Member Reviews
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
"Humberfield" by Kingsley Pilgrim is a compelling anthology that weaves together nine short stories, each set in the seemingly tranquil village of Humberfield. However, beneath this calm exterior lies a tapestry of intrigue, where the ordinary is often a mask for the extraordinary.
Pilgrim's narrative is a masterclass in suspense and unexpected twists. The stories are dark, yet they steer clear of traditional horror, sci-fi, or supernatural themes, instead opting for a more psychological and realistic approach to the macabre. The tales range from the story of Melyssa Woodman, a woman who seemingly has it all, to a factory worker's chilling overnight quest in a warehouse of fridge freezers. Each story is a standalone piece, yet they all share the common thread of Humberfield's undercurrents of obsession and injustice.
The characters are well-developed, with Pilgrim taking care to flesh out their emotional landscapes, though some may lack in emotional integrity, adding to the complexity of their personas. The writing style is crisp and engaging, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last.
What stands out in "Humberfield" is the author's ability to create a sense of place so vivid that it becomes a character in its own right. The village of Humberfield, with its secrets and silent judgments, serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.
In conclusion, "Humberfield" is a journey through the darker side of human nature, set against the backdrop of a village that could be anywhere. Kingsley Pilgrim has crafted a book that is sure to resonate with readers long after they've turned the last page. It's a must-read for those who appreciate a good twist and enjoy exploring the complexities of the human psyche.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for a copy. Great short story collection about the twisted happenings in HUMBERFIELD. Targets was a personal favorite. I really enjoyed trying to guess what was happening with each story. Congratulations to the author.
This is a collection of short stories, as it often are in collections some stories are better than others but overall they are really good. I love the writing style and the "twists" in the end. It gets you to think about how you treat and think of others and their lives, that you can't make assumptions because you can be mistaken. Will absolutely add this author to my list of must reads.
I usually don’t enjoy short stories like this. But I actually enjoyed this book. Each story was pretty interesting and easy to read. Definitely gave me black mirror vibes !
Thank you to Netgalley for this earc! The writing in these short stories is not easy to read. The ideas are good. They aren't the same old story lines. The whole compilation gave me some Black Mirror vibes, which was intriguing. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get past the writing. I found myself skimming through these already short stories to get through.
I didn't realize at at first this was different short stories tangled together in one book. Keeping you on your toes, I love the speed of short stories because they can be read in one sitting and once, I am grabbed into a book I have to see what happens next and begin to ignore my adult duties!
This was interesting. The first story has me shook and I may not recover. I mean wow.
Thanks for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this collection! My favorites were Where Is Molly Holiday?, Red A, and The Lemonade Parrot. I think the stories were all really unique and entertaining. 10/10 highly reccomend! Special Thank You to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing to read a copy of the ebook prior to publication date in exchange for an honest review.
Release July 23
TWISTED! Each of the 9 short stories in this Horror Collection are seriously twisted AND twisty. Well-developed are the characterizations, but some of these characters are missing in emotional development and integrity! Summarily, expect the Unexpected, expect one or more characters who travel to a different drummer (much to the dismay and worse of friends, family, coworkers). Reading these stories, set in a "quiet" English community, are akin to riding serpentine curves on an ascending high mountain road with ravines on either side, and no guardrails.