Normally
I would not pick a book so recently published for Friday’s Forgotten Books. But,
after getting mentioned the other day as part of a review
for the audio version, I thought I would go ahead and again run my review of Genre Shotgun: A Collection Of Short
Fiction by Terry W. Ervin II. You should read this as well as his excellent
Flank Hawk series. You should also
check out the rest of the FFB list which this week is being handled by Evan Lewis. You should be
reading his blog too. I would suggest some more “you shoulds” but I have
exceeded my quota for the day so go forth and enjoy…
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 and audio)
226 Pages
$9.99
Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in
exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2015
Thanks for the reposting and the link to the audiobook review. I might've missed it!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff. I was surprised to be mentioned in connection with the audio version.
ReplyDelete