As I shared earlier, have been reading so much more of fiction these days.
So, returned to the TBR to decide which one to start..
Have been fairly distracted due to many things these days, and that is the state of mind which is just perfect for anthologies.
So I picked up Where Shadows Follow by
Deepti Menon
Readomania
Honestly, I was scared. Not of the book, or the author with a gentle smile , who has such captivating renderings of childrens books up her sleeve!!
I was scared of the shadowsThe title said where shadows follow
Where would they follow? Would it be scary? Honestly, I am scared of horror books and movies. I didnt want them following me too much, if you know what I mean?
Well, they didnt.
They took me to a wonderful world.
A world of intrigue. Suspense. Drama. A tinge of evil and darkness too. After the first story or two, you know that there is twist waiting for you; and that it may have a touch of the macabre. Yet, the book takes you there gently, almost tempting you to keep up with the unexpected turns.
For me, the experience was like one of the rides in an amusement park. The 2 minute ones for which you wait for 40 minutes for!! (Also the ones where my children later tell me how hard I screamed, much to their embarrassment) .
Similarly, the stories immerse and stun you. But deep within, you know you are safe inspite of the unexpected that you will come to expect from the author! (like I said, horror is horrifying scary for me!)
The stories I liked best were The blue sapphire and Put out the light
The authors command over language and grammar left me impressed too.
The depth of the writing is evident in the quotes from literary greats that precede each story. The story and the quotes fit beautifully together; another testimony to the authors talent
The etching of characters is especially deep and skilled. Many different situations and circumstances are created as the backdrop for these thriller short stories. These are not easy tasks, as I am learning each day!!
I am glad I picked up this collection of memorable stories. Not only was it a very entertaining and engaging read, it was a good change from the books I turn to.
I also found another author whose books I can now look forward to!!
This is absolutely one of the best books of short stories from this genre; and a wonderfully crafted not to be missed collection!!