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Spicy Constellation & Other Recipes
The author of Stirring the Sheets and Of Foster Homes & Flies explores both the dark and humorous in 12 never-before-published stories that ask questions What’s that poking up from the lake? Are we on drugs? Where’s the body? What does human taste like? Why isn't Grandpa moving? Where are the maggots coming from? And more… The One Who TookA Stranger DreamThe SecretWhat I Wouldn’t GiveReaching PeopleSpicy ConstellationChocolate-Milk MistakeFour-Finger DiscountWhen It Rains…A Weekend TraditionTV CasualtyCatch Him
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2019
11 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Chad Lutzke
89 books742 followersChad has written for Famous Monsters of Filmland, Rue Morgue, Cemetery Dance, and Scream magazine. He's had dozens of short stories published, and some of his books include: OF FOSTER HOMES & FLIES, STIRRING THE SHEETS, SKULLFACE BOY, THE SAME DEEP WATER AS YOU, THE PALE WHITE, THE NEON OWL and OUT BEHIND THE BARN co-written with John Boden. Lutzke's work has been praised by authors Jack Ketchum, Richard Chizmar, Joe R. Lansdale, Stephen Graham Jones, Tim Waggoner and his own mother.
He can be found lurking the internet at www.chadlutzke.com
He can be found lurking the internet at www.chadlutzke.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 23, 2019
My friend Frank Errington said in a review of this book, "Lutzke is one of the most comfortable reads for me. If you read a lot, you know what I mean."
I know what Frank means.
I've been a big Chad Lutzke fan since about this time last year when I read OF FOSTER HOMES AND FLIES (if you haven't read that book please do yourself a solid and buy it today). Lutzke's storytelling voice is easy, comfortable (like Frank said), skillful and intentional. I know that no matter how few pages the story is from start to finish, there will be something tucked away in there that will cause me to feel *something*.
SPICY CONSTELLATION & OTHER RECIPES is a short story collection of 12 brand new stories. The dedication reads, "Dedicated to my patrons. Your support and readership made these stories worth writing." If you're not familiar with how Patreon works, Google it and see if sponsoring different artists would be worth your while. Chad offers some pretty cool stuff at different tiers of sponsorship.
One of which is that a bunch of us all got this book before anyone else could buy it and several of his patron's names are in the stories which is like a little Easter Egg hunt for those who are part of the "Lutzkepalooza".
All of the stories in here are entertaining. As with any collection, some stand out among the others as favorites. Mine are:
THE ONE WHO TOOK- Chad does an excellent job setting the scene: a casual gathering of friends who get to talking about some controversial subjects and then the whole thing gets pretty intense.
A STRANGER DREAM- This was fun because of the nods to a friend and her business.
THE SECRET- Chad has this thing about dead bodies and his characters choosing to ignore them. It's always successful in a weird, sweet way.
WHAT I WOULDN'T GIVE- This was hilarious. I might read it out loud to my husband. We've all heard stories about the crossroads and selling one's soul (I just read another book, THE BOTTOMS by Joe R. Lansdale that mentions it) but this one was funny and reminded me almost of an SNL skit (but with way better writing)
CATCH HIM- Classic Chad Lutzke. Beautiful poignant writing.
I'm also a huge fan of author's notes and this collection has them! So those are especially worth reading--like a little extra treat at the end of a good book.
Just another memorable and enjoyable reading experience gifted to us from a man who truly loves the craft of writing and it shows on every page. He never disappoints.
I know what Frank means.
I've been a big Chad Lutzke fan since about this time last year when I read OF FOSTER HOMES AND FLIES (if you haven't read that book please do yourself a solid and buy it today). Lutzke's storytelling voice is easy, comfortable (like Frank said), skillful and intentional. I know that no matter how few pages the story is from start to finish, there will be something tucked away in there that will cause me to feel *something*.
SPICY CONSTELLATION & OTHER RECIPES is a short story collection of 12 brand new stories. The dedication reads, "Dedicated to my patrons. Your support and readership made these stories worth writing." If you're not familiar with how Patreon works, Google it and see if sponsoring different artists would be worth your while. Chad offers some pretty cool stuff at different tiers of sponsorship.
One of which is that a bunch of us all got this book before anyone else could buy it and several of his patron's names are in the stories which is like a little Easter Egg hunt for those who are part of the "Lutzkepalooza".
All of the stories in here are entertaining. As with any collection, some stand out among the others as favorites. Mine are:
THE ONE WHO TOOK- Chad does an excellent job setting the scene: a casual gathering of friends who get to talking about some controversial subjects and then the whole thing gets pretty intense.
A STRANGER DREAM- This was fun because of the nods to a friend and her business.
THE SECRET- Chad has this thing about dead bodies and his characters choosing to ignore them. It's always successful in a weird, sweet way.
WHAT I WOULDN'T GIVE- This was hilarious. I might read it out loud to my husband. We've all heard stories about the crossroads and selling one's soul (I just read another book, THE BOTTOMS by Joe R. Lansdale that mentions it) but this one was funny and reminded me almost of an SNL skit (but with way better writing)
CATCH HIM- Classic Chad Lutzke. Beautiful poignant writing.
I'm also a huge fan of author's notes and this collection has them! So those are especially worth reading--like a little extra treat at the end of a good book.
Just another memorable and enjoyable reading experience gifted to us from a man who truly loves the craft of writing and it shows on every page. He never disappoints.
June 22, 2019
Disclaimer: I was given a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Chad Lutzke is quickly becoming a favourite author of mine. This is the third book of his that I’ve read and I only want to gobble up more. His stories and writing style has a way of resonating with me. They’re emotional without being sappy or sentimental. They’re often brutal in the way that real life can be. And the characters just try and survive in a universe that is continuously working against them.
These stories are no different. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading Spicy Constellations. Short stories are a different art than novellas. However, I knew that I was getting into some interesting territory with the very first story, The One Who Took.
This story also suggested that I was being led to an even darker version of Chad Lutzke’s work than I was used to. There’s a coldness to this one, and that coldness comes again a few times later within the collection. Especially in the title story, a crazed drug-fueled murder spree, and the story When It Rains.
One cannot discuss this collection, though, without mentioning the final story, Catch Him. This is by far my favourite. It is a very touching story about loss and overcoming grief that nearly had me in tears.
There are some negatives to cover, as well. The stories Four Finger Discount and The Secret fell flat for me. The characters within these two stories made odd choices that I couldn’t really buy into.
Having said that, this is a fantastic collection regardless. If you’re a fan of Lutzke’s, I think that you’ll find yourself at home here. If you’re just starting to read Lutzke’s work, then I would suggest maybe starting with The Same Deep Water As You and then read Spicy Constellations. You won’t be sorry.
Chad Lutzke is quickly becoming a favourite author of mine. This is the third book of his that I’ve read and I only want to gobble up more. His stories and writing style has a way of resonating with me. They’re emotional without being sappy or sentimental. They’re often brutal in the way that real life can be. And the characters just try and survive in a universe that is continuously working against them.
These stories are no different. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading Spicy Constellations. Short stories are a different art than novellas. However, I knew that I was getting into some interesting territory with the very first story, The One Who Took.
This story also suggested that I was being led to an even darker version of Chad Lutzke’s work than I was used to. There’s a coldness to this one, and that coldness comes again a few times later within the collection. Especially in the title story, a crazed drug-fueled murder spree, and the story When It Rains.
One cannot discuss this collection, though, without mentioning the final story, Catch Him. This is by far my favourite. It is a very touching story about loss and overcoming grief that nearly had me in tears.
There are some negatives to cover, as well. The stories Four Finger Discount and The Secret fell flat for me. The characters within these two stories made odd choices that I couldn’t really buy into.
Having said that, this is a fantastic collection regardless. If you’re a fan of Lutzke’s, I think that you’ll find yourself at home here. If you’re just starting to read Lutzke’s work, then I would suggest maybe starting with The Same Deep Water As You and then read Spicy Constellations. You won’t be sorry.
June 5, 2019
Five stars to a @ChadLutzke book. What a shocker!😂 He just gets better and better. Loved every single story. The closing story “Catch Him” was a beautiful piece of writing, and a perfect end to a perfect collection.
November 5, 2019
Chad Lutzke is becoming one of my favorites, and I'm so glad I found his work early on in my investigation of indie horror books!
If you like short, snappy, and affecting fiction, you'll definitely like Lutzke and Spicy Constellations in particular. He writes this special brand of horror that's a mix between heart-wrenching and horrific, and it's just so so convincing. This collection was a fun one in that there's such a good range of stories in this little compilation. We went from morbid to horrifying to kind of funny, and I was on board the whole time.
This is a perfect compilation for a reader that wants just a taster of the kind of moods and situations that Lutzke can write. If you're a horror fan and haven't picked up anything by Lutzke yet, do yourself a favor!
If you like short, snappy, and affecting fiction, you'll definitely like Lutzke and Spicy Constellations in particular. He writes this special brand of horror that's a mix between heart-wrenching and horrific, and it's just so so convincing. This collection was a fun one in that there's such a good range of stories in this little compilation. We went from morbid to horrifying to kind of funny, and I was on board the whole time.
This is a perfect compilation for a reader that wants just a taster of the kind of moods and situations that Lutzke can write. If you're a horror fan and haven't picked up anything by Lutzke yet, do yourself a favor!
April 1, 2025
5 ⭐
Perfection. Not a bad story in this collection, but it's pretty hard to choose my favorite. And what an amazing title for a book, Spicy Constellation
Perfection. Not a bad story in this collection, but it's pretty hard to choose my favorite. And what an amazing title for a book, Spicy Constellation
November 2, 2019
(This review appeared on KendallReviews.com)
This is my first time reading Lutzke, though he’s been on my watch list for the past six months (since joining the social media world of the #writingcommunity). That being said, it will not be my last.
The charm of Lutzke is his blend of horror, humor, and heart (the three H’s). This collection of stories may be short, but it made me laugh, love, and cringe throughout. It’s not gross horror either (thank you!), but dark nevertheless.
Whether it be feeding on new friends, trying to kill little brothers, making deals with a foul-smelling devil, following a trail of falling maggots, or waiting to catch your father’s ghost, there was a lot of joy to be found here. And it’s a very good thing when you can say that about a horror collection. It’s one thing to gross out or scare someone – comes with the territory – but it’s SPECIAL when you can make them feel something as bizarre as happiness as well. How many horror writers leave you genuinely smiling (and not just because you enjoy reading death)?
I will certainly be diving into more Lutzke in the near future, no doubt about that!
This is my first time reading Lutzke, though he’s been on my watch list for the past six months (since joining the social media world of the #writingcommunity). That being said, it will not be my last.
The charm of Lutzke is his blend of horror, humor, and heart (the three H’s). This collection of stories may be short, but it made me laugh, love, and cringe throughout. It’s not gross horror either (thank you!), but dark nevertheless.
Whether it be feeding on new friends, trying to kill little brothers, making deals with a foul-smelling devil, following a trail of falling maggots, or waiting to catch your father’s ghost, there was a lot of joy to be found here. And it’s a very good thing when you can say that about a horror collection. It’s one thing to gross out or scare someone – comes with the territory – but it’s SPECIAL when you can make them feel something as bizarre as happiness as well. How many horror writers leave you genuinely smiling (and not just because you enjoy reading death)?
I will certainly be diving into more Lutzke in the near future, no doubt about that!
May 30, 2019
I could not have loved this more! His style shines through these stories in so many ways! Favorites are the one who took, spicy constellation, reaching people, four finger discount and chocolate milk mistake.
December 27, 2019
Review originally posted here.
SPICY CONSTELLATION & OTHER RECIPES by Chad Lutzke, is a collection of shorts that press all sorts of buttons for me. There is brutal, macabre horror, quietly moving almost literary shorts, and other stories that are pure chuckles. All of this wrapped up in an overall twisted package, since Lutzke is by far an extremely accomplished horror writer and comes out in every single story.
Beginning with, "The One Who Took," offers an examination of how people deal with lying to themselves, on multiple levels. A rather benign conversation goes south quite fast and to a bleak conclusion. The rather gross and macabre twist made me actually put the book down before I dared move further into the collection. Not many stories give me that much of a visceral reaction, but Lutzke dialed it up to 11 for the first story and held nothing back.
"A Stranger Dream," follows a pair of strangers as they search for a missing girl. The quiet nature of this almost hides what the story is doing, but I really appreciated this story by the end. After such a loud and fast start, the casual, slow nature of this one was a welcome change.
Continuing this quiet trend was "The Secret," which is a story that follows a mother and a secret that she allows to fester during a party. This is such a strange situation, but to avoid spoilers, I will say that it is the first taste of how much Lutzke's writing can move you.
"What I Wouldn't Give" is one man's negotiation with a demon, as he attempts to sell his soul in order to play guitar well. His wife comes home early and throws a wrench in these plans. This one took me by surprise, since all of the stories to this point had been eerie or brutal and I spent most of the time, while reading this short, wondering when someone was going to die horribly. I won't say if it happens or not, but be ready to laugh during this one.
The story of which this collection takes it's name. "Spicy Constellation", follows a pair of young men, who go on a murderous rampage induced by drugs. It's both horrendous and humorous once you find out what the "spicy constellation" is, but all the same this was a brutal escapade to follow, right down to the last line.
Another humorous story here was "TV Casualty", which details a band's conflict with one of their members who has become increasingly insufferable and the results are quite mushy. Lutzke has a fantastic way of balancing both humor and horror all at once. Many may disagree with one cannot find humor in violence, the sheer absurdity he creates through his various scenarios, I cannot help, but literally guffaw at them. And yes, I did just use the word "guffaw" there just isn't a better word.
And it seems that Lutzke saved the best story for last here, and it is my personal favorite of the whole collection. "Catch Him," two children after the death of their father, patiently wait by his gravestone. The reason, well read the story. It must have been one of the most moving short stories I have read in a while, though I can attribute my own personal connection of my mother's death as to why this story made such an impact. Setting my own feelings aside, this story is excellent in what it sets out to do and hammers very drop of thematic tone into the ending. It was beautiful.
I hadn't read Lutzke before this collection, but it will not be my last time. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
SPICY CONSTELLATION & OTHER RECIPES by Chad Lutzke, is a collection of shorts that press all sorts of buttons for me. There is brutal, macabre horror, quietly moving almost literary shorts, and other stories that are pure chuckles. All of this wrapped up in an overall twisted package, since Lutzke is by far an extremely accomplished horror writer and comes out in every single story.
Beginning with, "The One Who Took," offers an examination of how people deal with lying to themselves, on multiple levels. A rather benign conversation goes south quite fast and to a bleak conclusion. The rather gross and macabre twist made me actually put the book down before I dared move further into the collection. Not many stories give me that much of a visceral reaction, but Lutzke dialed it up to 11 for the first story and held nothing back.
"A Stranger Dream," follows a pair of strangers as they search for a missing girl. The quiet nature of this almost hides what the story is doing, but I really appreciated this story by the end. After such a loud and fast start, the casual, slow nature of this one was a welcome change.
Continuing this quiet trend was "The Secret," which is a story that follows a mother and a secret that she allows to fester during a party. This is such a strange situation, but to avoid spoilers, I will say that it is the first taste of how much Lutzke's writing can move you.
"What I Wouldn't Give" is one man's negotiation with a demon, as he attempts to sell his soul in order to play guitar well. His wife comes home early and throws a wrench in these plans. This one took me by surprise, since all of the stories to this point had been eerie or brutal and I spent most of the time, while reading this short, wondering when someone was going to die horribly. I won't say if it happens or not, but be ready to laugh during this one.
The story of which this collection takes it's name. "Spicy Constellation", follows a pair of young men, who go on a murderous rampage induced by drugs. It's both horrendous and humorous once you find out what the "spicy constellation" is, but all the same this was a brutal escapade to follow, right down to the last line.
Another humorous story here was "TV Casualty", which details a band's conflict with one of their members who has become increasingly insufferable and the results are quite mushy. Lutzke has a fantastic way of balancing both humor and horror all at once. Many may disagree with one cannot find humor in violence, the sheer absurdity he creates through his various scenarios, I cannot help, but literally guffaw at them. And yes, I did just use the word "guffaw" there just isn't a better word.
And it seems that Lutzke saved the best story for last here, and it is my personal favorite of the whole collection. "Catch Him," two children after the death of their father, patiently wait by his gravestone. The reason, well read the story. It must have been one of the most moving short stories I have read in a while, though I can attribute my own personal connection of my mother's death as to why this story made such an impact. Setting my own feelings aside, this story is excellent in what it sets out to do and hammers very drop of thematic tone into the ending. It was beautiful.
I hadn't read Lutzke before this collection, but it will not be my last time. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
June 16, 2019
Firstly, I must say, I feel lucky to have helped in some way to support this little book, by being a supporter on Chad's Patreon page.
These stories have been a real treat each month.
I enjoyed all of them.
I think I have yet to be let down by Chad Lutzke. That's definitely not a complaint.
I was always going to give this five stars. There was no doubt in my mind.
Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some might even gross you out. But I guarantee there is something there for everyone.
Great job, Chad.
Can't wait for the next collection.
These stories have been a real treat each month.
I enjoyed all of them.
I think I have yet to be let down by Chad Lutzke. That's definitely not a complaint.
I was always going to give this five stars. There was no doubt in my mind.
Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some might even gross you out. But I guarantee there is something there for everyone.
Great job, Chad.
Can't wait for the next collection.
July 25, 2019
A decent collection of stories. In fact, the only one I didn't enjoy was Chad's mini take on a zombie apocalypse. Highlights for me were the first story, where a social night turns into something deadly, a comedic take on a reason to give your soul to a demon, a young bunch of friends convinced that one of their group is a vampire, a game of murder based on pizza toppings and, my favourite of the bunch, a hangover man trying to figure out what the hell happened the night before. Chad is one of the best writers out there right now and these stories are well worth your time.
September 10, 2019
I love the satisfying twists to these stories, you might have an inkling to where it might be going and then pow- it hits you with an abrupt end. I love those kind of stories. Great fireside tales of atrocities and unspeakable horror. I loved every second of it. There were humorous elements and heartbreaking elements and awful cringing horror elements. Although this is my first read by Lutzke, I feel this is what the author is known for and it's very well done.
June 8, 2019
I became a patron of Chad Lutzke on Patreon shortly after reading just a couple of his books. His writing is wonderful, and this special collection dedicated to his patrons did not disappoint! Lutzke excels in writing what has been deemed "horror with heart", and the stories in this collection are further proof of that skill. There is plenty of creepiness among these pages, but there are also humorous moments, and bits that made me tear up. With story collections, I like to choose a "Top 5". Here are my favorites from this book, in no particular order:
-The One Who Took (left me looking like the emoji with an open mouth)
-A Stranger Dream (this one is what I'd call creeptastic)
-A Weekend Tradition (love the twist on a beloved horror trope)
-What I Wouldn't Give (I love any stories related to rock n' roll)
-TV Casualty (see my comment on the story above)
I absolutely love books that make me feel, and this book deserves a place on that list. Do you ever go through a box of old belongings from childhood and reminisce? I have done this with dolls, stuffed animals, and other memorabilia. I think one day I'll be doing this with my books, only pulling them from a shelf that I have set aside for "Books that make me feel". All of Chad Lutzke's books will be on that shelf.
-The One Who Took (left me looking like the emoji with an open mouth)
-A Stranger Dream (this one is what I'd call creeptastic)
-A Weekend Tradition (love the twist on a beloved horror trope)
-What I Wouldn't Give (I love any stories related to rock n' roll)
-TV Casualty (see my comment on the story above)
I absolutely love books that make me feel, and this book deserves a place on that list. Do you ever go through a box of old belongings from childhood and reminisce? I have done this with dolls, stuffed animals, and other memorabilia. I think one day I'll be doing this with my books, only pulling them from a shelf that I have set aside for "Books that make me feel". All of Chad Lutzke's books will be on that shelf.
June 8, 2019
Chad Lutzke is is one of my absolute favorite authors! He is one of those writers that I will read whatever he writes, if there is a new Lutzke book, I’m there! One of the best things about Chad’s books are how he takes incredibly interesting premises and fleshes them out into stories with depth and heart. It is hard to classify a Lutzke book and that is a wonderful thing. There are moments of beauty, horror, humor, enlightenment, I could go on and on.
In this collection of stories I was incredibly taken with The One Who Took, Reaching People, Spicy Constellation, and Chocolate-Milk Mistake. The touching tribute to a favorite author in the final story Catch Him, was beautifully written.
I can’t say enough good things about Chad’s writing, he deserves an immense readership, and anyone that reads his books most likely will be hooked. This collection receives my highest recommendation!
In this collection of stories I was incredibly taken with The One Who Took, Reaching People, Spicy Constellation, and Chocolate-Milk Mistake. The touching tribute to a favorite author in the final story Catch Him, was beautifully written.
I can’t say enough good things about Chad’s writing, he deserves an immense readership, and anyone that reads his books most likely will be hooked. This collection receives my highest recommendation!
May 26, 2019
Having this quality collection of short stories on the Kindle app on my phone got me through a hectic work week. I obtained a digital copy of Spicy Constellations and Other Recipes from the author Chad Lutzke in exchange for an honest review. I was really excited for this advanced reader copy after loving his books Stirring the Sheets and The Same Deep Water As You. I loved this new collection! The big thing that kept me turning pages is Lutzke’s dark sense of humor. Spiking chocolate milk in one story and referring to a burger as a “Child of God with cheese,” made me laugh. These were definitely the kind of stories that helped me get through a long day of work. I would highly recommend this book!
I also posted a more personalized version of this review on my blog: https://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com...
I also posted a more personalized version of this review on my blog: https://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com...
June 6, 2019
Chad Lutzke does an excellent job covering a wide range of horror in this short story collection.
From supernatural to human horror to the horror of losing someone close to you and some humor involving making deals with demons, Lutzke does an excellent job of pulling you into to each story. I had gotten to read some of these stories previously through his Patreon. I really enjoyed the stories the first time I read them, and even more the second time. This is an excellent series of short stories.
From supernatural to human horror to the horror of losing someone close to you and some humor involving making deals with demons, Lutzke does an excellent job of pulling you into to each story. I had gotten to read some of these stories previously through his Patreon. I really enjoyed the stories the first time I read them, and even more the second time. This is an excellent series of short stories.
May 17, 2019
I was gifted this story! I finally can tell everyone how much I enjoyed this book! Every story has something for everyone, humor? What I Wouldn’t Give.. Sadness? ..Catch Him and then everything in between. Creature feature? A Weekend Tradition... I could go on..any in depth review of short stories are spoilers and I don’t go there. It’s Mr. Lutzke and you are never disappointed! Read immediately!!
May 27, 2019
Great stories
Chad has become a favorite author of mine. I've read every book he's written. He just has a way with words, that other authors don't. I look forward to more from him.
These stories were all perfect.
Chad has become a favorite author of mine. I've read every book he's written. He just has a way with words, that other authors don't. I look forward to more from him.
These stories were all perfect.
June 4, 2019
I loved this collection of stories! They are dark and creepy, sprinkled with humor and touching emotion at times. I enjoy reading this author and always recommend his books to friends.
July 30, 2019
I have to admit, I find myself apprehensive when it comes to horror meeting comedy but Chad Lutzke successfully changed my mind with this one. His grotesquely disturbing scenery along with moments of stomach turning disgust are never overpowered by his wit and comedic commentary, and that's exactly what I want when diving into anything horror. I want to be disgusted and creeped out but Lutzke sprinkles comedic realism into each situation, the type that we have all experienced almost exact verbatim. You'll find yourself laughing out loud followed by immediate wincing. I read these to my husband and son around a campfire on a dark, starlit evening and it was just perfect.
Some of my favorite stories out of the 12 are:
1. The One Who Took: You might think twice about inviting a stranger over for a quiet evening of cards and drinks with friends.
2. What I Wouldn't Give: Demons, Metallica, and stinky chicken...
3. Spicy Constellation: I can fully relate to this college story, well almost fully.
4. A Weekend Tradition: A coming of age story, kind of.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"That's when shit went south." - The One Who Took
"And I wondered if a shower couldn't fix that, or if it was just a demon thing, stinking like old chicken." - What I Wouldn't Give
"Virgin digits on a prom-night bra clasp." - What I Wouldn't Give
"Gang of Three Seek Revenge on Titty Mag Tattletale..." - A Weekend Tradition
Some of my favorite stories out of the 12 are:
1. The One Who Took: You might think twice about inviting a stranger over for a quiet evening of cards and drinks with friends.
2. What I Wouldn't Give: Demons, Metallica, and stinky chicken...
3. Spicy Constellation: I can fully relate to this college story, well almost fully.
4. A Weekend Tradition: A coming of age story, kind of.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"That's when shit went south." - The One Who Took
"And I wondered if a shower couldn't fix that, or if it was just a demon thing, stinking like old chicken." - What I Wouldn't Give
"Virgin digits on a prom-night bra clasp." - What I Wouldn't Give
"Gang of Three Seek Revenge on Titty Mag Tattletale..." - A Weekend Tradition
July 24, 2020
This is a great collection of stories. I read this one over the course of the year, only reading a story at a time between books, and it was a treat. What I Wouldn't Give was my favorite story but they are all pretty solid.
July 21, 2019
With access to some of Chad’s writings via Patreon, I was lucky enough to have already read a few of the stories in this anthology. I kinda figured I’d skip over those when I sat down yesterday to read the rest of SPICY CONSTELLATION. Lol. That’s funny. There’s know such thing as skipping any of Chad’s stories.
One such story is THE SECRET. For me, this tale touches just as deeply as Chad’s STIRRING THE SHEETS (one of my favorites). Of the short stories included in SPICY that were new to me, WHAT I WOULDN’T GIVE was my fave (“a hideous, gum-chewing thing that smelled like...“). Haha.
Read SPICY. You won’t be disappointed.
One such story is THE SECRET. For me, this tale touches just as deeply as Chad’s STIRRING THE SHEETS (one of my favorites). Of the short stories included in SPICY that were new to me, WHAT I WOULDN’T GIVE was my fave (“a hideous, gum-chewing thing that smelled like...“). Haha.
Read SPICY. You won’t be disappointed.
January 23, 2020
I wasn't sure what to think going into this as Chad's stories are already generally short (novellas) but he definitely pulled it off. There was quite a bit of humour in these stories and I loved it. I loved the tribute to Dallas Mayr (Jack Ketchum) in Catch Him.
I really can't say anything besides go check his work out if you haven't already and if you don't like it, let's fight! LOL
I really can't say anything besides go check his work out if you haven't already and if you don't like it, let's fight! LOL
April 23, 2020
This is another lost review - missing from Amazon and Goodreads.
I'm hoping to be able to make my highlights visible, because I took notes on each story.
🤞
UPDATE:
Yay! That worked!
Check out my highlights and comments.
I'm hoping to be able to make my highlights visible, because I took notes on each story.
🤞
UPDATE:
Yay! That worked!
Check out my highlights and comments.
June 4, 2021
Overall this was good. It showed me that I need to stick with Lutzke's more serious/sad stories though. That's usually what I prefer regardless but I really did not enjoy a few of these.
There were quite a few that had a band, a guitar player or references. Obviously of itself is not a bad thing but they tended to be the ones I didn't like as much. Maybe cuz they seem to be the more humor-centered ones. Not sure I have a similar taste to humor as Lutzke.
I also liked how Lutzke added a description for how the stories came about at the end.
Will keep on checking out his work!
The One Who Took
3 stars...? I'm not even sure so I'll go with middle ground, I guess? Very odd. Escalated quickly.
A Stranger Dream
4 star. Really enjoyed the end. Would be very interested in seeing this continued.
The Secret
3 star. Hm. Sad. Makes you wonder.
What I Wouldn't Give
1 star. Did nothing for me. Demon was annoying, and so was the husband actually...
Reaching People
2 star. Interesting bit at the end.
Spicy Constellation
1 star. Don't even know... I'd say drugs, lol.
Chocolate-Milk Mistake
3 star. Careful who you mess with. New beginnings, I guess.
Four-Fingered Discount
2/3 star. Whoa. Not cool.
When It Rains...
4 star. Ooh. Ouch. Talk about sad. All around. Evokes a lot of emotion.
A Weekend Tradition
4 star. Hah. Really enjoyed the end here. Great short story; perfect length.
TV Casualty
2 star. I just don't have anything to say about this. Sucks to be them...?
Catch Him
3 star. Interesting, and sad.
There were quite a few that had a band, a guitar player or references. Obviously of itself is not a bad thing but they tended to be the ones I didn't like as much. Maybe cuz they seem to be the more humor-centered ones. Not sure I have a similar taste to humor as Lutzke.
I also liked how Lutzke added a description for how the stories came about at the end.
Will keep on checking out his work!
The One Who Took
3 stars...? I'm not even sure so I'll go with middle ground, I guess? Very odd. Escalated quickly.
A Stranger Dream
4 star. Really enjoyed the end. Would be very interested in seeing this continued.
The Secret
3 star. Hm. Sad. Makes you wonder.
What I Wouldn't Give
1 star. Did nothing for me. Demon was annoying, and so was the husband actually...
Reaching People
2 star. Interesting bit at the end.
Spicy Constellation
1 star. Don't even know... I'd say drugs, lol.
Chocolate-Milk Mistake
3 star. Careful who you mess with. New beginnings, I guess.
Four-Fingered Discount
2/3 star. Whoa. Not cool.
When It Rains...
4 star. Ooh. Ouch. Talk about sad. All around. Evokes a lot of emotion.
A Weekend Tradition
4 star. Hah. Really enjoyed the end here. Great short story; perfect length.
TV Casualty
2 star. I just don't have anything to say about this. Sucks to be them...?
Catch Him
3 star. Interesting, and sad.
April 1, 2021
I have been pining for this book ever since I saw Chad's Patrons getting it. I'm so happy I finally got it and in hardcover no less! These stories are short and sweet, which I love. Like everything he writes, there is so much packed into these little stories. There's a little bit of everything here and there wasn't one single story that I didn't like. My absolute favorites in this collection were The One Who Took, A Stranger Dream, a Weekend Tradition, and Catch Him. After realizing that I will never not love what Lutzke writes, I'm heading over to become a Patron myself!
May 5, 2020
A fine collection of short stories, each of them different and while not all are perfect, the good definitely outweighs the bad. I enjoyed the majority of the tales in this book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking short but well-written stories.
September 6, 2020
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews