A review by karlakayjenniges
Purgatory by A. Lopez Jr.

dark medium-paced

5.0

"For those who believe, proof is not needed."

"Is death the beginning, the end, or does it take us to a place somewhere in between?"

These 13 Tales of the Macabre are all uniquely written and entertaining. The authors voice clearly shines through his writing craft. 

Take a drive on Evergreen Road and find out what may just be waiting their as the darkness descends. 

Go on a Road Trip that involves a dreadful mission to transport a deceased family member to a mortuary. Old, dark, and something sinister waiting within. 

Meet a curmudgeonly old man in Mind Games as he journeys through his daily life. People, everywhere there are people, getting on his last nerves. Until, there is something that is just a little bit different. Something very unexpected that changes everything.

Tic Toc, time is ticking by, life is hanging on the edge of disaster and the reaper is waiting in the shadows. Is it all just a nightmare or a reality?

Weekend Visit., we all have them. Trips to spend time with family or friends. We often look forward to them, keeping in mind that we never know what to expect. A good time is expected. Relaxation wanted. Just watch out for the odd family member and the strange occurrences that are happening in the backyard.

Floor Four, the beginning introduction to "The Mangler". He will haunt your dreams!

Purgatory,  utterly claustrophobic! Deep within where there is no light, no air, and no chance of escaping. I cannot breathe!!

Try to take a ride in the 2009 Cadillac DTS Sedan, once owned by Mildred Clarice Stone, her Prized Possession, now bequethed to one David R. Slater. Once you enter you may be surprised at what occurs within, especially in the back seat. 

Do not, I repeat, do not open The Crate. Walk right on by and ignore it. Stop being so curious of what lies within. What lurks inside is not where you want to go. Resist the temptation, repent or there may be no escape.

When visiting a haunted house, one must always be prepared and tread carefully. Once the spirits have been disturbed there is no turning back from what has been unleashed. So enter if you dare into the dark corridors of Ritter House.

Kids will be kids and will not always make the best decisions, right or wrong. No matter what, all decisions have an outcome whether good or bad. And...sometimes what once was believed to be delightful may just be something entirely different. So my little lovelies, be good, or you may be visited by Santa Claws.

Everyone should always be wary of Strangers. One never knows what their intentions may be or if they are something more than what they appear to be. One must never tempt fate. Someone may be following you, and that someone may just be from another world.

Don't Bug Me. Stay away from me. You don't belong here. You're driving me mad and I can't get you out. No one believes me, why won't they listen? I have to get you out. "This is going to hurt." 

"Death is something no one gets used to, and unfortunately, death will find us all when it's time."

With all short story collections, there are always going to be some that resonate with the reader more than others. I have learned to often look deeper and find that one special something that lies within each story. By the title alone, it is clear of the themes that all of these stories are centered on. No doubt that death and what lies beyond is something that crosses our minds at some point. It is easier to let it go and not dwell on it. These 13 tales provided my horror loving heart an escape into the fearful dark places and realms of purgatory. 

I very much enjoyed reading this collection! Recommended, but it's up to you to decide.