Review: An interesting collection of short stories
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
Owned by Jess C. Scott is a collection of six psychological crime short stories.The stories are united by one theme: revenge. And in every case, the reader is on the side of the avenger because the perpetrator is a truly awful person. The abusive father; the rapist; the murderous boyfriend; the cruel animal killer; the untrustworthy therapist; the Internet bully: all get their just desserts, usually in a spectacularly gory manner.The writing is interesting, almost experimental in places, and the author has explored several contrasting styles to provide a short story collection which is varied, entertaining and sustains the reader's interest. However, some of these stories are purposeful with an intrinsic message. I think this works best in Skins which challenges the use of animals in fashion and furnishings and in Owned which addresses the damage that can be done by the cyber-powerful against innocent victims.Overall I enjoyed reading the collection and think it's well worth a look.