This *bite* size story was nice and easy to read. The perfect one sitting story! You think you know where the story is going but the author did SUCH an amazing job at throwing in twists in such a short story. I hope there are more volumes to keep this story going or more volumes of other short stories! The narrator's voice was so smooth and perfect for the character

Shocking 😳 🫢
I LOVED the idea of these short stories, honestly looking forward to more because they are perfect for my lunch breaks so I’m glad I was able to try this one out.

I also loved that this audio book wasn’t Siri sounding and had inflections to her voice and sounded mysterious it kept me listening the whole time. So much so, my husband even listened to it while gaming across the room and gasped at the ending when I didn’t know he was paying attention. We both wanted to know more when it was left open ended.

Thank you #NetGalley for this audio copy! #Tillthelastpiece

Yes, this was a great short story. It was a great when Stephen King included it in Thinner. Yea, I know, slightly different set up, pie, instead of cake. But, I cant help feeling deja’vu. Hey, if its any consolation, I think others have used the same vehicle in a similar way as well.

I thought the narration was a bit ‘whispery’. I had to turn up the volume quite a bit above the level i typically listen. Interestingly enough, once the story ended and she was describing upcoming stories, I liked her narration much better.

Overall, I would give 2 stars. Atmospheric, but its been done before and better. The upcoming stories sound grand! Good luck.

Till the last piece was very short and predictable, I’m not saying it wasn’t well written or narrated but you could see how the story was going to end within a couple of chapters.

This is a delicious dark read that can be devoured on a lunch break. The best laid plans can have unexpected outcomes and never underestimate the power of a scorned woman! Give this listen a few moments of your time, it's well worth it.

The narration was engaging. I recommend giving it a go!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley co-op for early access.

This short story was short (obviously), but not so sweet like the chocolate cake described. Over the course of about 40 minutes, readers can explore the relationship between a wife and reaction to her husband's betrayal. Though not quite a "gripping psychological thriller" as described, this story is short enough that it will keep your attention.

As is necessary for short stories, Till the Last Piece didn't go into a ton of detail overall, except for the wife's meticulous planning. The planning was good and intriguing, but part of me always wants more. With that said, I am fine with the 'more' being the follow-up stories in the Macabre Minutes series. I thought the narrator did a nice job as well. She kind of reminded of Angela Lansbury, which fits given her role in Murder, She Wrote.

This ALC was provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.

Till The Last Piece is a quick bite of a horror story. You'll finish it so quickly that you'll want more!

I would definitely read more of this series. This is Volume One and I can't wait to read more!

The narrator has a comforting voice that can turn sinister quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kenneth Cruz, and Dena Kouremetis for the opportunity to listen to Till The Last Piece! I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

Till The Last Piece definitely left me wanting more. They say there’s nothing like a woman scorned, and this short story proves this to be true. Very engaging bite sized thriller that did not disappoint. This short story follows Ben & Amber a married couple that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, yet Amber continues to try and please Ben. When a mysterious package shows up at her doorstep with contents that turn her world upside down, Amber begins to plot her revenge plan.

It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be but it was very well written and enjoyable. Would recommend for a quick read/listen!

Title: Till the Last Piece- A Perfect Recipe for Murder
Series: Book #1 Macabre Minutes
Author: Kenneth Cruz
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Dena Koiremetis
Publisher: Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
Genre: Horror, Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date was: December 22, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars!

The idea behind the Macabre Minutes series is to provide a quick read that will shake your soul and rattle your nerves.

Each story offers a glimpse into the darkest corners of the human experience, blending psychological tension, supernatural elements, and the unexplainable to leave your heart racing and your thoughts spiraling.

I am sure most readers saw this as a challenge. Since it is short I figured I didn’t have much to lose.

Have to admit it wasn’t bad and yes left me wanting more. At the end there are hints regarding upcoming books ~
• The Last Sunday
• Beneath the Bloody Sky
• Forbidden Trails of Kenneth E. Chi
• Whipped at First Sip

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Kenneth Cruz for this audiobook
Publishing Release Date was December 22. 2024.

A short story about how your whole world can come crashing down and then get even worse if you aren’t careful. Amber didn’t deserve how she was treated. She should have destroyed the cake before sleeping though.
This would be best in a compilation of mini stories.

The narrator was engaging.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in return for this review.

Till the Last Piece is a perfect short listen for anyone that doesn’t have the time to sit down and listen to or read a full novel. For some readers it may be predictable where the story is headed but despite that i enjoyed it as a whole. The author did a perfect job of putting together a short story that had you hooked right from the start and kept you interested until the end. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Book 1 of Macabre Minutes by Kenneth Cruz.

These are short horror stories to "Shake Your Soul and Rattle Your Nerves".

Summary:
Amber’s life seems perfect—on the surface. A loving husband, an adorable daughter, and a home where laughter once reigned. But appearances are fragile, and secrets have a way of creeping into the light.

Review:
I liked the story. I wouldn't say it is predictable as such but I was able to figure out the ending... The story really made me think: what would I do in this situation? As Cruz asks, what would you do when betrayal meets opportunity? How far would you go to take back control?
It is a 30-minute thriller - perfect for a short journey or even a lunch break! i'm interested to see what other books are available in the series.

In my honest opinion, the narrator was not the right choice for this book. I found it difficult to get into - which isn't great when the book itself is only thirty minutes long!

Thank you, NetGalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, and Kenneth Cruz.

This was an intriguing and very short story that I enjoyed, despite not liking the narrator’s voice, which I found monotonous and unpleasant.

A whole new take on death by chocolate. Very short but good, hell hath no furry like a woman’s scorn that’s for sure. However the woman also suffered the consequences this time around.

This was a short and sweet story. It was relatable in its mundanity but still well written and executed.

The narration was very good and held up even to a much higher speed than the original.

A quick and nasty read. Not the most original plot but the characterization was believable and the twist in the end was effective. I’ll seek out more by Cruz. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Short stories are hard because you have to draw the reader in and make them care in such a short space. This story manages to do that while filling a need I didn't know I had for shorter stories that I can finish on a short drive or lunch break. The narrator told the story well and believably, and I was satisfied in the end. I hope there really are more in this series because it's so nice to have stories I don't need to stop and pick up on later. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook.

🎧 Reviewing for the Audiobook 🎧

Till the Last Piece is the first in an episodic-style anthology of thrilling short stories that delve into the deepest parts of ourselves. Easily devoured during a commute, on your lunch break, or while at the gym, Till the Last Piece is a quick read - helping you cross another story off your never-ending TBR list.

Although written as a short story, the plot was not rushed and Cruz gave just enough information for us to relate to and understand the motivations of the characters, while not dragging the story on for too long. The narration by Dena Kouremetis was very well done - her pacing helped to create tension and she was able to bring life to these characters who we only met for a short time.

As an avid reader of thrillers, I was able to see the "twist" coming, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing with this series. I don't think Cruz is trying to shock the reader so much as he is trying to spark a conversation about "What would we do in these situations? Would we have acted in the same way as the characters under the circumstances?"

I think this audiobook (and hopefully the future installments in the series) would be really interesting to listen to together as a book club, and then discuss after in real time when the emotions are still fresh. I think this could lead to some really interesting discussions, and would be a fun way to mix up typical book club night.

It's a challenge to set a tone and draw a reader in within the first thirty minutes. This not only managed to do that but tell the entire story in thirty minutes. I was drawn in immediately and really enjoyed this story.