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Travesty: An Anthology
Katherine Black uses emotions and characters to manipulate your senses until they ache. This is a collection of fictional stories born of dark things living in the author’s head. It’s about the power of the human condition—and the weakness. A collection of intense stories written with passion and insight. Some are so tragic they can break a heart. Every piece in the book is tinged with human emotion—kindness, colour, darkness, or autumn tones.While some women are dipping in the supermarket freezers for frozen peas, Katherine wonders how a body would fit. Would you have to break their arms and legs to get them in? What do frozen eyes look like? She has a head full of psychopaths. Sometimes they need to be let out. This book is the result of their freedom.You will find thought-provoking, bleak, kind, harsh, gentle—and dark— stories that will make you uncomfortable.If it wasn’t so shocking, it would be a...Travesty.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 22, 2022
This collection of short stories by Leverage author Katherine Black is a must for those that like their fiction dark and disturbing.
The various stories range from evil to heartbreaking to ghostly and I enjoyed every one of them.
What I also enjoyed was how well written they were. In each one, the author takes you along with her through the worst that humanity has to offer. She will frighten you and horrify you and, at the same time, leave you wanting more.
Black is a terrific author and I highly recommend her work.
The various stories range from evil to heartbreaking to ghostly and I enjoyed every one of them.
What I also enjoyed was how well written they were. In each one, the author takes you along with her through the worst that humanity has to offer. She will frighten you and horrify you and, at the same time, leave you wanting more.
Black is a terrific author and I highly recommend her work.
April 23, 2022
I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading this book. Every short story sucks you in THEN it shocks you at the end. I couldn't wait to read the next story and try to figure out what the surprise ending would be, but I couldn't. The writer makes sure she catches you off guard. I did not find one story in this book that I didn't enjoy immensely. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes taking a trip to the dark side.
October 15, 2024
Every story is a marvelously crafted gem evoking just the right responses from readers at just the right times. Wonder, fear, surprise, and most importantly, empathy for the very real characters she manages to create in the short space of each tale are all part of this talented author's arsenal.
This is the kind of smooth, seamless, writing that seems effortless in the reading, yet is so difficult in the writing.
The stories are largely Twilight Zone/Alfred Hitchcock Presents types, often with surprise endings. Others are clever modern-day twists on classic themes such as Faust.
To spice things up, however, she changes the pace from the dark side with the odd limerick, and delightfully comedic tales such as “Angel Stew.”
Black also fills each tale with wonderfully vivid imagery. “... her bronzed thighs gripped the horses flank, and her skirt flew in a gossamer exhaust behind her.”
A truly great collection of short fiction.
This is the kind of smooth, seamless, writing that seems effortless in the reading, yet is so difficult in the writing.
The stories are largely Twilight Zone/Alfred Hitchcock Presents types, often with surprise endings. Others are clever modern-day twists on classic themes such as Faust.
To spice things up, however, she changes the pace from the dark side with the odd limerick, and delightfully comedic tales such as “Angel Stew.”
Black also fills each tale with wonderfully vivid imagery. “... her bronzed thighs gripped the horses flank, and her skirt flew in a gossamer exhaust behind her.”
A truly great collection of short fiction.
January 17, 2025
A moody delight
This diverse collection of short stories and poems runs the gamut from amusing, intriguing, and affecting, to spooky, dark, and twisted. The more disturbing tales are written with a matter-of-factness that heightens their impact, contrasting with the melancholic air of the pieces that appear to be based on personal experience. As usual, Black’s writing is sharp and insightful, and she has a knack for giving the reader a frisson of unease in anticipation of the ending. By turns playful and sinister, this is a book for those who enjoy variety in one volume and appreciate the art of short story writing.
This diverse collection of short stories and poems runs the gamut from amusing, intriguing, and affecting, to spooky, dark, and twisted. The more disturbing tales are written with a matter-of-factness that heightens their impact, contrasting with the melancholic air of the pieces that appear to be based on personal experience. As usual, Black’s writing is sharp and insightful, and she has a knack for giving the reader a frisson of unease in anticipation of the ending. By turns playful and sinister, this is a book for those who enjoy variety in one volume and appreciate the art of short story writing.
January 28, 2025
Great stories - great imagination - great description – great twists.
You never know how some of the stories will end (even if you think you do!) I’d definitely recommend these bite-size stories to anyone who likes ‘dark’ reads.
My favourite? ‘Listed’
I simply loved the way the story was set out. Well done Katherine Black.
You never know how some of the stories will end (even if you think you do!) I’d definitely recommend these bite-size stories to anyone who likes ‘dark’ reads.
My favourite? ‘Listed’
I simply loved the way the story was set out. Well done Katherine Black.
February 5, 2025
Strangely compelling!
This entertaining book is a unique mix of shocking stories and thoughtful poetry. Each short story had a surprising ending. I enjoyed this collection of strange topics and was sad when I finished the book. I was hoping for just a few more chapters of fun.
This entertaining book is a unique mix of shocking stories and thoughtful poetry. Each short story had a surprising ending. I enjoyed this collection of strange topics and was sad when I finished the book. I was hoping for just a few more chapters of fun.
March 11, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. I thought the stories were intriguing and different. This is a book that drew me in and was easy to finish. Going in I wasn't sure what to expect but I felt overall it was a fun read. Definitely a book to check out and see which stories are epic.
April 5, 2025
A book of short stories, easy to pick up and read,very interesting read, very thought provoking, made me sad at times and upset, but uplifting in parts.
Enjoyed this read no punches left untold as always with Kathrine Blacks books, expect the unexpected.
July 19, 2022
BLACKER THAN BLACK
I went back to Black, like Amy Winehouse, when I saw that author Katherine Black had—not before time—published another book, this time the anthology of short stories entitled Travesty. I’m not a fan of horror or the twisted material about which Black writes, but she writes it so darn well, damnit, that I can’t resist. The night’s the time for dark tales, which is why I was there in bed, glued to my phone with Travesty downloaded before I slept and when I awoke early, as is my custom.
Once more this author examines the shady side of life and doesn't flinch from an examination of what draws foul breath there. Tales of horror, the vulnerable, inexplicable supernatural phenomena are interspersed with some soul-searching and some poetry. The side of life that most of us would prefer not to see is here, from the unfortunate—sex work, disability, dementia, euthanasia—to the downright criminal—rape, murder, psychopathy and so much more. There’s nowhere that Black will not go, although she adds some positive pieces for much-needed balance. The poems, a new departure for this author, I thought, until I remembered the magic formula from Lizards Leap, which ought to have warned me it would make an appearance at some point. So amongst others we have the raw humour of ‘The Thing With a Cock’ as well as the poignancy of lost love in ‘Memberwhen’. Back in the land of prose, meanwhile, there’s a fantasy-driven suggestion of how all these things could be healed, in ‘Angel Stew’. If only.
We find Black's fine forensic eye for detail, in the rubber worn from the heel of a streetwalker's stiletto to both positive and negative possibilities of a man removing a child's clothing. More than one tale deals with the thoughtlessness of the privileged in terms of the deprived and destitute: the bloody history of a pretty ivory box given as a present to a child, the inconvenience of a heatwave to a pampered rich westerner compared to the dire consequences of drought for a community living close to the Equator.
There's a matter-of-fact tone to shocking occurrences, and the usual Black-esque twist that will knock you down and leave you winded, and that you won't see coming even though you should be expecting it, if you know this author. Like many of those in the stories contained here, Katherine Black lulls her readers into a false sense of security with effortless skill. Breathtaking.
I went back to Black, like Amy Winehouse, when I saw that author Katherine Black had—not before time—published another book, this time the anthology of short stories entitled Travesty. I’m not a fan of horror or the twisted material about which Black writes, but she writes it so darn well, damnit, that I can’t resist. The night’s the time for dark tales, which is why I was there in bed, glued to my phone with Travesty downloaded before I slept and when I awoke early, as is my custom.
Once more this author examines the shady side of life and doesn't flinch from an examination of what draws foul breath there. Tales of horror, the vulnerable, inexplicable supernatural phenomena are interspersed with some soul-searching and some poetry. The side of life that most of us would prefer not to see is here, from the unfortunate—sex work, disability, dementia, euthanasia—to the downright criminal—rape, murder, psychopathy and so much more. There’s nowhere that Black will not go, although she adds some positive pieces for much-needed balance. The poems, a new departure for this author, I thought, until I remembered the magic formula from Lizards Leap, which ought to have warned me it would make an appearance at some point. So amongst others we have the raw humour of ‘The Thing With a Cock’ as well as the poignancy of lost love in ‘Memberwhen’. Back in the land of prose, meanwhile, there’s a fantasy-driven suggestion of how all these things could be healed, in ‘Angel Stew’. If only.
We find Black's fine forensic eye for detail, in the rubber worn from the heel of a streetwalker's stiletto to both positive and negative possibilities of a man removing a child's clothing. More than one tale deals with the thoughtlessness of the privileged in terms of the deprived and destitute: the bloody history of a pretty ivory box given as a present to a child, the inconvenience of a heatwave to a pampered rich westerner compared to the dire consequences of drought for a community living close to the Equator.
There's a matter-of-fact tone to shocking occurrences, and the usual Black-esque twist that will knock you down and leave you winded, and that you won't see coming even though you should be expecting it, if you know this author. Like many of those in the stories contained here, Katherine Black lulls her readers into a false sense of security with effortless skill. Breathtaking.
November 1, 2025
A Highlight of Compelling Talent
I’ve long been a fan of Katherine Black’s books. Their shocking plots, vast imagination, and entertaining wit are unique. And then I come across this eclectic mix of short stories with mind blowing, sometimes disturbing, twists and a smattering of lyrical poetry to clear the pallet. It beautifully highlights this author’s remarkable talent. This collection of quick bits draws you in with razor-sharp ingenuity, entertains you with inspired prose, and makes your jaw drop with potent narrative. I enjoyed every page and longed for just one more powerful gem when I turned the last. Bravo! A masterclass achievement.
I’ve long been a fan of Katherine Black’s books. Their shocking plots, vast imagination, and entertaining wit are unique. And then I come across this eclectic mix of short stories with mind blowing, sometimes disturbing, twists and a smattering of lyrical poetry to clear the pallet. It beautifully highlights this author’s remarkable talent. This collection of quick bits draws you in with razor-sharp ingenuity, entertains you with inspired prose, and makes your jaw drop with potent narrative. I enjoyed every page and longed for just one more powerful gem when I turned the last. Bravo! A masterclass achievement.
July 17, 2022
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Travesty
Subtitle: An Anthology
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Fiction/Short stories
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
A collection of short stories full of psychology and suspense.
What I liked about the book:
All stories were full and had little unexpected twists. Very entertaining collection.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
Some stories were more captivating than others, but they were all very worth a read.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the second book I’ve read by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is fiction. Katherine Black spins stories like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like young adult adventures, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Katherine Black uses emotions and characters to manipulate your senses until they ache.
This is a collection of fictional stories born of dark things living in the author’s head. It’s about the power of the human condition—and the weakness. A collection of intense stories written with passion and insight. Some are so tragic they can break a heart. Every piece in the book is tinged with human emotion—kindness, colour, darkness, or autumn tones.
While some women are dipping in the supermarket freezers for frozen peas, Katherine wonders how a body would fit. Would you have to break their arms and legs to get them in? What do frozen eyes look like? She has a head full of psychopaths. Sometimes they need to be let out. This book is the result of their freedom.
You will find thought-provoking, bleak, kind, harsh, gentle—and dark— stories that will make you uncomfortable.
If it wasn’t so shocking, it would be a...Travesty.
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: Travesty
Subtitle: An Anthology
Author: Katherine Black
Genre: Fiction/Short stories
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
A collection of short stories full of psychology and suspense.
What I liked about the book:
All stories were full and had little unexpected twists. Very entertaining collection.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
Some stories were more captivating than others, but they were all very worth a read.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the second book I’ve read by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is fiction. Katherine Black spins stories like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like young adult adventures, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Katherine Black uses emotions and characters to manipulate your senses until they ache.
This is a collection of fictional stories born of dark things living in the author’s head. It’s about the power of the human condition—and the weakness. A collection of intense stories written with passion and insight. Some are so tragic they can break a heart. Every piece in the book is tinged with human emotion—kindness, colour, darkness, or autumn tones.
While some women are dipping in the supermarket freezers for frozen peas, Katherine wonders how a body would fit. Would you have to break their arms and legs to get them in? What do frozen eyes look like? She has a head full of psychopaths. Sometimes they need to be let out. This book is the result of their freedom.
You will find thought-provoking, bleak, kind, harsh, gentle—and dark— stories that will make you uncomfortable.
If it wasn’t so shocking, it would be a...Travesty.
About the Author:
August 6, 2022
Dark and captivating short stories
With in the pages of this book are a collection of short stories that are downright dark and disturbing but very captivating and I found I couldn’t put the book down. From the nurse looking after the blind disabled boy and finds he’s more of a handful to look after to the struggling mother who visits Venice with her son after her husband dies and encounters a strange man who tells her, her son may be ill before he is. Then you have the new mum who is convinced that her new born twins hate each other and one is trying to kill the other. Or the story of the disfigured woman visiting her father’s grave despite being abused by him and the reason for her disfigurement. Occasionally there are a few stories peppered in here that read more like quirky poems like the one about the destitute girls. Yes every single short story in this book is worth reading especially the last one. I definitely recommend you give this a go.
With in the pages of this book are a collection of short stories that are downright dark and disturbing but very captivating and I found I couldn’t put the book down. From the nurse looking after the blind disabled boy and finds he’s more of a handful to look after to the struggling mother who visits Venice with her son after her husband dies and encounters a strange man who tells her, her son may be ill before he is. Then you have the new mum who is convinced that her new born twins hate each other and one is trying to kill the other. Or the story of the disfigured woman visiting her father’s grave despite being abused by him and the reason for her disfigurement. Occasionally there are a few stories peppered in here that read more like quirky poems like the one about the destitute girls. Yes every single short story in this book is worth reading especially the last one. I definitely recommend you give this a go.
August 17, 2023
Dark and captivating short stories
With in the pages of this book are a collection of short stories that are downright dark and disturbing but very captivating and I found I couldn’t put the book down. From the nurse looking after the blind disabled boy and finds he’s more of a handful to look after to the struggling mother who visits Venice with her son after her husband dies and encounters a strange man who tells her, her son may be ill before he is. Then you have the new mum who is convinced that her new born twins hate each other and one is trying to kill the other. Or the story of the disfigured woman visiting her father’s grave despite being abused by him and the reason for her disfigurement. Occasionally there are a few stories peppered in here that read more like quirky poems like the one about the destitute girls. Yes every single short story in this book is worth reading especially the last one. I definitely recommend you give this a go.
With in the pages of this book are a collection of short stories that are downright dark and disturbing but very captivating and I found I couldn’t put the book down. From the nurse looking after the blind disabled boy and finds he’s more of a handful to look after to the struggling mother who visits Venice with her son after her husband dies and encounters a strange man who tells her, her son may be ill before he is. Then you have the new mum who is convinced that her new born twins hate each other and one is trying to kill the other. Or the story of the disfigured woman visiting her father’s grave despite being abused by him and the reason for her disfigurement. Occasionally there are a few stories peppered in here that read more like quirky poems like the one about the destitute girls. Yes every single short story in this book is worth reading especially the last one. I definitely recommend you give this a go.
October 11, 2022
Wonderfully eclectic mix of the macabre, the chilling, and the rawly poetic. The stories are quite brutal at times, and unrelenting in their sombre and coldly realistic tone. And extremely well-written in a direct and psychologically honest manner, interspersed with a tight metaphorical turn of phrase. Characters’ mental innards are picked over and arrayed before us. And with some totally unexpected, even shocking twists, delivered in a chilling deadpan tone. There’s also the occasional poem, exuding the same bluntness, a sort of deadpan self-introspection the author’s characters, as well as her narration, are prone to. Compelling collection of short pieces, with off-key, uncomfortable stories and poems centred around a scalpel-like observation of emotions. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2022
An excellent series of short stories and some longer short stories by Katherine Black provide a welcome relief from reading novels. The book of stories can be picked up and read, put down and picked up again and make excellent fillers during a busy day or in-between novels. The range is eclectic, some open-ended, some scary, some seem personal to the author, and some very short. Then we have the ghostly, and horror and supernatural, the darkness is there in a wide-ranging mix, and all are genuinely entertaining. Along with the stories are several poems. I found them enjoyable and thought-provoking. If you like dark stories that are well-written then Travesty is for you. Read and enjoy.
February 10, 2022
Katherine Black is almost certainly a direct descendant of Edgar Allan Poe. She knows what makes the demons tick. In this collection of short stories, we have some of the darkest, most perverse and ultimately terrifying scenes. There are some uplifting stories here, too, which appear in the book at just the right time, as if Black knew we'd need a break during the reading. But be prepared to be chilled. Quoth the raven...
April 21, 2023
A superb assortment of short stories and poems from a truly gifted writer. Beautifully crafted tales, incoporating the paranormal, psychology, crime, drama, and much more. So many unfortunate souls experiencing perplexing dilemnas. Will certainly read more from this talented lady.
February 20, 2022
great short stories
Highly recommend, thought provoking stories, and some with a ‘twist’ at the end. Looking forward to reading the next book
Highly recommend, thought provoking stories, and some with a ‘twist’ at the end. Looking forward to reading the next book
February 14, 2024
A great collection of short stories to make you think
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews