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Inhuman Condition: Tales of Mystery and Imagination
Human beings tend to fear the things they don't know, and that is often sensible, given the lurking dangers that confronted our distant ancestors. But sometimes we need to examine carefully the things we think we know: the pet shop owner in town, the teenage girl who lives next door, the people with whom we work, or the nice man who walks his dog each evening in our neighborhood.
The stories in this collection will drive that point home, and perhaps give you reason to re-define the word "inhuman."
"Kate Thornton's imagination is only exceeded by her talent as a storyteller. From the sci-fi fascinations of Mare Tranquillitatus to the darkly provocative Working in the Suburbs, Thornton takes us on an impish joy ride through a mind field of criminal intents. Inhuman Condition is a rare and evocative find among story collections."
-Darrell James, Award Winning Author of Body Count
"In Inhuman Condition, noted short story author Kate Thornton has compiled some of her finest tales into one fun and exciting read. Whether you are a fan of science fiction, crime fiction or just good fiction, you will enjoy this diverse collection that smacks of the same juicy eeriness as found in classic Twilight Zone episodes."
- Sue Ann Jaffarian, best-selling author of the Odelia Grey, Ghost of Granny Apples, and Fang-in-Cheek mysteries
From the Author
This book of stories is a collection of my personal favorites, some of them from the very beginning of my career in short stories and two of them from as recently as 2010. I've seen the collection described as crime fiction and science fiction - and those descriptions are both true - but it's really a limp through the minefields of human behavior. There's mystery, adventure, romance and confession, so step carefully, and remember that we don't all define humanity in quite the same way.
The stories in this collection will drive that point home, and perhaps give you reason to re-define the word "inhuman."
"Kate Thornton's imagination is only exceeded by her talent as a storyteller. From the sci-fi fascinations of Mare Tranquillitatus to the darkly provocative Working in the Suburbs, Thornton takes us on an impish joy ride through a mind field of criminal intents. Inhuman Condition is a rare and evocative find among story collections."
-Darrell James, Award Winning Author of Body Count
"In Inhuman Condition, noted short story author Kate Thornton has compiled some of her finest tales into one fun and exciting read. Whether you are a fan of science fiction, crime fiction or just good fiction, you will enjoy this diverse collection that smacks of the same juicy eeriness as found in classic Twilight Zone episodes."
- Sue Ann Jaffarian, best-selling author of the Odelia Grey, Ghost of Granny Apples, and Fang-in-Cheek mysteries
From the Author
This book of stories is a collection of my personal favorites, some of them from the very beginning of my career in short stories and two of them from as recently as 2010. I've seen the collection described as crime fiction and science fiction - and those descriptions are both true - but it's really a limp through the minefields of human behavior. There's mystery, adventure, romance and confession, so step carefully, and remember that we don't all define humanity in quite the same way.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 15, 2011
This is book of short stories about things most human beings seem to fear the most, the unknown, or things they don't understand, things that not are often logical. The topics cover everything from mystery to romance to time travel.
The author says "we don't all define humanity in quite the same way" which "perhaps give you reason to re-define the word "inhuman".
I LIKED IT!!!!
This book pushed me out of my usual comfortable reading zone. I love mysteries but those of a science fiction nature are not the kind I usually read. But I enjoyed these stories. Some of them are much like the old Twilight Zone television series, you can almost hear the theme music in your head as you are reading.
Others left me thinking about what happened next after the story ended, leaving me with a true brainteaser. All of the stories stick with you for awhile, and leave you pondering the possibilities.
That was really the only problem I had with this book. Each story had to be read on its own. This is not a book you are going to sit down and read cover to cover in one sitting. Each story leaves a unique impression that keeps you from jumping into the next story. Some of the stories are very powerful, others short and to the point but scary and disturbing enough to make you set the book aside for a while.
I felt bad for the author, Kate Thornton, because it took me so long to read this book. I was reading approximately one story from this book in between each of the other books I was reading at the time.
Kate is a wonderful writer and must have a vast imagination to come up with stories. I cannot pick one story as a favorite because each and every story affected my differently. Some of them down right scared the **** out of me and they happened to be the stories with the fewest words.
If you like mysteries, thrillers, fantasy or science fiction you are going to love this book and should rush out to buy today.
For people like me who enjoy mysteries or thrillers that are solved by the final page, you will be like me and may need to take a little step out of your comfort zone to read this, you will enjoy it too, but you will probably go to sleep with the lights on for some time. These are definitely not stories to read at bedtime to lull you to sleep.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The author says "we don't all define humanity in quite the same way" which "perhaps give you reason to re-define the word "inhuman".
I LIKED IT!!!!
This book pushed me out of my usual comfortable reading zone. I love mysteries but those of a science fiction nature are not the kind I usually read. But I enjoyed these stories. Some of them are much like the old Twilight Zone television series, you can almost hear the theme music in your head as you are reading.
Others left me thinking about what happened next after the story ended, leaving me with a true brainteaser. All of the stories stick with you for awhile, and leave you pondering the possibilities.
That was really the only problem I had with this book. Each story had to be read on its own. This is not a book you are going to sit down and read cover to cover in one sitting. Each story leaves a unique impression that keeps you from jumping into the next story. Some of the stories are very powerful, others short and to the point but scary and disturbing enough to make you set the book aside for a while.
I felt bad for the author, Kate Thornton, because it took me so long to read this book. I was reading approximately one story from this book in between each of the other books I was reading at the time.
Kate is a wonderful writer and must have a vast imagination to come up with stories. I cannot pick one story as a favorite because each and every story affected my differently. Some of them down right scared the **** out of me and they happened to be the stories with the fewest words.
If you like mysteries, thrillers, fantasy or science fiction you are going to love this book and should rush out to buy today.
For people like me who enjoy mysteries or thrillers that are solved by the final page, you will be like me and may need to take a little step out of your comfort zone to read this, you will enjoy it too, but you will probably go to sleep with the lights on for some time. These are definitely not stories to read at bedtime to lull you to sleep.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 15, 2013
What an imagination Kate Thornton has! I can't even remember my plans for tomorrow much less envision a high tech future. Normal situations in Sci-fi settings. Great combination. Easy to read and fun!
February 9, 2019
Emotional stories filled with twists and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews