Tattoo

by Paul Elard Cooley

Scars. They remind us who we are, what we are and where we have been.
But when a scar takes away your identity, what would you do to get it back?

Jackson, a journalist in Houston, discovers links between several murders that have taken place in his city. His investigation draws him into the world of body art where he discovers an obsession worth killing for.
Tattoo was a 2009-2010 Parsec Awards Finalist.

Genres: Horror, Crime, Audiobook

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Paul E Cooley is a full-time writer and Parsec Award Winning podcaster from Houston, Texas. In 2009, he began producing free psychological thriller and horror podcasts, essays, and reviews available from Shadowpublications.com and iTunes.

His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.

He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.

He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.

Reviews

[Lark Neville · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed Tattoo. I listened as he distributed it through his podcast. He is a wonderful storyteller and his characters are always interesting. He gives them a sense of depth and life that reels you in and makes you want to see what they do next.

Paul demonstrates once again his ear for language, his sense of humor, and his ability to understand the darkness that dwells in us all.

Tattoo in an interesting tale of how we view ourselves and our search for wholeness. I highly recommend checking this story out as well as Paul's other stories at www.shadowpublications.com

[Avinjer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow a journalist as he investigates a series of murders that share a common and bizarre thread. The characters are well developed and the story moves along at a pace that keeps your interest peaked and eager to keep going to the conclusion. An interesting twist in the ending leaves you wanting more and you will definitely be looking for more by this author.

[Sue Baiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooley goes to the dark places in the mind and fills in some of the blanks. But only some of the blanks. He leaves just enough room for your own imagination to make everything as scary as possible. Personally, I find the subtlety of the unwritten to be much more disturbing than that which is graphically described.

Thorough research on the subject of tattooing made this believable. Frighteningly and painfully so. I enjoyed the element of suspense and was left wanting more.

Well done.

[Christopher Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a quick read, it was an interesting story. I would have liked to hear more about it all, like a richer story but what was here was awesome... and for 89 cents on Amazon, it was money well spent!

I'll be looking for more that comes from Paul Cooley, I like his style.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this I had an uneasy feeling. I got caught up in this story to the extent that I was both disappointed and glad when it was over. If a dark tale that’s well told appeals to you, then this title is for you.

[A M H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept and story. The audiobook voices really added to the characters and helped add a layer to their personalities.

[Jen Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story! I didn't find it scary, but I only have 1 tattoo. Other people with more it may make them jump. Totally worth reading or listening to.

[Aris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sick tale of one man's introduction into the world of expressionistic body art

[Jennifer Melzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fiend in Tattoo is hideously creepy, but in a good way.

[Dan Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thriller, couldn't put it down!

[KristenR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a creepy novella. Overall I thought it was well done, but I wasn't 100% sold on the ending.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief-a little predictable - but a good set up for protagonists and world building

[BookReadingJenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So creepy!

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling horror novella - strongly recommend