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Today’s Book Review Tuesday post focuses on two novelettes that I was asked to review by Tim Kizer, their author. The e-book version of the stories (which appear in one collection) was provided free of charge by the author. The stories – “Intoxication” and “Hitchhiker”
“Intoxication” is a wonderfully paranoid decadent chocolate truffle of a story. Someone is trying to kill the protagonist, Leslie. Or are they? It is not exactly clear what is happening to Leslie – or the people around her – until the bitter end. And even then, it’s entirely possible that there was something else entirely going on all along.
This is a great twisty story – in all the best possible ways. It contains more switchbacks than a Colorado mountain road, and the kind of dark tragic-comedy I associate with classic David Lynch or David Mamet (impressive compliments indeed, if you know me). This is a shortish story with a very large punch. You will alternate between feeling empathy for Leslie and wanting to kill her yourself – again, in all the best possible ways.
Unfortunately, I must confess that I did not enjoy “Hitchhiker” nearly as much. I actually saw the first (primary) twist coming. Granted, I had just read “Intoxication”, so was thinking in terms of twists and unusual outcomes. But still… This story felt like a rehash of the old “The Hitchhiker” television series. (I know, I know – I’m dating myself and exposing my dork potential here, but I don’t mind. I’m willing to do a lot in the interest of books…)
The story is interesting enough, but it didn’t feel as original or startling or carefully crafted as Intoxication. Perhaps if I had read it separately, or first, I would have felt differently about it. But coming on the heels of the first story, I did not enjoy it as much.
All in all, I think this series from Kizer has great potential. He has an easy and engaging writing style and more twists than a bag of cheese curls. I look forward to seeing the next installments!
About Tim: Tim Kizer is an author of several novels and numerous short stories in the suspense and action thriller genre. He resides in Southern California and is currently working on his new novel “Judgment Day.” Visit his website and Amazon store for more information.
When I first started to read your post, I thought Intoxication and Hitchhiker was the name of one book. Much better that is is two! Sounds like I would enjoy Intoxication as well.
You know Dana, for a writer, sometimes my syntax leaves a little to be desired… (teehee) Sorry for the confusion, but glad to hear that it worked out well in the end – maybe, after all, that’s what counts, no? 🙂
Intoxication was a clever story idea and more than a little twisted – two things I enjoy in a story! If you do read it, leave your comments – I’m always curious to hear other people’s opinions!
I miss YOUR stories. “=)
Aww – thanks Franclemom! I am still writing them, but as they are getting a little longer and I’m getting a little more eager to have a book of them done, I have not been posting them all… 🙂 I will try to get some of my stuff back on here soon tho!