Tapped

by Axl Malton

Barbara has spent her life living under her husband's control. When he pushes her too far, Barbara finally snaps..

28 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, enjoyable read. I really felt for the main character and was satisfied with the ending. I am always a fan of revenge stories.

Check this one out.

[Boglarka Neagoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read, I really enjoyed it! I had a feeling about the end but I liked how I was waiting for it!

[Tina Kroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and fun

This was brilliant and so fun! This book was a very quick read but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and actually laughed at the end. It was awesome!

[Sara Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

What the heck did I just read? A great short read, not where I thought it would go. Go Barbara!

[Michaela Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Like A Scorned Wife

I loved this! I wish it was longer, I’d be interested to see maybe a full on book at some point even though we have this little bit already!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, excellent read!!

Was in a reading funk and this short story brought much needed excitement back to my world! Axl does a phenomenal job of painting amazing, relatable characters, and definitely draws you in for a fun ride. Can't wait to read more!!

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbra is in her 50s and is a scorned woman, who has a husband called Jerry who is an absolute arsehole. Barbra is a woman who was forced to end her job because Jerry wanted a baby 30 years ago, Barbra who has had enough of not being allowed friends, to go out other than for errands. Jerry cheats, and treats her like crap. She is fed up of being used and humiliated. What happens when the woman who is trapped, gets cornered by frustration? How does she cope?

Absolutely loved this one!!

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew the storytelling talent of this author, but it blew me away nonetheless with this little novella! So so liberating and so gripping! I’m amazed by how the author managed to write very delineated characters and such a satisfying plot in just a few pages.
What I found remarkable, is also the skills in mounting the suspense and the build up, until finally giving the readers the satisfaction they’ve been waiting for!

I can also relate to this story a little, but I can’t reveal why for risking to spoil the story.

I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook version, as Helen Dickens impersonated the main character Barbara too well!
This is a novella with one of the most satisfying endings ever! What are you waiting for, you won’t be disappointed!

Thanks to the author for the audiobook and this is my honest opinion.

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tapped is one of those books that looks elegant on the outside and absolutely wrecks you on the inside.
Axl Malton takes something familiar desire, connection, obsession and slowly drains the comfort out of it. The writing is sharp and intentional, and every scene feels like it’s building toward something you know you shouldn’t want to see… but can’t look away from.

What really stood out to me was the contrast:
• Soft moments vs. violent consequences
• Beauty vs. control
• Love vs. consumption

The symbolism is heavy (in the best way), and the tension never fully releases. You’re constantly left asking yourself who really has power and what it costs to give it up.
If you enjoy stories that crawl under your skin instead of jumping out at you, this one is absolutely worth your time.
📚 Highly recommend for readers who like dark, thought-provoking fiction that lingers long after the final page.

[Theenrichmentoffiction1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌹Audiobook Review🌹

Tapped

By Axl Malton

Narrated by- Helen Dickens

Genre dark fiction

My first read by Axl and he did not disappoint the narrator did a perfect job as well!

I felt for Barbara and how she felt alone in her own marriage and in life in general, being put below everything while her husband raised everything above her for his selfish Narcissistic needs.

Barbara loved the early years of her marriage but the good times didn't last.
Time after her husband didn't see her as being enough for him so he lived like he was still a bachelor even after 30 years of marriage.
Barbara was used to his disgusting ways and kept quiet to keep the peace.
But of course a woman can learn her value at any moment with a man that is abusive in many ways, and if not careful can be deadly in many ways....

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we all have a snapping point, often caused by the most mundane thing. Barbara has been living under her husband's control for over 30 years. When an old friend reaches out to her, she sees a chance to live again. But, will she finally get to start enjoying life again or will things go off the rail?

This was a quick, enjoyable read. I always love a good revenge story! The narrator did a great job and added a lot to this short horror story.

[Kori Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast paced, short read

This short story pulled me in from the very first page with its expressive descriptions and had me hooked and wanting more when it ended. Very well done! Can’t wait to read more by this author. I’m a fan for sure!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy 5⭐️ for me. I love Malton’s writing—so straightforward, & really gets you to connect to the characters, whether you love them or hate them. From the very first page, I was rooting for the ending we got, & felt so vindicated for the female MC when it finally came

[Brandy Vandeventer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast read, but it grabbed at that deep and resentful part that many women with shit husbands feel. I love how in touch the author is with the main characters feelings. Also loved the ending. Great short read.

[Haley Temporal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gripping to the end, amazing main character who I loved and routed for from the first page absolutely gripping full of suspence anger and heartache.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was rooting for Barbara from the beginning and she absolutely got the ending victory she deserved. It was not the ending I expected but it was definitely well deserved.. at least for Jerry 😅

[Rachael Loya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

If you're looking for something to read fill in a short amount of time, this is it. Very intriguing story in just a few pages.