Review by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
Short stories are often overlooked by “serious” readers as they fear the shorter length means it is “short” on entertainment and engagement. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Do you eat the whole pie? No, a slice is plenty to satiate one’s sweet tooth. I, personally, love short stories finding their condensed length just as rich with description, engaging banter, and absorbing details, but as they tend to ignore all the extraneous visits to cafés and pubs or conversing with friends and family, what’s left is the mystery. No prerequisite reading. No long commitments. No waiting for the next book. Easy peasy gems! |
| Image Source Encircle Publications |
Six Old Women Six nonagenarians, varied in personality, physical and mental impairment, and dynamic within the group, reside together on Heron Island, an isolated island on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. A newly hired nurse, Nataki, arrives to cater to their physical and emotional needs … and final arrangements.
Shuffleboard It’s a hospice center where Brenda is receiving her final care. The nurse explains to Gail, Brenda’s only living relative, that she’d had a restless night babbling on about “shuffleboard.” A summer gone by and long ago memories best left dead and buried are revealed, but not without consequences.
Hardscrabble Monica is set on finishing her paragliding challenge, but being back in her hometown, after such a long time gone, memories can’t be avoided. Jenny, her cousin and best friend, died after a skiing accident on the mountain from which she plans to launch. But, it’s hard to abandon the past and blame hurts.
Pavlov’s Puppies There’s Miss Ellen, who many thought destined for life among the intellectuals, returning to her hometown. After a family tragedy, she becomes a teacher at the local elementary school offering extra help to some of her young students. But a bell and rumors flying about make it hard to understand when questions are asked.
The Man Who Loved Cribbage Old Man Hanrahan has been a recluse for decades, the reason only known to his long-time friend, cribbage partner, and only companion, Moses Flannery. Hazel Foster knew Jimmy when they were young, and as an author, there’s one story she’d love to write: The Lady and the Old Man.
Sharon L. Dean, known for her creative and compelling mysteries, has included a compilation of five diverse stories to her list of work. Striking New Hampshire settings, and although some are fictionalized, it’s an area she knows well. She added intriguing, well-developed characters of varying ages, a bit of witty humor, and engaging drama with secrets and surprises. The stories are easy to read, endearing at times, and with a few secrets revealed or karmic surprises, and although some “why-s” are left to the reader’s imagination, this was a very enjoyable read.
Be a Big Fan of Sharon L. Dean!
Sharon L. Dean was a professor of English who chose to trade in the academic pen for writing mysteries often incorporating many Google-worthy historical connections. Her three-book Susan Warner series (KRL Review—2018) are standalone books and highly recommended for their clever mystery and fascinating mature female lead. Her Deborah Strong Mystery series is also a favorite with all three books reviewed at KRL, too: The Barn (2020), a fascinating cold case mystery, The Wicked Bible (2021), a compelling look at a unique treasure, and Calderwood Cove (2022), a surprising reunion of friends. Don’t miss her work!
To enter to win an ebook copy of Six Old Women & Other Stories, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "six,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen March 4, 2023. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.
You can use this link to purchase the book or click here. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
It's not often anthologies are offered here. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
We have a winner!
ReplyDeleteLorie Ham