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Sticky Fingers #3
Sticky Fingers 3
JT Lawrence is back with more short stories that are creepier than ever.
234 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2018
102 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Lawrence
144 books361 followersAmazon bestselling, genre-hopping, kickass-female-protagonist-loving author.
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www.jt-lawrence.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 10, 2019
As per usual, I gobbled these sticky gems...
Here are my thoughts.
Tears Of A Dead Man - when the dead soul struggles to catch up with the body then this is the result
Sky Mirror - snippets of a painful memory surface and you question who is the 'real' victim
The Shelter - residents in a Shelter, hiding away from a war-ravaged world Outside... but there's a sick twist to the tale
The Children In The Walls - a deranged mind trapped between two worlds and stuck in a never-ending loop of self-inflicted torture
Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress - and she will leave you in limbo...
Fenrir - a warrior destined to fall from grace
Lucky Strike - it's the curse of the leopard-print contraption (LOL) and a not-so-lucky-strike situation unfolds
The Hostage Situation - Huh? No! Did you have to take it there?
Every Breath You Take - talk about obsession... OMG
Memory, Mirrors and the World Inside My Head - scary peek into the mind of a 'rational' multiple personality disorder patient... love, love, love this!
Blackwater Estuary - hell hath no fury like a man scorned + the origin of mob mentality...
Perky Pilgrim - wonderful wrap to another great collection!
Here are my thoughts.
Tears Of A Dead Man - when the dead soul struggles to catch up with the body then this is the result
Sky Mirror - snippets of a painful memory surface and you question who is the 'real' victim
The Shelter - residents in a Shelter, hiding away from a war-ravaged world Outside... but there's a sick twist to the tale
The Children In The Walls - a deranged mind trapped between two worlds and stuck in a never-ending loop of self-inflicted torture
Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress - and she will leave you in limbo...
Fenrir - a warrior destined to fall from grace
Lucky Strike - it's the curse of the leopard-print contraption (LOL) and a not-so-lucky-strike situation unfolds
The Hostage Situation - Huh? No! Did you have to take it there?
Every Breath You Take - talk about obsession... OMG
Memory, Mirrors and the World Inside My Head - scary peek into the mind of a 'rational' multiple personality disorder patient... love, love, love this!
Blackwater Estuary - hell hath no fury like a man scorned + the origin of mob mentality...
Perky Pilgrim - wonderful wrap to another great collection!
July 24, 2018
Sticky Fingers 3 by J. T. Lawrence is another collection of short stories. Volume 2 impressed me so much I went straight to Volume Three. My desire to do things in order and complete items in series will compel me to return to Volume One eventually. I’m sure there is a name for this disorder.
Can readers avoid comparing one book in a series to another? I can’t. Volume three created a similar high level of reader interest for me as Volume Two but story number ten in this volume, Memory, Mirrors and the World Inside My Head (WimH), stands far above the others. It is a truly amazing story that I would not want anyone to miss so I gave the entire collection five Amazon stars just for that story. Still, the quality of the other stories supports the rating.
1 Tears of a Dead Man-----Mr. Rohandron went to a doctor not seeking a diagnosis but to make an announcement. He simply wanted a doctor to agree. But when you meet a doctor named Folly, would you be surprised when he did not agree with your finding that you are dead?
2 Sky Mirror-----Robin, the reluctant detective, returns once again to make a deal with the Devil. It is not that she wants to, but she has a special skill set that seems to work well with those who try to lie to her. Robin does not always exhibit the most positive of attitudes especially this line (in context it is great) “Even if she wanted to, hating half the population is not a sustainable state of being.” (Kindle Locations 320-321). At any rate in this story, we find the devil is in the kitchenware (not a spoiler).
3 The Shelter-----The Dwellers lived in the Shelter in a closed society for decades until food began to run out. Facing and accepting extinction, they had the solution to all their problems hanging around their necks. For decades, no one had the courage to question the old, prescribed ways.
4 The Children in the Walls-----A story about the love of a woman for her children. It endures in the world she inhabits now; it was not always so.
5 Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress-----This woman in a blue dress will give you pause to reflect on life. You will be given adequate time.
6 Fenrir-----We might think of Colborn as a chivalrous knight who has lost his way. There will be consequences.
7 Lucky Strike-----This could be a mystery. A Challenge to readers. Who is Mandy? What is her real name?
8 The Hostage Situation-----The Stockholm Syndrome will fool ‘em every time.
9 Every Breath You Take----- A stalker tells his story to Subhana. Michael thought he could make Subhana see the beauty of his actions and not the crime that others accused him of. Although Subhana is disgusted by what she heard, she will take the appropriate action with the story. What did she do? Read this psychological profile of Michael.
10 Memory, Mirrors, and the World Inside My Head-----This is the best story of the collection and describes a writer’s life (Lawrence’s life?) beautifully: “I’m not power-hungry, but I am the god of my own world, and I’m not going to allow a psychologist to change that.” Kindle locations 2229-2230). The descriptions of Wimh (read the story to find the meaning) are detailed to a terrifying degree.
11 Blackwater Estuary-----Set in 1579, Poppy’s supposedly magical powers are no match for the vindictiveness of a spurned lover. Will Applejack continue the legacy?
12 Perky Pilgrim-----Finding the meaning of this title will be fun. Those who write reviews of their hotel stays will find this amusing. Most reviewers will not get the feedback on their reviews that Alan Perkins received.
This is another great display of J. T. Lawrence writing skill and should encourage readers to try her longer novels. I look forward to them.
Can readers avoid comparing one book in a series to another? I can’t. Volume three created a similar high level of reader interest for me as Volume Two but story number ten in this volume, Memory, Mirrors and the World Inside My Head (WimH), stands far above the others. It is a truly amazing story that I would not want anyone to miss so I gave the entire collection five Amazon stars just for that story. Still, the quality of the other stories supports the rating.
1 Tears of a Dead Man-----Mr. Rohandron went to a doctor not seeking a diagnosis but to make an announcement. He simply wanted a doctor to agree. But when you meet a doctor named Folly, would you be surprised when he did not agree with your finding that you are dead?
2 Sky Mirror-----Robin, the reluctant detective, returns once again to make a deal with the Devil. It is not that she wants to, but she has a special skill set that seems to work well with those who try to lie to her. Robin does not always exhibit the most positive of attitudes especially this line (in context it is great) “Even if she wanted to, hating half the population is not a sustainable state of being.” (Kindle Locations 320-321). At any rate in this story, we find the devil is in the kitchenware (not a spoiler).
3 The Shelter-----The Dwellers lived in the Shelter in a closed society for decades until food began to run out. Facing and accepting extinction, they had the solution to all their problems hanging around their necks. For decades, no one had the courage to question the old, prescribed ways.
4 The Children in the Walls-----A story about the love of a woman for her children. It endures in the world she inhabits now; it was not always so.
5 Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress-----This woman in a blue dress will give you pause to reflect on life. You will be given adequate time.
6 Fenrir-----We might think of Colborn as a chivalrous knight who has lost his way. There will be consequences.
7 Lucky Strike-----This could be a mystery. A Challenge to readers. Who is Mandy? What is her real name?
8 The Hostage Situation-----The Stockholm Syndrome will fool ‘em every time.
9 Every Breath You Take----- A stalker tells his story to Subhana. Michael thought he could make Subhana see the beauty of his actions and not the crime that others accused him of. Although Subhana is disgusted by what she heard, she will take the appropriate action with the story. What did she do? Read this psychological profile of Michael.
10 Memory, Mirrors, and the World Inside My Head-----This is the best story of the collection and describes a writer’s life (Lawrence’s life?) beautifully: “I’m not power-hungry, but I am the god of my own world, and I’m not going to allow a psychologist to change that.” Kindle locations 2229-2230). The descriptions of Wimh (read the story to find the meaning) are detailed to a terrifying degree.
11 Blackwater Estuary-----Set in 1579, Poppy’s supposedly magical powers are no match for the vindictiveness of a spurned lover. Will Applejack continue the legacy?
12 Perky Pilgrim-----Finding the meaning of this title will be fun. Those who write reviews of their hotel stays will find this amusing. Most reviewers will not get the feedback on their reviews that Alan Perkins received.
This is another great display of J. T. Lawrence writing skill and should encourage readers to try her longer novels. I look forward to them.
August 7, 2018
Although the novellas (Vol 1 thru 3) may seem to be standalone short stories but I assure you that the starting chapter of Vol 1 ties nicely together with the ending chapter of Vol. 3. It would be ashame not to go thru all 3 volumes of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2018
I have previously listened to book 1 and 2, so I got this set just for book 3. This is the ninth book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I’ve loved everything she’s written.
Some of these stories are downright funny- like the trip advisor story. This story is in three parts- one in each book. There’s an historically based one concerning the witch trials. Some are odd, or eerie, but not in an “open mic coffee shop” way, more like a Clive Barker/ Stephen King way. Some are real short, others longer. They are all different. They are thought provoking and some keep you guessing til the end.
This is the fifth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Roshina Ratnam ) and I would listen to another. Her narration style and tone of her voice suits these stories. She adds to the stories (many are in the first person), and makes me feel like I’m actually listening to the characters telling their tales.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
Some of these stories are downright funny- like the trip advisor story. This story is in three parts- one in each book. There’s an historically based one concerning the witch trials. Some are odd, or eerie, but not in an “open mic coffee shop” way, more like a Clive Barker/ Stephen King way. Some are real short, others longer. They are all different. They are thought provoking and some keep you guessing til the end.
This is the fifth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Roshina Ratnam ) and I would listen to another. Her narration style and tone of her voice suits these stories. She adds to the stories (many are in the first person), and makes me feel like I’m actually listening to the characters telling their tales.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
June 25, 2018
This 3rd volume of short stories are as brilliant as the first two. Well written, and often including JT Lawrence's signature twists and turns that keep you wondering and surprise you with endings you hadn't expected.
I love seeing spotting connections and points of interrelatedness in books, and Sticky Fingers 3 shines in this respect. Fenrir and Blackwater Estuary, while connected to each other, bring Lawrence's novel, Grey Magic, to mind as well. Likewise, Perky Pilgrim follows the previous - hilarious - Trip Advisor stories, with an unexpected twist in its direct connection to Bridge Gate, the very first short story in the Sticky Fingers anthology.
JT gets personal with Hostage Situation, which is a transcript of her own experience with her very sick daughter in 2017. The author also uses her position as a South African to great effect in The Shelter as she fleshes out a tale of the type of scenario many of her countrymen has genuinely feared - and prepared for - before the advent of democracy in 1994.
All in all, this is an excellent book. Buy it today! Read it!
I love seeing spotting connections and points of interrelatedness in books, and Sticky Fingers 3 shines in this respect. Fenrir and Blackwater Estuary, while connected to each other, bring Lawrence's novel, Grey Magic, to mind as well. Likewise, Perky Pilgrim follows the previous - hilarious - Trip Advisor stories, with an unexpected twist in its direct connection to Bridge Gate, the very first short story in the Sticky Fingers anthology.
JT gets personal with Hostage Situation, which is a transcript of her own experience with her very sick daughter in 2017. The author also uses her position as a South African to great effect in The Shelter as she fleshes out a tale of the type of scenario many of her countrymen has genuinely feared - and prepared for - before the advent of democracy in 1994.
All in all, this is an excellent book. Buy it today! Read it!
February 20, 2019
I am writing this review based off the listening of my free Audible copy, provided by the author. This is easily my favorite of all the Sticky Fingers short story compilations. I could not stop listening and found every excuse to drive just so I could have it playing. Once again, Lawrence builds on the first two collections and I love it! And these stories were actually slightly longer, which I didn’t think I was going to like, but I did. We find out the end of Jeffrey Sacks’s strange online review obsession. Believe it or not, I actually like Jeffrey! My favorite of this volume is The Shelter . . . whoa! Lawrence needs to write an entire book, just based off that story. I seriously want to find out what else happens to Anna and Simon! The Viking story was also brilliant! Such a great ending to a great collection . . . unless of course, we get more Sticky Fingers volumes!! Cuz I am all for that!!!! I would actually recommend, not just this volume, but all the Sticky Fingers collections to pretty much everybody.
January 12, 2019
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will be posted on my site on January 16, 2019
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JT Lawrence is back with volume three of Sticky Fingers! I really hope she keeps these books going as I have truly enjoyed all of this short story series. They can be read as standalones, but I would recommend reading them consecutively as there are appearances from ‘repeat characters’. This was a pleasant surprise to experience.
The narrator for all three Sticky Fingers is Roshina Ratnam, and like Lawrence she is also South African. Once you adjust to her ‘accent’ you will love her voice! She does a superb job with the narrations.
As with the previous volumes, I will share some mini-reviews of some of the stories I enjoyed:
The Shelter:
OMG, this one was excellent and I need more of this story! This is the kind of story that pulls me in. If you enjoy dystopian stories, this will be one to read!
Lucky Strike:
A good one: be careful who you might double cross!
The Hostage Situation:
This one is every parent’s worst nightmare. I am thinking it must be autobiographical when Lawrence dealt with a sick child.
Every Breath You Take:
A prison interview: I really enjoyed this disturbing story on obsession/love.
Blackwater Estuary:
Another disturbing story I did not want to end. A witch hunt….. I find those kinds of stories fascinating.
Perky Pilgrim:
Jeffrey Sacks is back and sharing more reviews! This one is a continuation and very enjoyable!!!
If you enjoy short stories that are a bit twisted, this is the series of books to read. You will not regret it. I hope Lawrence continues to bring us more Sticky Fingers volumes!
~~~~
This review will be posted on my site on January 16, 2019
~~~~
JT Lawrence is back with volume three of Sticky Fingers! I really hope she keeps these books going as I have truly enjoyed all of this short story series. They can be read as standalones, but I would recommend reading them consecutively as there are appearances from ‘repeat characters’. This was a pleasant surprise to experience.
The narrator for all three Sticky Fingers is Roshina Ratnam, and like Lawrence she is also South African. Once you adjust to her ‘accent’ you will love her voice! She does a superb job with the narrations.
As with the previous volumes, I will share some mini-reviews of some of the stories I enjoyed:
The Shelter:
OMG, this one was excellent and I need more of this story! This is the kind of story that pulls me in. If you enjoy dystopian stories, this will be one to read!
Lucky Strike:
A good one: be careful who you might double cross!
The Hostage Situation:
This one is every parent’s worst nightmare. I am thinking it must be autobiographical when Lawrence dealt with a sick child.
Every Breath You Take:
A prison interview: I really enjoyed this disturbing story on obsession/love.
Blackwater Estuary:
Another disturbing story I did not want to end. A witch hunt….. I find those kinds of stories fascinating.
Perky Pilgrim:
Jeffrey Sacks is back and sharing more reviews! This one is a continuation and very enjoyable!!!
If you enjoy short stories that are a bit twisted, this is the series of books to read. You will not regret it. I hope Lawrence continues to bring us more Sticky Fingers volumes!
December 27, 2024
Average 4 stars
"Tears of a Dead Man" - 3 stars
I should know by now... Not what I expected!
"Sky Mirror" - 3.5 stars
Feels like it could be part of a bigger story. Left me feeling a little unfulfilled.
"The Shelter" - 5 stars
A longer story and really clever. Quite plausible too, I thought!
"The Children in the Walls" - 4 stars
Shocking
But similar to some of the others so wasn't far off in terms of what was actually going on.
"Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress" - 3 stars
Just weird.
"Fenrir" - 4.5 stars
Enjoyed this Viking adventure. Something a little different.
"Lucky Strike" - 2.5 stars
Too little meat. Needed a bit more context to work properly.
"The Hostage Situation" - 1 star
Totally random
Although I am curious about the prison break ending.
"Every Breath You Take" - 3 stars
Weird but average
"Memory, Mirrors, and the World inside my Head" - 3.5 stars
An interesting perspective
"Blackwater Estuary" - 4 stars
Another historic setting. This time the time of witches. And might it have been the same Fehrir amulet?
"Perky Pilgrim" - 3 stars
An odd concept. Didn't really work for me in the final execution.
"Tears of a Dead Man" - 3 stars
I should know by now... Not what I expected!
"Sky Mirror" - 3.5 stars
Feels like it could be part of a bigger story. Left me feeling a little unfulfilled.
"The Shelter" - 5 stars
A longer story and really clever. Quite plausible too, I thought!
"The Children in the Walls" - 4 stars
Shocking
But similar to some of the others so wasn't far off in terms of what was actually going on.
"Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress" - 3 stars
Just weird.
"Fenrir" - 4.5 stars
Enjoyed this Viking adventure. Something a little different.
"Lucky Strike" - 2.5 stars
Too little meat. Needed a bit more context to work properly.
"The Hostage Situation" - 1 star
Totally random
Although I am curious about the prison break ending.
"Every Breath You Take" - 3 stars
Weird but average
"Memory, Mirrors, and the World inside my Head" - 3.5 stars
An interesting perspective
"Blackwater Estuary" - 4 stars
Another historic setting. This time the time of witches. And might it have been the same Fehrir amulet?
"Perky Pilgrim" - 3 stars
An odd concept. Didn't really work for me in the final execution.
February 8, 2019
This was a great book, equal in quality to the others in the series. I liked the fact that I started the year reading/listening to some really great short stories. Like the others in the series, this book was full of everything from the weird to the wonderful and I ate it all up. Roshina Ratnam did a great job reading these stories. I could listen to her read tax preparation instructions and be completely enthralled... love that accent. Anyway, great collection of short stories that has something for everyone.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
November 4, 2018
Yet another foray into the beautifully twisted mind of a great story teller.
I once again had the privilege of listening to this compilation and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The compilation contained everything, the pain of loss, double lives, apocalyptic parallels, enchanted artefacts, revenge, sociopaths, psychopaths, and the mentally unstable, all neatly wrapped up with the latest escapades of our favourite traveller.
JT, you have done another superb job. Thank you for the many journeys!
I once again had the privilege of listening to this compilation and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The compilation contained everything, the pain of loss, double lives, apocalyptic parallels, enchanted artefacts, revenge, sociopaths, psychopaths, and the mentally unstable, all neatly wrapped up with the latest escapades of our favourite traveller.
JT, you have done another superb job. Thank you for the many journeys!
September 5, 2018
Good selection of short stories. I liked the continuation of the traveling slacks story and how it tied in with another story from an earlier volume and gave a little more insight. I also enjoy the continuing stories about the detective who just wants to retire to her farm, but keeps getting sucked back into the job because she is so darn good at it. Nicely done, JT. I look forward to your next volume!
October 21, 2018
Sticky Fingers 3: More Deliciously Twisted Short Stories (Sticky Fingers Collection) by J.T. Lawrence was a great read. The book consisted of twelve great short stories. Tears of a Deadman; Sky Mirror; The Shelter; The Children in the Walls; Death is a Woman in a Blue Dress; Fenrir; Lucky Strike; The Hostage situation; Every breath You Take; Memory, Mirrors and the World Inside; Blackwater Estuary and Pesky Pilgrim. I can't wait to read more by J.T. Lawrence.
June 22, 2018
Another well-written collection of short stories. Each story was gripping, and I will always praise Lawrence for her writing, my favourites from this collection were definitely The Shelter, The children in the Walls, Fenrir and Every breath you take.
These collections of short stories will be an automatic buy from me.
These collections of short stories will be an automatic buy from me.
November 6, 2018
My ninth read from author JT Lawrence. Sticky Fingers 3 continues to explore the varied & diverse, dark-humored & disturbing sides of author JT Lawrence. The characters, the plots & the storylines, thought-provoking. I’ll be reading more from this author! I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 10, 2019
This is the 3rd Sticky Fingers short story book I have read and I am hooked. Each of the short stories has different character to it and if you've read the earlier short collection books you can see that some of the stories connect throughout the series. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books!
July 6, 2018
Looped around
I love that one of these stories pulls from previous stories and tires them together. Genius work. The other stores were fun, but maybe a bit short off reaching the same balance of creepy and intriguing as previous ones.
I love that one of these stories pulls from previous stories and tires them together. Genius work. The other stores were fun, but maybe a bit short off reaching the same balance of creepy and intriguing as previous ones.
January 29, 2019
Another brilliant collection of short stories, each with it's own uniquely Lawrencian twist and wrapping up with yet another Trip report from the reviewer of the Travelling Pants, this one from a surprise destination.
Wonderfully entertaining reading.
Wonderfully entertaining reading.
July 2, 2019
audiobook review.
I adore these books. I can listen over & over to them. They’re twisted, mixed up stories of mayhem & JT Lawrence writes them so well.
Extremely recommended
Narrator is great. Tempo is fab
I adore these books. I can listen over & over to them. They’re twisted, mixed up stories of mayhem & JT Lawrence writes them so well.
Extremely recommended
Narrator is great. Tempo is fab
October 2, 2019
What can I say? Totally loved it all! Binged the entire book, and now on to binge the next one (Sticky Fingers 4)
Recommend for lovers of twisted stories, horror stories, and stories in general! Praise for J.T Lawrence!
Recommend for lovers of twisted stories, horror stories, and stories in general! Praise for J.T Lawrence!
December 8, 2019
A couple of duds in this one (at least for me), but overall still good stories. Standouts: "The Shelter", "Fenrir", "Blackwater Estuary". "Lucky Strike" also stood out, but only because it was frustrating due to unanswered questions.
March 14, 2020
Still truly enjoying these stories. I'm still not seeing the scary or horror factor in the majority of them. But that's my only complaint. I love that some of the stories correspond with past stories.
July 10, 2018
Another set of delightful short stories, some with themes that run through each collection of stories. It is nice to revisit characters from other stories and to meet some new ones.
January 29, 2020
Just like the first two books, I whizzed through this one. I look forward to the next book!
May 1, 2024
Quality of these books remains good. Very much enjoy the continuations of some of the stories. Love how two separate story archs were brought together as well.
December 17, 2019
I had the audio version of the Complete Box Set – three volumes of Sticky Fingers, 36 stories in total.
I can’t remember when I enjoyed a collection of short stories that much – the stories are dark, funny, twisted and surprising, some are macabre, some are quirky, some are laugh out loud funny, some creepily crawl under your skin and stay there for a long while.
I really enjoyed the narration of the first 12 stories by Bianca Flanders, but if anything Roshina Ratnam took it a notch up for Volume 2 and 3, with a lovely South-African lilt in all the right places.
Whether you want to binge them all one after another, or listen two one at a time, you won’t be disappointed. JT Lawrence’s mind is an absolute treasure trove and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
I can’t remember when I enjoyed a collection of short stories that much – the stories are dark, funny, twisted and surprising, some are macabre, some are quirky, some are laugh out loud funny, some creepily crawl under your skin and stay there for a long while.
I really enjoyed the narration of the first 12 stories by Bianca Flanders, but if anything Roshina Ratnam took it a notch up for Volume 2 and 3, with a lovely South-African lilt in all the right places.
Whether you want to binge them all one after another, or listen two one at a time, you won’t be disappointed. JT Lawrence’s mind is an absolute treasure trove and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews