BOOK REVIEW from Amazon reviewer Michael Watson, July 2007.
Deceptively deceptive
This is a collection of short stories each with a completely different central storyline. They show the skill of the writer in pitching us into both American and British scenarios; similarly, the stories range from tales of the past to visions of the future and time-travel.
The title of the book is also the title of one of the stories (probably the shortist of the thirteen and certainly one of my contenders for favourite) but I'm sure that each reader will pick his/her own favourite from the list. Mine? I rather liked the last one also, 'Watch Over Me' but I think, on balance, it's 'The Disappearance'. I recommend the book, a book which can be put down after finishing one of the stories but, in all probability, the reader will move on to the next one without pause; if only to see where on earth the author will take us next! Quite a pleasure to read.
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BOOK REVIEW from Amazon Reviewer Benjamin Harrison,
August 2007.
Merging horror and science fiction and set against otherwise ordinary situations, these short stories vary from the touching, to the quirky, to the gripping; there is a lot of variation between the individual stories (with no two being directly related), but there is something here for everyone.
The American and British settings of the stories and their characters are not always entirely convincing, but Michael Psciuk's ability to turn the ordinary into the abruptly chilling (or thought-provoking) can be likened to Stephen King's short stories, and makes for some very powerful writing. True to its name, the book's stories are rarely what they at first seem, and many take twists and turns that take the reader completely by surprise; as the previous reviewer stated, while the stories could be read one at a time, the reader is always tempted to begin the next just to see what surprises are in store.
I read Deceptive Bends cover to cover, unwilling to tear myself away from the next, and the next, till I'd reached the end. Though a few were disappointing, there are many original and greatly enjoyable gems among them.
For any fan of Stephen King or any reader who likes to be surprised, this short but powerful collection of stories is certainly recommended.
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REVIEWS REPRINTED WITH KIND PERMISSION OF COPYWRITER HOLDERS
