Baker’s Dozen: Edited By Candace Nola
Reviewed By Paul Flewitt
I do love a good anthology, the opportunity to see what other writers are up to and discover writers that are new to me. There’s a plethora of up and coming authors in the genre, and the scene is burgeoning with so much creativity that it’s a tough job to keep up. The newbies I get excited about are often old news by the time I get around to discovering them. So, when Candace Nola asked for reviewers to read her new offering, I jumped at the chance to reads it.
Some of these authors I’ve known about for a while, others are totally new to me. That’s the way I like it, and I’ve certainly discovered some talent in the reading of this collection. Candace Nola has assembled a fine group, and all have contributed something disgustingly entertaining.
There’s something for every taste in this confection, although I offer a word of warning for the squeamish (Jeff Strand, I’m looking at you!!) We run the gamut of quiet horror, to psychological horror, a little scifi, weird fiction, splatter and revenge horror. All the writers bring their A game, with delightful results. Some hit higher highs than others, admittedly, but there really isn’t a story here that lets anyone down.
For me, there were a few standouts which deserve special mention: Christine Morgan offers a story reminiscent of Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, mixed with a little Clive Barker eroticism to deliver a fine opener. Loved the concept here, and the writing is engaging as all hell. A real treat.
Daniel Volpe brings an awesome revenge tale, showing us what the baker from the Godfather might’ve done had Vito Corleone refused to do him a favour. I’m not too well educated on Jewish mythology or majicks, and Volpe’s story was a fast paced revelation.
Rowland Bercy Jr’s take on weird fiction was a delightful read, and a truly intriguing concept. That dude knows his plantlife.
And finally, Michael Ennenbach rounds things off with a very nice tale of Death, bless him. All he wanted to do was deliver a birthday present … poor dude.
All in all, this collection keeps the pages turning nicely. It’s entertaining, and there’s something here for everyone. I offer congratulations to Candace Nola for assembling this group, and all the authors for their efforts. It was a pleasure to read.
Baker’s Dozen
Uncomfortably Dark Presents…The Baker’s Dozen!
Delicious Dark Delights for your horror consumption!
Come indulge in the dark and disturbing with 13 tantalizing tales of terror written by an incredible lineup of independent horror authors. With stories ranging from delightful to disturbing, you are sure to find something to please your sweet spot.
Authors include Jeff Strand, Christine Morgan, Ruthann Jagge, Aron Beauregard, Lee Franklin, Chris Miller, Patrick C. Harrison, III, Carver Pike, Kenzie Jennings, Daniel Volpe, Rowland Bercy, Jr., Candace Nola and M. Ennenbach. Includes a special foreword by Jeff Strand.
Bon Appétit!
You can buy Baker’s Dozen from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Paul Flewitt
Paul Flewitt is a horror/dark fantasy author with the CHBB/Vamptasy press. He was born on the 24th April 1982 in the Yorkshire city of Sheffield.
Always an avid reader, Paul put pen to paper for the first time in 1999 and came very close to inking a deal with a small press. Due to circumstances unforeseen, this work has never been released, but it did give Paul a drive to achieve within the arts.
In the early 2000’s, Paul concentrated on music; writing song lyrics for his brother and his own bands. Paul was lead singer in a few rock bands during this time and still garners inspiration from music to this day. Paul gave up his musical aspirations in 2009.
In late 2012, Paul became unemployed and decided to make a serious attempt to make a name for himself as a writer. He went to work, penning several short stories and even dusting off the manuscript that had almost been published over a decade earlier. His efforts culminated in his first work being published in mid-2013, the flash fiction piece “Smoke” can be found in OzHorrorCon’s Book of the Tribes; A Tribute To Clive Barker’s Nightbreed.
2013 was a productive year as he released his short story “Paradise Park” in both J. Ellington Ashton’s All That Remains anthology and separate anthology, Thirteen vol 3. He also completed his debut novella in this time. “Poor Jeffrey” was first released to much praise in February 2014. In July 2014 his short story “Always Beneath” was released as part of CHBB’s Dark Light Four anthology.
In 2015 Paul contributed to two further anthologies; Demonology (Climbing Out) from Lycopolis Press and Behind Closed Doors (Apartment 16c) with fellow authors Matt Shaw, Michael Bray, Stuart Keane and more.
In 2016, Paul wrote the monologue; The Silent Invader for a pitch TV series entitled Fragments of Fear. The resulting episode can be viewed now on YouTube, but the show was never aired. The text for the monologue was published in Matt Shaw’s Masters Of Horror anthology in 2017.
Paul continues to work on further material.
He remains in Sheffield, where he lives with his partner and two children. He consorts with his beta reading demons on a daily basis.
You can find more information on Paul Flewitt and his works here…
Facebook; My-Storytrees-Leaves
Amazon; Paul-Flewitt
Twitter; @RealPaulFlewitt
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