Point Blank: A Short Tale of Macabre Family Faults

by Justine Avery

If you can't stand the pressure... ask your mother to stop pointing the gun at your head.
Steven is a writer, by all accounts of self-proclamation. But no artist can be expected to work under serious pressure, especially not when the pressure consists of his own mother indenting his tender skull with the muzzle of the pistol held in her hand.

Suddenly, it's write or die for Steven. He better tap away on that typewriter or expect to be extracted from the land of the living before he's had the opportunity to finish anything he's ever written. Not to mention that his recently departed Father lying on the floor beside him should supply enough motivation.

When Steven manages to frustrate his murderous mother to no end, his wish made under duress actually comes true. Mother's vanished... along with all evidence of the foregoing incident ever having taken place.

Is his beloved father really dead? Is his own mother now a criminal on the run? Can he truly never cure his lifetime disease of writer's block?

Only one person can uncover the truth and set the world to rights again. That would be Tim, Steven's much more successful, though younger, brother. If only Tim would actually believe Steven's retelling of the frightful situation he's just managed to survive.

Someone's got to fix the latest family faux pas. And everyone in the family knows it can't be Steven.

In the dead of night, two brothers battle sibling rivalry, serious mother issues, one heinous surprise after another, and a lifetime of family strife to get to the bottom of it all and uncover what's been lying beneath all along.
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What are you waiting for? chuckle-worthy dark comedy, murder mystery, delicious sibling rivalry and family issues, the cure for writer's block, and so much more await you.

About the Author
Justine Avery Is a Genre-Breaker, a Writer of Delicious Story Above All Else
Justine Avery is an avid reader of all genres, weaves her own stories among them all, and sets out to surprise her readers at every opportunity. She's an acutely observant introvert with an insatiable yearning to explorer, a risk-taker who's based in reality, a wanderer with a mission, and a grownup blessed with childlike wonder at the world. Her stories reflect the same, and readers can't get enough of them.

Avery writes genre-breaking fiction with universal appeal, emphasizing enticing story above all else. She writes powerful, affecting stories accessible to all readers, regardless of what your own favorite genres happen to be. She writes the tales all readers are drawn to, the stories capable of changing your view of the world around you, the narratives that will become a part of you.

Go ahead—take a peek. Use the Look Inside feature above, and start reading Point Blank now.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Mystery

40 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2015

About the author

Justine Avery is the #1 international bestselling and award-winning author of stories large and small, for all. Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists and surprises she can’t even predict herself.

Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final "job"—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.

Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says "eh"—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives on either side of "the pond" with her husband, acclaimed British film director and author Devon Avery, and other creatures. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.

Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.

JustineAvery.com
Amazon.com/author/justineavery
Twitter.com/Justine_Avery
BookBub.com/authors/justine-avery
LibraryThing.com/author/averyjustine

Reviews

[Mort · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually better than I expected.
I think the cover sucks (sorry!), but I enjoyed this quick one. When you start reading, you think to yourself: 'Oh yeah, I know where this is going, I know what the twist is supposed to be.'
And then you get to the end and think: 'Hmmm, I was wrong, I didn't see that coming.'
You know, like when I get invited to a karaoke party. People think to themselves: 'Maybe Mort has a hidden talent...this could get interesting.'
But I will not sing anything until the host of the party calls me up. The thing is, when the hosts are tired and wants to go home or the people to leave their home, they call me up to sing any song. Most of the time the first verse will pretty much clear the room. In fact, I don't know if anybody has ever heard me finishing a song.
My voice has been called a cross between AC\DC and the Bee Gees.
With a stick up my ass.
And a skunk under my nose.
While sky-diving...
with a broken parachute.

So, it's like that, only with words.

Hope that explains everything.

[MC Rasing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

A twist within a twist. The story starts with an interesting premise--a writer with a gun to his head held by his mother! The story explores multiple levels of relationships in a family: Steven with his mother, Steven with his brother Tim, and then towards the end, with their father, and their father to their mother. It's a wealthy, dysfunctional family alright!

And then a staged tragedy turns real because tensions were finally and fatally unleashed. Some of the clever clues were cleverly planted by the author, and at first you would think that the narrator of the story was unreliable or making things up. But later in the story, you'd know that it was real!

There was just one confusing part of the story. What was the mother asking Steven to write? his father's will or a novel that he should be finishing? I was surprisingly entertained by this short tale.

[Shaniece DeGazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Justine Avery has got me on the edge of my seat with this family dramatic, dark twisted humor novel. The story surrounds two siblings trying to solve the murder mystery that has occurred in their household. One sibling is traumatically haunted by what he believes is the murder he witnessed by his mother ages ago and powerless to stop. The other younger successful sibling is now trying to make sense of the babble coming out of his older brothers' mind and mouth. From the very first page you know this book will be a wild ride when it opens up with the mother having a gun to the older brothers head saying "just write dammit". Then we get to the gruesome details of their father's murder where the plot thickens even more. Honestly if you love murder mysteries and trying to figure out who did it this book will make your entire life!!!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justine Avery's shorts are so much fun to read. Steve, a writer with writers block driven to the brink of insanity by his parents, can't write under pressure. Especially when that pressure included a gun pressed into his scalp and the very real threat that it will be used.Steve and his perfect brother Tim confront their issues with their upbringing in their twisted family together, but of course all is not as it seems. A quick and thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Shelley Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of the greats; Stephen King and Dean Koontz have kept me enthralled for countless hours with their unique and dark perspectives on what the human mind is capable of. This short has the feeling and almost a similar voice to the early works of King. Dark,yes, but not so much so that it overshadows the family dynamic that can be found in many homes. An interesting and entertaining read!

[Brandy Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was an intriguing read. It was different from some of her other works. I am used to reading her children's fiction, however I enjoyed the different plot in this one. What turned out to be a horrible joke, ended horribly. However the outcome came out fine in the end in a matter of speaking. I would read it again as well.

*I received this book in a Library Thing giveaway. My views and opinions are unbiased and are my honest thoughts on the book.

[Shay Goodine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery hooks you from the onset again with the lure of mystery. Immediately you are questioning the situation, the validity of the main character, and by the end your own sanity! More so than other works of Avery's this has a thriller feel, with gory twists and turns around every corner (or under every rug). Justine Avery certainly never disappoints.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The slap across Steven’s (40+, author/writer) head with the butt of the pistol convinced him maybe he better listen to his mother.
Timmy “Tim” (brother) poured him a glass of scotch to ease the pain.
I heard the door open/closed & Steven hid in a secret place.
Mother had returned.
She dragged husband/father (67) into the library.
He knew bad things were going to happen to him.
The Royal Quiet Deluxe typewriter had been used. There was a I on the piece of paper.
Later Lucinda (Hispanic) housemaid showed up.
Father was supposed to take his medication.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written crime thriller (short story) book. It was amazingly easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author (s); eBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Toni_babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novelette I’ve purchased and read by Justine Avery. These short stories are written in a young-adult style; they read more in tune with how one would speak.

As a short story, this novelette contained a “frantic” dialogue, which helped to convey the confusion, fear, and tense situation of the main character, Steven, and his brother, Timothy. The author wrote in a way that allows the reader to feel the frustration, uncertainty and fear Steven feels as he deals with his dysfunctional family. You can almost feel how pathetic he feels throughout the beginning of the novelette and how appreciative he is of the brief, vital approval of his brother. The end had not one, but two, twists. Not to give much away, but the first twist was enjoyable. The second one was harder to accept as realistic due to the nonchalant manner in which it was depicted. Most of the tale was well thought out, with vivid imagery to help facilitate the character emotions and reader understanding. However, the second twist seemed slightly rushed and the level of detail was not as captivating as I had expected from Avery.

While I did enjoy much of the story, there were some slight formatting errors within the paragraph structures. I do not feel these would distract a typical reader as it mostly had to do with indentations towards the start of each paragraph and maintaining a unified format. As someone with an OCD-like mind for these kind of details, however, it did stand out to me.

Overall, the novelette was enjoyable and I would recommend it to my younger friends. It was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed while relaxing after a day of work. I found it engaging for the most part and I was satisfied with my purchase. I look forward to other works by Avery and her continued growth as an author.

[Toni Babuchiwski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novelette I’ve purchased and read by Justine Avery. These short stories are written in a young-adult style; they read more in tune with how one would speak.

As a short story, this novelette contained a “frantic” dialogue, which helped to convey the confusion, fear, and tense situation of the main character, Steven, and his brother, Timothy. The author wrote in a way that allows the reader to feel the frustration, uncertainty and fear Steven feels as he deals with his dysfunctional family. You can almost feel how pathetic he feels throughout the beginning of the novelette and how appreciative he is of the brief, vital approval of his brother. The end had not one, but two, twists. Not to give much away, but the first twist was enjoyable. The second one was harder to accept as realistic due to the nonchalant manner in which it was depicted. Most of the tale was well thought out, with vivid imagery to help facilitate the character emotions and reader understanding. However, the second twist seemed slightly rushed and the level of detail was not as captivating as I had expected from Avery.

While I did enjoy much of the story, there were some slight formatting errors within the paragraph structures. I do not feel these would distract a typical reader as it mostly had to do with indentations towards the start of each paragraph and maintaining a unified format. As someone with an OCD-like mind for these kind of details, however, it did stand out to me.

Overall, the novelette was enjoyable and I would recommend it to my younger friends. It was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed while relaxing after a day of work. I found it engaging for the most part and I was satisfied with my purchase. I look forward to other works by Avery and her continued growth as an author.

[Elizabeth Beadles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demanding parents can drive their children towards the brink of success or insanity, and Steve knows this more than most. Identifying as a writer from a young age, Steve experiences immense pressure from his father and mother to pursue fame and success. Unfortunately, his repeated failures in the field are now causing dangerous and deadly mind games within his family. His mother has snapped, and the consequences are terrible for every single person, including his successful brother Tim, who isn't sure his brother will ever amount to anything. The goal of his mother's dastardly plan is to inspire Steve and break through his lifelong writer's block, and it works. "I guess you're never really stuck. In life or words. You can only deny, disregard, withhold the truth, hang on to disappointments." He has always wanted to tell the world a compelling story, and now that there is blood on all of their hands, his family has provided him with the darkest inspiration he could imagine.

Justine Avery delivers another fantastically twisted short story with Point Blank, with twists that keep the reader on their toes. By the conclusion of this thriller, all of the characters are responsible for a heinous act and it's difficult to feel that the characters are redeemable people, nonetheless, Avery manages to craft them as likable. Occasionally, the conversations feel forced, however, it's easy to overlook as the story continues flowing. Avery proves once again that a good short story utilizes multiple plot twists in order to bring the reader to a finish that strikes a perfect balance of both dark and entertaining. This is definitely an adult oriented short story, as it includes cursing and murder.

[Efsane K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s very easy to read, especially for the young readers and exciting enough to draw everyone’s attention from the first page. The story opens up with a writer, a gun on his head, his mother is holding the gun, and asking him to write. Who wouldn’t be curious about what’s happening?

There’s a corrupted family of four: A man in his forties who grew up hating himself, and still living with his parents, feeling incompetent; a dominant mother that controls every family member and gained their hatred throughout the years; a younger brother who seems not to care anything about this family, but turns out that he’s the most affected one among the others; last but not least, a father, who secretly wishes that peace should come to his family.

This is an interesting household to read, but the story focuses mostly on the action, so I wished that we could learn more about the characters’ past, and their relationship with each other. With that, it could be easier to understand the motivations. As for now, you don’t really empathize with the characters or feel anything toward them. Even they don’t seem to care about anything.

As far as I understand from Justine Avery’s stories, they start from a random point of the character’s lives and end randomly. There’s not much character description, neither a good dialogue, but the storylines are thrilling and make its viewers read more. Because Avery plays for the audience’s curiosity, after every page, you want to see what’ll happen next.

[Brooke Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author's storytelling abilities grab your interest right from the beginning- this is the first sample of text from Avery that I tried, and (I don't mind admitting this, mind you), I haven't read very much in the way of quality work from some of the newest authors, and so have developed a measure of scorn for modern text, in spite of considering myself a part of the 'newest author group'-
The writing style of Avery is succinct, clipped, so to speak, and to the point. It offers up vivid description, and moves somewhat like a radio or a tv station. It moves you right into the moment, it's intense, and carries you right through to the end of whatever its deliverance may be.
The nice thing about this story is that it keeps you on edge. One always seems to be anticipating the next action, without really being able to stop and decipher what is taking place, and it moves you without awareness on your part-
I feel as though in addition, from a technical perspective, Avery does well to realize the merit of storytelling in the form of a novella. Without giving too much 'burdening text,' she is astute enough to not lose her readers to the art of words that are too descriptive or time consuming, in this modern day of- 'get me to the point already!'- culture of readers.

[Abdallah Mahmoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and great piece of literature. I discovered this author a couple of days ago and this is the second novel I read for her. Like the previous novel, I could not stop reading until I reach the end in the same single sitting. This story proves the unique style of the author although the topic of the two stories was so different. I liked how she writes in a way that makes you feel you watch a movie, so attracted to the flow of the events and this story kept you waiting for a surprise after a surprise. Although it is a short novel, but you can feel how much effort was given to write it this unique way. I don't want to give all my thoughts about the story itself so that you can enjoy the twists as much as I did, but there is no doubt you will keep reading and expecting new twist till the very end of it. One of the best stories I read in a while, deep insights into ill relationships within a family and how the main character was severely affected and how abnormal family relations can cause a person to lack enough confidence to proceed, in my opinion so many people suffer the same as Steven did in the story.

[Ali Raza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is impossible to pin down the alchemy that turns Justine Avery’s “Point Blank” into an overwhelming success. It was a beautifully twisted, chilly thriller that pulls the reader in and doesn’t let go until the last word of the book. The text grows on you from the very first page and I guess it is the simplicity of the plot that makes it worth a read. Its suspense keeps the reader on the toes.
Avery’s story opens with the introduction of a wicked mother pointing a gun at her son (Stephen), and revolves around Stephen‘s family problems and his motivation to write. Stephen tries to make his younger brother, Timmy, believe him about their mother’s wickedness but he won’t listen. Unaccepted by his own brother, Stephen faces humiliation and lack of faith. He finds himself alone and scared.
Avery’s narration makes the reader to live in the story with Stephen, enjoying in suspense as the story unfolds. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride to identify your inner calling. Unlike most of Kindle’s paid books, “Point Blank” is worth a read.

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Point Blank: A Short Tale of Macabre Family Faults

3.75 stars!

This is one novella I would LOVE to see written as a novel and for someone to screen write it for a movie. At only 31 pages, the author fits more into those few pages than many authors include in 300 pages. The plot is fast-paced (it has to be with only 31 pages to work with!), characters are developed just enough to give the reader an idea of their state of mind within the plot and the plot itself is loaded with twists, unpredictable pace changes and an ending that caught this reader totally off guard.

For only 31 pages, this work more than make up for lack of length with a well worked plot, plenty of surprises and a kick ass ending.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway. It was short, and a little confusing as to what is real and what is occurring in Steven's head. However, I liked the very end of the story.

[Jasmine Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fake tragedy turns real in order to inspire a writer to finish his novel. That pretty much sums up this short story by Justine Avery. This story reminds me of the short stories from Edgar Allen Poe. It is dark with a slight hint of humor, and revelation that leaves readers stunned and confused. It is a well written story that puts you in a dire situation in the very first page. Half the time, I thought the situation was maybe a dream the main character, Steven, was having in order to get some type of inspiration to write his novel.

With most short stories, there is an understanding that there will not be as much background information about the characters because it is not important to the plot. You’re trying to get from point A to point B in a timely matter and in a way the draws in your reader. This story did draw me in, but left me with more questions. Why was their mother mean? If she was as mean as they say, why did she go to great lengths to put on this charade? Was she being real genuine? Did Tim harbor bad feelings toward his mother and let it explode when the time came? What was the father’s role in all of this? Why did it seem that the world was against Steven? If everyone thought Steven’s writing “career” was a joke, why did they encourage him to write a story about their lives? Why was the father proud of what Tim did? Creepy. For a minute, I thought Tim was in on the charade as well. This short story may not be for everyone, but it is a short read so I say give it a go. There are no chapters in this story and you can finish this within 1hr or so.

[Mary Cicitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book creates a tense punch at the gut. I like the way Steven is very lovable but clearly a loser. Avery has a way with words- especially her transitions. In unraveling the relationship between Steven and Tim in solving what really happened, their relationship comes together. Avery manages to, in very few words, pull together a plot, character development, sufficient humor and intrigue in one short book.

You wonder…is Steven’s writer’s block caused by his mother’s hatred and disapproval of him? Or, is it because if he acknowledged the truth about his dysfunctional family it would bring about his resolution and eliminate his writer’s block? Maybe, that is how he copes.

For those of us who come from dysfunctional families (who doesn’t?), the story taps into our own emotions and dealings with our families and this makes you somewhat uncomfortable as you experience this in "Point Blank."

Overall, that’s what I like about Avery…she always makes you uncomfortable and pushes you to the edge.

With the ending comes the realization that each member of the family is nefarious in their own way and really are unredeemable people.

It is witty writing and could easily be converted into a playwright’s script because of the one-line deliveries in quick and funny succession.

But, we can’t forget that it’s dark…dark and black humor, which makes it highly engaging, intriguing and a fabulous, unforgettable read. Don’t miss it. It’s too good to not pick up and read.

By Mary Cicitta

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and filled with non stop action, this novelette is an easy, compelling read. A grotesque and darkly humorous portrayal of a profoundly dysfunctional family, Point Blank feels like a Flannery O’ Connor story written in the frenzied, manic style of Bret Easton Ellis. At its core, this is a story about writing, and as such it will resonate most strongly with other writers. It explores familiar concepts about the fundamental urges that drive the compulsion to write- the fear of mortality and the frustration of feeling misunderstood and alone. The narrator is stuck in a writer’s hell, or perhaps a nightmare. In many ways, the story depicts the traditional trajectory of writing, but taken to a heightened, dangerous extreme. Challenges every writer faces like writers block, the paralysis of high expectations and the fear of facing the truth of oneself and ones place in the world are taken to the absolute extreme- and the stakes become so high, they’re literally life or death. When he eventually kills his demons, he experiences a moment of panic, terrified by his own freedom and the opportunity to realize his own potential with nothing holding him back. The plot can feel confusing at times and the language is so simple that the writing often feels a bit amateur, but ultimately its a fun short story that is certainly worth a read.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Point Blank is a very interesting story with a great opening line to introduce us to Steven a rather unlikable protagonist with serious mother issues.

The beginning of the story is a little confusing in going from the beginning, to the middle, and then back to the beginning with very little exposition. With that being said I'll admit one of my bigger issues is that the author, tries to mix humor into the middle of what is a crisis for the protagonist Steven that up to this point, was out of character for him. Also the two main characters come across as very unlikable, they tend to come across as spoiled adults, Steven being a forty year old man still living with his parents in their large house with servants, not a very relatable character for most people.

I will say the ending was pretty good with some dark humor sprinkled in at the end that got me to crack a bit of a smile. Although the characters are unlikable, the story is a rather interesting albeit a bit predictable idea.

So overall this short story was an interesting and easy read with a few plot holes and some unlikable characters. The ending was the best part although the reader is left without a solid resolution.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Point Blank: (as Short Tale of Macabre Family Faults)" is a very dark, and cleverly comical, short horror story from author Justine Avery. Like all of Justine Avery's short tales, her description and attention to detail, is overwhelming at first, drawing you in, quickly and powerfully. Michael is a failed writer, living with his parents, suffering through their constant disappointment at his shortcomings. Michael's mother is evil personified. Threatened by gunpoint to write his father's last will, Michael's mother finally knocks him out with the butt of the gun. Tim, Michael's more successful brother, doesn't believe his story. Upon returning home to his family's estate, Michael is confronted with an even more sinister situation. Is his mother as evil as he believes? Author Justine Avery has once again created a mystical world of, in this case, horrific intensity, juxtaposed with a subtle sense of black comedy. Twists and suspense add a sense of pace to this story that will be over before you're ready, leaving you begging for more.

[Stuart Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read point blank.

This story has a few things going for it. It's a short story that you can finish in one sitting and it's an entertaining tale with some dark humor thrown in for good measure. Point Blank also has some good little twists tossed in that throw the reader for a loop and for a short story like this one, it's impressive that so much is packed into such a tiny tale.

The characters are packed with interesting histories that aren't completely delved into, but you get a good sense of the conflict between them by the way they talk and treat one another. The relationship with Steven and Timmy is loaded with resentment and even hateful intentions, but we get to see them draw a bit closer by the end of the book, along with some good plot twisty goodness.

I won't spoil some of the more profound twists that happen over the course of the book, but they are very interesting takes that keep you turning pages until the last one.

Overall, this is a solid read if you want something quick and consumable and it will entertain you throughout.

[Mayra Guerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERS!

From the very first page you are hook like bass on a worm. The setting is very foreboding and the narrative throws you right into the room whether you want to be there or not.

After the first 4 pages you start to question everything you are reading and in fact you think you're going crazy. The storyline is so submersible that I had to reread a few paragraphs to make sure I was sane! The plot takes you on such a loop and no one can be trusted, not even Steven who is telling the story.

As it seems horrifying truths about the situation are becoming clear, we get a tender moment between estranged brothers and the glimpse of hope in the midst of grim circumstances. But just when things start to cool of another bombs is dropped as the protagonists are now without parents.

While the story seems it is coming to a sad end with silver lining a bomb is dropped as one of the parents returns from the grave. And in that conversation that takes place, the genius of Justine Avery is revealed and we are left there wiping the sweat from our faces.

[Jessica Dingus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point Blank is an unexpected family tale of sick, twisted humor and murder. No one believes the older brother’s stories until he proves his mother is capable of murder. The elements of this story reminded me of the Melendez murders, when two brothers killed their parents and claimed it was because of all the abuse they lived with most of their lives.
When the parents are stuffed in a hole under the floor, it reminded me of the tell-tale heart.
Some quotes I enjoyed:
“I guess you’re never really stuck. In life or words. You can only deny, disregard, withhold the truth, hang on to disappointments.”
“The devil smiled, baring her cavity-filled mouth and allowing her decaying breath to seep into the atmosphere like poison.” This line the author calls the mother a devil but perfectly describes a witch.
“…the trickle of ruby red blood now trailing down the bridge of her nose actually made my mother look pretty.” The mother seemed so evil the look of death finally made her appealing.
Yet again, another great Justine Avery novella with unexpected twists.

[K. M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars : I honestly have no idea how to write about “Point Blank” without spoiling it, so let me just say this was one of the weirdest little books I’ve ever read. Just when you think you understand, comes the switch, and then when you least expect it - another switch.

Steven is having the worst day ever. His mother is holding a gun to his head and making him write his novel (which is, btw, one of the less stressful ways to write a novel. Trust me, I know). In a fit, she hits him over the head with the gun leaving him to wake, hours later, to find his father dead. He calls his brother Tim, who doesn’t believe him because Steven is a “writer”, who doesn’t write, but makes things up. It doesn’t help that their fathers body is missing. Their mother comes home and things take a turn for the worse, or in the case of this rather eccentric and dysfunctional family, for the better.

Seriously, if you have 30 minutes to give to the weird and creative, give it to this book. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

[Ahlam Abdullatif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great tale by Justine Avery; Point Blank is a thrilling story filled with plenty of mystery. With a plot twist you never see coming, you go through this story wondering what is the truth of the matter.
The story is told by a man named Steven who claims to be a writer, but has yet to write anything at all. Steven's mother, who is completely fed up with her son's writer's block, forces him to write under pressure. This doesn't help Steven, who has been fearful of his mother since he was a child.
In the many events that occur in this short story, Steven finds himself being witness to something horrific. He begs his brother to believe everything he is saying, but even Steven has trouble believing himself...
Point Blank is fast paced and straight to the point. I felt it was a bit dragged on, but that led to the suspense of what was to come next. This story was a fascinating short thrill.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Point Blank, Avery weaves a great plot, and every word is significant. She briefly conveys the background on two brothers, Jim (the eldest) and Tim (the youngest), who have been at odds with each other throughout their lives. Their story is a classic one, i.e., domineering, hateful mother; passive father; and maladjusted children. One brother is a success, and the other is a failure. One is the mother’s beloved, and the other one is her doormat. The brothers, now adults, hate each other, but are aware that they have something in common—authentic, but perhaps misplaced, love for one of their parents.

Is the mother solely to blame for the family dysfunction? Questions will be answered and the revelations are more than astounding. The finale causes the reader to ask more questions, and after sorting through the facts, there is resolution. Only then does it become evident who masterminded the deadly outcome. The ending is a satisfying, but disconcerting, one.

[Nichole Werley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Point Blank: (a Short Tale of Macabre Family Faults)" by author Justine Avery is an immersive experience into the lives of a dysfunctional family. I absolutely loved this short book! The character development was fantastic. The imagery and descriptions were so eloquent that I felt as if I were there, among the lives on the page before me. Justine Avery has an amazing way of drawing you in and grabbing hold of you. When you try to turn away, the story slaps you in the face and plants your butt right back in the chair. Another one-sitting read for me from this author. The twists and turns and shocks are what make her an expert short novelist. I can't wait to read the next story from this Ms Avery. If you like suspense, mystery, black humor and a ton of depth, you'll love "Point Blank"!

[Joanna Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasting no time, Justine Avery immediately jumps into the action, both captivating the reader and making them wonder what on earth is going on. The plot is simple, but not so simple as to make the read boring. With almost all of the story taking place within the feverish dialogue, the reader is instantly stuck in the action without having to worry about superfluous description. That being said, some of the subcurrents running through the story get a little confusing because there isn't that exposition giving you any clues as to why the characters are behaving the way they are. Without being told any of their motivations, the story as a whole comes off a little puzzling. Aside from the occasional confusion, the fast-paced plot is more than enough to keep the reader interested until the end.