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Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries
A collection of spine-tingling paranormal horror short stories THAT WAY where a boy in a parallel universe plays a forbidden game and finds himself stuck in an unfamiliar place. Link to FREE audio version provided in eBook version.Reader’s comments from “What a great story- a futuristic version of the warnings my mother has when someone made a face around her.” “Wow, great write! It reminded me of my childhood and hearing ‘stop making that face or it’s going to get stuck like that’ lol.”SOMETHING LURKING Parts 1, 2, & 3 combined and the winner of Coffee House Writers “Most Views” for September 2019 about a creature is lurking in the woods, watching and waiting for the perfect moment. Reader’s comments from CHW “This is amazing...”“...detail was amazing, I actually felt like I was there...”“This is riveting!”“Fabulous! This story just gets better and better! I love it!”BY INDUCTION about a woman who writes names on scraps of paper and tucks them in her freezer. A foolish old wives’ tale her husband professed. I wonder what he thinks now?Reader’s comments from CHW “Great story. Love the irony.”“Great story.”“Death AND comedy. You can’t go wrong. Great descriptions. That would make an excellent Twilight Zone episode.”THAT'S CREEPY, SANTA! Parts 1 & 2 combined and the winner of Coffee House Writers “Most Views” for December 2019. Paul and Maya hoped for a quiet Christmas Eve, but an in-law’s gift turns their night in an ominous direction and they will ever be the same.Reader’s comments from CHW “Creepy, spooky, all in all, very well done.”“Fabulous...Love it” “Oh, this was sooo good! I love your writing style...”“Perfectly creepy”“Love this story.”“I loved it! It has that wonderful feeling of an old EC comic.”Reader’s comments from “it’s FANTASTIC!!”“What a fun read! The smoothness with which Maya acted and spoke was chilling...that calmness and matter-of-factness I found especially creepy! Bravo!”“Yikes...I hate dolls...a creepy Santa doll is worse. I’m shuddering at the thought...”“Freak me out! More please.”“...a delight to read...”“Great twist! Very dark humor... love it”“Spooky...”“...definitely a creepy read. I thoroughly enjoyed it...”“I loved it! ...never a dull moment...”RELEVANT EVIDENCE She should have waited for the bus, but Emily wanted to walk. A fateful decision made in haste. Now, there’s no turning back.DEVILISH GAME Parts 1 & 2 combined. Part one won CHW “Most Views” for October 2019 and part two won “Most Views” for November 2019. Camille Abraxas has enough problems of her own, like coping with her father’s death, moving to a new city, awakening the ancient god Pan...Reader’s comments from CHW “Excellent!”“Excellent- waiting for next part!”“...great story! I loved it!”“Wow an exciting ending! Very good story!!”
- GenresShort Stories
81 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 7, 2022
First of all, I've never read such a diverse collection of horror short stories, and I was excited to find out about the next surprise in each new short story. That being said, I liked "Devilish Game" the most, and I truly believe that it could stand alone as a novel if the author decided and it would make an amazing horror/paranormal novel.
I really like the idea of "Stuck that Way", but I felt that it didn't have any resolution. Now, I understand that this is a short story, but I really saw too much potential in this story that I wanted to know what would happen next to the boy when he shape-shifted and created a complete physical body. I haven't read horror stories that included physics before, so this was a first for me.
"Something Lurking" started almost instantly with the climax. I would've liked to know more about the setting, the characters, and the nature of the creature.
"By Induction" was a good one too, but then again I would've preferred to find all the 5 elements of a novel fulfilled.
"That's Creepy, Santa!" was exactly as the title said, creepy! Stuffed dolls always make the best characters in any horror story.
I felt that I was thrown directly into the middle of the climax in "Relevant Evidence". Again, I would've liked to read more about the characters, why what happened to girl really happened. Who was that man? Why did he do that? Where were they?
Overall, they were all good short stories, and I would like to read them again if the author decided to change any of them or add more to them.
I really like the idea of "Stuck that Way", but I felt that it didn't have any resolution. Now, I understand that this is a short story, but I really saw too much potential in this story that I wanted to know what would happen next to the boy when he shape-shifted and created a complete physical body. I haven't read horror stories that included physics before, so this was a first for me.
"Something Lurking" started almost instantly with the climax. I would've liked to know more about the setting, the characters, and the nature of the creature.
"By Induction" was a good one too, but then again I would've preferred to find all the 5 elements of a novel fulfilled.
"That's Creepy, Santa!" was exactly as the title said, creepy! Stuffed dolls always make the best characters in any horror story.
I felt that I was thrown directly into the middle of the climax in "Relevant Evidence". Again, I would've liked to read more about the characters, why what happened to girl really happened. Who was that man? Why did he do that? Where were they?
Overall, they were all good short stories, and I would like to read them again if the author decided to change any of them or add more to them.
August 12, 2020
Author Kusma takes us on a journey of the macabre with the short story collection in Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries. Each story leaves the reader with chills and goosebumps as the tales unwind, as you timidly turn page after page to see how the dark encounters will turn out…
Stuck That Way: In a parallel universe, Dad is teaching his son a few new tricks that are not Mommy approved…
Something Lurking: An evening dog walk in the backyard turns into a gruesome encounter…
By Induction: Beware of the not so sweet revenge…
That’s Creepy, Santa!: Will mother-in-laws ever learn???
Relevant Evidence: Gruesome monsters in reality surround us, hunting the innocents…
Devilish Game: Family feuds run deep with the helping hoof of Pan…
These tales are told with descriptors that will sweep you into the dark world of the unknowns, haunting you with their sometimes horrifying, bizarre, dark humor twists and turns. Author Kusma is a master storyteller of the macabre! A chilling read, highly recommended!
Stuck That Way: In a parallel universe, Dad is teaching his son a few new tricks that are not Mommy approved…
Something Lurking: An evening dog walk in the backyard turns into a gruesome encounter…
By Induction: Beware of the not so sweet revenge…
That’s Creepy, Santa!: Will mother-in-laws ever learn???
Relevant Evidence: Gruesome monsters in reality surround us, hunting the innocents…
Devilish Game: Family feuds run deep with the helping hoof of Pan…
These tales are told with descriptors that will sweep you into the dark world of the unknowns, haunting you with their sometimes horrifying, bizarre, dark humor twists and turns. Author Kusma is a master storyteller of the macabre! A chilling read, highly recommended!
October 4, 2020
A truly great little collection of short horror stories.
From the Stahlenhag-esque opening story, to the twisted Santa story reminiscent of Child's Play, there's something in this collection of 'Quandaries' for everyone to enjoy.
Personally, I enjoyed them all. If you're a fan of horror, or Sci-Fi, or the paranormal/occult, chances are you will too.
From the Stahlenhag-esque opening story, to the twisted Santa story reminiscent of Child's Play, there's something in this collection of 'Quandaries' for everyone to enjoy.
Personally, I enjoyed them all. If you're a fan of horror, or Sci-Fi, or the paranormal/occult, chances are you will too.
February 7, 2021
Well-crafted stories come in all shapes and sizes. In this masterfully composed collection of six short stories, Kusma expertly weaves the threads of suspense and horror without conveniently veering into tired troupes or facile shock. Like all good stories in the genre, the conflicts are propelled by the exploration and erosion of realities that the reader holds dear, with a heavy dose of POW! at the end.
While I enjoy a scary read as much as any, what shines through for me is the composition and execution of the writing. Short stories require powerful writing and there is no shortage here. The narratives flow effortlessly and with all good horror, allow the reader the deference to let the mind wander. Each story stands on its own and in the collective, leaves the reader feeling like they just delighted in a fine six course meal, as opposed to a single steak.
While I enjoy a scary read as much as any, what shines through for me is the composition and execution of the writing. Short stories require powerful writing and there is no shortage here. The narratives flow effortlessly and with all good horror, allow the reader the deference to let the mind wander. Each story stands on its own and in the collective, leaves the reader feeling like they just delighted in a fine six course meal, as opposed to a single steak.
August 11, 2020
Nightmares await.
In this collection of short stories we get all the modern nightmares we would ever need. Julie Kusma has opened the door for many sleepless nights because most of us have had some of all of these feelings. She is the quintessential horror goddess.
In this collection of short stories we get all the modern nightmares we would ever need. Julie Kusma has opened the door for many sleepless nights because most of us have had some of all of these feelings. She is the quintessential horror goddess.
April 10, 2021
Remember when your parent or other guardian told you not to make that face?
This and other strange tales occupy this fantastic book of 6 easily read short stories.
One of these is very dark, but has a really clever ending. I’m. Not sure if there’s a disclaimer or trigger warning so be careful. (Relevant Evidence is the title.)
My absolute favorite was the last one. And I would read a whole novel about Camille Abraxus and Tiffany Moondyne and their centuries old family feud.
Please?? Lol
Awesome tales from the Queen of Horror!
This and other strange tales occupy this fantastic book of 6 easily read short stories.
One of these is very dark, but has a really clever ending. I’m. Not sure if there’s a disclaimer or trigger warning so be careful. (Relevant Evidence is the title.)
My absolute favorite was the last one. And I would read a whole novel about Camille Abraxus and Tiffany Moondyne and their centuries old family feud.
Please?? Lol
Awesome tales from the Queen of Horror!
December 3, 2023
A very entertaining collection of horror stories I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ghost children, werewolves and creepy dolls are just some of the nightmares readers encounter in this book. What makes Julie Kusma's work stand out is that she takes common horror genre tropes and creates something new and original.
I particularly liked the werewolf story and the author's unique take on the creature.
This short book can be easily read in one sitting and I recommend it to all fans of horror short fiction.
Ghost children, werewolves and creepy dolls are just some of the nightmares readers encounter in this book. What makes Julie Kusma's work stand out is that she takes common horror genre tropes and creates something new and original.
I particularly liked the werewolf story and the author's unique take on the creature.
This short book can be easily read in one sitting and I recommend it to all fans of horror short fiction.
June 21, 2020
Julie Kusma shows us the brilliant spectacle of her mind in this collection of stories. The book starts with pixelated mischief in the story “Stuck That Way.” Perhaps if I slow down my energy, I will float into the heavens—hmm, it’s worth try. In the next story, “Something Lurking,” we find ourselves shapeshifting rather than pixelating. I’m not sure what is scarier, becoming sentient, or losing one’s self to a voracious inner animal.
But, if you think pixelating and shapeshifting is scary, try not to piss off your neighbor like those in the story “By Induction.” If you do piss off your neighbor, you might find yourself in a jar of trouble—trying to stay alive. And, don’t get me started on the proverbial “mother-in-law” gift—you know the gifts that are meant to send a sarcastic message? In “That’s Creepy Santa,” you’ll never look at those majestic Santa dolls the same. It may induce a nightmare of evil.
Speaking of evil, it’s time for school. Do you play it safe or play it stubbornly? The next story, “Relevant Evidence,” reminds us of the evil that is creeping behind dark corners. Lastly, the story “Devilish Game” is a devilishly delightful war between two families; good & evil, light & dark, and the right to be free from banishment to furniture.
Do you like roller coasters? If you do, this is the book for you. If you don’t, not to worry, you’ll wake up from the nightmare eventually.
But, if you think pixelating and shapeshifting is scary, try not to piss off your neighbor like those in the story “By Induction.” If you do piss off your neighbor, you might find yourself in a jar of trouble—trying to stay alive. And, don’t get me started on the proverbial “mother-in-law” gift—you know the gifts that are meant to send a sarcastic message? In “That’s Creepy Santa,” you’ll never look at those majestic Santa dolls the same. It may induce a nightmare of evil.
Speaking of evil, it’s time for school. Do you play it safe or play it stubbornly? The next story, “Relevant Evidence,” reminds us of the evil that is creeping behind dark corners. Lastly, the story “Devilish Game” is a devilishly delightful war between two families; good & evil, light & dark, and the right to be free from banishment to furniture.
Do you like roller coasters? If you do, this is the book for you. If you don’t, not to worry, you’ll wake up from the nightmare eventually.
July 28, 2022
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
Kusma makes her mark on the world of scary stories with this creepy collection of haunting shorts.
This was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. Each tale instantly drew you in and I wanted to know what happen to each set of characters. My only small complaint was I wanted more from many of the stories (but I’ve always been greedy).
Kusma is definitely an author to watch and I’ll be on the lookout for more books by them.
Kusma makes her mark on the world of scary stories with this creepy collection of haunting shorts.
This was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. Each tale instantly drew you in and I wanted to know what happen to each set of characters. My only small complaint was I wanted more from many of the stories (but I’ve always been greedy).
Kusma is definitely an author to watch and I’ll be on the lookout for more books by them.
September 29, 2020
A Chilling Read!
Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries is a collection of six thrilling stories that will chill you to your bone.
The first story Stuck That Way is about a family in a parallel universe with certain pixelated powers which they aren’t supposed to use. It revolves around what would happen if someone were to use the power without understanding it fully.
Something Lurking is the second story. It left me with goosebumps as the author Julie Kusma described the setting and the gruesome encounter a woman and her dog face in their own backyard.
By Induction is about a woman and a twisted form of revenge. I felt By Induction lacked in comparison to the depth set by the previous story.
That’s Creepy, Santa is exactly what the title says it is—a very creepy take on the relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law.
My heart broke when I read Relevant Evidence. It is but the truth of so many little girls and boys in this day and age. I loved the POV the author chose to do the story from but I would’ve it more if the action had come in a little later after we got to know both the victim and the perpetrator a bit more.
Devilish Game is a paranormal story that I immensely enjoyed. Although, it has the potential to become a full novel, I loved how the author wrapped all elements of a clan war into this short story and delivered it with a punch.
Julie Kusma is a talented storyteller who knows how to write a story that gets under your skin leaving you with goosebumps and your heart racing. If you enjoy short spooky tales, then this is a must read for you. I recommend adding this as a Halloween read!
I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries is a collection of six thrilling stories that will chill you to your bone.
The first story Stuck That Way is about a family in a parallel universe with certain pixelated powers which they aren’t supposed to use. It revolves around what would happen if someone were to use the power without understanding it fully.
Something Lurking is the second story. It left me with goosebumps as the author Julie Kusma described the setting and the gruesome encounter a woman and her dog face in their own backyard.
By Induction is about a woman and a twisted form of revenge. I felt By Induction lacked in comparison to the depth set by the previous story.
That’s Creepy, Santa is exactly what the title says it is—a very creepy take on the relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law.
My heart broke when I read Relevant Evidence. It is but the truth of so many little girls and boys in this day and age. I loved the POV the author chose to do the story from but I would’ve it more if the action had come in a little later after we got to know both the victim and the perpetrator a bit more.
Devilish Game is a paranormal story that I immensely enjoyed. Although, it has the potential to become a full novel, I loved how the author wrapped all elements of a clan war into this short story and delivered it with a punch.
Julie Kusma is a talented storyteller who knows how to write a story that gets under your skin leaving you with goosebumps and your heart racing. If you enjoy short spooky tales, then this is a must read for you. I recommend adding this as a Halloween read!
I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
June 7, 2020
STUCK THAT WAY AND OTHER QUANDARIES contains six short stories exploring the rebellious, vengeful, primal part of us that lurks within!
This collection includes the tale of a boy who defies his mother and finds himself where she feared. A creature who turns a woman and her dog into God knows what! A woman’s hysterical belief she killed someone, which actually leads to death! A mysterious present left outside a couple’s door that unleashes more than suspected. A little girl’s first walk to school, the familiar face who offers her a ride, and the tragic ending. And finally, the battle between the Abraxas and Moondyne families, kept at bay for decades, until Camille Abraxas meets Tiffany Moondyne and they revive this ancient feud.
I sat down to read this book last night thinking, 'I'll read one story.' Ended up reading all six! Did I have a good night sleep? No. I got scared!
Overall, it's a fab book; unputdownable!
This collection includes the tale of a boy who defies his mother and finds himself where she feared. A creature who turns a woman and her dog into God knows what! A woman’s hysterical belief she killed someone, which actually leads to death! A mysterious present left outside a couple’s door that unleashes more than suspected. A little girl’s first walk to school, the familiar face who offers her a ride, and the tragic ending. And finally, the battle between the Abraxas and Moondyne families, kept at bay for decades, until Camille Abraxas meets Tiffany Moondyne and they revive this ancient feud.
I sat down to read this book last night thinking, 'I'll read one story.' Ended up reading all six! Did I have a good night sleep? No. I got scared!
Overall, it's a fab book; unputdownable!
May 19, 2021
Do you like horror? Do you like the Twilight Zone? Well then this book is for you!!
In these six well crafted Twilight Zone style stories from this brilliant author is a page turner of anthology will captivate you and draw you in until the end where you will want more
In these six well crafted Twilight Zone style stories from this brilliant author is a page turner of anthology will captivate you and draw you in until the end where you will want more
June 26, 2021
I don't read a lot of really creepy horror, so this is an unusual read for me, but it's well put together and definitely leaves you unsettled.
A thoroughly enjoyable short read.
A thoroughly enjoyable short read.
May 29, 2020
Must read. Excellent collection of short stories that you can’t put down until you’ve finished reading!
October 16, 2021
Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries by Julie Kusma is a collection of short stories that are delightfully unnerving. Ranging topics like beastly transformations, death curses, and demon hunters are all masterfully crafted to create raw emotion. Quick warming: These stories do have violent and disturbing scenes that I don’t think are appropriate for children.
My favorite story of the bunch is probably “By Induction”, a story about a woman who fully believes that she can curse people to their deaths by putting their name in a jar and putting that jar in her freezer. When her curse strikes again, she has a change of heart and decides to curse another. No spoilers, but it is a great short story.
Another great one is the titular story, “Stuck That Way.” A father is showing his young boy how to create a corporeal form in parts, but the mother warns against it, because she does not want him to become trapped inside a body and disappear from their plane of existence. It’s quick, unsettling, and a commentary on human life. Fantastic work.
The writing is very strong overall, and Kusma does well to develop setting and motivation for her characters before twisting the reader’s expectations and toying with the seemingly inevitable ends. She also does well by making the characters think and act very logically. It’s pretty easy to understand why the characters make their choices, even if the results are not positive. If there was a weakness in the writing, I would say that the rare moments of action are sometimes not clearly described, but these clear up quickly and efficiently.
I’ll be looking forward to more work from Kusma, and I hope that the next set of stories are just as chilling and unsettling.
My favorite story of the bunch is probably “By Induction”, a story about a woman who fully believes that she can curse people to their deaths by putting their name in a jar and putting that jar in her freezer. When her curse strikes again, she has a change of heart and decides to curse another. No spoilers, but it is a great short story.
Another great one is the titular story, “Stuck That Way.” A father is showing his young boy how to create a corporeal form in parts, but the mother warns against it, because she does not want him to become trapped inside a body and disappear from their plane of existence. It’s quick, unsettling, and a commentary on human life. Fantastic work.
The writing is very strong overall, and Kusma does well to develop setting and motivation for her characters before twisting the reader’s expectations and toying with the seemingly inevitable ends. She also does well by making the characters think and act very logically. It’s pretty easy to understand why the characters make their choices, even if the results are not positive. If there was a weakness in the writing, I would say that the rare moments of action are sometimes not clearly described, but these clear up quickly and efficiently.
I’ll be looking forward to more work from Kusma, and I hope that the next set of stories are just as chilling and unsettling.
January 3, 2023
Chilling and thrilling anthology of twisted tales
Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries is a collection of stories that keep you coming back for more. You finish one, then take a peek to see what the next one is, and before you know it, you've witnessed another of her characters unfortunate collisions with fate.
One can imagine a town, a small, out of the way hamlet nestled in the woods of New England, or on the edge of a bayou in Lousiana, or perhaps one of those sleepy little off ramps in the middle of the country, where Kusma draws her characters and locales from. People and places just familiar enough for you to believe that somewhere, someone just became the protagonist of her next horrific fable.
I wouldn't read this book before bed. Take it to the beach, where the light of the sun and sound of the waves can keep the monsters at bay.
Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries is a collection of stories that keep you coming back for more. You finish one, then take a peek to see what the next one is, and before you know it, you've witnessed another of her characters unfortunate collisions with fate.
One can imagine a town, a small, out of the way hamlet nestled in the woods of New England, or on the edge of a bayou in Lousiana, or perhaps one of those sleepy little off ramps in the middle of the country, where Kusma draws her characters and locales from. People and places just familiar enough for you to believe that somewhere, someone just became the protagonist of her next horrific fable.
I wouldn't read this book before bed. Take it to the beach, where the light of the sun and sound of the waves can keep the monsters at bay.
May 27, 2021
A delicious collection of exquisite stories
This is a great read, why? Because I could not put it down!
Six tales in one anthology each so very different in style and subject matter. A bit of horror to suit all tastes, really.
From spooky tales, to gore, to psychological mind games, a tough topic handled in a unique, sensitive and thought-provoking way, all mixed with spirits, deities, and mythological beasts (or are they?)
The writing is endowed with gloriously visual descriptions which carry you through each spine tingling, blood chilling tale, until the final punctuation of each piece. Yes, I loved it that much.
Will I read these tales again, heck yes for it is a magnificent banquet of words.
This is a great read, why? Because I could not put it down!
Six tales in one anthology each so very different in style and subject matter. A bit of horror to suit all tastes, really.
From spooky tales, to gore, to psychological mind games, a tough topic handled in a unique, sensitive and thought-provoking way, all mixed with spirits, deities, and mythological beasts (or are they?)
The writing is endowed with gloriously visual descriptions which carry you through each spine tingling, blood chilling tale, until the final punctuation of each piece. Yes, I loved it that much.
Will I read these tales again, heck yes for it is a magnificent banquet of words.
August 22, 2020
Julie Kusma's angle on horror is both fresh and beautiful. She takes the reader on a glorious journey through the 'what-ifs' of dark things hidden behind our everyday lives and uses an exceptional talent for writing to bring horror alive. Each story keeps you on the edge of your seat and the endings are almost impossible to predict.
This is an extremely enjoyable book for those of us who appreciate both a new take on horror and writing as a form of art.
I warmly recommend it.
This is an extremely enjoyable book for those of us who appreciate both a new take on horror and writing as a form of art.
I warmly recommend it.
February 24, 2021
Gruesome horror with fresh perspectives.
It's difficult to find innovative horror that has fresh new spins on normal horror tropes. These are powerfully written short stories that should delight horror fans. My only complaint is that they are such interesting ideas I wished they were longer so I could learn more.
It's difficult to find innovative horror that has fresh new spins on normal horror tropes. These are powerfully written short stories that should delight horror fans. My only complaint is that they are such interesting ideas I wished they were longer so I could learn more.
January 4, 2021
Six well crafted creepy, grotesques, makes your skin crawl short stories. That are enjoyable and slightly thought provoking. Julie Kusma definitely has a way with words, and a natural talent for crafting compelling short stories.
June 2, 2021
Delightful read. I love the reality and supernatural blend. The stories leave much to the imagination and I like that. Very creative with great pace and great description. These are stories you can read around the campfire or at a Halloween party. This is a book I will always keep nearby:)
June 21, 2021
This is a wildly good anthology of wicked stories. A very unique collection. Dark, a little humor, and very descriptive writing that pulls you in...yikes! Padding through the house without a nightlight, never again. Love the contrast of beautiful language lurking in the hellish fire.
April 16, 2021
Great collection
Kusma has quite the collection of short stories in this fast read book. From horror and blood to fantasy to supernatural it is here in one book. Five stars.
Kusma has quite the collection of short stories in this fast read book. From horror and blood to fantasy to supernatural it is here in one book. Five stars.
May 18, 2021
Best read in daylight... 😳😱
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews