In Eliot Parker’s engrossing Table for Two, human connection anchors the core. Through a collection of modern short stories, Parker deftly explores the nature of relationships: temporal and abiding.
Table For Two
A Collection of Short Stories
by Eliot Parker
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Short Stories
Conversation is more than just words being spoken, interpreted, and acted upon by others. Conversation is also the ultimate human interest activity, bringing people into direct contact with people in all of their complexity and vulnerability. The main characters in Parker’s ten multi-genre stories set in the heart of Appalachia want to be heard; to have others listen to them-really listen-and understand their needs and concerns.
The characters in these stories do not always get listened to, and many of them find that the need for attention comes from aggression. A woman confronts her father about his dementia. Two fathers whose guilt and shame over the disappearances of their sons hide more sinister motives. A young boy frustrated with a ring appraisal learns a lesson about how people and things can be valued equally. Each of the characters in the collection is faced with a balance of talking and listening with a need for action, which often leads to manipulation and coercion.
The characters in these stories want to be heard; to have others listen to them-really listen-and understand their needs and concerns. However, when they do not get listened to, there is often an attempted persuasion by aggression. One character often finds himself/herself faced with another character who believes that conversation has no place in their lives.
The belief of the antagonists in these stories is that- who needs to talk when there is action that needs to be done? The antagonists believe that there is no need for conversation when the protagonist can be manipulated, coerced, or discredited by actions. Each story is a thrilling adventure with unexpected turns. Parker’s honest and provocative prose will captivate readers with its urgency.
Eliot Parker is the author of the thriller novel A FINAL CALL, which was named a “Best Indie Book to Discover in 2022” by Kirkus Magazine and was a finalist in thriller novel from the London Book Festival. His short story collection SNAPSHOTS, won the 2020 PenCraft Literary Award and the 2021 Feathered Quill Book Award for Short Story Anthology. His thriller novel, A KNIFE’S EDGE, was an Amazon #1 bestseller. Eliot has received the West Virginia Literary Merit Award for his works and has also been a finalist for the Southern Book Prize in Thriller Writing in 2016 for his novel FRAGILE BRILLIANCE.
He hosts the podcast program, “Now Appalachia” on the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network, which profiles authors, editors, and publishers in the Appalachian region. He also hosts a Youtube/Booktube program called “Page Break,” featuring book reviews, interviews with authors, and news about the publishing industry.
A graduate of the Bluegrass Writers Studio at Eastern Kentucky University with his M.F.A. in Creative Writing and a graduate of Murray State University with his Doctorate in English, Eliot teaches writing that the University of Mississippi. For more information, visit his website http://www.eliotparker.com
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#BooksFromTheBacklog – Matt Archer: Monster Summer by Kendra C HIghley @KendraHighley
Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.
If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books.
Amazon / Goodreads
GOODREADS BLURB
In this companion short-story to Matt Archer: Monster Hunter, fifteen-year-old Matt Archer finds himself in the Australian Outback on the trail of his latest targets…and hunting hyper-intelligent, mutated Dingoes is not his idea of a great summer vacation.
Making things more complicated, Matt’s Uncle Mike–aka Major Tannen–is his C.O. for this mission. To Matt’s consternation, the major’s new fiancée, Captain Julie Hunter, is also along for the trip.
When Captain Hunter disappears during a routine scouting trip, it’s up to Matt to help his uncle find her before it’s too late.
Goodreads Ratings: 4.10 249 ratings19 reviews
I added Matt Archer: Monster Summer 3.14.13, but had grabbed a copy on 1.30.13. I’m not sure what made me grab a copy, but I do like the cover, love the paranormal, and it will be a quick read, at 41 pages.
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Horrorlicious – Horror Library #8 by Eric Guignard @ericjguignard @Checanty
MY REVIEW
First off, we have 31 contributors to Horror Library #8 and some wonderful illustrations sure to catch your eye. Look closely. You never know what might jump out at you. Each short story has an amazing illustration to introduce you to the wonder of an author’s imagination. At the end of the book is a guest artist’s gallery by Jana Heidersdorf!
Whether you like stories based on claustrophobia, repercussions, broken rules, a child that….covens, masks, art, time travel, perversion, temptation or witchcraft, you are sure to find something that whets your appetite.
Probably the one that stood out the most for me was Only The Stones Will Hear You Scream. I am claustrophobic and felt shivers running up and down my spine as he squeezed and twisted into a space I feel no one was not meant to enter.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Horror Library #8 by Eric J Guignard.
GOODREADS BLURB
The +Horror Library+ anthologies are internationally praised as a groundbreaking source of contemporary horror short fiction stories—relevant to the moment and stunning in impact—from leading authors of the macabre and darkly imaginative.
Filled with Fears and Fantasy. Death and Dark Dreams. Monsters and Mayhem. Literary Vision and Wonder. Each volume of the +Horror Library+ series is packed with heart-pounding thrills and creepy contemplations as to what truly lurks among the shadows of the world(s) we live in.
Containing 31 all-original stories, read Volume 8 in this ongoing anthology series, and then continue with the other volumes.
Shamble no longer through the banal humdrum of normalcy, but ENTER THE HORROR LIBRARY!
Included within Volume 8:
• In “Saving the World,” a family feeds their captive devil the sorrows of neighbors.
• In “We Can’t Let Go,” a welfare check by a child services worker proves that not all in life is as expected.
• In “Only the Stones Will Hear You Scream,” a man meets his nightmares while caving through narrow underground passages.
• In “Broodmare,” a teen girl yearns to be as free as her beloved horse while waiting to give birth to the savior-figure of her tribe.
• . . . and more!
• Also including a special guest-artist’s gallery of Jana Heidersdorf!
- Genres: Adult, Anthologies, Fiction, Horror, Short Stories
- 420 pages, Kindle Edition
- First published July 25, 2023 by Dark Moon Books
ABOUT ERIC J GUIGNARD
ERIC J. GUIGNARD is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction, operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles, where he also runs the small press, Dark Moon Books. He’s twice won the Bram Stoker Award (the highest literary award of horror fiction), been a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Award, and a multi-nominee of the Pushcart Prize.
He has over one hundred stories and non-fiction author credits appearing in publications around the world. As editor, Eric’s published multiple fiction anthologies, including his most recent, Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror , and A World of Horror , a showcase of international horror short fiction.
He currently publishes the acclaimed series of author primers created to champion modern masters of the dark and macabre, Exploring Dark Short Fiction ( Vol. I: Steve Rasnic Tem ; Vol. II: Kaaron Warren ; Vol. III: Nisi Shawl ; Vol. IV: Jeffrey Ford ; Vol. V: Han Song ; Vol. VI: Ramsey Campbell).
He is also publisher and acquisitions editor for the renowned +Horror Library+ anthology series. Additionally he curates the series, The Horror Writers Association Presents: Haunted Library of Horror Classics through SourceBooks with co-editor Leslie S. Klinger.
His latest books are Last Case at a Baggage Auction ; Doorways to the Deadeye ; and short story collection That Which Grows Wild (Cemetery Dance).
Outside the glamorous and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children, dogs, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles. Visit Eric at: www.ericjguignard.com, his blog: ericjguignard.blogspot.com, or Twitter: @ericjguignard.
ABOUT JANA HEIDERSDORF
Dark fantasy illustrator | beware of nature photography
Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Twitter
MY ERIC J GUIGNARD REVIEWS
- Professor Charlatan Bardot’s Travel Anthology to the Most (Fictional) Haunted Buildings in the Weird, Wild World
- Horror Library #7
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New Release Review – The Broken Darkness by Theresa Braun @rbraun_author
MY REVIEW
I LOVE this creepalicious cover that hints at the darkness inside of The Broken Darkness by Theresa Braun, a collection of thirteen short stories that dive into the deepest depths of the human soul. Come on, join along. Maybe YOU have something you would like to share. LOL
A couple of my favorites, Dead Over Heels and Collecting Empties. Collecting Empties was super short and packed with fatal goodies. Doesn’t say anything about me…does it? LOL Lost Time had my brow crinkling, hmmmm.
Besides ghosts, demons and mythical monsters, we have pinatas, birthday cakes, mirrors, vigilante justice, and so much more.
I highlighted a lot of notes in my ereader, but I think its too much to share. After all, these are short stories. I do love it when I can read a story while standing in line somewhere, or just want to finish a story in…a moment. I love looking into the hearts and minds of characters, finding what drives people to do what they do. I want to hear about their terrors, their darkness, their fantasies, their wants and desires. I want to be looking over my shoulder. I want to be quaking in my shoes at every bump or creak in the night. I want goosebumps rising up and down my spine.
I feel there is something for everyone to in The Broken Darkness by Theresa Braun.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Broken Darkness by Theresa Braun.
GOODREADS BLURB
In her debut collection, Theresa Braun explores the inner workings of the human heart and what it is we most desire—forgiveness, acceptance, love, fame, or merely to escape who we really are. Whether we are battling ghosts, demons, mythical monsters, the past, or other dimensions, we are really facing the deepest parts of ourselves. These thirteen tales of horror and dark fantasy may appear to be a matter of good versus evil, but they are all a reflection of the hidden corners of the soul that are often shades of broken darkness. The characters in these stories must face their inner and outer terrors, or else suffer the consequences.
ABOUT THERESA BRAUN
Hmmm. What’s this? Looks like Ms. Braun left her computer on and her Goodreads bio open.
This should be fun.
What can we say about Theresa? I mean other than the fact that she’s weirdly obsessed with smiley faces :-). Like, seriously obsessed >:-*. It’s kinda scary :-O.
I think she thinks she’s from Renaissance England or Venice or something. I never could figure out which one it was. (She’s really bad at doing accents.)
She likes romance novels and crime TV, which are pretty much the same thing when you think about it. Ha! Am I right?
She has a hell of a singing voice. Seriously. It’s, like, seventh circle of hell bad.
She likes editing. A lot. Just wait till she get’s aload a this.
Cats. Shoes. Chips and salsa. In that order.
Yeah, that last part didn’t make sense to me either.
MY THERESA BRAUN REVIEWS
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Carmen Amato & Her Insight Into Mexico Through Novels & An Insider’s Guide To The Best… @CarmenConnects
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I love suspense, thrills, crime and mystery. I have also been to Mexico numerous times, though I never saw it the way Carmen Amato has. Her book covers attracted my attention, because I am a sucker for great covers. Another thing that really caught my attention and made me curious was the author herself. She has a very interesting history, so be sure and scroll down to check her out.
I am going to review them in the order I read them. If they look good to you, click on the cover to hop over to Amazon. They may still be free, but be sure and check for the “0”.
The covers fit the series so well. I love when an author creates a brand.
MY REVIEW
Her whole world was this moment, this stinky mat, this iron beast that she had become. A fabulous description of Emilia Cruz…and she will need that iron will, that strength, in what is to come. Emilia is the first female detective in Acapulco and she had fought hard for it. I love the character and as I read the five stories in Made In Acapulco, I grew to love her more.
Machismo. Corruption. Cartels.
“Always pay it forward. It’s the only way we’ll save our future.”
BEING BRAVE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR: IT’S THE COURAGE TO PRESS ON IN SPITE OF FEAR
This introduction into Emilia Cruz only makes me want to read more.
I missed so many books between Made In Acapulco, my introduction to Emilia Cruz, to Narco Noir, the eight book. I have missed a lot.
MY REVIEW
I have missed all the books in the series except what I consider the introduction to Emila Cruz, Made In Acapulco. I think it probably affected my review, because I was just getting the hang of being in Mexico, but now I do have some familiarity with the characters and how the city of Acapulco operates.
I sense a romance, but what kind of future does a detective from the barrios have with an American with plenty of money? Could they make it work?
Well, that’s a twist. I didn’t see it coming and I am curious where it will go.
She is a badass. I love a strong female character that can hold her own. Even in the machismo world of Mexico, she earns her place and the respect of (at least) some of her coworkers, informants…
Every move is filled with danger and betrayal. Corruption is rampant, so it’s hard to know who to trust. She has to keep things close to the vest.
Her partner, Silvio, is the only person she calls in her time of need.
There is so much about the book I liked, but I was frustrated by some of the characters actions. I don’t want to say much to spoil it for you, because I think it’s worth finding out for yourself.
I do recommend starting at the beginning and you will need to read to the end of the series to get the complete story.
The Emilia Cruz series takes place in Acapulco, Mexico. In The Hidden Light Of Mexico City by Carmen Amato we step away from Acapulco.
MY REVIEW
“So you’re too afraid to save our country?….What will you leave your grandchildren? A country that’s just a playground of violence for the cartels?”
Eddo hated what he was forced to do just to be able to do the right thing. People will get hurt, but he couldn’t sit back and do nothing just because it was dangerous and may cost him his life.
Luz has sacrificed everything for her family. I feel so bad for her and I wonder when or if she will have her turn. Her family ticks me off. What gives them the right to treat her the way they do. Even her brother walks a fine line in my book. Family is family, but when is too much enough?
An indepth look at the brutality and corruption of Mexico’s’ drug trade and the war for territory.
Whoa…I was brought up short. I thought I knew what the story would be: betrayal, corruption, power hungry, brutal, savage, and those who try to do the right thing. I’ve always heard how Mexico was driven by the drug cartels, so on that front I wasn’t surprised.
The twist with the romance…
The Hidden Light Of Mexico City by Carmen Amato is a great police procedural, suspense/thriller. At times my heart was in my throat and I love the characters, good and bad.
The ending is excellent. Not too short, not too long, just right.
Now, we are real life moments in Mexico. Aapply your suntan lotion, put on your hiking boots, bring your swimsuit, bring your appetite, and let’s go meet some new people.
MY REVIEW
I took no notes for The Insider’s Guide To The Best Of Mexico. These snippets of introductions from the 42 contributor’s to the guide share their favorites in a page or three. I would take it with me if I were traveling to Mexico.
ABOUT CARMEN AMATO
Following a 30 year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Carmen Amato writes mystery and suspense, including the Detective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco. Emilia is the first female police detective in Acapulco, confronting Mexico’s cartels, corruption and social inequalities. The series recently won the Poison Cup award for Outstanding Series from Crime Masters of America and was optioned for television.
Originally from upstate New York, Carmen’s experiences in Mexico and Central America launched her fiction career. Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.
Find out more at https://carmenamato.net
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Books From The Backlog – Distorted by Roberta L Smith @bertabooks #booksfromthebacklog
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I do read anthologies and collections and I know some readers don’t care so much for them. I hope you will still take a look see. You might just find a hidden gem.
GOODREADS BLURB
Five tales where life takes a turn for . . . well, you decide.
Bed of Thorns – She’s rich. She’s bored. Time for some excitement. Little does she know where her latest relationship with someone a tad too young and handsome will lead.
In His Shoes – How do you get even when justice isn’t served? And if you succeed, what then? In the end life seems to have a way of working these things out for all concerned.
R.I.P. Katherine Colton – A screen siren who committed suicide in 1970 is celebrated even today. But the question lingers. Did she kill herself? This movie star’s greatest fan just has to know.
The Miracle – If you want something bad enough — like being the person you’ve always admired — can your wish come true? Maybe so. But not necessarily in the way you think.
Skyglow Undercover – He’s sent undercover in what used to be one of New York City’s grandest hotels. Problem is, he knows nothing more than that. He’ll find out why, all in good time.
Goodreads rating: 4.50 · · 10 ratings · 5 reviews
I love that cool cover and that’s probably why I grabbed it. Sometimes a quick read is just what I need and to have five stories in one book sounds like a treat to me. It may only have five reviews and ten ratings, but it has my caught attention. What do you think? Do you read anthologies and collections.
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Fangtastic Tales of Werewolf Savagery by Toneye Eyenot @ToneyeEyenot
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MY REVIEW
Immediately hooked by the fangtastic cover and the howling good forward.
Blood Moon Big Top: Marbles was a loner, so a traveling circus was a perfect fit for him. He learned the meaning of no good deed goes unpunished. Didn’t have fear of clowns before, you will after reading this gory, bloody horror novella…and I loved every minute of it. 4 Stars.
Hunters Moon: Short Story: This was a hunt like one I have never been on and it was over too quick. 3 Stars
Dire: The thief has no idea what’s in store for him, but I do and it wasn’t any payment I want. 4 Stars
Human Skin: Curiosity killed the cat and it doesn’t bode well for Alex and Jason in this howling mystery of horror. 3 Stars
The Tome of Legion: Who wins in a war between Lycans and Vampires? The battle is vicious but….wins to fight another day. 3 Stars
Excerpt for Wolvz: The Mother of the Pack was killed by humans and Lycan would make them ay in a blood thirsty war of killing. 4 Stars for this excerpt, making me want to read more.
Because I do not do half stars…four it is.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Fantastic Tales of Werewolf Savagery by
Toneye Eyenot
La Lluna Plena – the Full Moon – that beautiful and mysterious celestial body which stirs within us all those deep, dark emotions we do our best to subdue and control. For some of us, her influence runs deeper, much deeper. We all walk beneath her maddening rays, yet, while most may shrug off the notion that inside us all resides a beast – a savage wolf – there are those of us who embrace the monster within and ride that lunatic wave with abandon each time she casts her gaze upon us.
Some see it as a blessing, others…a curse. To be bitten, and fall prey to murderous urges beyond our control, or to have the good fortune to be born into the pack, or perhaps even to whisper words of spell in order to evoke the lycanthropic gift, there are more than a few ways to cast aside the human skin and let loose the wolf within. Those ways are explored throughout this collection of werewolf terrors.
Suspend disbelief, dear reader, because whether you care to admit it, or continue to live in ignorant bliss, we walk among you. We smell the blood as it courses through your veins and taste your fear on the breeze. We long to see the life drain from your quivering flesh as we gorge. Beware the Full Moon, as you are about to enter the world of the Werewolf.
ABOUT TONEYE EYENOT
“Lurk within my mind(s) and see the terrors which await thee. Just keep in mind, once in my mind, you cannot flee.” – Eyenot
Toneye
Eyenot hails from The Blue Mountains in Australia. Although writing
horrible tales for the better part of 30 years, 2014 saw his first
published work in REJECTED For Content – Splattergore through JEA Press.
His debut Dark Fantasy/Horror novella, THE SCARLETT CURSE is book one
in the SACRED BLADE OF PROFANITY series, released in 2014 through JEA,
now unpublished to be re-released through Luniakk Publications. Book II
in the series, JOSHUA’S FOLLY was released in 2016. Book III in the
Sacred Blade Of Profanity series is currently being conjured. BLOOD MOON
BIG TOP released Oct. 7, 2016 – a werewolf/clown Horror novella; all of
which also await republishing through Luniakk. His stories appear in
all 6 REJECTED FOR CONTENT editions, as well as dozens more anthologies.
Eyenot is also the editor for a werewolf-themed anthology series – FULL
MOON SLAUGHTER 1&2, and several other anthologies. This year has
seen the author emerge from the shadows with terrifying results as
Eyenot branches out with Luniakk Publications. So far, with the release
of FLASH OF DARKNESS, PSYCHOTIC INTERLUDE, OF NIGHTMARE REALITIES,
ABYSMAL FEAST: AN AGGLOMERATION OF ANTHROPOPHAGIC ATROCITIES, and WOLVZ:
WHISPERS OF WAR, challenge your sensibilities and take a walk thru the
mind(s) of a luniakk…
You can find Toneye lurking around these haunts…
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toneyeeyenot… &
https://www.facebook.com/luniakkpubli…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToneyeEyenot & https://twitter.com/luniakkpub
Website: https://luniakkpublications.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Toneye-Eyenot/…
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/toney…
G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+toneyeey…
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- Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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