Review: Life lessons...some are harder than others. And some are funnier than others...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2010
Storyline: Michael, you leave me CRANE-ing my neck for more! (And she's back with the puns! HI OH!)Lessons and Other Morbid Drabbles is a collection of shorts with a most decidedly humorous and horror-filled twist. Each short, or "drabble" as they're called in the Biz, (I was just educated about this particular style myself. Thanks, Michael!) is a little snippet of a potentially whole story - usually only the most amusing and horrific bit. They're almost like one-liners for horror writing.Grammar/Spelling: I noticed no issues with grammar or spelling.Character Development: Since these are each less than 100 words, there  really  is no need to develop characters in-depth. But in this case, each character adds their own unique morsel of delicious drama to the story.I especially liked the doting father. That poor kid should have listened and made sure his daughter was home on time! Reminds me of my own father...I know that I've had similar thoughts regarding nearly every story involving a child's fear of a monster... because sometimes, there really IS a monster, even if the adults don't see it!Writing Style: The writing style is quirky and hilarious. Even though each blurb is quite short, there's no lack of talent. I'm dying to read more of his short stories! A few of these might even make great short stories themselves.Continuity:  No concern with continuity given the style of the work.Overall Rating: 4+Michael Crane does a phenomenal job with his dribbles and drabbles in Lessons and Other Morbid Drabbles. I hope that he continues to churn these out and maybe even consider making them into an anthology. Maybe release a new one each October...?  (I'll be expecting SOMETHING for that brilliant suggestion. Maybe even a new pair of shoes?! Hmmm?!)I would say that this is definitely not for the young, the old or even the infirm. And if you have a fear of clowns or puppets: FORGET IT! There are some pretty serious scenes of gore and quite a bit of adult language.