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Catch of the Day
What happens when:
* A woman retrieves the childhood memories of her mother's murder?
* A prominent scientist is hired to translate an ancient document that will change the history of the world?
* A man is forced to live over the worst moments of his life?
* A father must prevent his Gestapo daughter from betraying his wife?
* A dying WWII veteran reveals what really happened when he was shot down behind enemy lines?
* A discontented man surrenders his life to the crows that inhabit his neighborhood?
* A college professor uses his knowledge of biology to plot the perfect murder?
The 17 stories in this collection are paths through a darkened wood. Some lead to gruesome death; others, to healing and redemption. All are marked by surprises along the way. Seasoned with humor and grace, they become reflections on what is most important in life.
So come--embark on the journey.
But don't say you haven't been warned.
* A woman retrieves the childhood memories of her mother's murder?
* A prominent scientist is hired to translate an ancient document that will change the history of the world?
* A man is forced to live over the worst moments of his life?
* A father must prevent his Gestapo daughter from betraying his wife?
* A dying WWII veteran reveals what really happened when he was shot down behind enemy lines?
* A discontented man surrenders his life to the crows that inhabit his neighborhood?
* A college professor uses his knowledge of biology to plot the perfect murder?
The 17 stories in this collection are paths through a darkened wood. Some lead to gruesome death; others, to healing and redemption. All are marked by surprises along the way. Seasoned with humor and grace, they become reflections on what is most important in life.
So come--embark on the journey.
But don't say you haven't been warned.
236 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2018
93 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
William J. Cook
12 books36 followersWilliam Cook is a Connecticut native transplanted to Oregon in 1989. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, where he received his Master's Degree in Social Work. He spent 37 years as a mental health therapist, and he is now enjoying his retirement with his artist wife.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 16, 2018
A shout out to indie writers. Get a hold of William Cook’s “Catch of the Day” and pay attention.
This collection of short stories is diverse, dealing with relationships, aging, crime, and sexuality to name a few. Well developed characters dig into archeology or gaze at an eclipse –– one scenario contrasts the beauty of birdsong with the cruelty of a stroke that has left the watcher speechless.
But that isn’t all I’m shouting about. Please observe the impeccable editing. Clean, accurate, unerring writing that never distracts from his storytelling. Fine-tooth comb stuff. Despite a complex writing style that can involve frequently shifting points of view, internalized thinking, and changes in chronology, Cook delivers a profoundly well expressed and researched narrative. His performance is so strong in this respect, I’m a bit nervous as I write this review.
There can be some darkness to the writing –– he does not avoid life’s difficulties and the characters are often people with problems. But there is a warmth of human experience on the pages shaping intricate relationships. I was particularly impressed with his attention to detail, writing with convincing authority about fishing or poisonous concoctions (not in the same story!) and crafting a completely believable path through his subject matter.
As we find in most short story collections, there are more episodes than I can review here. So let me highlight a couple of favorites, two distinctly different portrayals of parents and old age.
In “Homecoming,” a pair of brothers still struggle with guilt and forgiveness as they experience hospice with their aging father, a decorated WWII veteran. Superimposed to great effect is the father’s own story of war, his brother, and remorse involving a bombing mission gone wrong. This bittersweet exploration of the final days of a parent compares competing personalities and religious disposition. It is both heartbreaking yet tenderly nostalgic, and will resonate with those of us who have experienced this challenging circumstance. The story’s sanguine conclusion is pleasing.
Contrast this with “Layla’s Brownies,” a playful examination of a daughter’s efforts on her mother’s behalf in the new world of legalized marijuana. I loved this story!
“Catch of the Day” should have something in it for everyone, and we as indie writers will benefit from this concise, beautifully edited collection.
This collection of short stories is diverse, dealing with relationships, aging, crime, and sexuality to name a few. Well developed characters dig into archeology or gaze at an eclipse –– one scenario contrasts the beauty of birdsong with the cruelty of a stroke that has left the watcher speechless.
But that isn’t all I’m shouting about. Please observe the impeccable editing. Clean, accurate, unerring writing that never distracts from his storytelling. Fine-tooth comb stuff. Despite a complex writing style that can involve frequently shifting points of view, internalized thinking, and changes in chronology, Cook delivers a profoundly well expressed and researched narrative. His performance is so strong in this respect, I’m a bit nervous as I write this review.
There can be some darkness to the writing –– he does not avoid life’s difficulties and the characters are often people with problems. But there is a warmth of human experience on the pages shaping intricate relationships. I was particularly impressed with his attention to detail, writing with convincing authority about fishing or poisonous concoctions (not in the same story!) and crafting a completely believable path through his subject matter.
As we find in most short story collections, there are more episodes than I can review here. So let me highlight a couple of favorites, two distinctly different portrayals of parents and old age.
In “Homecoming,” a pair of brothers still struggle with guilt and forgiveness as they experience hospice with their aging father, a decorated WWII veteran. Superimposed to great effect is the father’s own story of war, his brother, and remorse involving a bombing mission gone wrong. This bittersweet exploration of the final days of a parent compares competing personalities and religious disposition. It is both heartbreaking yet tenderly nostalgic, and will resonate with those of us who have experienced this challenging circumstance. The story’s sanguine conclusion is pleasing.
Contrast this with “Layla’s Brownies,” a playful examination of a daughter’s efforts on her mother’s behalf in the new world of legalized marijuana. I loved this story!
“Catch of the Day” should have something in it for everyone, and we as indie writers will benefit from this concise, beautifully edited collection.
February 17, 2018
Another fine collection of excellent short stories from William Cook. Never hesitate to buy these - the man is a master of short fiction.
Enter the victim, hounded by relentless, imperfect memories. The stage is breathless - will the hidden killer find her? By the Affect Bridge we cross over to the past. Upon a wartime winter's landscape, snow and airmen float softly down. In Winter's Walk both will journey to the sea, both will melt, allowing their true nature to be discovered.
Off-stage, in a fortified cellar, a kidnapped Paleographer undergoes an excruciating test of character, and achieves a perfect score.
In a Holding Pattern a lost groundhog looks for a landing place. Some Dangerous Christmas gifts have potential for extraordinary impact. Such as a book by The Man Who Stole the Stars which, once read, takes away the universe - forever. The celebration continues with a plate of Layla's Brownies which have magical powers, even when one doesn't eat them. Replete, I consider the nature of birds, trying to recover my powers of reasoning, and speech. The Bird-Feeder opens a window in my mind, if not the one I was wrestling with. Memories of my Soul Mate are tossed about by severe turbulence. Could the audience give me a Show of Hands as to the outcome?
Desperate for peace in the midst of upheaval, as the Crow Man I seek to pass the trial. Can I fly? Can I unknot the fiendish Eye of Newt? Can I tie a buggy fly? If I come to the Bethesda Pool, I may find healing. The game unravels, and the player gets a Yellow Card to the sound of laughter and applause.
Beg a coffee from the Barista, stranger, and have a seat over here. Let's sit a while, Looking at the Sun, and be reminded of what love we once shared. Does it still shine? Leave the answers to Homecoming, in which the reflections of a family are stilled, and understanding deepens, and bonds are affirmed.
A wonderful collection, which I devoured in a day, and was sorry it was over so fast. But it's okay - I'm going to read it again, and again!
Enter the victim, hounded by relentless, imperfect memories. The stage is breathless - will the hidden killer find her? By the Affect Bridge we cross over to the past. Upon a wartime winter's landscape, snow and airmen float softly down. In Winter's Walk both will journey to the sea, both will melt, allowing their true nature to be discovered.
Off-stage, in a fortified cellar, a kidnapped Paleographer undergoes an excruciating test of character, and achieves a perfect score.
In a Holding Pattern a lost groundhog looks for a landing place. Some Dangerous Christmas gifts have potential for extraordinary impact. Such as a book by The Man Who Stole the Stars which, once read, takes away the universe - forever. The celebration continues with a plate of Layla's Brownies which have magical powers, even when one doesn't eat them. Replete, I consider the nature of birds, trying to recover my powers of reasoning, and speech. The Bird-Feeder opens a window in my mind, if not the one I was wrestling with. Memories of my Soul Mate are tossed about by severe turbulence. Could the audience give me a Show of Hands as to the outcome?
Desperate for peace in the midst of upheaval, as the Crow Man I seek to pass the trial. Can I fly? Can I unknot the fiendish Eye of Newt? Can I tie a buggy fly? If I come to the Bethesda Pool, I may find healing. The game unravels, and the player gets a Yellow Card to the sound of laughter and applause.
Beg a coffee from the Barista, stranger, and have a seat over here. Let's sit a while, Looking at the Sun, and be reminded of what love we once shared. Does it still shine? Leave the answers to Homecoming, in which the reflections of a family are stilled, and understanding deepens, and bonds are affirmed.
A wonderful collection, which I devoured in a day, and was sorry it was over so fast. But it's okay - I'm going to read it again, and again!
February 14, 2018
William Cook is a short story “artiste.” This is a masterful collection.
“The Paleographer” was one of my favorites, in which an expert on ancient documents is offered the tantalizing opportunity of translating what must surely be the most prized ancient document of all, but at a terrible cost. “Yellow Card,” about a crew of rather ungreedy house thieves was a hoot. Loved the ending. “Crow Man,” about a guy about to retire and downsize, takes a wildly unexpected journey into Indian territory, sorta-kinda, that took me back to the 1970 movie “A Man Called Horse.” Ow! I enjoyed “Eye of Newt, An Epilogue to the novel Seal of Secrets.” I had read the novel by Cook and was familiar with the Native American cop with a knack for sniffing out clues. But this is a standalone story about a college professor willing to do anything – and I mean anything – to gain tenure, and the police officer’s attempts to catch him.
Regret is a theme in some of the stories as aging characters face the death of loved ones and some other unpleasant side effects of life. Enjoyed two older brothers facing the death of their 90-something father in “Homecoming.”
“The Paleographer” was one of my favorites, in which an expert on ancient documents is offered the tantalizing opportunity of translating what must surely be the most prized ancient document of all, but at a terrible cost. “Yellow Card,” about a crew of rather ungreedy house thieves was a hoot. Loved the ending. “Crow Man,” about a guy about to retire and downsize, takes a wildly unexpected journey into Indian territory, sorta-kinda, that took me back to the 1970 movie “A Man Called Horse.” Ow! I enjoyed “Eye of Newt, An Epilogue to the novel Seal of Secrets.” I had read the novel by Cook and was familiar with the Native American cop with a knack for sniffing out clues. But this is a standalone story about a college professor willing to do anything – and I mean anything – to gain tenure, and the police officer’s attempts to catch him.
Regret is a theme in some of the stories as aging characters face the death of loved ones and some other unpleasant side effects of life. Enjoyed two older brothers facing the death of their 90-something father in “Homecoming.”
March 15, 2021
Catch of the Day by William Cook is a marvelous collection of 17 short stories that will engage your head, your heart and in a few cases your soul.
Mr Cook's writing is diverse, entertaining, as well as engaging. From the first story to the last the reader will experience a myriad of emotional responses to the stories.
Whether the character is plagued by memories of her mother's death, or a husband desperately tries to prevent the betrayal of his wife by their daughter, the author gives the reader something that just doesn't happening enough in the written word, he dares us to care. Presenting us with a wide variety of scenarios that touch on the aspects of our humanity, both good and bad. The readers find themselves invested in the characters choices, experiences and the results of their actions or inaction. The stories remind us that life is a series of choices and sometimes we would rather not making, but having to make them. A wonderful mix of life's darkest aspects and some of it's more hopeful moments Catch of the Day serves as a reminder that life is a harsh road and at best we can hope for a better ending.
Ordinarily I would go into the characters the author has created, I will say they are believable and are written with depth and respect as to who they are and their circumstances. I won't say anything more about them, because anything else I say will take away from their stories. These characters are very much their stories.
The reading while taking us through complex lives and decisions is easy and well paced, making for quick read that leaves a lasting impression. My favorite story is "The Man Who Stole the Stars" and if you would like to know why, you are going to have to read it yourself to find out why.
I love anthologies for their short story qualities and I love a well written short story for it's ability to offer bang for it's buck. William Cook's Catch of the Day is a rare tidbit that offers all the essential ingredients for great story telling and will have an impact that will last long after you have put down the book.
Mr Cook's writing is diverse, entertaining, as well as engaging. From the first story to the last the reader will experience a myriad of emotional responses to the stories.
Whether the character is plagued by memories of her mother's death, or a husband desperately tries to prevent the betrayal of his wife by their daughter, the author gives the reader something that just doesn't happening enough in the written word, he dares us to care. Presenting us with a wide variety of scenarios that touch on the aspects of our humanity, both good and bad. The readers find themselves invested in the characters choices, experiences and the results of their actions or inaction. The stories remind us that life is a series of choices and sometimes we would rather not making, but having to make them. A wonderful mix of life's darkest aspects and some of it's more hopeful moments Catch of the Day serves as a reminder that life is a harsh road and at best we can hope for a better ending.
Ordinarily I would go into the characters the author has created, I will say they are believable and are written with depth and respect as to who they are and their circumstances. I won't say anything more about them, because anything else I say will take away from their stories. These characters are very much their stories.
The reading while taking us through complex lives and decisions is easy and well paced, making for quick read that leaves a lasting impression. My favorite story is "The Man Who Stole the Stars" and if you would like to know why, you are going to have to read it yourself to find out why.
I love anthologies for their short story qualities and I love a well written short story for it's ability to offer bang for it's buck. William Cook's Catch of the Day is a rare tidbit that offers all the essential ingredients for great story telling and will have an impact that will last long after you have put down the book.
June 2, 2018
Tasty
I’d describe Catch of the Day as a literary counterpart to a chef’s degustation menu. Bill Cook serves us one short story course after another, each imbued with his style and spin. The flavours range from dark and delicious to light and cleansing. Each is crafted with the expertise of a writer who knows his way around the lit-kitchen.
As we’ve come to expect from Bill Cook, his stories focus heavily on the human condition. In Catch of the Day, there is strong theme of people forced to make difficult choices, or living with the consequences of those choices, especially with the hindsight of age or with the imminent presence of death. As always, he touches on the macabre and disturbing aspects of existence as much as the happy and hopeful ones, which makes for a satisfying, balanced read.
For me, there were two stories where I would’ve liked a larger portion on the plate though: The Paleographer and The Man Who Stole the Stars. Without picking favourites, both these stories are hard, if not impossible, to put down and leave you wanting more. Don’t take that as dissatisfaction. Quite the opposite. Any reader who says, ‘More please,’ is paying their respects to the chef.
My one word summary: tasty.
I’d describe Catch of the Day as a literary counterpart to a chef’s degustation menu. Bill Cook serves us one short story course after another, each imbued with his style and spin. The flavours range from dark and delicious to light and cleansing. Each is crafted with the expertise of a writer who knows his way around the lit-kitchen.
As we’ve come to expect from Bill Cook, his stories focus heavily on the human condition. In Catch of the Day, there is strong theme of people forced to make difficult choices, or living with the consequences of those choices, especially with the hindsight of age or with the imminent presence of death. As always, he touches on the macabre and disturbing aspects of existence as much as the happy and hopeful ones, which makes for a satisfying, balanced read.
For me, there were two stories where I would’ve liked a larger portion on the plate though: The Paleographer and The Man Who Stole the Stars. Without picking favourites, both these stories are hard, if not impossible, to put down and leave you wanting more. Don’t take that as dissatisfaction. Quite the opposite. Any reader who says, ‘More please,’ is paying their respects to the chef.
My one word summary: tasty.
August 22, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of this collection of shorts from EReaderNews and William J. Cook. And what a treasure it has been! These are stories to entertain and make you pause, and think. Snippets of humanity at it's best - and worst, some of the reactions gold - and some not. William J. Cook is an author to watch for.
Reviewed on August 22, 2020, at Goodreads and AmaonSmile. Not available for review on Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
Reviewed on August 22, 2020, at Goodreads and AmaonSmile. Not available for review on Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
May 25, 2025
I think during the covid lockdown I was able to download several of Cook's short story collections for free and this is the last one. Since he has a background in religious training and working in mental health, the background research for many of his plots ring true. If you're a baby boomer more may be to your liking than if you're younger. I think we all have reflected on just how dangerous our lives were especially at Christmas. How could they sell such a thing as lawn darts? And I've heard of golden oldies but not moldy oldies! That could never apply to a Simon and Garfunkel song!
Word of the day
Paleographer--someone who studies ancient writing systems and the deciphering and dating of historical manuscripts. That story was a bit over the top.
Rough skinned newt
From the interwebs--"Many newts produce toxins from skin glands as a defense against predation, but the toxins of the genus Taricha are particularly potent. An acrid smell radiates from the newt, which acts as a warning for animals to stay away. Toxicity is generally experienced only if the newt is ingested, although some individuals have been reported to experience skin irritation after dermal contact, particularly if the eyes are touched after handling the animal without washing hands. In 1979, a 29-year-old man from Oregon died after ingesting a rough-skinned newt.
The sarcastic fringehead doesn't look so friendly either!
Who knew that watching a total eclipse could be so romantic!
A great collection, as always.
Word of the day
Paleographer--someone who studies ancient writing systems and the deciphering and dating of historical manuscripts. That story was a bit over the top.
Rough skinned newt
From the interwebs--"Many newts produce toxins from skin glands as a defense against predation, but the toxins of the genus Taricha are particularly potent. An acrid smell radiates from the newt, which acts as a warning for animals to stay away. Toxicity is generally experienced only if the newt is ingested, although some individuals have been reported to experience skin irritation after dermal contact, particularly if the eyes are touched after handling the animal without washing hands. In 1979, a 29-year-old man from Oregon died after ingesting a rough-skinned newt.
The sarcastic fringehead doesn't look so friendly either!
Who knew that watching a total eclipse could be so romantic!
A great collection, as always.
January 2, 2021
I was so happy about how much I enjoyed these short stories because I usually prefer novels, the longer the better, where the author delves deeply into what makes his characters tick. Sometimes it is surprising how much depth one can achieve in a short story. Perhaps Cook's success in showing depth in his characters in so few words is attributable to his MSW, years of study in seminaries, and long career as a mental health therapist. Some standouts for me were: (1) The funny story about the pot brownies. (2) The tragic story of the man who couldn't acclimate to life without his wife. (3) The touching story of the stroke victim who is taken in by and lovingly cared for by his daughter and finally learns regret and humility regarding the way he treated her and her mother 30 years earlier. (4) We never thought of safety factors when designing, buying, and using toys and other items when I was a kid or even when I had children. So this story brought forth memories of my own. My son was born in '56; his car seat consisted of spindly, curved tubing hooked over the seat back, holding some thin fabric so that he could choose to sit or stand with his feet on the bench front seat between driver and passenger and it also had a plastic steering wheel with a horn so he could "drive". . . and crush his chest or go through the windshield. My daughter was born years later but her "restraint" consisted of my throwing my right arm out against her when necessary as she sat or stood in the seat next to me. RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO THOSE WHO LOVE AND READERS WHO SHOULD TRY SHORT STORIES.
June 17, 2021
ENTERTAINING SHORT STORIES
This book consists of 17 short stories. They're all good, but my top three were DANGEROUS CHRISTMAS (takes place in1952), THE BETHESDA POOL (fishing story), and THE BARISTA (coffee shop setting). Many of the short stories have a Christian influence, which I especially enjoyed.
I like to read the short stories during the times when I'm busy, like during a break or lunch time. It breaks up the day without getting bogged down in a lengthy novel...
William Cook is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more of his work. If you enjoy short stories on occasion, this is a good one and all of the stories are different...
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
August 8, 2020
Homecoming
I enjoyed all of the stories in this book, but the last one moved me to tears. I chose the same verses for my husband's funeral. Your stories were all well written and the characters well developed. I had no difficulty becoming quickly immersed in the stories. Thank you for a great read!
I enjoyed all of the stories in this book, but the last one moved me to tears. I chose the same verses for my husband's funeral. Your stories were all well written and the characters well developed. I had no difficulty becoming quickly immersed in the stories. Thank you for a great read!
February 24, 2021
I must say I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. In my opinion several of these short stories could develop into great novels. I had several favorites, but I must say that Cook saved the best short story for the last which was 'Homecoming'. If you like short stories then you should definitely read this collection.
August 17, 2020
Wonderful Read
I have read many books as I have "sheltered in place" these past months. This book is my very favorite. Every story touched me in some way. I laughed, cried, and thought about each story as it related to my life. Thank you to Mr. Cook for all the stories.
I have read many books as I have "sheltered in place" these past months. This book is my very favorite. Every story touched me in some way. I laughed, cried, and thought about each story as it related to my life. Thank you to Mr. Cook for all the stories.
August 25, 2020
Color me impressed
As someone who rarely reads short stories because, quite frankly, I usually find them unsatisfying, I encourage you to read this collection. The stories are well-written, thought-provoking, and engrossing. Highly recommended.
As someone who rarely reads short stories because, quite frankly, I usually find them unsatisfying, I encourage you to read this collection. The stories are well-written, thought-provoking, and engrossing. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2020
A very enjoyable book. I had to pause after some of the stories to let them ripen in my mind. I’m looking forward to reading more of W. J. Cook’s writing.
September 27, 2020
It’s been a long time since I read a book of short stories; however, I enjoyed this one immensely. Well written, imaginative, and a variety of subjects.
April 14, 2021
I don't usually read short stories, but I really enjoyed this collection. The author chose varied styles and themes which kept my attention.
May 3, 2021
lots of short stories some I got meaning to ideal for quick stories
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews