Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Secrets, Fact or Fiction?

Edited by Diane J. Newton


      Author Diane J. Newton has compiled a collection of nine short stories for "Secrets, Fact or Fiction?" This anthology includes stories by Ms. Newton, Larry Pontius (author of one of my favorite novels, "Waking Walt"), C.T. Adams, Hill Kemp, Kathleen Strelow, C.W. Gortner, Cathy Clamp, A.P. Fuchs, and Carlene Reed. The question is: Are these stories based on real events - or are they simply good stories birthed in the imagination of their authors? It is up to the reader to decide, and if you guess right, you are in for a treat. At the end of the book you'll find entry forms. Send them in with your best guesses, win the contest, and you'll get a book by each of the featured authors. You'll also receive a free copy of Secrets II, scheduled for release on April 1, 2006.

     A few of the stories are heart touching, like "A Life Interrupted" by Diane J. Newton and "Josie" by Kathleen Strelow (one of my favorites). Then there are offerings like "The Apple Doesn't Fall…" by C.T. Adams - a wonderful detective story and "A Creature of Habit" by Larry Ponitus - a well-written, clever, disturbing tale tinged with jealousy and suspicion. And watch out for the interesting twist at the end. "A Matter of Taste" by Cathy Clamp will satisfy mystery readers, and for those with more macabre tastes, there is "Not There" by A.P. Fuchs.

     Although the stories don't always flow well together because of the different styles and genres, "Secrets, Fact or Fiction?" does have a connecting thread. You can't help but wonder which stories came from real life situations. You will find yourself trying to match each tale to past news events. It isn't easy to separate the fact from the fiction, but you'll have fun trying.

    "Secrets, Fact or Fiction" will not only appeal to anyone who enjoys good short stories, but it will also make a hit with those of us who love puzzles.

   Highly recommended

The Book

Oxcart Press
April 2005
Trade Paperback
0973728256
Fiction / Anthology
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Review two

The Reviewer

Nancy Mehl
Reviewed 2005
NOTE:
© 2005 MyShelf.com