Short story collections serve as a good introduction to some writers but they can also be detrimental. I originally chose to review this one because I love Liv Constantine but I was actually disappointed by that story. I was pleased to find two new authors to follow, Loreth Anne White and Andrea Bartz, but the other stories were not for me.

Everywhere You Look
I am a huge Liv Constantine fan but I am not a fan of short stories/novellas and this is a prime example why: it can taint how a new reader to an author approaches the rest of their works. This is not a good example of their writings: it’s too short for character development and the jumps between different time periods creates a jumbled mess. It also doesn’t have the wow factor I associated with the rest of their works. This was not at all what I expected and I was sadly disappointed. I am, however, looking forward to “The Next Mrs. Parrish” and whatever comes next.

The Ghost Writer
A well-written gothic novella – this one managed to have just enough character development and creepy vibes to keep me hooked. I loved the premise and the reveal was not what I was expecting.

The Other Side of the Road
I enjoyed this story. I must admit that when it started out, as with most thrillers, I had no idea where it was going but I happily read on, knowing something good was going to happen and I was not disappointed. Andrea Baratz wove what, at first, feels like an innocent tale of a couple moving into a new neighborhood and slowly getting to know their quirky neighbors but that ending changes everything!

Scorpions
Short, cautionary tale of taking things that don’t belong to you. While I enjoyed the writing, the story itself was too short, which is probably a good thing because the characters were something unlikable.

Jackrabbit Skin
I had not previously read anything by this author so I had no idea what to expect going in. I would rather not judge their works based on a short story but this was just OK. It got confusing and I had to reread several portions just to see what was going on. I couldn’t connect to the characters and I found this difficult to get through.

The Bad Friend
Not really a thriller. Just a sad story of always wanting what someone else has. I did like the way the story moved through the years quickly so you could see how Ellen’s decisions affected her life and those of others but it was difficult to feel for her because she was so unlikeable (which I think was the point).

Loved this collection of short stories! Ghost writer, and Jackrabbit skin were my favorite! Ivy Pochoda I’m going to have to read more from her because I loved this short story! The bad friend was also really good. My least favorite of the collection was by my girls Liv Constantine and Andrea Bartz. With that being said even those were 3 stars so between the 3 and 5 stars this collection is a solid 4 stars. Quick and fun reads.

Loreth Anne White's stood out as a setting and theme that drew me. It had intrigue and a good twist. If not for this one, I wouldn't have read the others. Liv Constantine's story was a good place to start, but by mid-book, the stories began to blend together as issues with relationships rather than dramatic secret-keeping that keeps suspense going. Good marketing idea to alone stand-alone shorts, but I hope for more gripping tales.

I like the Ghost Writer most

The book in question held promise at the outset, drawing me in with its initial allure. Its narrative captivated me, offering an engaging premise and compelling characters that piqued my interest. As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself immersed in its world, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. The author's craftsmanship was evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the seamless weaving of plot elements.

However, as the story progressed, a sense of predictability began to set in. What initially intrigued me soon became formulaic, with plot developments and character arcs following a well-trodden path. This predictability diminished the impact of the narrative, robbing it of the element of surprise and leaving me yearning for more inventive storytelling.

Despite this drawback, I must acknowledge the author's skill in crafting a cohesive and well-executed short story. Writing compelling fiction, especially within the constraints of a shorter format, is no easy feat. The ability to create a coherent narrative, develop engaging characters, and maintain reader interest throughout requires a deft touch and a keen understanding of storytelling fundamentals.

While the book may have faltered in its ability to maintain suspense and novelty, it nevertheless stands as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of short story writing. Though my enthusiasm waned as the predictability became apparent, I can appreciate the effort and talent that went into its creation.

I enjoyed this short story collection written by six popular mystery/thriller authors. By far, my favorite stories were Everywhere You Look (Liv Constantine) and The Bad Friend (Caroline Kepnes). I can be picky about thrillers, so this collection helped me to discover some new authors' backlists to put on my TBR!

3 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Never Tell is a collection of six short stories by well-known authors Liv Constantine, Loreth Anne White, Andrea Bartz, Rachel Howzell Hall, Ivy Pochoda, and Caroline Kepnes. All different, all suspenseful, all engaging. This is a fun series because each story is a stand-alone. Everywhere you Look by Liv Constantine, features Jade, a young lady who lost her father too soon. This was a hard to predict story that kept me guessing. The Ghost Writer, by Loreth Anne White, tells the story of a reclusive author who is willing to share the secrets of what happened to her years ago. Andrea Bartz's The Other Side of the Road features Lauren and Kelsey, a newly-married young couple purchasing their dream home. I did NOT see that ending coming! Rache Howzell Hall's Scorpions was the most predictable of the six stories, but it was still a fun read. Ivy Pochoda’s Jackrabbit Skin tells the story of Swan, who is looking for a new start in the desert. She meets Kurt, who isn't what he seems. Finally, Caroline Kepnes's The Bad Friend is twisty and fun. All six stories were digestible and fun to read.

Very enjoyable book, I loved the writing stile of each of the authors. The astories are compelling and they keep you breathless.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐳 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞
▪️A quick 47 pages about the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter even when he is dead. I’m not sure I would categorize this as a thriller but it was the perfect pallet cleanser full of secrets.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞
▪️This one is giving The Only One Left meets Verity meets the Jack & Jill nursery rhyme. For a short story, this one really got my heart pounding. I really enjoyed it and the ending did not disappoint.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐳
▪️Super quick read that felt exactly like a story told at a campfire in the middle of summer when someone brings up spooky stories. I really enjoyed this one. Perfect for anyone with nosy neighbors!

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥
▪️A story of greed and selfishness. This one didn’t really do it for me unfortunately as I didn’t feel there was a resolution. It didn’t feel like a thriller really but was more the opposite of a happily ever after with no ending.

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐯𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐚
▪️ A story of community and what members of that community will do to protect it. I liked how detailed this short story was. I also think the desert setting was perfect for this one.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐩𝐧𝐞𝐬
▪️ A story of feeling inadequate and insecure. This one confused me a bit as I am not sure where the suspense was. I will say I liked the POV as it made it more personal.

This is a collection of six novellas from an amazing group of suspense authors:
Liv Constantine
Loreth Anne White
Andrea Bartz
Rachel Howzell Hall
Ivy Pochoda
Caroline Kepnes
I had previously read half of the authors, and I was quick to download this NetGalley offering. I’ve recently started enjoying novellas, especially since it’s so easy to take a natural break at the end of each of the stories. I read most of them last weekend, two while enjoying a glass of wine before going to see a show. I found some links between the series, but I think I missed some of the connections. I realized that I hadn’t read the last two before they were published this past Tuesday - oops! I listened to the last two via Prime (you can read or listen to all of these for free if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber!), and I think part of the reason I loved the last novella, The Bad Friend by Caroline Kepnes, was because it was narrated by narrator extraordinaire Julia Whelan!
My favorite novella was The Other Side of the Road by Andrea Bartz - the twist at the end was jaw dropping in the best way!
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. These stories are now available as an entire collection or one at a time, both via ebook and audiobook, on Amazon and are free for Prime subscribers. Check them out if you want some short but well-crafted suspenseful reads!

How do I give feedback on 6 very different stories? I guess I should give it 1 at a time.

Story 1 Everywhere you look:
The story read like it was a book idea that could not fully develop and was shortened into a short-story. The characters were immature and unbelievable. Storyline had some interesting aspects that had potential for an interesting plot but was lacking in execution. Entertaining enough for an hour of evening reading. But nothing noteworthy. 3½ out of 5 stars

Story 2 The ghost writer
I was very disappointed by this story. Not because the story isn't good but because it feels like it was heavily influenced by a mix of 2 other stories. The only one left by Riley Sager and The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo. This story parallels the plots of these 2 popular novels extremely closely to the point that I question plagiarism. If i am wrong i apologize. The story was enjoyable but unfortunately i will be rating as i feel is appropriate. ⅕ stars

Story 3 The other side of the road
Incredibly enjoyable. I will be looking up the author. I want to read more books by her in the future. Great ending. Wish it was a full-length novel. Fantastic 4/5 stars

Story 4 Scorpions
This is the 2nd time I've read a book by this author. This story was very enjoyable. Can't wait to read more by this author. She's a great storyteller. ⅘ stars

Story 5 Jackrabbit skin
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It was full of raw emotions. Though not completely believable the story felt real at times. Was unique and memorable. Great short story.
⅘ stars

Story 6 The bad friend
I don't know if I loved this because the book was good or if I'm just biased because the narrator is the best narrator of all time. I wish this book was a full-length book. I was surprised it went by so quickly. I loved the story, but the ending was a little flat. I'd definitely read more by the author.
⅘ stars

All together if I had to rate this series I'd give it ⅘ stars as that is the majority of the stories were quite good with the exception of 1. It is hard for me to say this in my review but I think it must reflect my accurate thoughts and feelings. I found that I really enjoy reading short stories especially by authors that I've never read before. It gives me a chance to branch out and try new authors I haven't read.

As always thank you netgalley for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

These short stories have reminded me why I hate short stories. Just not enough for me to get into the stories and they all kinda seemed silly.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read these Amazon Original Short Stories!
Each story had me on the edge of my seat. I was sucked in immediately for each. I had such a hard time putting them down. My favorite was hands down The Ghost Writer. The atmospheric setting on an island near the sea. It was dark and mysterious. The Bad Friend was raw and emotional. Filled with so much unhappiness and longing. The Other Side of the Road definitely had a twist I was kind of expecting. Scorpions was another good one but not my favorite. These stories were amazing!

The Ghost Writer by Loreth Anne White – 3 stars

Content warnings: death, murder

I find myself wishing this had been a full fledged novel instead of a short story, but I enjoyed this much more than the first story in the collection. I did not see the twist at all.

If you're looking for a short, twisty thriller, this story is worth the time it takes to give it a read.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Everywhere You Look by Liv Constantine – 1 star

Content warnings: death, murder, attempted suicide, kidnapping, pedophilia

I hated this. The author (technically two authors – this is a pseudonym for a pair of sisters) just attempted to cram as much trauma to one girl as the could in 50 pages. The story is nowhere near long enough to actually have anything to say or to make any of it touching. This is so shallow and meaningless. I didn't feel anything for Jade, not even once, even with all the terrible things that happened to her.

As far as content goes, I tried to list some of the most egregious examples contained within this very short work, but the entire work reads like one trauma gut-punch after another and none of it is handled with sensitivity or character depth or growth. The author has absolutely nothing to say about any of these horrible topics.

I can't explain in-depth what's wrong with the plot without spoiling it in its entirety.

There's also an entire romance subplot with a cheating narcissist that serves literally no purpose but to take up valuable real estate on the page in an already too-short for the premise story.

All-in-all, what could have been an intriguing and compelling thriller is condensed into a vapid, shallow short story that somehow manages to swallow up whole every detail and idea without having a single thing to say.

______________________________________________________________________________

This collection of short stories contains several of my favorite authors along with new-to-me authors. Put all together, this was a 4 star read!

Story 1: Everywhere You Look by Liv Constantine
4 stars
This short story showed how some family's will do absolutely anything to protect the ones they love. It also showed the power in second chances and never giving up on yourself, no matter how defeated you feel.
Really engaging read!

Story 2: The Ghost Writer by Loreth Anne White
5 stars
I have yet to find a thriller from Loreth Anne White that doesn't immediately and instantly hook me! This short story was no exception! A ghost writer arrives at the isolated cliff side home of a reclusive author where long held truths are revealed and lies are exposed. The inclusion of a delightfully creepy and eerie nursery rhyme made this tale perfectly dark, gothic, and atmospheric! Definitely a MUST READ!

Story 3: The Other Side of the Road by Andrea Bartz
4 stars
Married couple, Kelsey and Lauren, move from the city to their dream home in the country. The older woman who lived in the house before them died mysteriously which puts Lauren on edge. Add in a seemingly intrusive neighbor, Lauren's mind goes into overdrive especially as her pregnant wife has to travel out of town. This short story shed light on the darkness some people tapped into in order to make sure their loved ones get everything they've ever wanted.

Story 4: Scorpions by Rachel Howzell Hall
4 stars
A home health aide, Frankie, isn't exactly upset when her 87 year old patient, Ruben, dies. She's cared for him for the past four years, taking a huge step off the path she planned for herself. As she gets her stuff out of Ruben's home, she finds herself on a brand new path; one that may deliver the money and riches she feels she deserves especially after what she's gone through as Ruben's home health aide. What follows is a crazy and wild ride to see if the journey is worth the payout.

Story 5: Jackrabbit Skin by Ivy Pochoda
4 stars
Swan, a lone, female tattoo artist finds herself starting over again in life and chooses to do so in the desert. She quickly realizes you were either born into the desert or you were forced to pay your dues. What dues will Swan have to pay as she tattoos a tragic story onto community member Kurt who lost his wife in an electrical fire three years earlier while he was out of town? The desert doesn't forget, it always remembers, and...it keeps and buries secrets.

Story 6: The Bad Friend by Caroline Kepnes
4 stars
This story hit hard and was gut wrenching. It showed how quickly life goes by and how the small decisions we make here and there can deeply impact our lives, for better or worse. This short story reminded me of how often women take on the burdens of the world to see our family members happy, healthy, safe, and protected.

This is an excellent collection featuring: Six Fabulous Authors with Six Thrilling and Suspenseful Short-Stories! Honestly loved each and every story! Definitely worth the read. I thank Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I am loving this new thing where Amazon has short story collections! I feel like they are recruiting reluctant readers and commitment phobes! Sometimes it’s hard to commit to a whole book and reading a short story is a great alternative. The NEVER TELL collection of thriller short stories was amazing! This collection consists of 6 different stories and they all bring something different to the table. You have betrayal, intrigue, domestic suspense, and a lot of other amazing themes in these book. This collection is great for all readers!

When I saw this, I had to jump on it. It’s like all of my favorite authors in one place! These short stories were so much fun to read. A huge thank you to Netgalley, the authors and publishers for these great stories. I want more!!!

I felt like the stories had potential and I was very excited to read these as I love these authors. I felt like the first one was very cheesy and a little boring. I read half of the ghost writer before DNF. And did not finish the other ones.

Amazon Original Stories presents a collection of unputdownable stories from six award-winning thriller authors and an all-star cast of narrators in NEVER TELL—exploring secrets and how well we know one another.

A heart-pounding collection of stories about secrets, lies, and mind games. Secrets of the past/present collide—and the consequences of revealing the truth in these unique, thrilling, entertaining stories you are assured to enjoy! (e-book and audio formats) My overall rating is 5 stars for the collection idea. A great sampling.

My favorites were Everywhere You Look, The Bad Friend, and The Ghost Writer.

📖 Everywhere You Look
✍ Liv Constantine
🎧 Ellen Quay
5 🌟Stars

In a twisty short story by the bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish, all it takes is one shocking revelation on a New York street for a woman to unlock the secrets and lies of her past.

I loved EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK by one of my favorite author duo! In this mysterious and intriguing suspense, a father/daughter relationship is tested—grief and guilt —where nothing is as it appears.

📖 The Bad Friend
✍ Caroline Kepnes
🎧 Julia Whelan
5 🌟Stars

Secrets, betrayal, and jealousy are at the heart of a friendship in an unnerving short story about truth and self-deception by Caroline Kepnes, the New York Times bestselling author of You.

I loved THE BAD FRIEND by one of my favorite authors and narrators. Can best friends be trusted? Ellen/Troy and Tanya/Ross. A tantalizing twisty game of cat and mouse and choices—is the grass greener on the other side? Wickedly delicious.


📖The Ghost Writer
✍ Loreth Anne White
🎧 Abby Craden
5 🌟Stars

A reclusive author with a lurid history is ready to divulge her most infamous secret to the world in a chilling short story of Gothic suspense by the bestselling author of The Maid’s Diary.

I enjoyed the twisty THE GHOST WRITER in this remote atmospheric cliffside setting. An offer to ghostwrite the memoir of a famous novelist accused of a triple murder. A new ending? Dark and sinister, a twisty, locked-in sinister thriller with a jaw-dropping twist.


📖The Other Side of the Road
✍ Andrea Bartz
🎧 Kira Fixx
4.5 🌟Stars

In a sinister short story by the New York Times bestselling author of We Were Never Here, a couple preparing for the future discovers that their dream house will cost them far more than the mortgage.

A city gay couple with a baby on the way and excited about their new country home and neighborhood in the Catskills. However, the older man across the street is watching and waiting. What happened to the former resident? A garden, a shovel, a basement, a notebook, secrets, murder? Warn, protect, or harm? Twisty, creepy, and sinister, I enjoyed THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD.


📖Scorpions
✍ Rachel Howzell Hall
🎧 Tamika Katon-Donegal
3.5 🌟Stars

A man’s lifetime of secrets and lies. A woman on the hunt for his hidden riches. But there’s a sting in the tale in this gripping short story by the New York Times bestselling author of We Lie Here.

A caregiver, a death, A man's confession, a prayer, a mom, regrets, a buried hidden treasure in the desert. The hunt is on. Clues are wild. Could this be her ticket for a new life? Like a scorpion, always ends with a stinger. Creepy cover.

📖Jackrabbit Skin
✍ Ivy Pochoda
🎧 Ariel Blake
3 🌟Stars

In an unsettling short story by Ivy Pochoda, award-winning author of Sing Her Down and These Women, secrets and rage can get under the skin.

A tattoo artist, the desert, outsiders, a request for a tattoo tribute to a dead wife unveiling dark secrets in the ink. Darks secrets of a desert town. Strange, eerie, weird, and another creepy cover. Bad formatting. Least favorite in the collection.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an ARC for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Mar 19, 2024
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
March 2024 Must -Read Books
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The bad friend
Caroline kepnes
5 ⭐️

Ellen’s settled with Troy. It used to be Tanya and Ellen. They were the cool girls partying and wearing the best outfits. She lost contact with Tanya after marrying Troy and having a kid. Ellen needs a friend to talk about her marital problems with. She misses Tanya. Tanya moved on with her life without Ellen. Ellen is struggling without her bestie.
…
As Ellen traverses life searching for purpose she always reflects back on her life with Tanya measuring herself against her. Ellen’s envied Tanya’s life never quite enjoying her own. When one of the guys Tanya’s dated becomes available she jumps at the chance to take what Tanya once had.
…
Caroline Kepnes has a unique writing voice. The way she expresses feelings is very different from any other author. Her writing style works in a way that separates her from other authors. This short story is another example of her work sets her apart from the rest.

Loreth Anne white
3⭐️

Grace has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to write as a ghostwriter for a woman whose is ready to confess about the murders that took place forty years ago in a tell all book.
…
Loreth Anne White took too long to get to the bottom of the story. The interactions between Claudia and Grace were odd. I thought the story was about a ghostwriter but that was just the excuse to get Grace in the house.
…
Although it was a short story it felt long with all the intricate details. I figured out the twist before it was reveal. It was anticlimactic ending and easy to decipher.

Andrea bartz
3⭐️

Kelsey and Lauren are finally in their dream home, a safe place to start a family. Once they moved in they met the neighbors and found out some interesting stories about the previous owner. Now Lauren is worried they made the wrong decision to move into this house and this neighborhood.
…
I caught on to the twist early in which wasn’t too hard to do in a short story. This one was by far the shortest one yet.