The Writing on the Wall [Kindle Edition]

Having thoroughly enjoyed Morrigan's crime fiction, I thought I'd give this one a try. And she did not disappoint. She keeps things squarely focused on plot and character, and she's put together a collection of suspenseful, dark, and fun stories. Most of this is along the lines of psychological horror. The title story is close to novella length -- a classic horror plot that Morrigan makes her own. Highly recommended.

Having previously read Julie Morrigan's short stories various places online, I was quite pleased when she offered her first collection, the outstanding Gone Bad, earlier this year. So imagine my excitement when a mere months later - with a novel, Convictions in the interim - Morrigan released yet another collection, The Writing on the Wall. Featuring six short stories and a novelette, The Writing on the Wall proves that Morrigan is both a talented and versatile author, one who inhabits her short stories as comfortably as a second skin.

"Shadow Man" takes an already terrifying experience, sleep paralysis, and pushes the concept even farther. Those who experience sleep paralysis vividly experience as waking hallucinations things people normally only encounter in their dreams. But what if what you were encountering was neither a hallucination nor dream, but real?

"The Black Dog" demonstrates that while reading may be both fundamental and fun, some books are more powerful than others. Far more.

In "Chocolate Button Eyes" a man out on a date gets a bit more than he was expecting when he's invited back around to his date's place for an after dinner drink. "Lust makes men stupid and I'm thankful for the fact." Guys, this one will make you reconsider just who's about to get lucky when you go home with a woman you barely know.

"So Many Summers" is a bittersweet story about loss, and what both the departed and those left behind need to do in order to move on.

Ever felt like life was out of your control? That your path was predestined? "The Project" explores the idea that things really are controlled by "the man upstairs" - only he's not who you think he is.

"Seasons Of The Witch" is a bit of a modern day fairy tale, in which a witch searches for perfect love. But is she a good witch or a bad one, and is perfect love really attainable... even with spells and potions?

The novelette "The Writing On The Wall" is an edge of your seat thriller/horror mix that brings to mind movies like "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer." After coming home from seeing a bad horror movie a group of friends decide to act out the "curse" which was featured in the film. Much to their horror, the following morning they realize the curse is not only real, but they've placed it on themselves. Now, one by one, each member of the group has only as many days left to live as the number of letters in their name. First Ann, then Ian... will Beth ("...blessed as she was with the gloriously long name of Elizabeth.") be able to figure out a way to lift the curse before it reaches her?

And as if Morrigan's stories alone weren't enough - though they are, trust me - there is a bonus short included. In "Frigid Air" by Steven Miscandlon, who also happens to be the collection's editor and cover designer, a young man finds out that the dirt-cheap rent might not have been worth the tradeoff when he moves into The Murder House, the former residence of a notorious serial killer. Wicked, dark humor abounds.

The short story collection is clearly enjoying a resurgence these days, and The Writing on the Wall is definitely one you should add to your collection.

Julie Morrigan once again proves that not only is she talented but she is also versatile. I've read three titles by Morrigan this year and quite frankly any of them is worthy to have pride of place on the shelves of a major book retailer as opposed to the tiny digital coffin that is the modern e-reading device.

Morrigan deserves all the success that a major publishing contract might bring. However, as with Andy DuFrane from the Shawshank Redemption some birds should not be caged as their feathers are just too bright. The diversity Morrigan has brought us with her titles this year would not be allowed by a dollar obsessed traditional publisher that is of course totally their loss and our gain. This reader for one is overjoyed that she self-publishes her work. Released in time for Halloween the Writing On The Wall brings us several chilling tales.

Shadow Man - A straightforward chiller that does a great job of suggesting more than it shows in classic horror tale style.

The Black Dog - A contender for my favourite of the collection. Artefacts such as books contain power as we learn from this brilliantly told tale.

Chocolate Button Eyes - One to make you shudder and proof if ever it were needed that danger does not always emanate from a masculine source.

So Many Summers - A story that left me melancholy as it did a great job of reinforcing the brutality of life. As always with the best stories a clever twist ensures you remain captivated throughout.

The Project - A short intelligently told tale in which we learn that torment can come from unlikely and distant sources.

Seasons Of The Witch - A tale that is written in the style of a modern fairy tale and proves very effective indeed. Fabulously compelling.

The Writing On The Wall - The set piece of and title story for the entire collection. I read this and found that it was so well written it was almost 3D HD. A very "cinematically" written story which frankly could be made into an excellent movie. I am in awe of Morrigan's talents.

Frigid Air - A guest appearance by Steven Miscandlon who edited, proof read and carried out graphic design work on the cover. He proves to be a fine writer too in this great tale. I most liked the wit and humour that he carefully wove into the narrative like little chuckle mines in a minefield awaiting a hapless foot to step on them. A fine story well told.