessities that are needed to maintain their lives. Maybe they, like you, are waiting patiently and nervously six days a week to check the mail; what might you get today? Did that check come from the insurance department? Did your last paycheck from the job you just left with no warning come in? I myself waited patiently for a book called Postal by Matt Shaw and J.R. Park. How ironic it was, waiting for this book to come in the mail when it is about many people waiting to receive a particular letter in their mailboxes. While many in the general population are waiting in line for the next ticket to hit the mega millions, these two authors created the ultimate lottery in the form of violence beyond anything I have ever come across before.
Imagine a world where you get a letter in the mail, waiting for days to see if you are a part of the elite. Thirteen lucky participants will receive a letter a month. The rules are simple: you can only kill one person and the ticket is not transferable. There is a deadline though, so think quickly and relinquish that person from their mortal life. In the pages of Postal, you will experience anxiety, laughter and pure madness of a new world- think of Purging Day in The Purge. Only Postal is much better as it’s not everyone killing any and every person they can; it’s a limited time offer for only certain ones to obtain. I don’t want to give much away but I will say that Postal is smartly laid out in a different kind of world that Shaw and Park have presented to us. How would you kill someone if you happened to open your mailbox to find the golden letter? See how others choose to do it in the ultimate lottery ride inside this epic creation.
This is the first of Shaw’s and the second of Park’s work that I have had the absolute pleasure of reading. I’m not too sure who wrote what though as the story flows perfect and is connected beautifully together. The detailed writing and the character builds between these two is so creative in many ways but what made it unique and awesome to me was to see names of real people used in the story line. I will be pacing back and forth with anxiety to read more from Shaw and Park’s sick minds. To the many people wondering what you should read next, this is for you- a quick read that will make you think of all sorts of bad things. Oh good, the mail has just arrived. I wonder if I got that letter from the Department for the Postal Execution Center. I have been waiting for a year now and my patience is wearing off…
July 23, 2017
What if 13 lives could be traded for virtually unlimited positive changes in the nation?
13 people per month. Justifiable? The authors sure have me convinced that it is!
BONUS: 13 citizens are granted the right to commit murder with no legal consequences!
I'd be a much nicer person in my day to day life if I knew that every move I made could be a potential death sentence. The smart-assery would come to a halt, that's for sure!
13 people per month. Justifiable? The authors sure have me convinced that it is!
BONUS: 13 citizens are granted the right to commit murder with no legal consequences!
I'd be a much nicer person in my day to day life if I knew that every move I made could be a potential death sentence. The smart-assery would come to a halt, that's for sure!
July 5, 2017
What an ingenious idea, each month of the year 13 lucky recipients will receive a letter in the mail allowing them to kill one person with no consequences. You meet characters and think you have a pretty good idea of what's going on with them but I'll tell you this, Park and Shaw compliment each other well and the results will totally surprise you. Well done lads.
August 16, 2017
What would YOU do??
I loved the idea of this book and it didn't disappoint! One letter, one opportunity, one very big decision.
As an avid reader of Matt Shaw it's a pleasure when he plays well with others. If you like your tales dark and a bit stabby then don't pass this little gem by.
I loved the idea of this book and it didn't disappoint! One letter, one opportunity, one very big decision.
As an avid reader of Matt Shaw it's a pleasure when he plays well with others. If you like your tales dark and a bit stabby then don't pass this little gem by.
October 19, 2017
Like the movie Purge, but on a smaller scale.
December 10, 2019
Very interesting idea, makes you think, plenty of creative deaths and some humour.
December 7, 2017
I only have one complaint about this book...it was too short. Mr Shaw and Mr Park are too of the sickest minds I have ever encountered, and they demonstrate this on almost every page. Postal examines the concept of a state sponsored lottery of death. 13 people a month receive a letter allowing then one legal kill (Don't let Mrs May read this book). Many characters, with strangely familiar names, die in horrible ways while Heidi cheats on Peter with Bill and Janet answers the phone on the lottery helpdesk. Funny, strangely informative and very disturbed. Shaw and Park will undoubtedly find themselves sharing not just the pages of this book but a cell in Broadmoor. Give it a read, if you dare!
December 24, 2019
This was a delightfully fun read. I have never been a fan of The Purge and random violence within. With Postal, there is a reason for each kill. I think everyone has been wronged in some monumental way at least once in their life and have thought "if only I could". Most of us would never act upon these feelings but we guiltily indulge now and then in the fantasy. I liked the little Easter Egg also. Again - it was just a fun read and I enjoyed it.
May 27, 2017
Good, quick story! VERY graphic, but good! There certainly are days I wish that I'd get a letter like that! I do feel like I should warn fellow readers that this is a short story, not a novel. Even if the pages go up to 100, with all the big margins and blank pages, I'd say 75 would be generous. Just a warning, especially if you are purchasing this. But it is a good, sometimes gross, read!
April 17, 2017
It was pretty freakin' awesome. Parts of it reminded me of The Purge and I can't help but wonder if that was part of the inspiration? Overall, my only complaint is that it was too short and I wanted more! Loved the thoughtful ending too.
September 10, 2017
Postal!
Matt Shaw did not disappoint as usual! Thanks to both authors for a great short story. Definitely worth the time and money.
Matt Shaw did not disappoint as usual! Thanks to both authors for a great short story. Definitely worth the time and money.
May 12, 2023
The premise of this book is brilliant.
The government makes murder legal for 13 people each month in order to keep the population low and under control.
Everyone is on their best behaviour while patiently waiting for their letter to come through the post to allow them the opportunity to seek revenge without consequences.
I made the mistake of reading this book on my lunch breaks. It's not the type of book to read while eating, so it was a struggle 😂
It's savage and brutal and really gory. Despite this, the writing is incredible. I was hooked from the first page.
I would highly recommend for horror/thriller fans.
The government makes murder legal for 13 people each month in order to keep the population low and under control.
Everyone is on their best behaviour while patiently waiting for their letter to come through the post to allow them the opportunity to seek revenge without consequences.
I made the mistake of reading this book on my lunch breaks. It's not the type of book to read while eating, so it was a struggle 😂
It's savage and brutal and really gory. Despite this, the writing is incredible. I was hooked from the first page.
I would highly recommend for horror/thriller fans.
June 13, 2022
This is like Purge, but on a much smaller level. In this story, you have to receive a letter from the government giving you permission to kill one person. I think 13 people a year get the letter.
This idea was fresh and crisp, and I believe I enjoyed reading about the history of past killings than I did keeping up with the main characters.
Just imagine immunity to kill one person.
I think I could get pretty creative
This idea was fresh and crisp, and I believe I enjoyed reading about the history of past killings than I did keeping up with the main characters.
Just imagine immunity to kill one person.
I think I could get pretty creative
March 30, 2020
A simple premise, flawlessly executed. This is an excellent short novella about legalised murder. The characters are well drawn and there's enough blood and gore to satisfy the most blood thirsty reader out there.
I've read a few books by Jr Park now and they are all excellent, but this is my first Matt Shaw. It will not be my last. Highly recommended, unless you are queasy!
I've read a few books by Jr Park now and they are all excellent, but this is my first Matt Shaw. It will not be my last. Highly recommended, unless you are queasy!
June 14, 2023
To solve the population crisis, the government posts out one-off licences to kill to random members of the public.
A fascinating concept.
The writing has that kind of charm common of independently publishlished books - with sex, drugs, and violence from page 1, and to such a degree that a mainstream publisher wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
Worth reading.
A fascinating concept.
The writing has that kind of charm common of independently publishlished books - with sex, drugs, and violence from page 1, and to such a degree that a mainstream publisher wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
Worth reading.
March 21, 2023
2.5 stars?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews