Review: 65 Proof: It Packs A Punch!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 20, 2013
Before reading 65 proof, I had read other works from this author. Those titles include The List, Origin, Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary and Disturb. So its fair to say that he's a safe bet and keeps the hits rolling.In reality, some of these stories are sold as stand-alone ebooks. But you’re really getting  10 eBooks for the price of one. If that isn’t more bang for your buck, I don’t know what is.But I’d have to say that 65 proof is not only a good introduction to this author, but you’re also getting many genres across the board and you’re saving money by buying this book.This massive ebook collection is separated into 4 parts: Jack and Friends (any stories related to his mystery thriller series starring heroine, Jacqueline Daniels), Crime stories, Horror stories and Funny stuff.You’re led through these stories, and through his publishing career, as the author himself gives a brief intro to each story. Once you become familiar with his wit, it turns into a major selling point for each story. I’d sometimes laugh as he jokes in between them as he sets up the next tale. He’s also really good with Flash Fiction (stories in 500 words or less).Right off the bat, we’re treated with some clever Locked Room mysteries which I wasn’t a fan of before reading this book. But he came up with some really clever stuff. My favorite stories had to be the ones with Phineas Troutt, a hard-boiled dying man who generally doesn’t care about ruffling feathers or dishing out some old-fashioned justice. He has a gritty attitude that draws you in.The crime stories were equally hard-boiled as well as equally unpredictable. The Agreement story was especially chilling.The Horror section was good. One story stands out the most and that is The Screaming. It’s the most original concept for a vampire story I have read yet. It was also written a different way. I liked the style of it.Another good one is Symbios. This Sci-fi horror kind of reminded me of Stephen King’s Survivor Type story but with a compelling stranded on an alien planet angle.All told, I haven’t finished every single story. I’m 90% finished with it. But I know that it is a majorly meaty collection of stories which will intrigue you, wow you, shock you, drop you, sock you and keep you reading all night.There’s something for everyone.