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sea_caummisar's review
4.0
This one is short, less than 30 pages I believe, so I'll keep this short and not spoil anything for anyone else.
The blurb sums it up... then there's a climax.
It was good enough that if I'm in the mood for something short, I may check out other stories in the series.
The blurb sums it up... then there's a climax.
It was good enough that if I'm in the mood for something short, I may check out other stories in the series.
the_coycaterpillar_reads's review
5.0
My first foray into Kev Harrison’s work was with his debut novella, The Balance. Since then, I have been obsessed not only with his ability to spin a bloody got horror story but also with his character work, which in my opinion, is one of the biggest hard hitters in the genre. Not only do you get a sense of place, but his main characters always have something you can resonate with. He’s only got better with every piece of work he’s released, The Warding and Below being favourites also.
I’ve been slowly working my way through Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series and I was delighted to find that they had published some of Harrison’s shorter works. Curfew is quite literally a sharp shock, and I loved it. Even though it was a short piece of fiction Harrison manages to inflect a strong sense of character and place and immediately I was thrown into the heart of the story. It was the perfect book to read while it was bucketing down, the perfect read to start off spooky season.
The couple are heading off to Bournemouth to celebrate their anniversary. The Sailor’s Rest, a place so freaking bleak, I did wonder why the boyfriend thought this was a great place to stay. It was likely the incentive of having a discounted second night stay. It is there that they meet the infamous, Mrs Heinz. Let me tell you, she is one strange egg. She has a real bug bear about Curfew – the door gets locked at midnight and if you’re late then forget about getting in because she will not budge. The couple think this is rather strange, but what is stranger is the weird goings on on their first night. They are almost sure someone is staying alongside them but yet the housekeeper completely denies it. Oh, and why does Mrs Heinz trash the sitting room? The intrigue is off the charts.
The creeping sense of unease is there from the very first page, something that is an absolute must with a short story. You have less time to create that atmosphere so it’s vital that you create that quickly for your reader, Harrison always succeeds in this, and Curfew is no different. Loved it and can’t wait to pick up more of this phenomenal author’s work!
I’ve been slowly working my way through Demain Publishing’s Short Sharp Shocks! Series and I was delighted to find that they had published some of Harrison’s shorter works. Curfew is quite literally a sharp shock, and I loved it. Even though it was a short piece of fiction Harrison manages to inflect a strong sense of character and place and immediately I was thrown into the heart of the story. It was the perfect book to read while it was bucketing down, the perfect read to start off spooky season.
The couple are heading off to Bournemouth to celebrate their anniversary. The Sailor’s Rest, a place so freaking bleak, I did wonder why the boyfriend thought this was a great place to stay. It was likely the incentive of having a discounted second night stay. It is there that they meet the infamous, Mrs Heinz. Let me tell you, she is one strange egg. She has a real bug bear about Curfew – the door gets locked at midnight and if you’re late then forget about getting in because she will not budge. The couple think this is rather strange, but what is stranger is the weird goings on on their first night. They are almost sure someone is staying alongside them but yet the housekeeper completely denies it. Oh, and why does Mrs Heinz trash the sitting room? The intrigue is off the charts.
The creeping sense of unease is there from the very first page, something that is an absolute must with a short story. You have less time to create that atmosphere so it’s vital that you create that quickly for your reader, Harrison always succeeds in this, and Curfew is no different. Loved it and can’t wait to pick up more of this phenomenal author’s work!
thebookdad's review
4.0
A haunting tale of long lost love and rules that should not be broken. Curfew by Kev Harrison is a short, sharp, shock with a delightfully good scare. I can't get enough of these terrifying original tales.
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thomaswjoyce's review
4.0
The series is called "Short Sharp Shocks!" and that is exactly what Harrison has delivered. Unassuming couple Jamie and Laura just want to enjoy a weekend away at a small, British coastal town, and decide to stay in a quaint B&B. But it is pretty clear from the start that something isn't right here. The intrigue and action are paced very well for such a short story; we know that something is up, but the exact nature of it doesn't become clear until the very end. I think the premise could have worked for a slightly longer story, exploring the history of the B&B owner and her... "eccentricities" a little more. But Harrison did a great job delivering a creepy story in such a short format.
motherhorror's review
5.0
My second Short Sharp Shocks by Demain Publishing read. Kev Harrison previously blew my mind with his novella THE BALANCE a few months ago. I knew I would be making an attempt to find more short fiction from Harrison and CURFEW was a solid follow up.
This is the story of a couple on holiday. They arrive at their quaint bed & breakfast for their weekend getaway. Things seem a little "strange" upon their arrival but as most people do, they brush it off for the sake of convenience.
I love the pace and tone of this tale. Everything unfolds naturally and realistically. Harrison masterfully builds suspense and mystery. The couple's interactions with each other and their situation is so authentic, I kept forgetting this was a fictional account! I am an official fan of Kev Harrison's storytelling-immediately compelling from page one and somehow manages to maintain that initial level of engagement all the way through. Highly recommend!
This is the story of a couple on holiday. They arrive at their quaint bed & breakfast for their weekend getaway. Things seem a little "strange" upon their arrival but as most people do, they brush it off for the sake of convenience.
I love the pace and tone of this tale. Everything unfolds naturally and realistically. Harrison masterfully builds suspense and mystery. The couple's interactions with each other and their situation is so authentic, I kept forgetting this was a fictional account! I am an official fan of Kev Harrison's storytelling-immediately compelling from page one and somehow manages to maintain that initial level of engagement all the way through. Highly recommend!
el_stevie's review
5.0
Seaside Chiller
Dodgy B&B's abound in the UK but I'm sure none as creepy as this one. The setup is great as you certainly don't expect it to take the path it does in the end. I don't live too far from Bournemouth and have enjoyed many a drizzly walk in that area so these pages transported me immediately back there! A great short chiller.
Dodgy B&B's abound in the UK but I'm sure none as creepy as this one. The setup is great as you certainly don't expect it to take the path it does in the end. I don't live too far from Bournemouth and have enjoyed many a drizzly walk in that area so these pages transported me immediately back there! A great short chiller.
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