Review: Edge of your seat reading...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2014
Looking at all of the 5 star reviews on this collection I was expecting something special and can honestly say that it doesn't disappoint. In fact I probably would have got it ages ago but the front cover put me off slightly - to me it looks more like a poster for UFC than a Horror story collection, so thanks to the reviews for getting me past that little hurdle.Cleverly written, each story is separate and complete in its own right, while at the same time linking together and eventually forming one overall master plot. How this is achieved is that a minor character in one story may appear later as the main character in another story. Quite often a characters status (hero/villain) can change, keeping us guessing as to who the true survivor will be in the end.Lots of the stories stuck out for me but my favourite was definitely "A Rip In Time" - really ticked all the boxes with an original take on Jack the Ripper that twists and turns as the curve balls keep coming. Also really liked " The Interloper" - An unwanted addition to the workforce gradually worms their way in, forcing the main characters out of their comfort zone. The ending is sickeningly unfair, loved it. The final two stories are also great, partly due to the way they bring all the stories together into one nice neat package which can be wrapped up and put under the tree to be opened again another day. All the stories are -1) Falling (8/10) A man decides to end it all after he feels that he had been betrayed by those he trusted the most.2) Life Without Bill (9/10) A widow soon realizes that she is not the only one who has a large appetite.3) His Brothers Keeper (8/10) An ambulance driver hopes that the next fatality will bring an organ donor for his sick brother.4) The Tattoo (8/10) A man struggles to work out what is real, when he treats himself to a new lease of life.5) The Neighbours (9/10) A woman goes to extra lengths to stop the noise made by the pests who share her apartment block.6) The Interloper (10/10) When an old frenemy starts work at her company, a woman finds it hard to control her jealousy.7) The Children (8/10) A brother and sisters search for food and shelter leads them into a dangerous situation.8) The Ring (9/10) A man tries to put his affairs in order, before he gets too long in the tooth.9) No Second Chance (9/10) When an escort is forced to work herself out of debt, she is surprised when the slate is suddenly wiped clean.10) A Rip In Time (10/10) A forensic examiner can't believe what she is capable of, when she looks into an old doctors bag.11) The Gift (10/10) A dentist wife doesn't get quite the Christmas gift she was hoping for.12) The Good, The Bad, And The Truly Evil (10/10) A disgruntled airport worker plans a fake terrorist attack in order to keep his job.A great collection which should be enjoyed by anyone who likes a bit of edge of your seat reading, and is definitely one I will read again one day, and maybe again after that.