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Odd Tales: A Collection
A troubled young couple on a cross-country road trip takes a wrong turn in the Nevada desert.
A voodoo spirit makes a bloody pact with a house cat.
A father’s confrontation with his young son’s bully turns violent.
An elderly man gets personalized messages in a fortune cookie.
A home invasion takes an unexpected turn.
A medieval monastery is infested with an ancient, predatory evil.
A used car salesman makes a purchase from a time-traveling madman.
These are nine odd tales. No more, no less.
Stories included:
-Killer on the Road
-Traffic
-A Song of Sixpence
-The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down
-Daetana Dash
-Bully
-Precious Blood
-A Moment of Clarity
-Fred and Ol' Mama
A voodoo spirit makes a bloody pact with a house cat.
A father’s confrontation with his young son’s bully turns violent.
An elderly man gets personalized messages in a fortune cookie.
A home invasion takes an unexpected turn.
A medieval monastery is infested with an ancient, predatory evil.
A used car salesman makes a purchase from a time-traveling madman.
These are nine odd tales. No more, no less.
Stories included:
-Killer on the Road
-Traffic
-A Song of Sixpence
-The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down
-Daetana Dash
-Bully
-Precious Blood
-A Moment of Clarity
-Fred and Ol' Mama
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 28, 2019
9 decent short stories, 7 of which would fit better into Crime Suspen Comics rather then Tales from the Crypt. Stories 7-9 were the best of the bunch, with "A Moment of Clarity" being my personal favorite
May 7, 2020
Odd Tales was truly an odd collection to read.
I shall start off with an overall review: as for any collection of stories, it is to be expected that some are more likeable than others. I got my hands on an ARC, so there were still a couple of missed editorial spots left behind but all in all the general impression left by the book was rather fond. It had a pleasant vibe of reading urban legends or Tales From the Crypt. More suspense than horror but I am gonna be honest - I am rather desensitised towards horror, so... frankly, it was good. Could do with a few creepy illustrations to set a mood but it is a perfectly fine read for when you want to snuggle up with a cup of spiked cocoa at a stormy night. Missed out on a stormy night on this one.
Let’s narrow it down then; we’ve got Killer on the Road, a solid 4/5 with a lovely twister, so that’s a good start. Traffic mellows it out a little, tries to boost the “creep-factor” but falls a little short on a good schoolboy’s 3/5. Song of Sixpence earned a 2/5 from me - no longer even a lack of creepiness, it was just odd. Off. Not in a place of Uncanny Valley that hits the right horror vibes for me. The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down felt like a short piece to set a mood that failed to arrive. I just... wished it had taken some time; polished some details. Another 2/5 from me. A borderline 3, maybe, with hope on the horizon, but that’s all fine because Mr. Face is only getting started. Daetana Dash is a bittersweet comeback with 4/5, Bully brings us down to a 3/5 again; and this is where the golden finish comes closing in. Precious Blood, with Latin and grim historical vines is a certain 4/5; A Moment of Clarity hits a homer in with a 5/5. The longest tale, it seems, and a bloody good one at that, and Fred and Ol’ Mama delivers another 5/5.
So, what I am trying to say is that... it was GOOD. On again, off again kind of collection. Could have done without Sixpence and Merry-Go-Round in all honesty but man, when you write, you write. No telling who is gonna like what, and who’ll be pissy over a lack of cutesy bunnies getting murdered in horror, or whatever.
I loved the bitter truth of A Moment of Clarity and that is the one that brings the book together for me. Great job, and I would recommend it, most certainly!
I got an advanced copy of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review, and there you have it - honest enough, with an itch to spoil with some darn good cherry-picked lines. Avoiding that bullet, so... just read it.
I shall start off with an overall review: as for any collection of stories, it is to be expected that some are more likeable than others. I got my hands on an ARC, so there were still a couple of missed editorial spots left behind but all in all the general impression left by the book was rather fond. It had a pleasant vibe of reading urban legends or Tales From the Crypt. More suspense than horror but I am gonna be honest - I am rather desensitised towards horror, so... frankly, it was good. Could do with a few creepy illustrations to set a mood but it is a perfectly fine read for when you want to snuggle up with a cup of spiked cocoa at a stormy night. Missed out on a stormy night on this one.
Let’s narrow it down then; we’ve got Killer on the Road, a solid 4/5 with a lovely twister, so that’s a good start. Traffic mellows it out a little, tries to boost the “creep-factor” but falls a little short on a good schoolboy’s 3/5. Song of Sixpence earned a 2/5 from me - no longer even a lack of creepiness, it was just odd. Off. Not in a place of Uncanny Valley that hits the right horror vibes for me. The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down felt like a short piece to set a mood that failed to arrive. I just... wished it had taken some time; polished some details. Another 2/5 from me. A borderline 3, maybe, with hope on the horizon, but that’s all fine because Mr. Face is only getting started. Daetana Dash is a bittersweet comeback with 4/5, Bully brings us down to a 3/5 again; and this is where the golden finish comes closing in. Precious Blood, with Latin and grim historical vines is a certain 4/5; A Moment of Clarity hits a homer in with a 5/5. The longest tale, it seems, and a bloody good one at that, and Fred and Ol’ Mama delivers another 5/5.
So, what I am trying to say is that... it was GOOD. On again, off again kind of collection. Could have done without Sixpence and Merry-Go-Round in all honesty but man, when you write, you write. No telling who is gonna like what, and who’ll be pissy over a lack of cutesy bunnies getting murdered in horror, or whatever.
I loved the bitter truth of A Moment of Clarity and that is the one that brings the book together for me. Great job, and I would recommend it, most certainly!
I got an advanced copy of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review, and there you have it - honest enough, with an itch to spoil with some darn good cherry-picked lines. Avoiding that bullet, so... just read it.
January 4, 2020
I'm a big fan of short stories of this genre and was not disappointed by Odd Tales. I was first attracted by the neat cover and was pleasantly surprised to find myself gripped by each of the short stories. The author is a masterful writer, with a keen ability to create a riveting and creepy atmosphere that I am definitely looking for in this kind of book. While I wouldn't say that Odd Tales fits perfectly in the horror genre, there was a theme of insanity (in its many different forms) that showed up in all of the stories that left me with an eerie, mildly disturbed feeling. I thought some stories could have gone a bit further (ending in a somewhat unfinished feeling way), but still enjoyed every one. I particularly liked Traffic, which I thought was extra creepy (and would appeal to Stephen King lovers) and a Moment of Clarity, which is a story I am sure to remember--and perhaps fear happening to me! I look forward to seeing what else this writer comes up with!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 5, 2021
Killer on the Road (5-19)
Mrs. Ogleby (wife, chainsmoker, former 7th grade teacher) pulled the VW bus over to see if the hitchhiker wanted a lift.
She had just catered the Blevens Christmas party.
Jason James McAllister climbed in as he introduced himself.
Mrs. Ogleby stopped & got gas.
It seems she was not the person she appeared to be.
Traffic (20-63)
Hot Iron, NV. Gordon (husband) & Amy (wife) stopped to get gas in the Volvo & check the lubricants levels checked/topped off.
They were headed to LA, CA. Gordon was going to be a lawyer out there.
Cooper the gas station man did his job.
Tim (Amy's brother) was way behind them in a U-Haul Van.
The 2 of them headed out as they were arguing again.
Suddenly the pavement had fallen away beneath the Volvo & the nose of the headed downward bouncing over the dirt/rocks.
At the bottom there was a building with a dozen doors.
Desert Inn. Gateway to Las Vegas. No vacancy. Next to it Frankie’s Café.
For sale by owner, call Overland 5-843.
What now?
Gordon threw the Volvo in reverse.
Tim stopped to ask Cooper directions.
Song of Sixpence (64-83)
Rosemary Lane. Kurt (16) & Patrick (BMF) had broken into the Dr. & Angela (Dr.) house.
The money was taken from the wall safe.
Ready to leave what did Kurt say to Angela?
The Merry-Go-Round (84-85)
The diesel garbage truck pulled to a halt as Carmichael (Sanitation Dept.) grabbed/dumped the trash cans.
The occupant came out & picked up his empty trash cans.
What were the comments he mentioned to Carmichael?
Broke Down
Daetana Dash (86-109)
Albert Shaw (2016 SALESMAN OF THE YEAR) was devouring his meatball Calzone.
Michael Dukaki was making his campaign trail rounds.
Albert wanted to sell him a car.
The guy wanted to sell his blue Daetana Dash 3200.
It was a 3-wheeled project car.
Albert slid him 5 crisp hundred dollar bills.
Albert jumped in & a activated woman’s voice came over the speaker.
The test drive was on minus buckling his set belt.
Bully (110-126)
Pleasant/Spruce. A white Ford cargo van (Rick’s Roofing) was parked at the corner.
Rick (father/owner) waited for Bus # 23 with Charles (son) which took the students to Elm St. Academy.
Rick was going to speak with Sam Blaisdell (9, bully, hoodlum).
Mrs. Dietz (aka Mrs. Treats, bus driver) finally pulled up to the bus stop.
Precious Blood (127-162)
Northumbria kingdom. The Pope made me his personal liaison.
Monk Geoffrey (scribe) had written Bernardo.
Abbot Cenric (scholar) didn’t seem right in the head.
Archbishop Wigmund sent Bernardo (Papal Legate) & Audric (BMF) to check the situation out.
9/853, Ides of September. Osryn (village) no longer existed.
Bernardo of Rome’s friend Audric died long ago.
Fast forward, the curse of the Father Abbot.
A Moment of Clarity (163-261)
Forbidden Wok Chinese restaurant. David Samuel Young (64, husband, Wall Street brokerage data analyst) & Carrie Young 61, wife) were celebrating their anniversary.
Fred & Ol’ Mama (262-280)
LA. Jack (husband) could see Fred (black cat) didn’t like his new house.
Sophia “Medusa” (wife was putting away dishes.
Ol’ Mama had a will.
Jack had left & come back; the house was dark.
Fred watched out the window as Sophia went to greet Jack.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 9 very professionally written (different genres short stories) book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters & facts to keep track of. They were just OK for me so I will only rate it at a 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Creative Magnolia; BookSirens; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 15, 2020
***Thank you BookSirens.com for the free ebook copy of this book. I received this in exchange for my honest review, which you will find below.***
Once again, it is a bit hard for me to judge this collection of short stories. Overall, I did like the stories. The writing was good and the stories were entertaining. However, I didn't really find anything all that new - except maybe the last story. I would give the entire collection a 3 to 3.5 star rating.
Killer on the Road - 4 stars
Traffic - 3 stars
Song of Sixpence - 2 stars
The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down - 2 stars
Daetana - 2 stars
Dash - 2 stars
Bully - 3 stars
Precious Blood - 4 stars
A Moment of Clarity - 4 stars
Fred and Ol'Mama - 5 stars: and this one really freaked me out
Again, many of these tales seemed to be similar to some other stories I've read. A Moment of Clarity, for example, reminded me a great deal of Shutter Island. I give it 4 stars because it was very well-written. I was captivated, but I guessed what was going on long before the "twist" was revealed.
Precious Blood was a good, creepy vampire story, but nothing really new.
Again, overall I very much enjoyed the stories, and I would recommend this to someone who likes short horror tales.
Once again, it is a bit hard for me to judge this collection of short stories. Overall, I did like the stories. The writing was good and the stories were entertaining. However, I didn't really find anything all that new - except maybe the last story. I would give the entire collection a 3 to 3.5 star rating.
Killer on the Road - 4 stars
Traffic - 3 stars
Song of Sixpence - 2 stars
The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down - 2 stars
Daetana - 2 stars
Dash - 2 stars
Bully - 3 stars
Precious Blood - 4 stars
A Moment of Clarity - 4 stars
Fred and Ol'Mama - 5 stars: and this one really freaked me out
Again, many of these tales seemed to be similar to some other stories I've read. A Moment of Clarity, for example, reminded me a great deal of Shutter Island. I give it 4 stars because it was very well-written. I was captivated, but I guessed what was going on long before the "twist" was revealed.
Precious Blood was a good, creepy vampire story, but nothing really new.
Again, overall I very much enjoyed the stories, and I would recommend this to someone who likes short horror tales.
April 8, 2020
A collection of nine stories whose twists are twisted indeed.Unpredictable but very human. They will leave you surprised in a very uncanny way and tell you about uncalled for human nature. So truly titled the odd tales
March 1, 2020
*Triggers* Slight child abuse and animal death in the story Bully.
Wow, ok, this was a super fun book! Seriously. I almost never read short story collections (from one author, I do read anthologies though) because it’s always so up and down, hit or miss. Even when it’s an author you love, sometimes the short story collections just don’t work out as well as their full length books.
I picked up this book to read, though, because of the gorgeous, eye catching cover it has. Love the retro pulp style of it. I also like the old school feel of the cover because the stories take place in a bunch of different time periods. It felt like the vibe of the cover and the stories fit really well together. The title is also perfect, because these are definitely some odd stories!
Odd Tales is a super quick novel to read. Even the longest story was pretty fast to fly through. None of the stories felt too bogged down or boring. The pacing was pretty perfect.
A few stories really stood out. Loved Traffic, Song of Sixpence, Daetana Dash, A Moment of Clarity, and Fred & Ol’ Mama. Fun, fast, and clever. My favorite might be Fred & Ol’ Mama? Makes me wonder about what my pets REALLY think of me. 😮
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s hard to find a collection of short stories or anthologies where all the stories are pretty good. Odd Tales is one of those books. I really liked all of them. I rated each one with a 4 or a 5. There were only two that had a score of 3, but not because they were bad. One, Bully, had a lower score because a pet was killed (which always gets a point taken off from my rating) and it felt like it was a little bit too abrupt with the ending. I would have liked a little bit more meat to the story. The other 3 star rating, Precious Blood, just wasn’t my type of story. I don’t want to say why, because that would be a huge spoiler! I’ll just leave it with it is not my favorite type of horror monster. So, even the ones I rated lower, it isn’t because the stories were bad. Except killing the pet bunny. 😡 Don’t kill the pets! Ever.
This was a great book. I really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend it. So glad I got a chance to read this book. :)
Wow, ok, this was a super fun book! Seriously. I almost never read short story collections (from one author, I do read anthologies though) because it’s always so up and down, hit or miss. Even when it’s an author you love, sometimes the short story collections just don’t work out as well as their full length books.
I picked up this book to read, though, because of the gorgeous, eye catching cover it has. Love the retro pulp style of it. I also like the old school feel of the cover because the stories take place in a bunch of different time periods. It felt like the vibe of the cover and the stories fit really well together. The title is also perfect, because these are definitely some odd stories!
Odd Tales is a super quick novel to read. Even the longest story was pretty fast to fly through. None of the stories felt too bogged down or boring. The pacing was pretty perfect.
A few stories really stood out. Loved Traffic, Song of Sixpence, Daetana Dash, A Moment of Clarity, and Fred & Ol’ Mama. Fun, fast, and clever. My favorite might be Fred & Ol’ Mama? Makes me wonder about what my pets REALLY think of me. 😮
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s hard to find a collection of short stories or anthologies where all the stories are pretty good. Odd Tales is one of those books. I really liked all of them. I rated each one with a 4 or a 5. There were only two that had a score of 3, but not because they were bad. One, Bully, had a lower score because a pet was killed (which always gets a point taken off from my rating) and it felt like it was a little bit too abrupt with the ending. I would have liked a little bit more meat to the story. The other 3 star rating, Precious Blood, just wasn’t my type of story. I don’t want to say why, because that would be a huge spoiler! I’ll just leave it with it is not my favorite type of horror monster. So, even the ones I rated lower, it isn’t because the stories were bad. Except killing the pet bunny. 😡 Don’t kill the pets! Ever.
This was a great book. I really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend it. So glad I got a chance to read this book. :)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews