Scribbler Tales Volume One – Five by Mary Ann Bernal is a
collection of 25 fabulous short-stories that will entice, enthrall, and utterly
enchant the reader. This is a book that you can dip into as time allows — it is
absolutely perfect for a coffee break.
This collection opens with a mesmerizing industrial
espionage thriller, which is tangled with a love story that is built on a web
of lies. And thus, Bernal sets the tone for this collection. Each story is
unique, but they are all equally gripping. Bernal lets her readers glimpse into
some very troubled minds, so prepare yourself!
Sometimes the protagonists of these stories walk away
unscathed, other times the antagonists are the victors. There are appalling
acts of revenge, as well as desperate discoveries. This is a collection that
really keeps a reader entertained, for the dramatic plot twists is enough to
satisfy any lover of quality thrillers.
Bernal certainly has a novelist eye for the human detail,
which gives these stories a real sense of authenticity as well as authority.
These stories, as short as they may be, are tautly gripping from start to
finish. They are also immensely readable and next to impossible to put down.
Revenge was one of my favorite stories in this book. In this
quick read, we meet Angela Westin, a woman who seemingly has it all — a perfect
marriage, money, and position. But under this happy facade is a woman who is
trapped with a man whose illicit dealings destroyed their marriage. Driven to
despair, Angela has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. The
question is, does she have the courage to see it through to the bitter end? This
story was written with such a gripping and compelling style that I completely
forgot all about my coffee as I lost myself within the story.
Another story that I really enjoyed was Abducted. This
cleverly crafted story is masterly executed. There are enough plot twists to
cause a reader whip-lash, but it is also written in an easy prose style. The
fast-paced narrative and the unexpected ending made this short-story incredibly
entertaining.
In The Night Stalker, we follow the obsessive journey of a
killer, while in Safeguard, we meet an antagonist whose clever manipulation of
the medical professionals means she gets away with murder.
In Turning Point, we follow the work of an arsonist. While
Brandi fears for her firefighter husband’s safety, she is completely unaware of
how close the arsonist is. This short-story saw me sitting on the edge of my
seat.
Bernal explores the devastating consequences of being
falsely accused of rape in her short-story called Malice. This story was
incredibly real in the telling, and also very realistic. To be accused of rape
by a woman whom you had only met the once in a professional capacity nearly
destroys Andrew’s life. I thought this story was exceptionally well written.
In The Hourglass, young Flair makes a covenant with Death.
This story was engrossing and one that I simply could not read quickly enough
as I was desperate to know if Flair would be set free from her obligation.
There are so many fabulous stories in Scribbler Tales
Volumes One to Five that it was difficult to choose which ones to include in
this review. But be assured all the
stories in this collection are wonderfully written and a real joy to any
reader.
If you are a lover of thrillers, psychological murder
mysteries, and paranormal adventures, then you will adore Scribbler Tales
Volumes One to Five by Mary Ann Bernal. I cannot wait to get my hands-on Volume
Two of what promises to be an equally enjoyable read. Bernal is the
indisputable queen of short-stories.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Scribbler Tales
Volumes One - Five
No comments:
Post a Comment