Paul Michael Peters: The Complete Collection of Short Stories

by Paul Michael Peters

Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B07M747JYV.

Tales that are perfect for coffee breaks – but beware; like chocolate, they lure the reader into just one more.

Paul Michael Peters has created a magical collection of stories that help the reader look at the day from a different perspective. This is a collection that once you start you can't put down. Stories are perfect for anyone trying to fit reading into a busy day.

Stories:
1. Hickory Switch
2. Fukushima Gold
3. Mr. Memory and The Garden Turtles at Midnight
4. Mr. Memory and The Triumph of Ann Boult
5. Mr. Memory and The Raspberry Danish
6. Mr. Memory and The Third Question
7. Secondhand Robots
8. Gaslighting
9. Gene and The Magic Jacket
10. The Line Surrogate
11. Bubble People
12. Thin Walls
13. The Dinner Party
14. Killing the Devil
15. Living the Devil (The Devil is a Friend of Mine)
16. Keeping the Devil
17. A Wing and A Prayer
18. The Illusionist's Daughter

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

255 pages, ebook

First published January 5, 2019

About the author

Paul Michael Peters is a storyteller with an original voice who thrives at the edge of the human condition, blending humor and darkness with keen insight. His tales navigate the intricate dance between the mundane and the profound, capturing the ephemeral moments that define our lives with passion. His work invites readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, exploring life's shadowy corners with narratives that resonate with authenticity and imaginative daring.

Dive into the work of Paul Michael Peters and discover stories that echo the complexities of life: Right Hand of the Resistance, Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge, Broken Objects, Combustible Punch, The Symmetry of Snowflakes, Insensible Loss, and several beloved short stories like Mr. Memory and Other Stories of Wonder.

Reviews

[Paul Michael Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

As author of "The Complete Collection of Short Stories," I'm thrilled to recommend this anthology as the ideal starting point for readers new to my work. Comprised of eighteen stories that I wrote between 2012 and 2018, this collection represents a journey through various aspects of the human experience, captured in narratives that are both imaginative and mysterious.

My stories are often likened to episodes of the "Twilight Zone," not because they are scary, but because they are rich in imagination and mystery. Each story in this collection is a unique exploration, perfect for readers looking for engaging tales that can be enjoyed during a coffee break, a bus ride, or over a relaxing weekend.

In this anthology, I introduce intriguing characters and explore diverse themes. Notably, the character of James Hollins in the "Mr. Memory" series is one of my personal favorites. Hollins, who has the rare ability to remember every detail of his experiences due to synesthesia, adds a unique layer to the stories he inhabits, making them memorable and thought-provoking.

The themes in this collection range from the personal and introspective to the grand and fantastical. I delve into topics as varied as the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster, the complexities of artificial intelligence, and the nuances of human emotions, all while blending elements of fantasy, history, and technology. My aim is to create narratives that are not just entertaining, but also enlightening, offering readers new perspectives on the world around them.

The variety in narrative styles and tones is something I take great pride in. Some stories are light and whimsical, others dark and introspective, reflecting the diverse range of human emotions and experiences.

I believe that "The Complete Collection of Short Stories" is more than just a book; it's an invitation to explore the many facets of life and the depths of the human psyche. For readers looking to start their journey through my works, this collection is the perfect gateway, offering a glimpse into the worlds I create and the stories I tell.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It was hard to believe that all 19 stories in this set were written by the same author. The stories are so different and unique, and definitely imaginative. The topics range from robots to revenge, magic to the Fukushima nuclear disaster site, pranks and funny tall tales, to several about the devil himself. They were all thought provoking, twisted, quirky and at times very funny. And they are set in the past, present and future for variety. I would have to compare them to the Twilight Zone or Hitchcock. I really enjoyed all of them and they gave me a lot to think about. There are two narrators, a woman and a man and I think I liked Paul s little better because he did pause between stories so you knew that a new one was starting and Linnea tended to run them together but overall the narration was good. I want to thank Mr. Peters for giving me the Audible code so that I could read and enjoy them.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway (Kindle edition).

Some good stories in here, some better edited than others, some better written than others. Some of them had grammatical errors that were hard to read around, but I understand that giveaway books may not have had their final editing, so this cannot be taken into account when reviewing. I didn't- I just gave it 3 stars because some of the stories just didn't float my boat.

I especially liked the Mr. Memory stories. I did not like the Devil stories because I don't like stories about devils and demons in general. But that's just me.

I recommend this to anyone who likes to read short stories. It would be a good book to take along on a trip or to keep with you if you have to do a lot of waiting, as most of the stories are quick reads.

[Christine Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Slice of Life

First, let me say that this is not a book of horror stories. What it is, is a group of stories about life. Not your normal life, necessarily. But life in a future, a fantasy, or right here and now. Call it a sound-bite of life. A chapter in the history of someone's existence. Some of these stories will make you smile and some will make you cringe. But no matter what you feel, you will be entertained. You will feel like you've just entered the Twilight Zone.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whow. As a compulsive reader I am always looking for the books that hold my attention and keep me flipping the pages as fast as I can, even when I don't want the stories to end. And even make you think or learn something new.

Beautifully written short stories. Characters developed to stick with you and make you think. I enjoyed it and hope you will also. The stories of the devil are disturbing. The first story is the best in the book.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inventive and diverse stories by a master storyteller. Unfortunately (for me) many of these stories are contained in other collections that I had already read. My only real complaint is typographical errors (eg, stair instead of stare) that sometimes distract from the flow and rhythm of the story.

[Kathleen Babb · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really liked most of these stories and they deserve a 5, there were a few that just weren't my type and, therefore, only a 4 star. I do love getting the bargains on good reads, as I find lots of new authors I wouldn't have known about and many have landed on my favorite author list. I would definitely look at this authors books and read more of them

[Gwen Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!

What wonderful stories awaits you in this great collection. I came into this book thinking that because it was free, it would be very sophomoric. Not so. I loved each and every story. Some more than others. Definitely give this collection a well deserved read.

[Charles Northey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an eclectic mix of ideas, but not always the strongest writing; definitely good enough to read if you like a touch of pulp and a twist in your fiction. I’d be giving this a solid 3 1/2 out of 5.

[JANE J · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never know which direction the twist will take. Just when you think you do it goes in a different direction then boom goes where you thought it would. So I guess I should say predictably twisted. Very enjoyable. No spoilers here. Worth reading for yourself. 😊

[Kathleen Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of short stories. Some I went back and read a second time to find new insights I missed in the first reading. While 1 or 2 were not my usual reading choice, I still enjoyed reading them.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun reads

This is an amazing collection of fast reading stories. Once started you can’t stop until you finish each. Some of the endings are expected but others surprise you. I recommend this book to all.
I won a free copy on Goodreads.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are some amazing stories, the memory man ones I found particularly interesting and engrossing.

Definitely recommend taking a read of these little gems.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Samantha Pack-Witmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting to read. I enjoy how each story has a concept behind them. The stories have flow so you can picture it come to life. I found it very enjoyable and unique.

[Celene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the book!! I won it in a Goodreads giveaway. I loved most of the stories, a few were slow and fragmented. I will search for the author and try more books for sure!

[Thom Kiefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really interesting stories here, covers a wide range of topics!

[Gina Zappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, short stories are my jam!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool twists, fascinating premises, and curious snippets of history (Do you know who was the first person to be killed by a robot?) characterize the stories in this collection by Paul Michael Peters. Mr. Memory will stay in the reader’s memory long after the reading’s done. And the devil just might haunt your dreams – dead or alive! I particularly enjoyed the concept of Narcissistic Network Disorder, and I love all the stories, twisted, twisting and fascinating from start to finish. But my favorite is Secondhand Robots – a delightful tale that brings machines of the near-future to vivid life. Short, wonderful reads, this collection is highly recommended.

Disclosure: I got a copy in a deal and I love this author’s short stories

[Luculle Stols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this collection of short stories by Paul Michael Peters. This is a lovely book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story, with its interesting characters and different creative worlds. Because of the nature of the publication, I could read it in between other projects and still stay on track. Paul Michael Peters managed to create stories which transported me to other worlds and allowed my imagination to run wild. Mr Peters is a master story spinner, and The Complete Collection of Short Stories: 2012-2018 is a superb read which I highly recommend you give a try.