Review: More killer stories...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2014
This is the second instalment of the series and it goes off in a slightly different direction to the first one. While the first book (Lamb Chops and Chainsaws) provides a large offering of serial killers and killers for hire, this one goes more for stories about people getting into sticky situations, albeit employees not getting the jobs they bargained for, or people with dark hobbies or secrets which generally end badly for them, or worse. Also you don't get the same side helping of humour in this book, which I had noticed in the first one.There are a couple of stories about 9/11 which I liked but at the same time was surprised to see in this collection. The author did say at the end of the book that they hoped nobody was offended by any stories and I can only assume this was in reference to these two in particular, which suggests they knew there was a risk involved. I can't see any reason why anyone would be offended as both stories make us remember that day, and give us something to think about, which is one of the main points of stories I think.A couple of the stories loosely relate to each other, the second of which (Nosey Parker) was one of my favourites. Paranoia takes over as the main character realises that all is not what it seems, and people around him are acting as if they all know something he doesn't. Its a more subtle form of Horror but with no happy ending in sight, effective.The other stories which stood out for me were Little Prick (yes, great name). This story shows how a split second event, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time can change the course of a life forever. The ending leaves you satisfied that all the loose ends have been tied up, put in a box, sealed, and stored away for another day. Also, Mans Best Friend - Probably the darkest story here in terms of the cruelty taking place behind closed doors, you don't see how the tables can possibly be turned, but where there's a will there is usually a way. All the stories are -1) Lobster Theodore (8/10) When a fisherman is struggling to keep his business afloat, he finds a way to kill two birds with one stone.2) Little Prick (9/10) A mother is positive that revenge is the best course of action on the man who handed her daughter a death sentence.3) Man's Best Friend (10/10) A slave master has to dig himself out of trouble when he messes with the wrong people.4) Towers of Tears (8/10) A worker in the World Trade Centre remembers her day off on 9/11.5) Fit for the Job (7/10) A stewardess gets in way over her head when she tries to broaden her horizons.6) The Last Cake (7/10) Competition gets messy when a baker decides to add an extra ingredient as an after-thought.7) Lockdown (8/10) A doomsday prepper's plans for self preservation do not take his own itchy trigger finger into account.8) Nosey Parker (9/10) A man starts a new job which seems too good to be true, but doesn't test him in the way he was expecting.9) Regrets (8/10) A business trip spirals out of control on 9/11 and a man has time for one last phone call.A good collection which carries on nicely where the first one left off, and I will certainly be considering getting the next book which the author says should be out this year, but I'm not sure when exactly. If you like killer stories which don't guarantee a happy ending (although there is the odd one) then this collection will be enjoyed without a doubt.