Genre
Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction features
thirteen previously published tales classified into four categories. Published
by Gryphonwood Press last year the book continues the author’s word count
assault on the reading public with quality storytelling and interesting characters.
Like his Flank Hawk series, there are plenty of twists and surprises in
these very good tales.
The book opens with the “Horror/Suspense” category.
There are three stories in this section and they begin with “The Scene Of My
Second Murder.” A graveyard in the middle of the night and a long ago death are
just two of the many elements in the tale.
Scary stories told to young kids at a retreat or camp
is a classic idea used in film as well as in books. So classic we all pretty
much know how the tale will go before we read one as the names and circumstances
are usually the only difference. Author Terry W. Ervin II puts a very different
spin on things with “Skull Face Returns” proving there is a grain or more of
truth in every story.
Scaring kids at camp also plays a major role in the
next story titled “The Candy Bar Game.” A Saturday night highlight and
tradition at “Camp Mekanayzn” is about to go very wrong for assistant senior
patrol leader Rick in ways he never saw coming.
“Accelerated Justice” leads off the five stories is
the “Science Fiction” category though several could have worked just as well in
the preceding category. In the not too distant future it was supposed to be a
simple trip back and forth across the border for limo driver Jack Hollister and
his passenger. Classic issues still plague mankind and Jack Hollister has few
options.
A deep space battle might turn the tide for humanity
in “Seconds Of Eternity.” Major Parsons knows a thing or two about fighting and
will push his Starfury IV to do what absolutely has to be done.
He was supposed to go into a peaceful cryogenic
sleep in “Tethered In Purgatory” and await advances in medical science that could
save his life. Instead, Thomas Mayvin finds himself conscious in some way and
only able to observe his own body and those that come near o him. This is not
at all what he paid for.
A newbie reporter two weeks out from graduation and
on his first assignment is sent to Florida in “Vegetable Matters.” The reporter
is to interview a Mr. Dennis Sherkle on behalf of the “Weekly Electron Star.” All reporter Marvin Petro knows is that his
editor told him the story involved corporate theft and property rights. Petro
will soon learn what that really means in this incredibly good tale.
Sallie Thurstin and her baby are in real trouble in
“The Exchange Box.” That is until Travis Collington shows up with his special
box and makes an offer she can’t refuse.
While the next category is referred to as “Inspirational”
a more fitting term would be “Literary.” Despite the idea that the stories are uplifting
as implied by the category term and their track record of publication, these primarily
depressing tales did not strike this reader that way at all.
“It Was A Mistake” details a series of mistakes that
led up to the ultimate fate.
“Even Zero Can Add Up To Something” makes a point about
the math involved with the number zero. A very short tale that really can’t be
described--it just has to be read.
It has been a long trip, but worth it in “The Last
Meeting” as a man goes home to the church he grew up in long ago.
The final two stories of the book are found in the
closing category of “Mystery.” The first story features a routine day in second
period Geometry until the police got involved in “Drug Dogs.” Mitch is about to
have his high school life and more turned upside down and then things will get
worse.
Modern day archeology and ancient secrets abound in “Fictional
History.” Artifacts must be placed in context. A major find could radically change
that established context.
Terry W. Ervin II is one of those writers who has
many talents. Whether it is the excellent Flank Hawk series or the tales here in Genre
Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction the read is a good one. This is
one of those rare cases where the blurbs from author Earl Staggs and others accurately
portray the book. Short stories in a variety of settings populated with
interesting characters facing major and minor moments are present here resulting
in a very good read.
Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short Fiction
Terry
W. Ervin II
Gryphonwood
Press
November
2012
ISBN#978-0-9837655-7-8
Paperback
(also available as an e-book)
226
Pages
$9.99
Material supplied by the author quite some time ago
in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2013
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