Secrets Fact or Fiction
by Edited by Diane J. Newton
Published by Oxcart Press
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Reviewed by Sharon Broom
Secrets Fact or Fiction, edited by Diane J. Newton, is a fascinating collection of nine short stories. Each story is written in the unique style and voice of a different author.
I so enjoyed "A Life Interrupted" by Diane J. Newton but wanted it to have a more fully developed ending. We were given the luxury of getting to know the characters and then there seemed to be an abrupt and neat ending. Newton carefully developed the characters. They were full, rich and dimensional. I disliked the father and really disliked the sister Jenny. I rooted for Laura and Mike and felt intense pity for mom Samantha. It was an interesting story that drew me in and held me in its darkness.
"Josie" by Kathleen Strelow will tug at your heart and most people will, at the least, have tears threatening to spill. It's really the most different of the stories included in the collection and fits because there is the requisite secret.
"A Matter of Taste" by Cathy Clamp is the story I latched onto and didn't want to let go, not unlike Dan Magraw who really wanted a vacation but the death of Ricky Redding and the arrest of his girlfriend Mandy tugged at him, demanding answers. Mandy proclaimed her responsibility for Ricky's death, but did that mean she murdered him?
"Not There" by A.P. Fuchs will have you on the edge of your seat and you'll find yourself returning to it long after you finish reading it. And you'll ask yourself repeatedly, was Terrance insanely jealous or crazy or perhaps both?
The other five stories will all grab your attention and take you for a grand and unique ride.
An interesting aspect of this collection is the contest attached to it. The question is: Are the stories based on fact or are they nothing more than a bit of fiction. If the reader guesses correctly they can win a signed copy of another book by each of the authors (nine books) plus a free copy of Secrets II. Send your entry (information is included in the book) and see if you win. At the least you'll enjoy the fascinating stories.
Armchair Interviews says that all the authors in this collection are skilled writers who will entertain you.