A Filthy Habit

I Got A Kick Out of This Collection

You know how they always review short story collections by describing the stories as "precisely cut gems" or "perfectly constructed miniatures", and so on? Well, I liked this book because it isn't a tasteful collection of cut diamonds lined up nicely on a boring black velvet cushion. It is a grab bag of polished stones, paste jewelry, odds, ends and pretty shiny things. It is, for the most part, edgy and fun and unexpected and darkly humorous.

Some of the stories have switcheroo endings, but this isn't O'Henry stuff. The surprises are more like the kinds of surprises that life hands out every day. The humor is bracing and ironic. Some of the tales are deadpan with a dry, sardonic fillip at the end. Some of the humor is slow-burn, and sneaks up on you slowly and craftily. Some are in your face jokey, and some dare you to laugh. And where's the fun, overall, without a bit of an edge? Well, there's edge here, although a lot of it is hidden and indirect.

Maybe the fairest thing to say is that this book delivers more often than not. I've read lots of blurbs that listed intriguing one sentence teasers for a collection of short stories. And then found that the stories only had premise, not execution. The stories in this book work the other way around. It is in their construction, their pace, their balance and their careful execution that most of the delight resides. Little touches, small throw-away observations, careful selection of just the right word or just the right phrase, just the right bracing or chilly tone - that's what elevates these stories. There is great pleasure to be found in these tales. I didn't just want stories to appreciate or admire; I also wanted stories to enjoy. Well, that's what I got here.

(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

A great laugh out loud read. The cover is what first grabbed my attention-and yes, made me laugh.

Great book! I lover short stories, especially the quirkier ones. And this one does not disappoint in THAT department; too, too funny! Loved the spitting coach! So unexpected and original! Highly recommend. Cover is priceless.

Excellent - really enjoyable. All stories are so different, some humorous and all thought provoking