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Magnum Opus
Charlotte Curran is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure her newest book is a best seller... even if that means murdering her best friend.
Nobody suspects her of killing renowned author Kim Lavoie, but when Charlotte starts seeing Kim everywhere she turns, she quickly realizes it's more than just her guilty conscience haunting her. With each passing day, Kim’s judging gaze grows more difficult to escape.
Magnum Opus is a dark look at the price of fame and the legacy we leave behind.
Nobody suspects her of killing renowned author Kim Lavoie, but when Charlotte starts seeing Kim everywhere she turns, she quickly realizes it's more than just her guilty conscience haunting her. With each passing day, Kim’s judging gaze grows more difficult to escape.
Magnum Opus is a dark look at the price of fame and the legacy we leave behind.
62 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2022
20 people are currently reading
1606 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Marceau
22 books292 followersCaitlin Marceau is a queer Canadian author and illustrator based in Montreal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, is an Active Member of the Horror Writers Association, and has spoken about genre literature at several Canadian conventions. Her work includes Femina, A Blackness Absolute, and her award-winning novella, This Is Where We Talk Things Out. Her second novella, I’m Having Regrets, and her debut novel, It Wasn’t Supposed To Go Like This, are set for publication in 2024. For more, visit CaitlinMarceau.ca or find her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
December 6, 2022
I was torn between a 3.5 and a 4 here. Can I say a 3.75? It’s another strong showing by Caitlin Marceau. A great concept that is haunting to both the reader and our main character. But, much like This is Where We Talk Things Out, I just felt it was a little too abbreviated to have it’s desired effects. And I don’t mean this needs to be expanded into some long 200-page journey, but maybe just a few more pages that detailed the growing tension between Charlotte and Kim. It could be scattered throughout the story, and not just be dumped on the reader all at once. It would’ve given some more refined framework that added to the reason for Charlotte acting in the way she did. Possibly even adding some more background on them as competing authors could have been good, too. More build-up and purpose. But needless to say, it just needed some more padding. Beyond that, this was a solid premise, well-written, with a good execution.
May 9, 2023
I preordered this a while back and decided to read it today on a whim. I had absolutely no idea what it was about before I started (I originally ordered it based on the author, not the blurb), and I found it to be a pleasant surprise. Marceau did a great job of building up the paranoid atmosphere over the course of the ~60 pages of the novelette; my interest was held throughout. I can’t say I liked any of the main characters as people, but perhaps we weren’t supposed to! Inventive and genuinely creepy, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a spooky, read-it-in-one-sitting kind of story.
September 12, 2023
Now I understand why I've seen so many people raving about this one, it's just a really good little story. At 62 pages long it's there for a good time, not a long time and time certainly did fly by while I was reading it and it left me wanting more in the best possible way. If you're looking for a tale of ambition and friendship gone all the way wrong I certainly recommend this one.
September 2, 2022
Magnum Opus by Caitlin Marceau is a quick story, that read like a Twilight Zone episode, where a person’s mind can become so twisted they see shadows, or in this case, eyes, at every turn and an ending that will make you think…WT?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Magnum Opus by Caitlin Marceau.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Magnum Opus by Caitlin Marceau.
December 28, 2022
I had to write a review right away about this book.
It might be short but it sure packs a punch. I read it all in one sitting, staying up way past my bedtime. And then I was trying to sleep and my cat jumped on my bed and I jumped. The book is so scary in a psychological way, which is sometimes more scary then gore!
I wish I could rate this a million out of five for scaring the heck out of me.
It might be short but it sure packs a punch. I read it all in one sitting, staying up way past my bedtime. And then I was trying to sleep and my cat jumped on my bed and I jumped. The book is so scary in a psychological way, which is sometimes more scary then gore!
I wish I could rate this a million out of five for scaring the heck out of me.
November 24, 2022
Caitlin has the power to shake you in under 100 pages. Short stories are always hit and miss for me, but she nails it! Perfect for a really quick read that leaves you feeling uneasy.
July 20, 2022
Title: Magnum Opus
Author: Caitlin Marceau
Published/Interior Design: Timber Ghost Press
Edited: Beverly Bernard
Cover Art/Design: Donnie Goodman at Atonic Vision Design
*My opinions are given freely and honestly.*
I felt a sympathetic lean towards Charlotte right there in the beginning. That dissipated *quickly*, but she had a whole bunch of reaping from that one bad moment of sowing, leaving me unsure of my feeling towards her at the end.
Which should be ridiculous and wrong right? Even in the murky grey light, Charlotte deserves what she gets, I was celebrating most of the creepy happening while telling myself that bookstores were still safe places (very mild spoiler but not really, promise), but. And that's the thing, but. I've sat there and let a glass fill and not stopped pouring, making a mess. I've not tried to catch something I've seen falling. I've cut bangs people, my own, with safety scissors. Charlotte's split bad decision was the *worst* that could be, but couldn't you find yourself understanding that destructive impulse while abhoring it.
I adored this read. It was done in one sitting. Laying down really, in my bed with Biscuit on my lap and my hubby asleep next to me in the middle of the night. Perfection in 62 pages.
Author: Caitlin Marceau
Published/Interior Design: Timber Ghost Press
Edited: Beverly Bernard
Cover Art/Design: Donnie Goodman at Atonic Vision Design
*My opinions are given freely and honestly.*
I felt a sympathetic lean towards Charlotte right there in the beginning. That dissipated *quickly*, but she had a whole bunch of reaping from that one bad moment of sowing, leaving me unsure of my feeling towards her at the end.
Which should be ridiculous and wrong right? Even in the murky grey light, Charlotte deserves what she gets, I was celebrating most of the creepy happening while telling myself that bookstores were still safe places (very mild spoiler but not really, promise), but. And that's the thing, but. I've sat there and let a glass fill and not stopped pouring, making a mess. I've not tried to catch something I've seen falling. I've cut bangs people, my own, with safety scissors. Charlotte's split bad decision was the *worst* that could be, but couldn't you find yourself understanding that destructive impulse while abhoring it.
I adored this read. It was done in one sitting. Laying down really, in my bed with Biscuit on my lap and my hubby asleep next to me in the middle of the night. Perfection in 62 pages.
October 23, 2023
With friends like Charlotte, who needs enemies. 🙃
A haunting tale about a woman whose guilt literally drove her insane. This one’ll spook you without any blood and gore.
A haunting tale about a woman whose guilt literally drove her insane. This one’ll spook you without any blood and gore.
October 10, 2023
Dark and beautiful
This book is heavy. Even at only 65 pages the weight of Charlotte's choice surrounds you. Eerie and sad you'll be pulled into this world from the beginning. An amazing ghost story.
This book is heavy. Even at only 65 pages the weight of Charlotte's choice surrounds you. Eerie and sad you'll be pulled into this world from the beginning. An amazing ghost story.
September 16, 2025
This book pissed me tf off…
Charlotte is so excited for her book to be published in april, When her best friend Kim is excited and celebrating for her, she also tells her that she is having her book published in april as well. Kim has been on the best sellers list for a couple years, she’s a phenomenal author, she does well with what she does, but most of all she’s Charlottes biggest cheerleader. Charlotte is so jealous that Kim is “stealing her thunder” by posting a book at the same time as her, she is driven to murder.
Fuck Charlotte pissed me off, Kim was actually the best friend for her and so supportive and Charlotte was a fucking brat oh my gosh loll. This was a good story it was fun to see her go crazy, Justice for Kim lolll.
Charlotte is so excited for her book to be published in april, When her best friend Kim is excited and celebrating for her, she also tells her that she is having her book published in april as well. Kim has been on the best sellers list for a couple years, she’s a phenomenal author, she does well with what she does, but most of all she’s Charlottes biggest cheerleader. Charlotte is so jealous that Kim is “stealing her thunder” by posting a book at the same time as her, she is driven to murder.
Fuck Charlotte pissed me off, Kim was actually the best friend for her and so supportive and Charlotte was a fucking brat oh my gosh loll. This was a good story it was fun to see her go crazy, Justice for Kim lolll.
January 28, 2023
Read as part of the 2023 Gagents of Chaos Reading Challenge on Facebook
I'm not sure if it was meant to be but this short story to me, read as a modern retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
I'm not sure if it was meant to be but this short story to me, read as a modern retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
June 16, 2023
This would be a great pick for those who want to read a horror book but are easily frightened, yet still want to spice up their reading with something eerie. If there is such a thing as light horror, this might be it.
Despite the simplicity of the plot, I enjoyed that it was so easy to grasp, especially since readers love to read anything book-related within a book. It's only a novella, nothing really mind-boggling, but still a bit intriguing and not bad for a quick read.
Despite the simplicity of the plot, I enjoyed that it was so easy to grasp, especially since readers love to read anything book-related within a book. It's only a novella, nothing really mind-boggling, but still a bit intriguing and not bad for a quick read.
July 15, 2023
****I want to rate this 3.5 stars but I can’t.*****
Charlotte is about to publish her Magnum Opus, the only problem is that her bestseller best friend Kim’s book is being released and she “was really hoping we’d have books out at the same time again.” Which could kill Charlotte’s books in sales, and we are all about to find out how deadly her lust for fame truly is?
Can fame be bought at the cost of friendship? Charlotte thinks so, and is willing to sacrifice Kim for her book. You may get to walk away innocently enough but here’s a little secret, when you are the monster under the bed, your ghost from the past will always find ways to haunt you.
What would you do to achieve such success?better yet what would you not do? Caitlin Marceau’s short story was actually really fun read, and I honestly wish it was longer. I liked that it was written in first person so you are taken on a journey through Charlotte’s mind as her guilt and jealousy eat away at it. You get to see the mental war between guilt and greed for fame take her down a destructive path. How far does this go? I’ll let the readers find out for themselves. I felt like she did write the first section really well , but I felt like middle dropped the momentum a bit and then the ending felt a bit rushed though the ending. I did love the narrative and it was so hard to not hate Charlotte but then also feel for her and understand her motivations, overall well Flushed out.
I feel like the character of Charlotte was inspired by Stephen King’s The Shining. Both of them writers who haven’t accepted the kind of success they feel their works deserve. They both are haunted by ghosts and ultimately to interfere with their writing abilities as the write one story in their head and on paper can only repeatedly right one sentence. The biggest difference is that our Charlotte here doesn’t kill her friend., she just walk away doing nothing leaving her to die on her own.
Genre:
Horror
Crime
Short Story Fiction
General Adult Fiction
Horror subgenre:
Canadian Horror
Psychological
Killer
Paranormal
Horror tropes:
Haunted House
Ghost Storie
Madness
Charlotte is about to publish her Magnum Opus, the only problem is that her bestseller best friend Kim’s book is being released and she “was really hoping we’d have books out at the same time again.” Which could kill Charlotte’s books in sales, and we are all about to find out how deadly her lust for fame truly is?
Can fame be bought at the cost of friendship? Charlotte thinks so, and is willing to sacrifice Kim for her book. You may get to walk away innocently enough but here’s a little secret, when you are the monster under the bed, your ghost from the past will always find ways to haunt you.
What would you do to achieve such success?better yet what would you not do? Caitlin Marceau’s short story was actually really fun read, and I honestly wish it was longer. I liked that it was written in first person so you are taken on a journey through Charlotte’s mind as her guilt and jealousy eat away at it. You get to see the mental war between guilt and greed for fame take her down a destructive path. How far does this go? I’ll let the readers find out for themselves. I felt like she did write the first section really well , but I felt like middle dropped the momentum a bit and then the ending felt a bit rushed though the ending. I did love the narrative and it was so hard to not hate Charlotte but then also feel for her and understand her motivations, overall well Flushed out.
I feel like the character of Charlotte was inspired by Stephen King’s The Shining. Both of them writers who haven’t accepted the kind of success they feel their works deserve. They both are haunted by ghosts and ultimately to interfere with their writing abilities as the write one story in their head and on paper can only repeatedly right one sentence. The biggest difference is that our Charlotte here doesn’t kill her friend., she just walk away doing nothing leaving her to die on her own.
Genre:
Horror
Crime
Short Story Fiction
General Adult Fiction
Horror subgenre:
Canadian Horror
Psychological
Killer
Paranormal
Horror tropes:
Haunted House
Ghost Storie
Madness
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
Aaaand that was fantastic! I think I may have found a new favorite author! Everything I read from her has been short but still packed such a punch! I wasn’t sure that I’d like this more than “this is where we talk things out” but honestly I think I did!
I can understand where the marketing for this book might be a little misleading in suggesting it might be an intense thriller with murder in it. It does have death and it is unsettling, to me it was extremely disturbing. I just wouldn’t call it a thriller. This book was a book about complex, relationships, extreme guilt, and imo losing your effing mind. A toxic friendship if you will. Which is easily one of my favorite things to read about.
I just love how this author does relationships. It’s the perfect amount of drama and horrible actions. The main character in this is not one you’re going to root for and that’s okay! You still won’t be able to look away from the train wreck if you get what I mean!
If I had to compare this to anything it would be “the tell tale heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. Which is my favorite of his works so maybe that’s why I loved this so much? But I don’t know I just thought this was so good.
I think it takes skill to weave a relationship and feelings this complex into such a short work, but this author did it masterfully!
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
I can understand where the marketing for this book might be a little misleading in suggesting it might be an intense thriller with murder in it. It does have death and it is unsettling, to me it was extremely disturbing. I just wouldn’t call it a thriller. This book was a book about complex, relationships, extreme guilt, and imo losing your effing mind. A toxic friendship if you will. Which is easily one of my favorite things to read about.
I just love how this author does relationships. It’s the perfect amount of drama and horrible actions. The main character in this is not one you’re going to root for and that’s okay! You still won’t be able to look away from the train wreck if you get what I mean!
If I had to compare this to anything it would be “the tell tale heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. Which is my favorite of his works so maybe that’s why I loved this so much? But I don’t know I just thought this was so good.
I think it takes skill to weave a relationship and feelings this complex into such a short work, but this author did it masterfully!
Can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 23, 2024
Hmm it feels like Yellowface by RF Kuang got some inspiration from this horror novella. Good quick haunting!
March 27, 2023
2.3⭐️
I really enjoyed this book but I would have definitely enjoyed some more chapters and some more tension!! Just felt like Kim’s death was dumped on us with no real backstory!!
I really enjoyed this book but I would have definitely enjoyed some more chapters and some more tension!! Just felt like Kim’s death was dumped on us with no real backstory!!
January 8, 2025
Jealousy is a feeling we’ve all experienced before, even if we’d rather not admit it, it’s ugly and unpleasant and can lead to questionable actions. Magnum Opus is a tale of jealousy, the worst kind of jealousy, the one between friends. Kim and Charlotte have been best friends for years, always supporting and cheering each other on, however, one of them doesn’t appreciate sharing the spotlight, and when the opportunity presents itself to eliminate the competition, how could she resist? I went into this completely blind and the experience was wonderful, so I’ll do my best to keep this review as vague as possible. However, if you want the full gut-punching effect, it’s best if you stop reading this review now and pick the novella up, I promise it’s worth it.
The story is divided into four chapters, each one covering a month in the protagonist’s life and documenting her slow descent into madness as Kim’s ghost haunts her every waking moment. It reminded me of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, the reader is constantly wondering whether what’s happening it’s real or if it’s all in Charlotte’s head the guilt over her friend’s death chips away at her sanity. Marceau did it beautifully, the protagonist grows weaker at the same rate that the ghost grows stronger, with Kim’s apparition feeding off of her friend’s life force and taking over her home. For me, that was the scariest element, the progression of Charlotte’s house from her heaven to a hostile environment, one room at a time, until nowhere is safe and the reader becomes just as anguished as her. Once again, Marceau has gifted us with a modern gothic: we have a haunted house, a macro-cosmos (Charlotte’s home) reflecting the protagonist’s mental microcosmos, emotional isolation, and a constant feeling of unsettlement.
Speaking of feelings, I was conflicted during most of the narrative going back and forth between despising Charlotte and empathizing with her. As I’ve mentioned, all of us have struggled with jealousy and thought that somebody else was reaping the rewards that we deserved, so we can connect to Charlotte on that level. However, we also know what she did was unforgivable, cruel, and selfish, especially seeing as Kim was her best friend and only treated her with kindness. Because of this, I also felt the ghost’s judgment and disapproval, I became claustrophobic right along with Charlotte and constantly looked around me as I read just to make sure I wasn’t being watched. One of the many themes that Caitlin explores in her writing is the afterlife, and by this, I mean the most disturbing and terrifying kinds of the afterlife (please go read her short story Stuck featured in PALIMPSEST). Although there’s no way to be certain that what Charlotte is seeing is truly Kim’s ghost, the possibility of spending your afterlife haunting your best friend due to her betrayal is terrifying.
Finally, I’ve always been terrified of those life-sized cardboard cut-outs exhibited in stores and always avoided them like the plague when browsing around. However, after reading Magnum Opus that fear has reached a new level, and if I ever come across one in an establishment, I’ll be leaving immediately. This is perfect for a Halloween marathon, a book club, a fall day, or a night when you’re looking for a quick read or a summer day. Well, there’s no going wrong with this novelette and once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down before you’re finished.
The story is divided into four chapters, each one covering a month in the protagonist’s life and documenting her slow descent into madness as Kim’s ghost haunts her every waking moment. It reminded me of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, the reader is constantly wondering whether what’s happening it’s real or if it’s all in Charlotte’s head the guilt over her friend’s death chips away at her sanity. Marceau did it beautifully, the protagonist grows weaker at the same rate that the ghost grows stronger, with Kim’s apparition feeding off of her friend’s life force and taking over her home. For me, that was the scariest element, the progression of Charlotte’s house from her heaven to a hostile environment, one room at a time, until nowhere is safe and the reader becomes just as anguished as her. Once again, Marceau has gifted us with a modern gothic: we have a haunted house, a macro-cosmos (Charlotte’s home) reflecting the protagonist’s mental microcosmos, emotional isolation, and a constant feeling of unsettlement.
Speaking of feelings, I was conflicted during most of the narrative going back and forth between despising Charlotte and empathizing with her. As I’ve mentioned, all of us have struggled with jealousy and thought that somebody else was reaping the rewards that we deserved, so we can connect to Charlotte on that level. However, we also know what she did was unforgivable, cruel, and selfish, especially seeing as Kim was her best friend and only treated her with kindness. Because of this, I also felt the ghost’s judgment and disapproval, I became claustrophobic right along with Charlotte and constantly looked around me as I read just to make sure I wasn’t being watched. One of the many themes that Caitlin explores in her writing is the afterlife, and by this, I mean the most disturbing and terrifying kinds of the afterlife (please go read her short story Stuck featured in PALIMPSEST). Although there’s no way to be certain that what Charlotte is seeing is truly Kim’s ghost, the possibility of spending your afterlife haunting your best friend due to her betrayal is terrifying.
Finally, I’ve always been terrified of those life-sized cardboard cut-outs exhibited in stores and always avoided them like the plague when browsing around. However, after reading Magnum Opus that fear has reached a new level, and if I ever come across one in an establishment, I’ll be leaving immediately. This is perfect for a Halloween marathon, a book club, a fall day, or a night when you’re looking for a quick read or a summer day. Well, there’s no going wrong with this novelette and once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down before you’re finished.
September 5, 2022
I recommend going into this not knowing a thing about it because that's what I did and wow..the beginning really surprised me.😯
BUT this story is about friendship, jealousy, revenge, grief and the competitiveness of the publishing world.
I really thought the author did an amazing job showing the distress and mental breakdown of the main character. It didn't feel like the typical cliche ghost story--this had depth and relatability plus an unsettling kind of haunt.🫣
This was good from beginning to end and the little bits of horror were enjoyable.
If you haven't read any of Caitlin Marceau's work yet...what are you waiting for?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*CW: DM if you want to know.
BUT this story is about friendship, jealousy, revenge, grief and the competitiveness of the publishing world.
I really thought the author did an amazing job showing the distress and mental breakdown of the main character. It didn't feel like the typical cliche ghost story--this had depth and relatability plus an unsettling kind of haunt.🫣
This was good from beginning to end and the little bits of horror were enjoyable.
If you haven't read any of Caitlin Marceau's work yet...what are you waiting for?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*CW: DM if you want to know.
November 26, 2022
Heard of this book from TikTok. It was described as disturbing so I immediately downloaded a copy on my kindle and started it. I didn't find anything too disturbing or even scary. It definitely twilight zone-esque.
May 16, 2023
I have never been so disappointed in a book. Absolutely a waste of time.
June 18, 2023
Karma's a bitch.
November 11, 2023
The least thrilling thriller I’ve read. There was so much opportunity for mystery and intrigue that this simply fell flat.
August 25, 2022
Thank you to Timber Ghost Press for providing me with an e-ARC of Magnum Opus!
Caitlin Marceau's novelette (62 PAGES!?@!@! ONLY?!@!), Magnum Opus is a must-read. I've learned some really important lessons while reading this, like don't let jealousy get the best of me & maybe don't kill my best friend...?
Honestly though, for being so short this story packs a punch. Caitlin Marceau manages to write a proper story, one that spans months in less than 70 pages. That is absolutely wild to me. You get to know the characters & really feel their jealousy and guilt and it's all in such a short span of time.
Plus, wow, it is creepy. I found it really easy to envision what was going on and even feel some stress for the main character. While also being fairly disgusted by their jealousy & actions.
This will definitely not be my last Caitlin Marceau book. If she can slay with such a small number of pages, I can't wait to see what she does with a full novel.
Caitlin Marceau's novelette (62 PAGES!?@!@! ONLY?!@!), Magnum Opus is a must-read. I've learned some really important lessons while reading this, like don't let jealousy get the best of me & maybe don't kill my best friend...?
Honestly though, for being so short this story packs a punch. Caitlin Marceau manages to write a proper story, one that spans months in less than 70 pages. That is absolutely wild to me. You get to know the characters & really feel their jealousy and guilt and it's all in such a short span of time.
Plus, wow, it is creepy. I found it really easy to envision what was going on and even feel some stress for the main character. While also being fairly disgusted by their jealousy & actions.
This will definitely not be my last Caitlin Marceau book. If she can slay with such a small number of pages, I can't wait to see what she does with a full novel.
April 9, 2024
How far would you be willing to go to ensure your book release is perfect?
Charlotte won't let anything stand between her and the potential fame this book release might bring her. Not even bestselling author Kim Lavoie, her best friend. Charlotte’s insecurities bring her down on a path of complete destruction. Magnum Opus presents a main character who let the intrusive thoughts win and now has to face the shame and guilt of the aftermath. The consequences of Charlotte’s actions (or lack thereof) have very unexpected ramifications for her mental health and the release of her new book. I can assure you that although this novelette is extra short, it packs a punch.
Marceau is a masterful writer. From the first page of this book she had my undivided attention. Their ability to tell such an engaging story in such few pages is astonishing. I'm curious to see what other amazing work Caitlin Marceau has in store for us.
Charlotte won't let anything stand between her and the potential fame this book release might bring her. Not even bestselling author Kim Lavoie, her best friend. Charlotte’s insecurities bring her down on a path of complete destruction. Magnum Opus presents a main character who let the intrusive thoughts win and now has to face the shame and guilt of the aftermath. The consequences of Charlotte’s actions (or lack thereof) have very unexpected ramifications for her mental health and the release of her new book. I can assure you that although this novelette is extra short, it packs a punch.
Marceau is a masterful writer. From the first page of this book she had my undivided attention. Their ability to tell such an engaging story in such few pages is astonishing. I'm curious to see what other amazing work Caitlin Marceau has in store for us.
October 1, 2022
An author's haunting
Charlotte writes a new book, possibly her best, only to learn her best friend--also an author--will be releasing her latest bestseller at the same time. Though the friend is excited to share the date with Charlotte, the feeling is one-sided. What follows is a tragic death that could have been avoided. Charlotte is now haunted by her dead friend and allowing her life and writing career to crumble around her as she struggles to handle the ghost that is ever present.
Caitlin Marceau is a great writer I started reading earlier this year, and I now seek out all of her releases. This is my second this week but not my last (her new novella is up next). MAGNUM OPUS is a tight drama with a focus on grief and regret and the crushing weight of rash decision made in a matter of seconds. It's a memorable novelette that works wonderfully as an introduction to Caitlin's brand of horror.
Charlotte writes a new book, possibly her best, only to learn her best friend--also an author--will be releasing her latest bestseller at the same time. Though the friend is excited to share the date with Charlotte, the feeling is one-sided. What follows is a tragic death that could have been avoided. Charlotte is now haunted by her dead friend and allowing her life and writing career to crumble around her as she struggles to handle the ghost that is ever present.
Caitlin Marceau is a great writer I started reading earlier this year, and I now seek out all of her releases. This is my second this week but not my last (her new novella is up next). MAGNUM OPUS is a tight drama with a focus on grief and regret and the crushing weight of rash decision made in a matter of seconds. It's a memorable novelette that works wonderfully as an introduction to Caitlin's brand of horror.
December 31, 2024
Charlotte is gearing up for the release of her new book in April, and it’s her first with a major publisher. She can’t wait for her work to be recognized and celebrated for the art that it truly is. Her best friend, Kim, is a bestselling author known for her romantic fluff, which annoys Charlotte to no end. However, when Charlotte discovers that Kim's new book is set to release on the very same day as hers, it becomes the final straw. This novella is a mix of murder, ghosts, and horror, delivering an impactful story in just a few pages. The characters are larger than life emoting a few feelings each and running with them. The atmosphere is creepy. Overall, it's a spooky little novella.
March 12, 2023
Authors Charlotte and Kim are friends. Kim is a popular author, Charlotte is a new author. Kim and Charlotte celebrate that their books will both be released at the same time with a night of drinking. What could possibly go wrong?
Part Breaking Bad (see: Walter White & Jesse's gf), part Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, this was a well written, quick, fun 65 page novella (with a bit of creepiness thrown in). Available on Kindle Unlimited.
4⭐️
Part Breaking Bad (see: Walter White & Jesse's gf), part Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, this was a well written, quick, fun 65 page novella (with a bit of creepiness thrown in). Available on Kindle Unlimited.
4⭐️
June 13, 2023
Here's another book that I stumbled upon while browsing through Goodreads! It's a novella about two best friends who are in the same industry/line of work, and it has already come to the point of envy...
In this story we follow Charlotte Curran as she celebrates her new novel which is coming out in April. She's worked so hard on this book and she believes that this is her best work yet. To celebrate, her best friend Kim Lavoie, a best-selling author herself, comes over to Charlotte's house for a simple celebratory dinner. Soon, the celebration turns into an unexpected turn as Charlotte murders Kim.
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but it was surely very engaging and has just the right amount of creepy. The ending was perfect and I loved it.
I recommend this.
In this story we follow Charlotte Curran as she celebrates her new novel which is coming out in April. She's worked so hard on this book and she believes that this is her best work yet. To celebrate, her best friend Kim Lavoie, a best-selling author herself, comes over to Charlotte's house for a simple celebratory dinner. Soon, the celebration turns into an unexpected turn as Charlotte murders Kim.
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but it was surely very engaging and has just the right amount of creepy. The ending was perfect and I loved it.
I recommend this.
July 4, 2023
I got scared for a bit and refused to dangle my feet on the bed thinking someone will pull it. Lol. I enjoyed reading this short horror story and thought twould be amazing to see this being adapted into a DECENT movie. I need more reads like this one and I recommend this to people who wants to dive into horror books but has a short attention span cos I read this for less than 30 minutes!
I wish I do not have any friends like Charlotte!
I wish I do not have any friends like Charlotte!
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