Review: Evil Puppies
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 23, 2011
Depending on your definition, at an average story length of fewer than 400 words, Evil Puppies probably falls within the classification of "flash fiction."  I think to appreciate flash fiction you have to approach it differently than you would a full novel.  If a novel is a complete meal, and a typical three or four thousand word short story is a substantial snack, then I'd extend the analogy to say flash fiction is a treat, maybe a single piece of candy.  It might not fill you up, but string a few together and it will get you to your next meal.  (Don't eat too many or you'll ruin dinner.)Taken on those terms, flash fiction in general, and "Evil Puppies" specifically, is a lot of fun.  If there is such a thing as comedic horror, I found it here.  The premise is both ridiculous (those adorable little things wouldn't really turn on us ... would they?) and horrifying (imagine if they did).  Daniels' wide-ranging stories on this theme run from the horrific, full of blood and guts, to laugh-out-loud-funny.  The characters run from Elvis and Hitler to a normal guy and gal making out at the beach.  Before the premise becomes shopworn, "Evil Puppies" ends with a boom.**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**