Review: A stunning collection of stories
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 6, 2013
This is a stunning collection of stories that underlines Renee's position as one of the best independent writers on the block.In this collection we meet a group of suicide obsessed teens, an office bully about to get his comeuppance, a serial killer with a hidden agenda, a community in which somebody has a disturbing fixation with mannequins and even Elvis Presley. (Well nearly!) In addition we meet two of the most likeable crime fighters I have come across.This writer has a wonderfully easy style. Her words flow from the page (or Kindle screen) with a smoothness and charm that immediately engages the reader and effortlessly keeps their attention throughout the stories. The narrative of each tale is well structured and tight and the author never uses more words than necessary to convey a sentiment or an idea. The pace is just right and whenever a story needs a change of momentum it seems to happen effortlessly and not with the jolt that often occurs with such a change.The characters are well sketched and although the back stories of the main ones are brief as a result of the limitations of the short story format, you know them well enough to like, and empathise with, them. Renee does leave enough unsaid to pique your curiosity and I, for one, look forward to learning more about what makes them tick.These five stories are intelligent, engaging and despite the often macabre subject matter, very witty and great fun. The nuances of the characters and their various shortcomings are clever and entertaining (look out for the references to `Get Smart' in particular) In short, when you read this book, you can look forward to a well-observed, astute and highly entertaining example of great fiction.Renee Pawlish is a valuable member of the independent authors community. If I am honest, I am surprised that she, and her characters, have not been snapped up by a major publishing house well before now. I already have two more of Renee's books on my Kindleshelf that I cannot wait to get stuck into.*****Easily 5 stars.