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A review by motherhorror
When the Clock Strikes 13 by Tom Deady, Steve Thompson, Michelle Garza, Richard Thomas, Glenn Rolfe, James Newman, Kenneth W. Cain, John R. Little, Sheri White, Justin M. Woodward, Melissa Lason, Somer Canon, Richard Chizmar, Mark Allan Gunnells
3.0
3.5 overall. I starred my favorites.
WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 13 is an anthology with an ambiguous theme. The introduction by Joe Mynhardt definitely suggests the stories were all going to be about the unluckiest number, thirteen. However, after reading several stories I couldn't find any connections. It's possible I missed the references, especially if they were small. I thought a lot of the stories dealt with the matter of "time" as a theme but then there were a few that didn't quite fit. A well-developed theme isn't important but I do think that if there is an introduction suggesting there is a theme, it should probably follow through.
Also, I hate to say this. I debated on if I should even bring it up but it feels important enough. This book cover is unappealing. I don't think it reflects the quality of the authors who contributed stories. It feels inexpensive and dated.
On to the contents!
“The Boy in the Pond” by Mark Allan Gunnells - This story reads like a "new classic" ghost story. Almost like a campfire tale that can be easily remembered by the reader and told to others. It's a good "Hey, listen to this..." type of paranormal mystery. It was compelling but predictable as those kinds of stories often are.
“Open Waters” by Richard Thomas - I liked the way this story enticed the reader by starting off in the middle of the action and then flipping the script on you halfway through. Great ending.
“Memories” by John R. Little - This one had two storylines blending together and I felt disoriented by the execution. I don't think it was successful in marrying the past narrative to the present day one.
“Detrition of War” by Kenneth W. Cain - I did skip this one after reading the first few paragraphs just because I don't enjoy war stories very much.
*****“Comes the Red Man” by Tom Deady - I loved this story! I thought it was very compelling. I enjoyed the way Deady unpacked this one slowly and deliberately until the shocking conclusion. One of my favorites. It scared me too.
*****“Mommy’s Girl” by Somer Canon - YES! *clapping* I loved this one. Somer did such an incredible job capturing the young man's sweet personality against the unreliable female protagonist. It was unsettling right out of the gate the way this 17-year-old girl was referring to her mom as, "mommy". I just knew something was up but I was not expecting what ended up happening. Loved the Lovecraftian influence too.
“Taking Up Carpentry” by Justin M. Woodward - I thought this story was well written enough but it came on the heels of three other stories I had read recently with a religious father/stepfather who is a closet alcoholic/abuser. I was just weary of the trope so it didn't sit well with me. I also thought the young boy protagonist's voice was too cynical/mature/advanced for his assumed age.
****“Kill Point Club” by Steve Thompson - This one was so fun. I enjoyed it. A satirical, humorous, and dark horror story where not even the anthology's other authors are safe!
****“Calm Down Time” by Richard Chizmar - I loved the way Chizmar wrote his protagonist, Molly. I thought she was so cute and funny and she felt like people I know in real life. I was distracted by her the entire time--I couldn't care less about what was freaking her out and so the ending really freaked me out.
*****“Carrion: My Wayward Son” by James Newman - This is the scariest most intense story in the entire collection. I loved it! It was completely unexpected and scary--especially tucked inside an anthology with a variety of tones and styles. It really stood out.
****“Bear” by Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason - I enjoyed this story. I actually liked reading the narrative with the investigators the most--I have a real affinity for detective work and law enforcement when it comes to crime drama and paranormal mysteries--like x-Files. This had an X-Files vibe.
***“When Arachnids Attack” by Sheri White - This one scared the bejeezus outta me! I hate, hate, HATE spider stories! And the illustration was super triggering.
“A Song Above” by Glenn Rolfe - I was a little confused as to the setting and the era of this story but I loved the characters.
WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 13 is an anthology with an ambiguous theme. The introduction by Joe Mynhardt definitely suggests the stories were all going to be about the unluckiest number, thirteen. However, after reading several stories I couldn't find any connections. It's possible I missed the references, especially if they were small. I thought a lot of the stories dealt with the matter of "time" as a theme but then there were a few that didn't quite fit. A well-developed theme isn't important but I do think that if there is an introduction suggesting there is a theme, it should probably follow through.
Also, I hate to say this. I debated on if I should even bring it up but it feels important enough. This book cover is unappealing. I don't think it reflects the quality of the authors who contributed stories. It feels inexpensive and dated.
On to the contents!
“The Boy in the Pond” by Mark Allan Gunnells - This story reads like a "new classic" ghost story. Almost like a campfire tale that can be easily remembered by the reader and told to others. It's a good "Hey, listen to this..." type of paranormal mystery. It was compelling but predictable as those kinds of stories often are.
“Open Waters” by Richard Thomas - I liked the way this story enticed the reader by starting off in the middle of the action and then flipping the script on you halfway through. Great ending.
“Memories” by John R. Little - This one had two storylines blending together and I felt disoriented by the execution. I don't think it was successful in marrying the past narrative to the present day one.
“Detrition of War” by Kenneth W. Cain - I did skip this one after reading the first few paragraphs just because I don't enjoy war stories very much.
*****“Comes the Red Man” by Tom Deady - I loved this story! I thought it was very compelling. I enjoyed the way Deady unpacked this one slowly and deliberately until the shocking conclusion. One of my favorites. It scared me too.
*****“Mommy’s Girl” by Somer Canon - YES! *clapping* I loved this one. Somer did such an incredible job capturing the young man's sweet personality against the unreliable female protagonist. It was unsettling right out of the gate the way this 17-year-old girl was referring to her mom as, "mommy". I just knew something was up but I was not expecting what ended up happening. Loved the Lovecraftian influence too.
“Taking Up Carpentry” by Justin M. Woodward - I thought this story was well written enough but it came on the heels of three other stories I had read recently with a religious father/stepfather who is a closet alcoholic/abuser. I was just weary of the trope so it didn't sit well with me. I also thought the young boy protagonist's voice was too cynical/mature/advanced for his assumed age.
****“Kill Point Club” by Steve Thompson - This one was so fun. I enjoyed it. A satirical, humorous, and dark horror story where not even the anthology's other authors are safe!
****“Calm Down Time” by Richard Chizmar - I loved the way Chizmar wrote his protagonist, Molly. I thought she was so cute and funny and she felt like people I know in real life. I was distracted by her the entire time--I couldn't care less about what was freaking her out and so the ending really freaked me out.
*****“Carrion: My Wayward Son” by James Newman - This is the scariest most intense story in the entire collection. I loved it! It was completely unexpected and scary--especially tucked inside an anthology with a variety of tones and styles. It really stood out.
****“Bear” by Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason - I enjoyed this story. I actually liked reading the narrative with the investigators the most--I have a real affinity for detective work and law enforcement when it comes to crime drama and paranormal mysteries--like x-Files. This had an X-Files vibe.
***“When Arachnids Attack” by Sheri White - This one scared the bejeezus outta me! I hate, hate, HATE spider stories! And the illustration was super triggering.
“A Song Above” by Glenn Rolfe - I was a little confused as to the setting and the era of this story but I loved the characters.