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Destination Dark Zone: Six Twisted Tales
Welcome to Destination Dark Zone! Take your ticket, and enjoy the thrills and chills awaiting those daring to journey into Destination Dark Zone. In this exciting collection of short fiction and novellas, savor six twisted tales which will both delight and surprise readers as they travel into the realms of supernatural and paranormal suspense.Follow an odd, quirky fellow in
Lucky This Time
, a man who is slave to his routine until one day he tries something new, spinning his world right out of control. Journey on the luxurious New Dawn cruise liner in the poignant
Beyont
, where an uninvited guest means no one is disembarking anytime soon. Or ride along in
291
in a rookie cop's haunted cruiser that's driving him half-crazy. Take a trip into the alternate world of
Salvation
, where Charles Darwin's Origin of Species has never been published, so now the Church rules the world, and God is not all-forgiving. In
Soul Survivor
, walk in the shoes of a parent the day after fire destroys his children's school, as he follows a man who cannot be there and learns a secret that cannot be true. And in the prequel to Susan May's most beloved book
The Troubles Keeper
, meet a seven-year-old Rory Fine and his mama as they board an evening commuter train that will never reach its final destination.
Drift
is a 150-plus-page wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.From Susan May, the international bestselling author, who has spent the last decade keeping readers up way past their bedtime and too scared to look under the bed, comes a volume of six suspenseful tales that will take you to dark and fascinating places you'll not soon forget
- GenresHorrorAnthologies
530 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2019
54 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Susan May
313 books616 followersTo enjoy a Susan May starter library of two free books, join her reader's club at
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 21, 2020
I'm not a huge fan of short stories and I don't like cliffhangers. So, some of the stories didn't appeal to me. But, in my opinion, Salvation should be made into a complete novel.
December 9, 2019
Destination Dark Zone: Six Twisted Tales - a review by Rosemary Kenny
*slight spoilers*
I really loved the delicious tingle-down-the-spine thrill that I always get from the Queen of the Night, Susan May's wonderfully dark creations and Destination Dark Zone: Six Twisted Tales is no exception.
Each of the 6 tales within is completely different and each is tantalising, imaginative, scary, horrifying, strangely familiar in some cases, eerily different in others. Starting with a discovery in a box found in a man's attic that could change the world - for better or much worse, for him and his loved ones in Salvation, via a sci-fi story, Beyont. #3 is Lucky This Time, the tale of obsessive compulsive Harvey Hilton's random change of routine and the devastating result; Soul Survivor studies the interaction between scientist Albert's malign clones and a curious human, Paul, who is literally the sole survivor of a 'holocaust' - or is he? Twisted Tale #5 is the 'shades of Christine'story of a murderous haunted police cruiser that seems to develop problems every time rookie cop Michael Chambers is its designated driver. When the strain becomes unbearable and colleagues are unsympathetic or sceptical, what desperate action will Michael take - and with what unforeseen result? Lastly young Rory Fine is MC in a '6th Sense'train journey that seems to end in one of three different ways - but which is the reality?
So many great tales you're spoiled for choice...get your copy of Destination Dark Zone today - it's a magical mystery literary tour you're sure to enjoy - make sure you tell all your friends about it!
*slight spoilers*
I really loved the delicious tingle-down-the-spine thrill that I always get from the Queen of the Night, Susan May's wonderfully dark creations and Destination Dark Zone: Six Twisted Tales is no exception.
Each of the 6 tales within is completely different and each is tantalising, imaginative, scary, horrifying, strangely familiar in some cases, eerily different in others. Starting with a discovery in a box found in a man's attic that could change the world - for better or much worse, for him and his loved ones in Salvation, via a sci-fi story, Beyont. #3 is Lucky This Time, the tale of obsessive compulsive Harvey Hilton's random change of routine and the devastating result; Soul Survivor studies the interaction between scientist Albert's malign clones and a curious human, Paul, who is literally the sole survivor of a 'holocaust' - or is he? Twisted Tale #5 is the 'shades of Christine'story of a murderous haunted police cruiser that seems to develop problems every time rookie cop Michael Chambers is its designated driver. When the strain becomes unbearable and colleagues are unsympathetic or sceptical, what desperate action will Michael take - and with what unforeseen result? Lastly young Rory Fine is MC in a '6th Sense'train journey that seems to end in one of three different ways - but which is the reality?
So many great tales you're spoiled for choice...get your copy of Destination Dark Zone today - it's a magical mystery literary tour you're sure to enjoy - make sure you tell all your friends about it!
November 3, 2019
This is an amazing collection of stories.
Lucky This Time: A man with an extreme case of OCD, bound by his daily routines, until one day he finds a chance to change and decides to take it. A delightfully twisted short story.
Beyond: Permeated with a sense of claustrophobic dread and a surprising twist at the end, this story also has a dream-like quality that makes it particularly attractive.
291: a fast-paced, tremendously engaging story. A masterly horror story, the kind that doesn't rely on gore or cheap shots to scare you. I love the way in which, through its structure, lead us to believe that we know what really is going on, and then, in the end, shake us with a very unexpected ending. Really fabulous!
Salvation: Oh, I love this kind of story, in which there was a single event that didn't happen and changed the world as we know it. And a cautionary tale about how easy is, when you’re certain your cause is just, to excuse almost anything to further it. I wouldn't mind reading more about this Universe, TBH.
Soul Survivor: Oh, this is such a poignant story! Yes, my heart broke a little while reading it, but it's marvellous.
And, finally, Drift. This is a prequel to 'Troubles Keeper', and is, oh, so good! The different POVs, the emotions flowing through the stories, the mysterious beings who are trying to fix... something, and Rory. Rory who is still a little kid, with no knowledge of his gift, trying to convey his fear for what he knows it has happened but it is still unbelievable.
I adore Susan May thrilling writing, her imagination, her masterfully constructed plots and characters and how she seamlessly weaves emotions through the story. And then, we have the 'Vault'. Please, don't skip them! They are a wonderful little window to the writer's mind, They are all origin stories to the stories and I just love them :)
And both narrators, Hollis McCarthy & Steve Marvel, are great and make the whole experience even better.
As always with Susan May, this is a wholly recommended audiobook.
Lucky This Time: A man with an extreme case of OCD, bound by his daily routines, until one day he finds a chance to change and decides to take it. A delightfully twisted short story.
Beyond: Permeated with a sense of claustrophobic dread and a surprising twist at the end, this story also has a dream-like quality that makes it particularly attractive.
291: a fast-paced, tremendously engaging story. A masterly horror story, the kind that doesn't rely on gore or cheap shots to scare you. I love the way in which, through its structure, lead us to believe that we know what really is going on, and then, in the end, shake us with a very unexpected ending. Really fabulous!
Salvation: Oh, I love this kind of story, in which there was a single event that didn't happen and changed the world as we know it. And a cautionary tale about how easy is, when you’re certain your cause is just, to excuse almost anything to further it. I wouldn't mind reading more about this Universe, TBH.
Soul Survivor: Oh, this is such a poignant story! Yes, my heart broke a little while reading it, but it's marvellous.
And, finally, Drift. This is a prequel to 'Troubles Keeper', and is, oh, so good! The different POVs, the emotions flowing through the stories, the mysterious beings who are trying to fix... something, and Rory. Rory who is still a little kid, with no knowledge of his gift, trying to convey his fear for what he knows it has happened but it is still unbelievable.
I adore Susan May thrilling writing, her imagination, her masterfully constructed plots and characters and how she seamlessly weaves emotions through the story. And then, we have the 'Vault'. Please, don't skip them! They are a wonderful little window to the writer's mind, They are all origin stories to the stories and I just love them :)
And both narrators, Hollis McCarthy & Steve Marvel, are great and make the whole experience even better.
As always with Susan May, this is a wholly recommended audiobook.
October 24, 2019
I am happy to say that I have read all of Susan May's books and, with her new collection of dark short stories plus a novella, she has once again made me a happy reader. She continues to amaze me with her endless imagination, fascinating and well-developed characters, and her ability to make me come back to read more of her work.
The short stories are all interesting with dark story lines that can happen in real life such as a problem with a police cruiser, a winning lottery ticket, a cruise ship that develops an on-board virus, and a train ride from hell. I found myself turning the pages on my Kindle very quickly because I wondered what would happen next.
The novella is a prequel entitled DRIFT. If you have read this author's The Troubles Keeper, you'll be happy to know the prequel is about the protagonist, Rory Fine, when he was a 7-year-old boy. Believe me, he was a special person even then. I've never been much of a fan of reading time-travel, but this is so well-written that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved every minute of this time of Rory's childhood.
One of the things I like most about Susan May's writings is her Imagination Vault. After each story, she tells us how she came about writing that particular story. She goes into details that puts the story into perspective and lists things that encouraged her to end finalizing that story. Very engrossing stuff, folks!! Thanks to Susan May for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The short stories are all interesting with dark story lines that can happen in real life such as a problem with a police cruiser, a winning lottery ticket, a cruise ship that develops an on-board virus, and a train ride from hell. I found myself turning the pages on my Kindle very quickly because I wondered what would happen next.
The novella is a prequel entitled DRIFT. If you have read this author's The Troubles Keeper, you'll be happy to know the prequel is about the protagonist, Rory Fine, when he was a 7-year-old boy. Believe me, he was a special person even then. I've never been much of a fan of reading time-travel, but this is so well-written that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved every minute of this time of Rory's childhood.
One of the things I like most about Susan May's writings is her Imagination Vault. After each story, she tells us how she came about writing that particular story. She goes into details that puts the story into perspective and lists things that encouraged her to end finalizing that story. Very engrossing stuff, folks!! Thanks to Susan May for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 2, 2019
I liked all the stories.
291
Rookie cop Michael Chambers started his career at a older age than other cops did. He thinks that is why they all sneak looks at him but nobody talks to him. He is given a car to drive that always seems to have problems. Flat tires, doors that don't unlock, windows don't work, on board computer freezes up are just some of the things that happen. His complaints are ignored. He starts comparing the car to Stephen King's Christine. He's sure the car is out to get him. Hop in and ride along with Michael. You will turn the pages as fast as you can and you won't put it down until you finish it. Great characters, exciting plot with a twist.
Beyont
This truly had to be the cruise from hell!
In all stories plots are well thought out and stories are very well written. Characters are fleshed out. You have to finish a story, you can't just lay it aside. Susan's stories are fascinating and many times mind-boggling. You will enjoy her descriptive writing. She can keep you on the edge of your seat.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I''m voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
291
Rookie cop Michael Chambers started his career at a older age than other cops did. He thinks that is why they all sneak looks at him but nobody talks to him. He is given a car to drive that always seems to have problems. Flat tires, doors that don't unlock, windows don't work, on board computer freezes up are just some of the things that happen. His complaints are ignored. He starts comparing the car to Stephen King's Christine. He's sure the car is out to get him. Hop in and ride along with Michael. You will turn the pages as fast as you can and you won't put it down until you finish it. Great characters, exciting plot with a twist.
Beyont
This truly had to be the cruise from hell!
In all stories plots are well thought out and stories are very well written. Characters are fleshed out. You have to finish a story, you can't just lay it aside. Susan's stories are fascinating and many times mind-boggling. You will enjoy her descriptive writing. She can keep you on the edge of your seat.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I''m voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
December 5, 2019
As Susan May is one of my favorite new authors that I am following, I was expecting a lot from this collection and she definitely delivered. There was an old favorite on board, 291, which I loved in her other collection, Behind Dark Doors. The real surprise was the Troubles Keeper prequel, Drift, which was excellent and made me even more excited for the remaining two books in that trilogy. Drift had so many interesting turns and twists. I wish that Hollywood would spend less time kowtowing to their Chinese masters in Beijing and more time actually reading good books to make into movies. I would love to see a streaming service such as Amazon Prime or Hulu turn her Troubles Keeper series into a binge-worthy series.
December 6, 2019
Excellent book!
I recently discovered this author and I love her stories and her writing style. All six stories were excellent but my favorite was Drift. This story was the prequel to The Troubles Keeper. It starts out as Rory being a young boy. It tells the story of Rory's journey through school with his friends. As in the other books, the characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and was very realistic. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves thrillers. This author's writing style, in my opinion, is very much like Steven King.
I recently discovered this author and I love her stories and her writing style. All six stories were excellent but my favorite was Drift. This story was the prequel to The Troubles Keeper. It starts out as Rory being a young boy. It tells the story of Rory's journey through school with his friends. As in the other books, the characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and was very realistic. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves thrillers. This author's writing style, in my opinion, is very much like Steven King.
November 4, 2019
Great collection of stories. I love how this author mind works. After each story I read I thought, this was my favorite. Then I’d read the next one and say the same thing. Guess they are all my favorites. Can’t wait for the next collection!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
October 24, 2019
Wow! Six great stories to keep you guessing. What an imagination this author has. I loved them all.
December 31, 2019
I enjoyed all the tales in this book and the stories behind them.It is very interesting how books come to be made! Narration by Hollis McCarthy and Steve Marvel was perfect.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
April 1, 2020
Pretty decent selection of stories. They read like a Twilight Zone episode and for me that's a positive thing! Great stories with commentary from the author between them that gives you a sense of where she was coming from and the origins of each story. Very good read.
April 29, 2020
Salvation
I read only this one and it was one hella twisted read. Darwin's book was never published. God won't forgive us everything and Church is the all-powerful organization.
Read this shortie with an open mind as it shows what can happen if just one work would not be published in the past!
I read only this one and it was one hella twisted read. Darwin's book was never published. God won't forgive us everything and Church is the all-powerful organization.
Read this shortie with an open mind as it shows what can happen if just one work would not be published in the past!
February 25, 2021
Destination Dark Zone
I think I've read every single one of this authors books and I'm pretty sure once you've put your hands on one of her books you'll fall in love with her books too.
I think I've read every single one of this authors books and I'm pretty sure once you've put your hands on one of her books you'll fall in love with her books too.
May 10, 2020
Excellent! I highly recommend it and all of author Susan May’s work.
September 6, 2020
She is the best
Susan May writes the greatest short stories. I could read her books and stories forever. She has wonderful character development and the story lines are superb
Susan May writes the greatest short stories. I could read her books and stories forever. She has wonderful character development and the story lines are superb
September 24, 2023
Not my usual genre but I appreciate the imagination.
January 8, 2020
This was a great collection of short stories! Of course I was super excited for Drift, which follows a younger Rory Fine from The Troubles Keeper, though I made myself wait to read it last and took my time enjoying the other five stories too. My other favorite was Salvation. I would love to see this story extended one day! Overall I would recommend this collection and would love to reread some of the stories one day.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
December 20, 2019
I am not usually a fan of "short" stories. They always finish too quickly without really giving you much meat to get your teeth into. There are a couple of exceptions and Susan May is one of them. A really enjoyable complimation of interesting and different stories, along with a narrative about each one and how it began to breath life and eventually finish in this book.
September 17, 2020
Great collection! Salvation should be a full novel someday! Drift was so cool can't wait for Trouble Keepers 2!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews