Book Reviews by Lynn

Filled with things not borrowed.
Filled with things not blue.

But filled with shadows and secrets
And one man who keeps the difference.

Step inside Mr. Mortimer’s Antique Store.
He has the one item you always dreamt of.

Review 3*

This is a short story written by one of my favourite authors.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel that it was one of her best works. It starts off well and I got a chill as I began reading the story. However, as I got further into the story, I found myself becoming a little disappointed that the plot was virtually non-existent. It became a series of Ground Hog Day type events that never really went anywhere. The character of Mr. Mortimer was sufficiently creepy, but the reader never gets to see what happens to the customers in his antique store. I realise that the author may have done this on purpose to keep the suspense and horror going, but after the third or fourth person disappears/is lured by a magical device with no real explanation, it seemed to make the story trite. I would have loved it if this story was a little longer and the author showed what Mr. Mortimer was doing with his customers/victims. Or if he was a victim in as much as his customers in the vein of The Little Shop of Horrors, where the magical item (in this case) uses him to procure and lure victims to appease its appetite. This story felt unfinished in my opinion.

Having said all that, I still love reading books by this author and hope to read more of her books in the future. I know she can do better. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is fantastic, as usual. I'm just saddened that this book just didn't reach me on an emotional level, or appear to be one of her usual entertaining reads.

As there are no scenes of a sexual nature, nor any profanity, younger readers would be fine while reading this short story. However, I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a quick read if you have a spare five minutes. - Lynn Worton