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A review by deearr
Small Time Crimes by Craig Douglas, Paul Brazill
4.0
Paul D. Brazill’s “Small Time Crimes” features over thirty short stories, each a small slice of life taking place on the darker side of town. Most of the stories can be read in minutes, unless you get hooked and binge-read a bunch all at once.
Of course, not every one of the stories is a gem. Some of them are just window-dressing, atmosphere for the next story in line or maybe the one after that. The author does allow his characters to slip into each other’s lives from time to time, cameo shots that prep us for that story where they have a larger role.
Other tales are those blockbusters that hit you right between the eyes, ending at just the right time even though you wanted more. Instead, you are forced to turn the page and begin again, hoping the next story can equal or surpass the one you just finished. For me, shorts like “Band on the Run” and “Things I Used to Like” are the best, dark brooding tales that wind their way down some of the dirtier passageways of life. Others like “Gumshoe Blues” and “Sheila Take a Bow” have that quirky dark twist at the end, at times catching me off guard and causing me to laugh out loud.
Regardless of what sort of tale is your brand of mind candy, if you enjoy short stories with a dose of offhand malice and a dash of noir, you should easily find some favorites in this collection. Four stars.
Of course, not every one of the stories is a gem. Some of them are just window-dressing, atmosphere for the next story in line or maybe the one after that. The author does allow his characters to slip into each other’s lives from time to time, cameo shots that prep us for that story where they have a larger role.
Other tales are those blockbusters that hit you right between the eyes, ending at just the right time even though you wanted more. Instead, you are forced to turn the page and begin again, hoping the next story can equal or surpass the one you just finished. For me, shorts like “Band on the Run” and “Things I Used to Like” are the best, dark brooding tales that wind their way down some of the dirtier passageways of life. Others like “Gumshoe Blues” and “Sheila Take a Bow” have that quirky dark twist at the end, at times catching me off guard and causing me to laugh out loud.
Regardless of what sort of tale is your brand of mind candy, if you enjoy short stories with a dose of offhand malice and a dash of noir, you should easily find some favorites in this collection. Four stars.