"Freaks"

Freaks (Rizzoli & Isles #8.5) by Tess Gerritsen, AF, 2011, Kindle ebook, 46p, rating=3.5
Source: own

In this free Rizzoli & Isles short story from New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen, author of The Silent Girl, a bizarre death comes with a supernatural twist. Homicide cop Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles have seen their fair share of mortal crimes, but the death of Kimberly Rayner may qualify as inhuman in more ways than one. When corpse of the emaciated seventeen-year-old girl is discovered next to an empty coffin in an abandoned church, mysterious bruises around the throat suggest foul play. Caught fleeing the scene is the victim's closest friend, Lucas Henry, an equally skeletal, pale teenager who claims he's guilty only of having a taste for blood-a craving he shared with Kimberly. But the victim's distraught father doesn't believe in vampires, only vengeance. And now, another life may be at risk unless Rizzoli and Isles can uncover the astonishing truth. (Goodreads)

I've seen a few of the Rizzoli & Isles TV series and I like them.  I didn't realize that they were based on books so when I saw this short story on Amazon's Kindle freebies, I downloaded it.  I wasn't disappointed.  It was a quick taste of what you might find on the TV series.  This particular story was vampire-ish and quite captivating.  I totally pictured the TV stars, Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander (cover photo), acting this out so I was able to identify with the personalities of the characters.  The ending was oddly undescribable but getting there was fun.

This edition included a preview of Ms Gerritsen's book, The Silent Girl, which I found interesting.  I was intrigued and got excited when I found out that my library has it because initially I thought it was a preview of a book that was upcoming.  Looks like I've discovered a new-to-me mystery writer that I'll definitely be looking into.  Ahh, the power of marketing.  That said, for those familiar with this author, any recommendations?  ~Thanks.

Brief Reviews: Letting Go; The New World

by Roxy Boroughs, AF, 2012, ebook, 22p, rating=3
Source: own

A chance encounter gives a grieving woman new perspective in this 2,350-word short story by the author of 'A Stranger's Kiss' and 'A Stranger's Touch.' (Goodreads)

A tender account of an unnamed woman's thoughts, heartaches, and response to the loss of her father.  Although this was not a light subject, the ultimate result of this woman's experience brought promising perspective by book's end. 

Be warned that you might find yourself crying (especially if you're in a similar situation) so make a note of that if you're going to read this in public ..say while getting a pedicure.

The New World by Patrick Ness, AF, Prequel to Chaos Walking series, 2010, ebook, 25p, rating=4
Source:  own

In this dramatic prequel to the award-winning Chaos Walking Trilogy, author Patrick Ness gives us a short story of Viola's journey to the New World. Whether you're new to Chaos Walking or an established fan, this prequel serves as a fascinating introduction to the series that Publishers Weekly called "one of the most important works of young adult science fiction in recent years." (Goodreads)

I have not read the Chaos Walking trilogy and now I want to!  This quick prequel described Viola's internal thoughts and reservations about the up coming voyage to the New World and the heart wrenching sacrifice the journey turned out to be.  Oh, I so want to know what happens next!  This series is now on my wish list.

Bummer that this trilogy isn't in my library!  Anyone out there have them to lend me?  We can negotiate on a borrow or trade system.  I have Insignia by S.J. Kincaid and other books.  Let's talk. :p

"The Glass Case"

by Kristin Hannah, AF, 2011, ebook, 38p, rating=4
Source: own
*SPOILER ALERT*

In her classic short story THE GLASS CASE, Kristin Hannah explores the heart and mind of a young mother. April Bannerman is a young mother of three, married to her high school sweetheart & living in the same small town in which she grew up. Although she loves her children and husband, April is plagued by the growing doubt that she has not lived up to her mother's expectations for her---until one day when something terrible and unexpected happens, and April must face the truth about her own life and discover what really matters.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED: 1st chapter of Kristin Hannah’s newest novel HOME FRONT. (Goodreads)

I get it now (I read two short stories yesterday)!  Sorry An Unexpected Date, you happened to be the first short story ebook I read and got slammed for my ignorance of the design of short story books.  Which I've recognized might be to taste the author's writing style and perhaps include an excerpt of the author's full length books at the end of the short story.  Anyway, I have a new perspective and have been enlightened.  Unfortunately, An Unexpected Date took the sacrifice for my learning.

Okay, now about this book.  Well, this short story was an example of a captivating morsel.  The tale had enough content to experience the quality of the writer as well.  In this case, this was a good showcase because I certainly will now look into her full length books.  :)

Specifically about this story, April's character was able to stir emotions from me.  I was able to empathize with her journey of contemplation in "what could have been" and the reflection of family life.  I especially ached for her when her youngest was not in the school bus home.  The fear and the desperation was palpable.  I'm short of breath right now just thinking about it.  I'd panic too should any of the my children go missing ..even for a minute!  Such I've experience during a shopping trip when my ever curious daughter (actually, all three of my boogers have done this at some point) went wondering off.  A very torturous minute or two nightmare while searching for her whereabouts!!  Definitely not a picnic in the park so for that reason, this story came alive for me.

In sum, this short story packed concentrated content that was telling of a great writer, emotionally relatable tale, and a wonderful message of love, loss, and gratitude to boot.  Great job Ms Hannah!

An Unexpected Date

by Susan Hatler, AF, 2012, 11p, rating= 1  2
Source: own this ebook

Holly loves living in her cozy mountain town and all the surrounding beauty soothes her soul. She treasures beading jewelry for her own small business while watching nature and its amazing creatures outside her window. But, her mom begs her to move back to the city so she can find a man to marry. Holly doesn’t want to give up on her dreams, but does that mean she’ll have to give up on love? (Goodreads)

Did you catch that page count above?  11 pages!!  Incredibly too short.  As cute of a story as it was, there was just not enough content and character development for this to work for me.  It's like a short chapter one for a novel.  I don't get it.  I'm glad I downloaded this for free because if I had spent more, I would kick myself.  It's not even long enough to read while waiting at the doctor's office.  It's a shame because it appears that the author can write.  She just needs to write a lot more! ;)

**Update (5/28/12): I get it now (I read two short stories yesterday)! Sorry An Unexpected Date, you happened to be the first short story ebook I read and got slammed for my ignorance of the design of short story books. Which I've recognized might be to taste the author's writing style and perhaps include an excerpt of the author's full length books at the end of the short story. Anyway, I have a new perspective and have been enlightened. Unfortunately, you took the sacrifice for my learning.