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The Better Off Dead Series #3
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution
Go ahead, run. Hide, even. No matter. There’s no place you can go that she won’t find you.
A woman scorned. The sanctity of her sanctuary threatened. The betrayal of trust…even loyalty. Don’t ever tell her not to take it personally, because that’s exactly what it is. Personal. Your first blunder was mistaking her kindness for weakness. Your second was betraying her. The third? Underestimating her. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Take the plunge into these tales of deadly women who will stop at nothing until vengeance is theirs.
The Better Off Dead series delves into the farthest corners of your mind, where your deepest, darkest fears lurk. These masters of horror will haunt your dreams and stalk your nightmares, taking you to the edge of sanity before pushing you to the brink of madness!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2020
44 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
R.E. Sargent
42 books60 followersR.E. Sargent, the author of Relative Terror, One-Star Review and the Fury series, lives in Oregon with his wife, Sandi and their two fur children, Mason, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and Riley, a Chocolate Lab.
Born in California, R.E. spent most of his life living and working in Arizona, where he met his wife. Between them, they raised four sons. Talk about a lot of testosterone in the house!
An avid reader, R.E. fell in love with books when he was a child and the bug never went away. It was his love for the written word--and his admiration for authors such as Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Gregory Mcdonald, Paul Gallico, Donald Westlake and Roald Dahl--that persuaded him to write novels himself. Currently, he is working on the latest novel in the Fury - Scorned series.
When not working or writing, R.E. and his wife enjoy making trips to the coast and taking in the ocean air. Life doesn't get much better than watching the waves crash on the shore as the sun sets below the horizon. Well, maybe one of those drinks with the little umbrellas would make it better. You know what I mean, right?
Born in California, R.E. spent most of his life living and working in Arizona, where he met his wife. Between them, they raised four sons. Talk about a lot of testosterone in the house!
An avid reader, R.E. fell in love with books when he was a child and the bug never went away. It was his love for the written word--and his admiration for authors such as Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Gregory Mcdonald, Paul Gallico, Donald Westlake and Roald Dahl--that persuaded him to write novels himself. Currently, he is working on the latest novel in the Fury - Scorned series.
When not working or writing, R.E. and his wife enjoy making trips to the coast and taking in the ocean air. Life doesn't get much better than watching the waves crash on the shore as the sun sets below the horizon. Well, maybe one of those drinks with the little umbrellas would make it better. You know what I mean, right?
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November 3, 2020
4.5 ⭐ rounded UP for this amazingly unique and well-balanced collection of short horror stories highlighting strong female characters.
Stand outs for me were -
🦠 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 by Bridgett Nelson
𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩.
🏴☠️ 𝙏𝙤 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 by Mark Young
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 (𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 🤭) 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭. 𝘈𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥.
⚰ 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝘿𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙈𝙘𝙂𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙊𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙃𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙂𝙪𝙣𝙨 by Nikkolas James
𝘈 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥.
Stand outs for me were -
🦠 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 by Bridgett Nelson
𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩.
🏴☠️ 𝙏𝙤 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 by Mark Young
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 (𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 🤭) 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭. 𝘈𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥.
⚰ 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝘿𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙈𝙘𝙂𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙊𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙃𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙂𝙪𝙣𝙨 by Nikkolas James
𝘈 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥.
November 4, 2020
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution by various authors
The women in these stories take matters into their own hands in more ways than I could have ever imagined. My favorite stories are “Predator” (a woman makes sure the predator, who she is close to, will never escape retribution) and “Political Suicide” (revenge in more ways than one). Sixteen stories that show women are not the weaker sex, that they will not take betrayal lightly.
Published October 26th 2020
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press for this ARC.
The women in these stories take matters into their own hands in more ways than I could have ever imagined. My favorite stories are “Predator” (a woman makes sure the predator, who she is close to, will never escape retribution) and “Political Suicide” (revenge in more ways than one). Sixteen stories that show women are not the weaker sex, that they will not take betrayal lightly.
Published October 26th 2020
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press for this ARC.
May 5, 2021
This anthology is, as of today (2.17.21), an official 2021 Splatterpunk Award nominee for Best Horror Anthology. 😍 Winners will be announced at KillerCon later this summer.
DISCLAIMER: I am the author of a story in this anthology, Political Suicide, so please know that my rating and review is an unbiased look at only the rest of the stories included.
I loved If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Karma and Fear. When If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Supernatural Horror arrived, I loved it even more. Now we have the third volume in The Better Off Dead Series, and I'm hooked. The quality of the writing is phenomenal. Sinister Smile Press has outdone itself with If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution.
This is the year of the short story...and in this anthology, you get SIXTEEN deliciously diabolical selections. There is truly something for every reader's tastes.
Included is a brief review, as well as my thoughts, about each story:
The Long December - Steven Pajak - One of my favorites. The writing, especially the dialogue, is just incredible. This is the story of a girl hellbent on avenging her mother's suicide.
Take Heart My Child - Cara Fox - A disturbing look at the lengths a mother will go for her children in a dystopian environment intent on their destruction. Any parent will relate to this story.
Sign Followers - Chris Contreras Bahnsen - I was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did. Religious themes in books never appeal to me, but man, this one stayed with me. It's a gut-wrenching story about a deeply religious family who loses its matriarch, and the disturbing fall-out which results from her death.
The Door - Scotty Milder - For all your rockers out there...this is the story for you! A creepy look at a young girl, Lamashtu, whose rock-star father dies on stage…but not before making a deal with the devil. So much fun!
Predator - J.H. Moncrieff - Another of my favorites, Moncrieff makes revenge look stylish. A horrifying story about Cass McGovern, a detective in the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce, who is horrified to find her son, pulled into the vile world of the dark net.
Chained - Scott Harper - A vampire story about two women, Lorena and Tatjana, who devoted their lives to the Cadre; a group dedicated to fighting and killing the undead. Creative and well-written.
Political Suicide - Bridgett Nelson - No review.
Anika - Spencer Richard - Perfect for those who enjoy spy or espionage novels, this is the revenge story of Anika, a Russian woman intent on murdering the man who raped her sixteen year old sister.
To Hell and Back - Mark Young - A devilish story about a woman, Amelia, who is forced to travel to the underworld to kill a specific prisoner, in order to save her kidnapped daughter. This was one creepy, crazy ride! Loved it.
Forget Them Not - Claire Brown - A heart-pounding story about a single mother, Tina, who wishes her children away…much to her detriment. As a mother, this one really brought my emotions to the surface.
Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns - Nikkolas James - A dark-comedy about a private detective, Fancy “Dick” McGuffin, who must solve the murder of Butler Jimboy. This is funny, creepy, clever, and entertaining story.
Foundling - Lee Rozelle - A fascinating story about Audrey Dean, a college professor striving for tenure despite an unbalanced department head. So.Much.Fun. And that ending--perfection!
The Returned - Natalie Sierra - A gripping story about Dr. Henry Isaacs, a college student who, along with his mentor, brings a young woman back to life-- and suffers the terrifying consequences. Very clever.
Lucy - R.E. Sargent - You can never go wrong with an R.E. Sargent story. Seriously, his writing is addictive. This is a compulsively readable story about Lucy, a woman wanting to escape her abusive husband…or does she?
Black Feathered Fury - Red Lagoe - A clever story about a woman avenging her partner’s death, aided by a 'murder of crows' with which she has a special connection. Red's writing is always on point.
Soul Skeeter - Renee M.P.T. Kray - I think this story was my favorite out of the whole bunch, thankyouverymuch! I'm not going to say more than that...you just need to read this one. It's amazing.
Available October 26, 2020
**Many thanks to Sinister Smile Press for my review copy....and for being awesome.
DISCLAIMER: I am the author of a story in this anthology, Political Suicide, so please know that my rating and review is an unbiased look at only the rest of the stories included.
I loved If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Karma and Fear. When If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Supernatural Horror arrived, I loved it even more. Now we have the third volume in The Better Off Dead Series, and I'm hooked. The quality of the writing is phenomenal. Sinister Smile Press has outdone itself with If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution.
This is the year of the short story...and in this anthology, you get SIXTEEN deliciously diabolical selections. There is truly something for every reader's tastes.
Included is a brief review, as well as my thoughts, about each story:
The Long December - Steven Pajak - One of my favorites. The writing, especially the dialogue, is just incredible. This is the story of a girl hellbent on avenging her mother's suicide.
Take Heart My Child - Cara Fox - A disturbing look at the lengths a mother will go for her children in a dystopian environment intent on their destruction. Any parent will relate to this story.
Sign Followers - Chris Contreras Bahnsen - I was not expecting to enjoy this story as much as I did. Religious themes in books never appeal to me, but man, this one stayed with me. It's a gut-wrenching story about a deeply religious family who loses its matriarch, and the disturbing fall-out which results from her death.
The Door - Scotty Milder - For all your rockers out there...this is the story for you! A creepy look at a young girl, Lamashtu, whose rock-star father dies on stage…but not before making a deal with the devil. So much fun!
Predator - J.H. Moncrieff - Another of my favorites, Moncrieff makes revenge look stylish. A horrifying story about Cass McGovern, a detective in the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce, who is horrified to find her son, pulled into the vile world of the dark net.
Chained - Scott Harper - A vampire story about two women, Lorena and Tatjana, who devoted their lives to the Cadre; a group dedicated to fighting and killing the undead. Creative and well-written.
Political Suicide - Bridgett Nelson - No review.
Anika - Spencer Richard - Perfect for those who enjoy spy or espionage novels, this is the revenge story of Anika, a Russian woman intent on murdering the man who raped her sixteen year old sister.
To Hell and Back - Mark Young - A devilish story about a woman, Amelia, who is forced to travel to the underworld to kill a specific prisoner, in order to save her kidnapped daughter. This was one creepy, crazy ride! Loved it.
Forget Them Not - Claire Brown - A heart-pounding story about a single mother, Tina, who wishes her children away…much to her detriment. As a mother, this one really brought my emotions to the surface.
Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns - Nikkolas James - A dark-comedy about a private detective, Fancy “Dick” McGuffin, who must solve the murder of Butler Jimboy. This is funny, creepy, clever, and entertaining story.
Foundling - Lee Rozelle - A fascinating story about Audrey Dean, a college professor striving for tenure despite an unbalanced department head. So.Much.Fun. And that ending--perfection!
The Returned - Natalie Sierra - A gripping story about Dr. Henry Isaacs, a college student who, along with his mentor, brings a young woman back to life-- and suffers the terrifying consequences. Very clever.
Lucy - R.E. Sargent - You can never go wrong with an R.E. Sargent story. Seriously, his writing is addictive. This is a compulsively readable story about Lucy, a woman wanting to escape her abusive husband…or does she?
Black Feathered Fury - Red Lagoe - A clever story about a woman avenging her partner’s death, aided by a 'murder of crows' with which she has a special connection. Red's writing is always on point.
Soul Skeeter - Renee M.P.T. Kray - I think this story was my favorite out of the whole bunch, thankyouverymuch! I'm not going to say more than that...you just need to read this one. It's amazing.
Available October 26, 2020
**Many thanks to Sinister Smile Press for my review copy....and for being awesome.
December 19, 2020
“The female of the species is deadlier than the male…”Why, then, are women so often portrayed as victims"?
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution (The Better Off Dead Series Book 3)Sinister Smile Press
The cover art, the cover art.
Thank you "If I die writers". I had a really crappy week and you all just gave me a shot of adrenaline.
These books are so.... GOOD! Five stars.
So, if you like good old fashioned Horror..you HAVE to read this. Actually..read all the books in the series. There is nothing like Old school Horror, I must say.
And not Freddy Kruger horror. If I die Before I Wake: Tales of deadly women and Retribution, has around 16 or so stories for our reading pleasure. And all of them revolve around women getting their own back. Getting REVENGE! I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!
So I am a fan of these anthologies but this particular one really got me because of the focus on vengeful women. I feel it is important to say I dug ALL the stories..took me forever to get through..but each one was unique. However I must single out a few.
Anika by Spencer Richard..haunting and deeply moving..I wanted more though!
Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson. Bridgett is one of my GR friends and Bridgett, I just want to say..I loved your story, was riveted actually and was delighted it's focus was on Politics..since I am a political Junkie. Your talent seems effortless.. thanks for brightening up a crummy week and I look forward to reading more for your work.
Lucy..by R.E. Sargent.....I am a huge fan of Mr. Sargent's work and "Lucy" was no different. First off..Mr. Sargent has a sick mind which is the ultimate compliment..he also loves writing about beautiful and evil women doing very, very bad things. And being a retired ex rocker myself, I adore how he incorporates music into all his stories. But this little gem of a story..you will NEVER forget it and man is it twisted!!
The Long December by Steven Paja..Dude..you made me cry..a Horror story with quite the bit of emotional depth. So well written.
Please other "If I die" writers..I adored all the stories..I really think these books are MADE for the eerie "twilight zone" type of Horror purist. And each story is so different. You may not love all of them and will almost certainly have your own favorites but they are such fun reading. Here's to many more "If I die" Anthologies.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution (The Better Off Dead Series Book 3)Sinister Smile Press
The cover art, the cover art.
Thank you "If I die writers". I had a really crappy week and you all just gave me a shot of adrenaline.
These books are so.... GOOD! Five stars.
So, if you like good old fashioned Horror..you HAVE to read this. Actually..read all the books in the series. There is nothing like Old school Horror, I must say.
And not Freddy Kruger horror. If I die Before I Wake: Tales of deadly women and Retribution, has around 16 or so stories for our reading pleasure. And all of them revolve around women getting their own back. Getting REVENGE! I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!
So I am a fan of these anthologies but this particular one really got me because of the focus on vengeful women. I feel it is important to say I dug ALL the stories..took me forever to get through..but each one was unique. However I must single out a few.
Anika by Spencer Richard..haunting and deeply moving..I wanted more though!
Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson. Bridgett is one of my GR friends and Bridgett, I just want to say..I loved your story, was riveted actually and was delighted it's focus was on Politics..since I am a political Junkie. Your talent seems effortless.. thanks for brightening up a crummy week and I look forward to reading more for your work.
Lucy..by R.E. Sargent.....I am a huge fan of Mr. Sargent's work and "Lucy" was no different. First off..Mr. Sargent has a sick mind which is the ultimate compliment..he also loves writing about beautiful and evil women doing very, very bad things. And being a retired ex rocker myself, I adore how he incorporates music into all his stories. But this little gem of a story..you will NEVER forget it and man is it twisted!!
The Long December by Steven Paja..Dude..you made me cry..a Horror story with quite the bit of emotional depth. So well written.
Please other "If I die" writers..I adored all the stories..I really think these books are MADE for the eerie "twilight zone" type of Horror purist. And each story is so different. You may not love all of them and will almost certainly have your own favorites but they are such fun reading. Here's to many more "If I die" Anthologies.
October 26, 2020
TRICK. OR. TREAT.
There are plenty of TRICKS in this 3rd edition of “The Better off Dead series”.
But the TREATS are all for us as the “If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution” released TODAY, in time for Halloween! 🎃
And, for Election Day! 😳
Boy, am I sick of Political Ads and emails asking for money!
So, I lived vicariously through Dr. Jennifer Perry, as she took revenge on Senator Jason Poole, a man responsible for passing a controversial bill which took away funding for a treatment her young son, Remy, desperately needed.
(Insert the face of your least favorite Politician here 💀)
Cheers with an Amaretto Sour to author, Bridgett Nelson, as she makes her debut in the series with POLITICAL SUICIDE. -a stand-out for me.❤️
Another favorite was SOUL SKEETER-Renee M.P.T. Kray
I loved this story about 9 year old Tallulah Dara “thankyouverymuch” Cathmor vs. the Swamp Baby. 🧟♀️ Find out why everybody is falling for her and be sure to tell your own little sister how much you love her today! ❤️
This collection felt like a BONUS issue!
With 16 stories to choose from, there is a story for everyone and although I loved MANY others, this will end up being a short story of my own, if I don’t wrap it up, but I have to gush over just one more, before I close...
Returning author, Red Lagoe, who penned one of my favorites from Volume 2, gives us “BLACK FEATHERED FURY” in this edition.
I already steer clear of CROWS-but I NEVER feared my grandmother’s walker, till I read about Betty! ☠️ I loved this one!! ❤️
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press for my gifted copy!
It was my pleasure to provide an honest review and I am already looking forward to Volume 4! 💀
There are plenty of TRICKS in this 3rd edition of “The Better off Dead series”.
But the TREATS are all for us as the “If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution” released TODAY, in time for Halloween! 🎃
And, for Election Day! 😳
Boy, am I sick of Political Ads and emails asking for money!
So, I lived vicariously through Dr. Jennifer Perry, as she took revenge on Senator Jason Poole, a man responsible for passing a controversial bill which took away funding for a treatment her young son, Remy, desperately needed.
(Insert the face of your least favorite Politician here 💀)
Cheers with an Amaretto Sour to author, Bridgett Nelson, as she makes her debut in the series with POLITICAL SUICIDE. -a stand-out for me.❤️
Another favorite was SOUL SKEETER-Renee M.P.T. Kray
I loved this story about 9 year old Tallulah Dara “thankyouverymuch” Cathmor vs. the Swamp Baby. 🧟♀️ Find out why everybody is falling for her and be sure to tell your own little sister how much you love her today! ❤️
This collection felt like a BONUS issue!
With 16 stories to choose from, there is a story for everyone and although I loved MANY others, this will end up being a short story of my own, if I don’t wrap it up, but I have to gush over just one more, before I close...
Returning author, Red Lagoe, who penned one of my favorites from Volume 2, gives us “BLACK FEATHERED FURY” in this edition.
I already steer clear of CROWS-but I NEVER feared my grandmother’s walker, till I read about Betty! ☠️ I loved this one!! ❤️
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press for my gifted copy!
It was my pleasure to provide an honest review and I am already looking forward to Volume 4! 💀
October 28, 2020
I usually do not read short stories much less anthologies, however, I was able to receive an ARC of this from my Goodreads friend, Bridgett Nelson, that has her own story featured in here. Let's just say my curiosity was piqued.
We have sixteen tales of terror and revenge and some I loved, some were okay, and some were downright terrible. Rather than spending my review time on the ones I didn't enjoy I will focus on the ones that I did.
Take Heart My Child by Cara Fox: A mother will do anything to protect her children in this dystopian world. 4 stars!
Predator by J.H. Moncreif: Predators of the dark web....beware. 5 stars!
Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson: One mothers quest for revenge when a local senator takes funding away from her young sons cancer treatment. 5 stars!
Anika by Spencer Richard: Don't mess with sisters when one is hell bent on revenge. 4 stars!
Forget Me Not by Claire Brown: An exhausted mother must fight a witch for the returned safety of her children. 4 stars!
3 stars were awarded to:
Sign Followers by Chris Contreras Bahnsen
The Door by Scotty Milder
The Returned by Natalie Sierra
Black Feathered Fury by Red Lagoe
It's safe to say that the remaining stories just weren't my cup o' coffee, thankyouverymuch! 3 stars!
Thank you Bridgett for my copy in return for my honest review. I will support you on your writing journey every step of the way! 💖
We have sixteen tales of terror and revenge and some I loved, some were okay, and some were downright terrible. Rather than spending my review time on the ones I didn't enjoy I will focus on the ones that I did.
Take Heart My Child by Cara Fox: A mother will do anything to protect her children in this dystopian world. 4 stars!
Predator by J.H. Moncreif: Predators of the dark web....beware. 5 stars!
Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson: One mothers quest for revenge when a local senator takes funding away from her young sons cancer treatment. 5 stars!
Anika by Spencer Richard: Don't mess with sisters when one is hell bent on revenge. 4 stars!
Forget Me Not by Claire Brown: An exhausted mother must fight a witch for the returned safety of her children. 4 stars!
3 stars were awarded to:
Sign Followers by Chris Contreras Bahnsen
The Door by Scotty Milder
The Returned by Natalie Sierra
Black Feathered Fury by Red Lagoe
It's safe to say that the remaining stories just weren't my cup o' coffee, thankyouverymuch! 3 stars!
Thank you Bridgett for my copy in return for my honest review. I will support you on your writing journey every step of the way! 💖
October 26, 2020
I’ve started to enjoy short stories of late and so jumped at the chance to read this collection. Overall, this is a varied and good selection of deadly retribution tales, some more deadly that others and some inevitably that I liked much more than other which is simply down to personal taste.
My 5 star favourites are:
1. The Long December by Steve Pajak which I think is an excellent revenge story that grips from start to finish. Go Mandy!
3. Political Suicide Bridgett Nelson which is a brilliant ‘medical’ revenge. I don’t know what’s wrong with me but the ultimate twist made me laugh!
3. Forget me Not Clare Brown which is creepy, scary and blooming unnerving
4. Lucy RE Sargent a very devious and dark but deliciously so.
Overall, these would be a great Halloween pick. They’re not too horrifying or gory but they are entertaining, creepy, a little bit scary and very twisted!!!
With thanks to Bridgett Nelson and Sinister Press for an early copy for an honest review.
My 5 star favourites are:
1. The Long December by Steve Pajak which I think is an excellent revenge story that grips from start to finish. Go Mandy!
3. Political Suicide Bridgett Nelson which is a brilliant ‘medical’ revenge. I don’t know what’s wrong with me but the ultimate twist made me laugh!
3. Forget me Not Clare Brown which is creepy, scary and blooming unnerving
4. Lucy RE Sargent a very devious and dark but deliciously so.
Overall, these would be a great Halloween pick. They’re not too horrifying or gory but they are entertaining, creepy, a little bit scary and very twisted!!!
With thanks to Bridgett Nelson and Sinister Press for an early copy for an honest review.
September 22, 2020
2020 has been one helluva year. With many bad things pummeling down on us, one of the few bright spots is this: 2020 is THE year of short stories! 📚
In volume 3 of The Better Off Dead Series, there is bound to be a story for everyone. You’ll read about snake preachers 🐍, vampires and black magic 🧛♀️, Hell and the Devil’s Kingdom 😈🔥 , fish who find comfort in latching on to things that aren’t normal for them 🐟, a soul mosquito 🦟, and more. Here are a few of my favorites:
*Political Suicide (by Bridgett Nelson) - What will a mother do after her son dies of brain cancer due to the state senator making budget cuts that eliminate programs that give assistance to low-income families? She’ll get a chance at revenge 12 years later. This one stands out, with wonderful writing and a creepy and surprising epilogue. The talk of delicious food made me very hungry as well! 🧀
*Predator (by J.H. Moncrieff) - A story about a detective on the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. What lengths will she go to when one predator is way too close for comfort? Brilliant and satisfying ending. 😳
*Black Feathered Fury (by Red Lagoe) - A murder of crows, the collective noun for a group of crows...very fitting. Don’t f*ck with crows or old ladies. Bad things can and will happen. 🦅👵
*Forget Me Not (by Claire Brown) - A working woman, also a single mother, wishes just once that she didn’t have kids so she can enjoy a carefree night. Be careful what you wish for. Creepy and sad.
*Lucy (by R.E. Sargent) - Be careful who you pick up in the bar and what you promise for sex. This is creative and fun, with a devious ending...Not shocking if you’re familiar with this wonderful author.
Every story is unique and creative, and talent shines with each author...even if a few stories weren’t my normal cup of 🍵 . This is a fun collection, and I really had a great time reading each story. It releases on 10/26/20...just in time for you to grab a copy for Halloween. 🎃🔪
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press, and esteemed author Bridgett Nelson, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In volume 3 of The Better Off Dead Series, there is bound to be a story for everyone. You’ll read about snake preachers 🐍, vampires and black magic 🧛♀️, Hell and the Devil’s Kingdom 😈🔥 , fish who find comfort in latching on to things that aren’t normal for them 🐟, a soul mosquito 🦟, and more. Here are a few of my favorites:
*Political Suicide (by Bridgett Nelson) - What will a mother do after her son dies of brain cancer due to the state senator making budget cuts that eliminate programs that give assistance to low-income families? She’ll get a chance at revenge 12 years later. This one stands out, with wonderful writing and a creepy and surprising epilogue. The talk of delicious food made me very hungry as well! 🧀
*Predator (by J.H. Moncrieff) - A story about a detective on the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. What lengths will she go to when one predator is way too close for comfort? Brilliant and satisfying ending. 😳
*Black Feathered Fury (by Red Lagoe) - A murder of crows, the collective noun for a group of crows...very fitting. Don’t f*ck with crows or old ladies. Bad things can and will happen. 🦅👵
*Forget Me Not (by Claire Brown) - A working woman, also a single mother, wishes just once that she didn’t have kids so she can enjoy a carefree night. Be careful what you wish for. Creepy and sad.
*Lucy (by R.E. Sargent) - Be careful who you pick up in the bar and what you promise for sex. This is creative and fun, with a devious ending...Not shocking if you’re familiar with this wonderful author.
Every story is unique and creative, and talent shines with each author...even if a few stories weren’t my normal cup of 🍵 . This is a fun collection, and I really had a great time reading each story. It releases on 10/26/20...just in time for you to grab a copy for Halloween. 🎃🔪
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press, and esteemed author Bridgett Nelson, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2020
Twisted Sisters
You may want to think twice before messing with the women in this book.
They’re out for blood. Literally.
Sixteen imaginative stories cover female empowerment of the murderous kind. Each is unique and arranged in a way that separates and enhances the differences.
I loved the creativity of all but was immediately taken with these three stories:
In Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson, a sharp protagonist begins her revenge rather innocuously but then ramps it up becoming perhaps the most Mephistophelian character in the book. What a planner! So sinister AND a bonus twist.
The Long December by Steven Pajac features a crafty college student seeking those responsible for her mother’s death and plotting their untimely demise.
...And the wry ending award goes to Foundling. Loved, loved, loved that ending! You’ll have to read it to see why and hopefully you’ll smile too.
I can’t detail every story but wanted to mention Take Heart My Child, a grim dystopian tale about a mother providing for her daughters. Although not normally a genre I seek out, I’m still thinking about this one.
I love a great karma story. Payback is like frosting on the cake and the sweeter the better. Give me that sugar, I’m addicted!
Thank you to Bridgett Nelson and Sinister Smile Press for my ARC. I'd ordered a copy and was waiting for publication but jumped on the chance to read it early.
You may want to think twice before messing with the women in this book.
They’re out for blood. Literally.
Sixteen imaginative stories cover female empowerment of the murderous kind. Each is unique and arranged in a way that separates and enhances the differences.
I loved the creativity of all but was immediately taken with these three stories:
In Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson, a sharp protagonist begins her revenge rather innocuously but then ramps it up becoming perhaps the most Mephistophelian character in the book. What a planner! So sinister AND a bonus twist.
The Long December by Steven Pajac features a crafty college student seeking those responsible for her mother’s death and plotting their untimely demise.
...And the wry ending award goes to Foundling. Loved, loved, loved that ending! You’ll have to read it to see why and hopefully you’ll smile too.
I can’t detail every story but wanted to mention Take Heart My Child, a grim dystopian tale about a mother providing for her daughters. Although not normally a genre I seek out, I’m still thinking about this one.
I love a great karma story. Payback is like frosting on the cake and the sweeter the better. Give me that sugar, I’m addicted!
Thank you to Bridgett Nelson and Sinister Smile Press for my ARC. I'd ordered a copy and was waiting for publication but jumped on the chance to read it early.
October 10, 2020
I loved this collection! I don’t normally read, or even like short stories. But this horror collection was just wonderful. Firstly the stories are all about retribution - women getting payback for wrongs done to them or someone close to them. Then, they are all so different, so much variety and creativity on display.
Unfortunately I lost the notes that I took so I can’t really talk about individual stories but two that spring to mind that I particularly liked are Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson and Black Feathered Fury by Red Lagoe.
A collection like this is ideal if you don’t have large chunks of time to devote to reading as you can read one or two with a cuppa and get back to work. Alternatively, like me, you can read it in two sittings. Either way - DO read it. It was hugely entertaining.
Unfortunately I lost the notes that I took so I can’t really talk about individual stories but two that spring to mind that I particularly liked are Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson and Black Feathered Fury by Red Lagoe.
A collection like this is ideal if you don’t have large chunks of time to devote to reading as you can read one or two with a cuppa and get back to work. Alternatively, like me, you can read it in two sittings. Either way - DO read it. It was hugely entertaining.
October 26, 2020
Short stories aren’t my thing. I usually end up disappointed wishing for something more, i.e., a more elaborate plot, better developed characters... So you’ll be wondering... if you don’t like short stories why are you reading a short stories anthology?. Well, one and most important, because my friend Bridgett wrote one of the stories in this collection (from now on, my Published Author Friend Bridgett 😉) and I’m here to support my friends!
“If I die before I wake: tales of deadly women and retribution” is a fantastic set of stories with a perfect mix of genres, from horror to supernatural to straight old classic revenge stories. And you know how much I love when someone gets its comeuppance!
Here’s a brief review of every story in this volume:
- “The long December”: after her mother’s suicide, Mandy seeks revenge on those responsible. You already know how much I like a female revenge story! 👌🏻
- “Take heart my child”: as Wham! sang...”I gave you my heart” in this dystopian tale where a mother makes the ultimate sacrifice for her daughters. Not my cup of tea. 🤷🏻♂️💔
- “Sign followers”: religious fanaticism and snakes. This one gave me the creeps! 🐍
- “The door”: Lamashtu has a demon’s name and we all know that “birds of a feather stick together” 😈 This “selling your soul to the devil” story was a bit decaf. 🎸
- “Predator”: Cass McGovern, a detective in the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce, has a motto: “Not my son. Not my child”, so when she finds her kid pulled into the dark net the story turns into Mama Bear vs Predator. YOU GO GIRL! 🐻
- “Chained”: vampires, the undead, hunters... I’m not the right kind of public for these stories with supernatural elements. Some dialogues felt stilted and a bit cheesy. 🧛🏻♀️🧟♂️
- “Political suicide”: “Oh, karma, you sweet, sweet bitch”. Indeed! Who would have guessed our friend Bridgett had such a devious mind! Classical revenge story in a medical setting = 🔟🔟🔟 across the board! 👩🏻⚕️🐛
- “Anika”: 🇷🇺 vs 🇺🇸. In this “guess the spy” story that reminded me of the tv show “The Americans”, a woman is intent on murdering her sister’s rapist. Fun but left me with so many questions. 🔪
- “To Hell and back”: paranormal is not my genre, so this was a bit boring for me, although the final confrontation was cool. 💀🗡
- “Forget me not”: be careful what you wish for... or you’ll end up needing the Property Brothers! Jokes aside, this one was pretty emotional. 👩👦👦
- “Fancy Dick McGuffin and the case of the recycled hired guns”: Rye County Lake could change its name to Rye County Flea Market! Fancy names + magic + humour = Fun-cy crazy ride! 🧝🏻♀️
- “Foundling”: or the nutty professor 😳 This one was totally bonkers! 🤱🐟
- “The returned”: this modernized take of the Frankenstein story maintains the gothic vibes, showing the dangers of playing God. 👨🏻⚕️🧟♀️
- “Lucy”: a woman enlists some help to try to escape her abusive husband. The help’s brain was not inside his head. 😂💄
- “Black feathered fury”: a murder. A murder of crows. I loved everything in this story: the old lady as a main character, the young boy and their friendship, the living your life out as your true self no matter how old you are... One of my favorites! 👵🏻🦜 (yeah, I know, but that’s the closest to a crow I found. It was that or the chicken 😅)
- “Soul skeeter”: Tallulah Dara Cathmor, can I be your friend? Thankyouverymuch. 😍
Although there were some stories I didn’t like that much due to personal tastes (not a big fan of horror and supernatural), the writing was on point on each and every story. The classic earthly revenge ones were definitely my favorite stories.
Whatever your genre preferences make sure to grab this one when it comes out on Oct. 26th as I’m sure you will find some story you will like.
And on a more personal note...Bridgett, I already told you in private how much I loved your story, so I hope this is the first one in a long and prolific writing career!
Thanks to Bridgett Nelson and Sinister Smile Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
“If I die before I wake: tales of deadly women and retribution” is a fantastic set of stories with a perfect mix of genres, from horror to supernatural to straight old classic revenge stories. And you know how much I love when someone gets its comeuppance!
Here’s a brief review of every story in this volume:
- “The long December”: after her mother’s suicide, Mandy seeks revenge on those responsible. You already know how much I like a female revenge story! 👌🏻
- “Take heart my child”: as Wham! sang...”I gave you my heart” in this dystopian tale where a mother makes the ultimate sacrifice for her daughters. Not my cup of tea. 🤷🏻♂️💔
- “Sign followers”: religious fanaticism and snakes. This one gave me the creeps! 🐍
- “The door”: Lamashtu has a demon’s name and we all know that “birds of a feather stick together” 😈 This “selling your soul to the devil” story was a bit decaf. 🎸
- “Predator”: Cass McGovern, a detective in the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce, has a motto: “Not my son. Not my child”, so when she finds her kid pulled into the dark net the story turns into Mama Bear vs Predator. YOU GO GIRL! 🐻
- “Chained”: vampires, the undead, hunters... I’m not the right kind of public for these stories with supernatural elements. Some dialogues felt stilted and a bit cheesy. 🧛🏻♀️🧟♂️
- “Political suicide”: “Oh, karma, you sweet, sweet bitch”. Indeed! Who would have guessed our friend Bridgett had such a devious mind! Classical revenge story in a medical setting = 🔟🔟🔟 across the board! 👩🏻⚕️🐛
- “Anika”: 🇷🇺 vs 🇺🇸. In this “guess the spy” story that reminded me of the tv show “The Americans”, a woman is intent on murdering her sister’s rapist. Fun but left me with so many questions. 🔪
- “To Hell and back”: paranormal is not my genre, so this was a bit boring for me, although the final confrontation was cool. 💀🗡
- “Forget me not”: be careful what you wish for... or you’ll end up needing the Property Brothers! Jokes aside, this one was pretty emotional. 👩👦👦
- “Fancy Dick McGuffin and the case of the recycled hired guns”: Rye County Lake could change its name to Rye County Flea Market! Fancy names + magic + humour = Fun-cy crazy ride! 🧝🏻♀️
- “Foundling”: or the nutty professor 😳 This one was totally bonkers! 🤱🐟
- “The returned”: this modernized take of the Frankenstein story maintains the gothic vibes, showing the dangers of playing God. 👨🏻⚕️🧟♀️
- “Lucy”: a woman enlists some help to try to escape her abusive husband. The help’s brain was not inside his head. 😂💄
- “Black feathered fury”: a murder. A murder of crows. I loved everything in this story: the old lady as a main character, the young boy and their friendship, the living your life out as your true self no matter how old you are... One of my favorites! 👵🏻🦜 (yeah, I know, but that’s the closest to a crow I found. It was that or the chicken 😅)
- “Soul skeeter”: Tallulah Dara Cathmor, can I be your friend? Thankyouverymuch. 😍
Although there were some stories I didn’t like that much due to personal tastes (not a big fan of horror and supernatural), the writing was on point on each and every story. The classic earthly revenge ones were definitely my favorite stories.
Whatever your genre preferences make sure to grab this one when it comes out on Oct. 26th as I’m sure you will find some story you will like.
And on a more personal note...Bridgett, I already told you in private how much I loved your story, so I hope this is the first one in a long and prolific writing career!
Thanks to Bridgett Nelson and Sinister Smile Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2020
I have had the privilege of reading a ton of awesome short stories this year. Sometimes a short story is just what you need as a reader.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution is a top to bottom collection of amazing stories, many of which are penned by people I had never encountered before, but from whom I hope to see more in the future. I liked every one of them. Some I liked better, but that is only natural. It had a few standouts in my mind, from Bridgett Nelson, Mark Young, and Renee M.P.T. Kray. Honestly, they were all really amazing and well worth the time.
Here’s what this volume offers:
The Long December by Steven Pajak tells a tale of revenge for anyone who’s been wronged and deep down feels the need to get back at those in power when they hurt your family.
Cara Fox created a brutal dystopian world in Take Heart my Child, where a mother makes a deep, and noble sacrifice for her daughters. This one stuck with me a good long while and I am not embarrassed to say, really emotional when I finished it. I’ll be looking for more work by Cara Fox.
Then this compilation gives you something completely different in Sign Followers by Chris Contreras Bahnsen. This one is an interesting story about a family that works with snakes. To me, it really captured the tone and voice of the MC very, very well. Nicely done.
Scotty Milder's The Door, relates to us a young daughter’s hero worship of her rock star dad as she continues to grow up. It affects her a lot when she learns about the huge price extracted from the band members for their lives. The ending kind of left me scratching my head, but I enjoyed the narrative a lot.
Predator by J.H. Moncrief had some dark, brutal, dark, brutal, dark, brutal stuff. Off. But very satisfying because the POS antagonist gets what's coming to him in the best possible way, that’s for damn sure. Very well told tale in the modern information age. (Did I mention that it was dark and brutal? I did? Thought so.)
Scott Harper's Chained tells us a remarkable tale of how love can overcome any obstacle within ourselves and those that opposes it when a vampire fights her own dark impulses and those who threaten the wife she loves.
Bridgett Nelson's Political Suicide blew me away. Damn. This is one is in the top two best short stories I have EVER read in my whole life. And I am not just saying that. It has a good, sympathetic protagonist, a despicable antagonist, lots of suspense, and plenty of thriller/horror emotions it evokes. I wish this could be required reading for politicians. This one to me had the best suspense. I didn’t know how it was going to develop or if the character was really going to go through with what I thought she would or if she would do something different that the antagonist also deserved. This one will stay with me for a long time. Damn... Special kudos in my mind goes out to Bridgett Nelson. She’ll be another writer from whom I can’t wait to see more.
When I finished reading Spencer Richard's Anika I wasn’t sure what I felt about the MC. Yes, it was well done. Don’t get me wrong. This one has a different type of protagonist and as I sit here typing this, that made for a nice change of pace. Thinking about it more reminded me that not every protagonist is going to be a clear-cut “good-guy” stereotype. So that one makes me happy that I ended up thinking a lot. Never a bad thing.
Another huge standout to me was Mark Young's To Hell and Back. This story gave me an amazingly immersive and enjoyable trip to the underworld and an urban fantasy world with magic and monsters that wasn’t cloying. This was also probably one of the best short stories I have read. Mark Young, if you happen to see this, and you haven’t written other stories with this MC, I would totally suggest you give your growing fan base more of this character and her world.
Claire Brown strapped me into one hell of an emotional rollercoaster in her story Forget Me Not. If ever you wonder what your life might look like if you’d made different choice, read this one. Life can be wearisome, but worth it. The people in our live can be challenging. But they are worth it. A true example of you never really know what you have until it’s gone. Nicely done, Claire Brown.
Nikkolas James offered up an interesting tale of PIs, necromancy, and a lake in Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns. I found this one very creative and enjoyable.
The Returned by Natalie Sierra tells a dark, gruesome cautionary tale of science and ambition leading to the revival of a dead person. Just goes to show you that Mary Shelley had it right! Why do scientists (only in literature – I hope) always want to revive dead people? Does that ever end well? Okay, maybe once in a while it does. Very well done, nicely written and extremely entertaining.
In Foundling by Lee Rozelle, we hear the story of an academic thrown into a high stakes conflict over a new and precious infant creature. Of all possible endings, Rozelle managed to find one I hadn't foreseen. The end left me a bit perplexed. But I liked this one. It was very creative and entertaining.
Lucy by R.E. Sargent was a cool story about some dim bulb guy that managed to get manipulated into doing some really, really, REALLY dumb stuff by a mysterious lady who may or may not be all she seems.
I liked Black Feathered Fury by Red Lagoe a lot too. I really sympathized with the main character, Betty. It tells us that friends can come in the most unlikely of places.
The collection closes out with the fantastic story, Soul Skeeter, by Renee M.P.T. Kray. Very imaginative and very well written story about a young girl who sees a bad guy coming into the family home and no one else does. I LOVED this one. It captures the voice of a young kid and their frustration at not being listened to even when they are right. I was immediately drawn into the mind set of this youngster and her voice with the phrase Kray uses for her narration, like the I thought that was a small touch that yielded big rewards for fleshing out this character. I hope to read more from Renee M.P.T. Kray in the future.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution is a top to bottom collection of amazing stories, many of which are penned by people I had never encountered before, but from whom I hope to see more in the future. I liked every one of them. Some I liked better, but that is only natural. It had a few standouts in my mind, from Bridgett Nelson, Mark Young, and Renee M.P.T. Kray. Honestly, they were all really amazing and well worth the time.
Here’s what this volume offers:
The Long December by Steven Pajak tells a tale of revenge for anyone who’s been wronged and deep down feels the need to get back at those in power when they hurt your family.
Cara Fox created a brutal dystopian world in Take Heart my Child, where a mother makes a deep, and noble sacrifice for her daughters. This one stuck with me a good long while and I am not embarrassed to say, really emotional when I finished it. I’ll be looking for more work by Cara Fox.
Then this compilation gives you something completely different in Sign Followers by Chris Contreras Bahnsen. This one is an interesting story about a family that works with snakes. To me, it really captured the tone and voice of the MC very, very well. Nicely done.
Scotty Milder's The Door, relates to us a young daughter’s hero worship of her rock star dad as she continues to grow up. It affects her a lot when she learns about the huge price extracted from the band members for their lives. The ending kind of left me scratching my head, but I enjoyed the narrative a lot.
Predator by J.H. Moncrief had some dark, brutal, dark, brutal, dark, brutal stuff. Off. But very satisfying because the POS antagonist gets what's coming to him in the best possible way, that’s for damn sure. Very well told tale in the modern information age. (Did I mention that it was dark and brutal? I did? Thought so.)
Scott Harper's Chained tells us a remarkable tale of how love can overcome any obstacle within ourselves and those that opposes it when a vampire fights her own dark impulses and those who threaten the wife she loves.
Bridgett Nelson's Political Suicide blew me away. Damn. This is one is in the top two best short stories I have EVER read in my whole life. And I am not just saying that. It has a good, sympathetic protagonist, a despicable antagonist, lots of suspense, and plenty of thriller/horror emotions it evokes. I wish this could be required reading for politicians. This one to me had the best suspense. I didn’t know how it was going to develop or if the character was really going to go through with what I thought she would or if she would do something different that the antagonist also deserved. This one will stay with me for a long time. Damn... Special kudos in my mind goes out to Bridgett Nelson. She’ll be another writer from whom I can’t wait to see more.
When I finished reading Spencer Richard's Anika I wasn’t sure what I felt about the MC. Yes, it was well done. Don’t get me wrong. This one has a different type of protagonist and as I sit here typing this, that made for a nice change of pace. Thinking about it more reminded me that not every protagonist is going to be a clear-cut “good-guy” stereotype. So that one makes me happy that I ended up thinking a lot. Never a bad thing.
Another huge standout to me was Mark Young's To Hell and Back. This story gave me an amazingly immersive and enjoyable trip to the underworld and an urban fantasy world with magic and monsters that wasn’t cloying. This was also probably one of the best short stories I have read. Mark Young, if you happen to see this, and you haven’t written other stories with this MC, I would totally suggest you give your growing fan base more of this character and her world.
Claire Brown strapped me into one hell of an emotional rollercoaster in her story Forget Me Not. If ever you wonder what your life might look like if you’d made different choice, read this one. Life can be wearisome, but worth it. The people in our live can be challenging. But they are worth it. A true example of you never really know what you have until it’s gone. Nicely done, Claire Brown.
Nikkolas James offered up an interesting tale of PIs, necromancy, and a lake in Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns. I found this one very creative and enjoyable.
The Returned by Natalie Sierra tells a dark, gruesome cautionary tale of science and ambition leading to the revival of a dead person. Just goes to show you that Mary Shelley had it right! Why do scientists (only in literature – I hope) always want to revive dead people? Does that ever end well? Okay, maybe once in a while it does. Very well done, nicely written and extremely entertaining.
In Foundling by Lee Rozelle, we hear the story of an academic thrown into a high stakes conflict over a new and precious infant creature. Of all possible endings, Rozelle managed to find one I hadn't foreseen. The end left me a bit perplexed. But I liked this one. It was very creative and entertaining.
Lucy by R.E. Sargent was a cool story about some dim bulb guy that managed to get manipulated into doing some really, really, REALLY dumb stuff by a mysterious lady who may or may not be all she seems.
I liked Black Feathered Fury by Red Lagoe a lot too. I really sympathized with the main character, Betty. It tells us that friends can come in the most unlikely of places.
The collection closes out with the fantastic story, Soul Skeeter, by Renee M.P.T. Kray. Very imaginative and very well written story about a young girl who sees a bad guy coming into the family home and no one else does. I LOVED this one. It captures the voice of a young kid and their frustration at not being listened to even when they are right. I was immediately drawn into the mind set of this youngster and her voice with the phrase Kray uses for her narration, like the I thought that was a small touch that yielded big rewards for fleshing out this character. I hope to read more from Renee M.P.T. Kray in the future.
October 19, 2020
“If I Die Before I Wake”
The Better Off Dead Series Vol #3
Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution
I’m a fan of these impressively-curated collections published by Sinister Smile Press (R.E. Sargent/ Steven Pajak) and can honestly say that this Volume #3 includes some exceptional and original examples of horror writing.
The entire book has been designed around the central theme, “Deadly Women and Retribution” and each story uses this notion to create exciting and terrifying versions and visions of what a woman is capable of.
As a whole, it’s a book that reads easily and held my interest throughout with a few stand-out selections that really hit the mark for me.
“Forget Me Not” by Claire Brown
An unusual game of hide and seek prompted by regrets that may or may not be real but the consequences are.
“To Hell and Back” by Mark Young
Mark’s visceral vision of the hell he describes in this story of a former assassin on a mission that matters is not only wrought with descriptions that are the stuff of nightmares but also infused with his cheeky sense of style. His quote:
“The way back isn’t always the way home,” stuck with me long after I finished reading.
“Political Suicide” by Bridgett Nelson
A favorite in a standout-collection. Her character defined the idea behind the collection to me. We’ve all, “thought about” revenge at one time but this story takes it not only to the limit but does it in such a way that you’re cheering her on. A stellar debut from this author!
“The Returned” by Natalie Sierra
A grim, horribly-beautiful, cautionary tale regarding the adage that one should, ”be careful what you wish for/and do.” A fate worse that death might linger in your rear-view mirror.
“Black Feathered Fury” by Red Lagoe
Such an original concept of what happens when you’re considered to be, “different” and find loyal friends in unusual places and forms. She gives a mention to my home-town in this story and I really enjoyed connecting to her setting.
“Lucy” by Bob Sargent
Beautifully written and fleshed-out characters, his ability to craft visuals while reading is exemplary. Loved the unexpected ending, it’s a great read.
“Soul Skeeter” by Renee M.P.T.Kray
Folk-horror at it’s finest! The author elevates one’s senses while reading, the setting and characters are palpable. I loved, “Miss Tallulah” age 9, and her face-off with an abomination that threatens people she loves. I enjoyed every word of her story.
These are only a few of the sixteen stories in this book, all are very worthy of high-praise and IIDBIW Volume 3 is a standout for me in 2020, a year that’s given us some bad days but also some really great books.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by request, the review is my own and optional.
The Better Off Dead Series Vol #3
Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution
I’m a fan of these impressively-curated collections published by Sinister Smile Press (R.E. Sargent/ Steven Pajak) and can honestly say that this Volume #3 includes some exceptional and original examples of horror writing.
The entire book has been designed around the central theme, “Deadly Women and Retribution” and each story uses this notion to create exciting and terrifying versions and visions of what a woman is capable of.
As a whole, it’s a book that reads easily and held my interest throughout with a few stand-out selections that really hit the mark for me.
“Forget Me Not” by Claire Brown
An unusual game of hide and seek prompted by regrets that may or may not be real but the consequences are.
“To Hell and Back” by Mark Young
Mark’s visceral vision of the hell he describes in this story of a former assassin on a mission that matters is not only wrought with descriptions that are the stuff of nightmares but also infused with his cheeky sense of style. His quote:
“The way back isn’t always the way home,” stuck with me long after I finished reading.
“Political Suicide” by Bridgett Nelson
A favorite in a standout-collection. Her character defined the idea behind the collection to me. We’ve all, “thought about” revenge at one time but this story takes it not only to the limit but does it in such a way that you’re cheering her on. A stellar debut from this author!
“The Returned” by Natalie Sierra
A grim, horribly-beautiful, cautionary tale regarding the adage that one should, ”be careful what you wish for/and do.” A fate worse that death might linger in your rear-view mirror.
“Black Feathered Fury” by Red Lagoe
Such an original concept of what happens when you’re considered to be, “different” and find loyal friends in unusual places and forms. She gives a mention to my home-town in this story and I really enjoyed connecting to her setting.
“Lucy” by Bob Sargent
Beautifully written and fleshed-out characters, his ability to craft visuals while reading is exemplary. Loved the unexpected ending, it’s a great read.
“Soul Skeeter” by Renee M.P.T.Kray
Folk-horror at it’s finest! The author elevates one’s senses while reading, the setting and characters are palpable. I loved, “Miss Tallulah” age 9, and her face-off with an abomination that threatens people she loves. I enjoyed every word of her story.
These are only a few of the sixteen stories in this book, all are very worthy of high-praise and IIDBIW Volume 3 is a standout for me in 2020, a year that’s given us some bad days but also some really great books.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by request, the review is my own and optional.
June 7, 2023
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
A perfect way to sum up this anthology of 16 kickass stories. Women will do what it takes to protect those they love, and these stories take that to the extreme. Murder, mystery, and revenge flows throughout this collection. Even though every story is dramatically different, the theme of a strong female ensures that every story is connected in a way.
I tried to compile a top five favorites, but it was tough to choose so I whittled it down to my top six (in no particular order):
1. The Long December by Steven Pajak: A daughter is determined to get revenge on the people responsible for her mother’s suicide. This was an emotional rollercoaster.
2. Predator by J.H. Moncrieff: “Not my son. Not my child.” When a detective finds pictures of her son deep on the Dark Web, she takes on a special mission: protect him at all costs. It was easy to lose myself in the details of this one. The emotions were raw and, as a parent, very easy for me to relate to the MC.
3. Political Suicide by Bridget Nelson: A beautiful story of Karma at its finest. After a politician cuts funding to a much-needed medical program, the MC’s son dies of cancer. In a desperate move to avenge him, she comes up with the perfect plan of an eye for an eye. The plot in this one was very original.
4. To Hell and Back by Mark Young: In order to save her daughter, a woman must make a trip to the underworld. Very cool themes of paranormal, horror, and suspense. Not to mention a kickass MC.
5. Forget Me Not by Claire Brown: When a woman wishes her children away, the wish is granted. Be careful what you wish for! This one was another emotional rollercoaster. Mixed with the suspense of the paranormal, it had me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention that ending.
6. Lucy by R.E. Sargent: A woman enlists help from a stranger to escape her abusive husband. Thing is, her plans go much deeper than that. I always love R.E. Sargent’s stories for his awesome way of writing strong woman with dark plans.
Even though I’m not mentioning every story in my review, I enjoyed them all. Each of them spoke of the depths of human nature and what exactly can happen when a person is pushed too far.
Perfect collection of stories to invoke a range of emotions in readers across the board.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
A perfect way to sum up this anthology of 16 kickass stories. Women will do what it takes to protect those they love, and these stories take that to the extreme. Murder, mystery, and revenge flows throughout this collection. Even though every story is dramatically different, the theme of a strong female ensures that every story is connected in a way.
I tried to compile a top five favorites, but it was tough to choose so I whittled it down to my top six (in no particular order):
1. The Long December by Steven Pajak: A daughter is determined to get revenge on the people responsible for her mother’s suicide. This was an emotional rollercoaster.
2. Predator by J.H. Moncrieff: “Not my son. Not my child.” When a detective finds pictures of her son deep on the Dark Web, she takes on a special mission: protect him at all costs. It was easy to lose myself in the details of this one. The emotions were raw and, as a parent, very easy for me to relate to the MC.
3. Political Suicide by Bridget Nelson: A beautiful story of Karma at its finest. After a politician cuts funding to a much-needed medical program, the MC’s son dies of cancer. In a desperate move to avenge him, she comes up with the perfect plan of an eye for an eye. The plot in this one was very original.
4. To Hell and Back by Mark Young: In order to save her daughter, a woman must make a trip to the underworld. Very cool themes of paranormal, horror, and suspense. Not to mention a kickass MC.
5. Forget Me Not by Claire Brown: When a woman wishes her children away, the wish is granted. Be careful what you wish for! This one was another emotional rollercoaster. Mixed with the suspense of the paranormal, it had me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention that ending.
6. Lucy by R.E. Sargent: A woman enlists help from a stranger to escape her abusive husband. Thing is, her plans go much deeper than that. I always love R.E. Sargent’s stories for his awesome way of writing strong woman with dark plans.
Even though I’m not mentioning every story in my review, I enjoyed them all. Each of them spoke of the depths of human nature and what exactly can happen when a person is pushed too far.
Perfect collection of stories to invoke a range of emotions in readers across the board.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
September 26, 2020
Since anything too scary or gory will induce nightmares, I approached this book with caution. 😬 I ended up thoroughly enjoying the variety of tales. Fun, entertaining, addictive, creepy, twisted, surprising! My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE was Political Suicide by Bridgett Nelson. I was immediately pulled into the story and felt a connection with Jennifer. What a fascinating, layered character. WOW! I had to take a break after reading this to let it simmer in my brain. 😲🧐
Although I loved many of the stories my other two favorites were Soul Skeeter and Sign Followers. A terrific book I never would have picked up were it not for my Goodreads friend, Bridgett. Thank You!!
Thank you Sinister Smile Express and Bridgett Nelson for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although I loved many of the stories my other two favorites were Soul Skeeter and Sign Followers. A terrific book I never would have picked up were it not for my Goodreads friend, Bridgett. Thank You!!
Thank you Sinister Smile Express and Bridgett Nelson for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2020
3.5 vengeance stars
I couldn’t even tell you the last collection of short stories that I read. I seem to be reading a lot of creepy tales before Halloween this year and this one fits that bill completely! 16 short stories featuring women out for revenge.
The stories run the gamut, and I’m sure there is one for everyone. My personal favorites were:
“Predator” – a police procedural featuring a woman who tracks down creeps who are stalking children online.
“Political Suicide” – perfect for these times before the election when we all crave a little revenge!
“Soul Skeeter” – terrifying and perfect right before Halloween.
Kudos to fellow book friend Bridgett Nelson and her story “Political Suicide”. Knowing her story was in the collection was the whole reason I picked this one up.
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press for my complimentary copy!
I couldn’t even tell you the last collection of short stories that I read. I seem to be reading a lot of creepy tales before Halloween this year and this one fits that bill completely! 16 short stories featuring women out for revenge.
The stories run the gamut, and I’m sure there is one for everyone. My personal favorites were:
“Predator” – a police procedural featuring a woman who tracks down creeps who are stalking children online.
“Political Suicide” – perfect for these times before the election when we all crave a little revenge!
“Soul Skeeter” – terrifying and perfect right before Halloween.
Kudos to fellow book friend Bridgett Nelson and her story “Political Suicide”. Knowing her story was in the collection was the whole reason I picked this one up.
Thank you to Sinister Smile Press for my complimentary copy!
December 2, 2020
This is the review that puts me at my goal in the 2020 GR Reading Challenge, and I can't think of a more fabulous read with which to hit that mark! This is an anthology of "devious women kick ass" stories that I sped through in a couple of sittings. While most of the 16 stories were great, as they all strong, slightly twisted, female protagonists, I am just going to summarize a few of my favorites.
1. Political Suicide by my very own friend, Bridgett Nelson. This is a twisted tale of karma at its very best. After funding to a much-needed medical program is cut by a merciless politician, Dr. Jennifer Perry's son, Remy, dies of cancer. In a desperate move to avenge Remy, Dr. Perry concocts the perfect plan for revenge. Not only was the plot original, and the twist fantastic, but I found myself cheering on scheming Dr. Perry all the way. Bridgett, I don't just say this because you're my friend - you knocked it out of the park with this one! I cannot wait to read more of your work, as you definitely have the writing chops!
2. Soul Skeeter by Renee M.P.T.Kray. Holy horror. The setting and characters are so real, and I loved 9 year-old Tallulah, and her incredible faceoff with an abhorrence that threatens those she loves. I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page! This is the perfect Halloween read.
3. Predator by J.H. Moncrieff. This one horrified me as a parent. When a Internet Crimes Against Children task force detective finds pictures of her own son deep on the dark web, she makes it her mission to protect him at any cost. This one was very relatable, and the emotions were raw. I thought the ending was brilliant!
I'm not a huge horror fan, so I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed these stories and the guilty pleasure I felt when each woman plotted and executed their revenge. I now plan to go back and read every single book in the series. Thanks to my friend, Bridgett, who introduced me to this anthology.
1. Political Suicide by my very own friend, Bridgett Nelson. This is a twisted tale of karma at its very best. After funding to a much-needed medical program is cut by a merciless politician, Dr. Jennifer Perry's son, Remy, dies of cancer. In a desperate move to avenge Remy, Dr. Perry concocts the perfect plan for revenge. Not only was the plot original, and the twist fantastic, but I found myself cheering on scheming Dr. Perry all the way. Bridgett, I don't just say this because you're my friend - you knocked it out of the park with this one! I cannot wait to read more of your work, as you definitely have the writing chops!
2. Soul Skeeter by Renee M.P.T.Kray. Holy horror. The setting and characters are so real, and I loved 9 year-old Tallulah, and her incredible faceoff with an abhorrence that threatens those she loves. I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page! This is the perfect Halloween read.
3. Predator by J.H. Moncrieff. This one horrified me as a parent. When a Internet Crimes Against Children task force detective finds pictures of her own son deep on the dark web, she makes it her mission to protect him at any cost. This one was very relatable, and the emotions were raw. I thought the ending was brilliant!
I'm not a huge horror fan, so I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed these stories and the guilty pleasure I felt when each woman plotted and executed their revenge. I now plan to go back and read every single book in the series. Thanks to my friend, Bridgett, who introduced me to this anthology.
October 14, 2020
Think you are safe messing with a woman? Her kids? Her job or anything else she cares about? This collection of awesome short stories will certainly convince you otherwise!
The third installment of the "Better Off Dead" series does not disappoint. There are stories from authors featured in the earlier books of the series and some great new additions to keep one's head spinning with tales of mystery, suspense and outright horror!
As messed up as 2020 has been, this is sure to be a highlight - and release is just in time for Halloween too!
The third installment of the "Better Off Dead" series does not disappoint. There are stories from authors featured in the earlier books of the series and some great new additions to keep one's head spinning with tales of mystery, suspense and outright horror!
As messed up as 2020 has been, this is sure to be a highlight - and release is just in time for Halloween too!
August 30, 2021
My first read in the series, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a fantastic anthology with some original voices. "Political Suicide" by Bridgett Nelson stood out in this collection. I'll be reading more from her!
November 13, 2020
Excellent book.
Excellent book and recommend it to everyone. Great stories,very well written and totally entertaining. A book I would like more books to be like.Thank you for sharing your books.Keep writing!
Excellent book and recommend it to everyone. Great stories,very well written and totally entertaining. A book I would like more books to be like.Thank you for sharing your books.Keep writing!
June 19, 2022
Apart from 'Foreword', 'About the Authors' and mandatory advertisements, the book contains sixteen stories.
The plots were howlingly bad.
The writing were moderately good. But almost all the authors seemed to have some kind of fetish about dad-issues in rural families.
Actual, action-packed and well-plotted stories, preferably laced with dark humour? Nope! Nothing like that here.
Crushingly disappointing— that's my summation.
Not recommended.
The plots were howlingly bad.
The writing were moderately good. But almost all the authors seemed to have some kind of fetish about dad-issues in rural families.
Actual, action-packed and well-plotted stories, preferably laced with dark humour? Nope! Nothing like that here.
Crushingly disappointing— that's my summation.
Not recommended.
October 23, 2020
This was a great anthology. I'm a little partial to my wife's story, Political Suicide. Check Bridgett Nelson out.
March 10, 2021
This was nominated for a Splatterpunk Award which is how I found it.
I can see why it was nominated. Great anthology.
I can see why it was nominated. Great anthology.
October 27, 2020
I received a copy of 'If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution' in exchanged for an honest review.
I have never read one of Sinister Smile's collections before and was impressed with the variety of the stories. There are stories that fit into the realm of Fantasy like "To Hell and Back" with its epic quest or dive into the Dystopian World such as "Take Heart my Child" that plays with what it means to ensure survival. There are classic horror characters such as the vampires of "Chained," and real-life heroines such as the main character of "Predator."
The concept of Retribution is repeated but is never stereotypical. The main characters often question themselves or force the reader to question if their retribution is just. "The Long December," "Political Suicide" and especially "Forget Me Not" are prime examples which also feature family obligations. Maybe because it is a collection featuring female leads, but most of the drama centers on the family unit whether it is facing off against the outside world to defend/avenge their families as in "Black Feathered Fury" and Soul Skeeter" or facing off against one part of the family to defend the other as in "Sign Followers" and "The Door."
I really liked that I could pick out some of the patterns of why the stories were positioned as such in the collection. Even given the variety of stories, there are some common themes and I really loved how the stories started to flow. I reveled in the witty dialogue of "Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns." I also really enjoyed the visceral descriptions of "Foundling."
This collection definitely has something for everyone, and I look forward to reading Sinister Smile's other collections!
I have never read one of Sinister Smile's collections before and was impressed with the variety of the stories. There are stories that fit into the realm of Fantasy like "To Hell and Back" with its epic quest or dive into the Dystopian World such as "Take Heart my Child" that plays with what it means to ensure survival. There are classic horror characters such as the vampires of "Chained," and real-life heroines such as the main character of "Predator."
The concept of Retribution is repeated but is never stereotypical. The main characters often question themselves or force the reader to question if their retribution is just. "The Long December," "Political Suicide" and especially "Forget Me Not" are prime examples which also feature family obligations. Maybe because it is a collection featuring female leads, but most of the drama centers on the family unit whether it is facing off against the outside world to defend/avenge their families as in "Black Feathered Fury" and Soul Skeeter" or facing off against one part of the family to defend the other as in "Sign Followers" and "The Door."
I really liked that I could pick out some of the patterns of why the stories were positioned as such in the collection. Even given the variety of stories, there are some common themes and I really loved how the stories started to flow. I reveled in the witty dialogue of "Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns." I also really enjoyed the visceral descriptions of "Foundling."
This collection definitely has something for everyone, and I look forward to reading Sinister Smile's other collections!
October 27, 2020
Thank the Halloween gods for short story collections. I've been distracted lately and have had a hard time focusing, so short stories have saved my reading life - and IF I DIE BEFORE I WAKE, Volume 3 in the Better Off Dead series, is no exception.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. It's perfect for a Halloween read - or anytime, really, if you love dark fiction.
It offers a satisfying mix of tone, with some deeply dark and disturbing tales, as well as a few lighter, more comedic options. The order of stories is well thought out and balanced, with the collection ebbing and flowing from dark to light and back again.
Revenge, murder, mayhem, seriously disturbed families, a journey through hell... this sinister collection has it all. As with most short story collections, there are a couple of stories that don't quite match up to the rest in execution, but those are few and far between. The majority of the work in this book is top notch and the insane, wonderfully sinister worlds and characters these writers create make this a definite MUST READ for horror fans.
Stand out stories include Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns (hilarious and right on the hard-boiled crime money, plus one of the best main characters I've read in a while) and Sign Followers (eeesh, absolutely depraved and disturbing and incredibly well-written).
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. It's perfect for a Halloween read - or anytime, really, if you love dark fiction.
It offers a satisfying mix of tone, with some deeply dark and disturbing tales, as well as a few lighter, more comedic options. The order of stories is well thought out and balanced, with the collection ebbing and flowing from dark to light and back again.
Revenge, murder, mayhem, seriously disturbed families, a journey through hell... this sinister collection has it all. As with most short story collections, there are a couple of stories that don't quite match up to the rest in execution, but those are few and far between. The majority of the work in this book is top notch and the insane, wonderfully sinister worlds and characters these writers create make this a definite MUST READ for horror fans.
Stand out stories include Fancy Dick McGuffin and the Case of the Recycled Hired Guns (hilarious and right on the hard-boiled crime money, plus one of the best main characters I've read in a while) and Sign Followers (eeesh, absolutely depraved and disturbing and incredibly well-written).
January 14, 2021
I read this book in November of 2020 and am reviewing it in January of 2021.
2020 was a rough year. After taking some time off from creative writing and reading, I began to read purely for an escape. I was excited to discover this collection of stories featuring strong-female characters- some good, some really bad, when following one of the contributing authors on social media. When an opportunity to receive an ARC came up I jumped on it. I did feel bad about not reviewing it sooner, but like I said 2020 was rough.
All in all, this anthology was amazing. Some of the stories were shocking and all of them were entertaining. This is the kind of collection that makes you question the choices and actions you take in your own life. Whether a mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fi tale or other, this collection honors the strong female character for her versatility. She's not always some bombshell in a bikini, but she could be. These women are hunters, mothers, monsters, and gods.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC of this book with no obligation to review.
Highly recommended to adult fiction lovers.
2020 was a rough year. After taking some time off from creative writing and reading, I began to read purely for an escape. I was excited to discover this collection of stories featuring strong-female characters- some good, some really bad, when following one of the contributing authors on social media. When an opportunity to receive an ARC came up I jumped on it. I did feel bad about not reviewing it sooner, but like I said 2020 was rough.
All in all, this anthology was amazing. Some of the stories were shocking and all of them were entertaining. This is the kind of collection that makes you question the choices and actions you take in your own life. Whether a mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fi tale or other, this collection honors the strong female character for her versatility. She's not always some bombshell in a bikini, but she could be. These women are hunters, mothers, monsters, and gods.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC of this book with no obligation to review.
Highly recommended to adult fiction lovers.
November 15, 2020
Thank you
Wow what a beautiful book to see where finally the girls win. Well thought put and gathered together to make reading fun. Tell you what you keep on writing and I'll keep on writing
Wow what a beautiful book to see where finally the girls win. Well thought put and gathered together to make reading fun. Tell you what you keep on writing and I'll keep on writing
October 27, 2020
Great novel of a bunch of short stories written about women seeking and getting revenge! My favorite one was by Bridgett Nelson - guess I'm partial to the main character!
December 11, 2020
Disclaimer: This ARC copy was given to me to review by SSP therefore as one of the authors of the stories in this anthology I exclude myself from this review.
A great range of stories from reality to the supernatural. All excellent stories and thoroughly enjoyable. The creativity and use of imagination in this collection is highly impressive - well done to all the authors and the editors.
A superb short horror story anthology.
A great range of stories from reality to the supernatural. All excellent stories and thoroughly enjoyable. The creativity and use of imagination in this collection is highly impressive - well done to all the authors and the editors.
A superb short horror story anthology.
February 24, 2021
I've just found the best way to endure one more wave of lock down. With limited outings per day and almost everything closed, reading is the remedy for the quarantine blues.
Thank God, the awesome people at Sinister Smile Press have send me one of their hottest offerings for review.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution' is hands down one of the coolest anthologies I've read recently.
With 16 tales of payback and revenge, betrayal, love and devotion, suspenseful thriller and horror themes , kick ass heroines that you sympathize with, this truly amazing bouquet of literary gems will definitely keep you the best of company.
The authors: Steven Pajak, Cara Fox, Chris Contreras Bahnsen, Scotty Milder, J.H. Moncrieff, Scott Harper, Bridgett Nelson, Spencer Richard, Mark Young, Claire Brown, Nikkolas James, Lee Rozelle, Natalie Sierra, R.E. Sargent, Red Lagoe and Renee M.P.T. Kray, do a fantastic job with each story exploring a variety of themes all having the center female protagonist delivering hell and retribution to those who deserve it.
I fell in love with every story in this collection for different reasons as all authors had something unique to offer and keep me at the edge of my seat.
My top three include:
The originality of the story in Bridget Nelson's 'Political Suicide'. This is revenge and retribution at its finest, delivered by a grieving mother to a heartless politician. What goes around comes around in the most brutal way. Beautiful, thought provoking and unique story.
Cara Fox's 'Take Heart my Child' was the sole reason a 41 old man had tears in his eyes for the better part of the night. The story of a mother's sacrifice for her young daughters with leave you heart broken and fragile for days. Wonderful and powerful.
Mark Young's 'To Hell and Back' . I am a huge fan of fantasy and magic and monsters, so Mark's story really ticked all the boxes. Fancy a trip to the underworld? Then Mark is your master world builder and the shepherd to the unknown. Superbly done.
Dive deep into these stories and you will be amazed by the creativity, imagination and story crafting abilities of the authors. Selected carefully and compiled into one book that will satisfy your literary needs.
Sinister Smile Press have done it once again. I am in awe of their publications.
Get the book at: https://geni.us/IIDBIW-V3-PB
Thank God, the awesome people at Sinister Smile Press have send me one of their hottest offerings for review.
If I Die Before I Wake: Tales of Deadly Women and Retribution' is hands down one of the coolest anthologies I've read recently.
With 16 tales of payback and revenge, betrayal, love and devotion, suspenseful thriller and horror themes , kick ass heroines that you sympathize with, this truly amazing bouquet of literary gems will definitely keep you the best of company.
The authors: Steven Pajak, Cara Fox, Chris Contreras Bahnsen, Scotty Milder, J.H. Moncrieff, Scott Harper, Bridgett Nelson, Spencer Richard, Mark Young, Claire Brown, Nikkolas James, Lee Rozelle, Natalie Sierra, R.E. Sargent, Red Lagoe and Renee M.P.T. Kray, do a fantastic job with each story exploring a variety of themes all having the center female protagonist delivering hell and retribution to those who deserve it.
I fell in love with every story in this collection for different reasons as all authors had something unique to offer and keep me at the edge of my seat.
My top three include:
The originality of the story in Bridget Nelson's 'Political Suicide'. This is revenge and retribution at its finest, delivered by a grieving mother to a heartless politician. What goes around comes around in the most brutal way. Beautiful, thought provoking and unique story.
Cara Fox's 'Take Heart my Child' was the sole reason a 41 old man had tears in his eyes for the better part of the night. The story of a mother's sacrifice for her young daughters with leave you heart broken and fragile for days. Wonderful and powerful.
Mark Young's 'To Hell and Back' . I am a huge fan of fantasy and magic and monsters, so Mark's story really ticked all the boxes. Fancy a trip to the underworld? Then Mark is your master world builder and the shepherd to the unknown. Superbly done.
Dive deep into these stories and you will be amazed by the creativity, imagination and story crafting abilities of the authors. Selected carefully and compiled into one book that will satisfy your literary needs.
Sinister Smile Press have done it once again. I am in awe of their publications.
Get the book at: https://geni.us/IIDBIW-V3-PB
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