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camerontrost's reviews
414 reviews
Murders on the Half-Skull by Nedra Tyre, Murray Wolf, Jack Webb, Arthur Porges, C.B. Gilford, Elijah Elis, Jack Ritchie, Helen Nielsen, Lawrence Block, Ed Lacy, Alfred Hitchcock, Richard Deming, James Holding Jr., Edwin P. Hicks, Henry Slesar
4.0
"Murders on the Half-Skull" is an entertaining anthology of suspense and mystery tales selected by Alfred Hitchcock. The stories were mostly written in the sixties and this is evident in the atmosphere, writing style, and relationships between the characters demonstrated. There are tales of bumbling hired killers, sinister spinsters, framed lovers, Hispanic gangs, and rowdy rockers. I've yet to read an Alfred Hitchcock anthology that I haven't enjoyed, and although this isn't his best, it's definitely worth picking up if you come across a copy in a second-hand bookshop or a garage sale.
Mutability of the Flesh by Matthew Tait
4.0
Mutability of the Flesh is a peepshow into the mind of a psychologically troubled individual. The reader observes the protagonist's every move and shares his thoughts. This is a man who is, at the same time, both hidden and on display. Matthew Tait manipulates his character like a puppet. He has outdone himself with this short, sharp tale.
Unearthly Fables: A Short Story Collection by David Schembri by David Schembri, Robert Hood
5.0
"Unearthly Fables" is a book that every fan of short, sharp fiction must have on his bookshelf. David Schembri's fiction is dark and brutal, and although it cuts to the chase, it still manages to be eloquent and descriptive, giving his flash fiction a distinctly poetic edge. And, as the word 'fable' in the title suggests, there is a fairy tale feel to many of his stories. I'm looking forward to reading more of David's fables in the future.
Bad to the Bones by Joan Eacott, Ian Callinan, Kimberley Starr, Duncan Richardson, Angela Le Mare, Nancy Cox-Millner, Brenda Cross, Adrienne Ross, Pat Noad, Jocelyn Hawes, Kerry Greenwood, Antonia Hildebrand, Maureen Whitehead, Joy Loggie, Margaret Hill, Coral Hartley, Garrett Russell
4.0
"Bad to the Bones" is an anthology of short mystery and adventure tales inspired by Queensland's dark past. There are plenty of great tales in this book, from adventure tales about the escapades and schemes of gold diggers and bushrangers (like Riding by Moonlight by Duncan Richardson, Fool's Gold by Kimberley Starr, and Herbie Naughton's Nugget by Angela Le Mare) to noir (like Buried in Bulimba by Joy Loggie and Pelican Pocket by Coral Hartley). Every story hit the mark.
Of course, I have some personal favourites too. The Troubled Tobacconist by Adrienne Ross was reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, although it's not told from a detective's point of view, and admirably illustrated the Victorian era in Brisbane. Tree of Silence by Margaret Hill is a dark and poignant tale that will touch you.
The anthology was edited by Kerry Greenwood (of Phryne Fisher fame) and she did a great job. I only noticed one historical inaccuracy; the William Jolly Bridge is mentioned at a time when it was still called the Grey Street Bridge, but I only know this because my father, who is eighty-three years old, stills calls it by its original name.
So, a big thumbs-up from me. If you love short tales of crime, mystery, and adventure, you ought to get your hands on a copy of this anthology.
Of course, I have some personal favourites too. The Troubled Tobacconist by Adrienne Ross was reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, although it's not told from a detective's point of view, and admirably illustrated the Victorian era in Brisbane. Tree of Silence by Margaret Hill is a dark and poignant tale that will touch you.
The anthology was edited by Kerry Greenwood (of Phryne Fisher fame) and she did a great job. I only noticed one historical inaccuracy; the William Jolly Bridge is mentioned at a time when it was still called the Grey Street Bridge, but I only know this because my father, who is eighty-three years old, stills calls it by its original name.
So, a big thumbs-up from me. If you love short tales of crime, mystery, and adventure, you ought to get your hands on a copy of this anthology.