Novel(la) Pairings-Chapter One

A novella is that sweet spot that rests between a short novel or a long short story.  Think of it as a tasting menu, or better still, an appetizer.

When done well, as the ones I am sharing with you in this special summer series are, they can keep you company just long enough for a good walk and give you a sense of as yet unexplored authors.

These are all on audio which only amplifies the experience.  Get what I did there…

DEAR SERAPHINA – AVERY BISHOP

RATING: 9/10

Let me be clear from the start in this review, where this story originates from isn’t remotely where it finishes up!  And that ensures an absolute gem of a read.

A woman initiates a ceaseless campaign of fan letter writing to a starlet in which her chipper tone belies the slow building menace. A slither of dread creeps up as she insinuates herself deeper into this women’s persona.

Our narrator changes as we are introduced to a private security investigator who begins to trail our letter writer, uncovering more than he bargained for.

By the time our narrator switches yet again, everything that came before is turned on its head.  Buckle up readers!

Narrated by Therese Plummer & Jay Snyder

SLEEPING DOGS LIE – SAMANTHA DOWNING

RATING: 7/10

A dog walker gets swept into a criminal investigation when a client ends up dead. When she discovers the body we get pulled into the story as she is interviewed by a detective.

Reader don’t think for a minute that you won’t find everything you believe to be true at any point in this story turned on it’s head.

To say more may spoil the fun and we can’t have that can we?

Narrated by Melanie Nichols-King & Lindsey Dorcus