Hello Bookworms!

How it’s hanging? I’m counting down the minutes to my NJ trip for a wedding that starts tomorrow. Finally, a real vacation this year!

Even more good news, I’ve been waiting on a transfer for a library book and it came through! I’m super happy that I’ll have something to read on the plane and I’m excited to finally do some research on a potential short story. More on that in another post, but for now, another short story review!

This time I read Tammie Painter’s new short story, Grave Bargains: A Tale of High-Yield Comeuppance.

I’ve been a big fan of Tammie Painter’s work since my first read of hers, so much that I’ve read the majority of her works (pretty much all 4-5 star ratings) and became a member of her ARC team.

I also got the opportunity to interview her a ways back (you can check that out here), and since we’ve been good author buddies.

Anywho, when Tammie told me about this new release I had to get my hands on it, especially because it seemed to have a spooky vibe to it. Halloween every day!

So the real question is, did this stack up to Painter’s other work? Keep on reading to find it!

PS: This will most likely be my last post for the next week.

Blurb

Don’t you just hate it when you’re having a perfectly nice time being dead, then someone comes along and tries to rob your grave?

But if the grave robber could add a bit more to your treasure hoard, and perhaps help you out with your feelings of inadequacy…well, maybe being woken from The Long Nap might just be worth it.

Grave Bargains is a darkly humorous tale of greed, gravestones, and grisly hijinks.

Payhip

The Review

Such an entertaining, spooky, and  funny story!

I’d like to think that I’m one of Tammie Painter’s biggest fans, but whether you’ve read some of her work or not, this is definitely something to check out.

In a nutshell, this story is about a greedy man who died, only he didn’t, at least not in the traditional sense. Now he exists as some strange kind of undead thing called a draugr that occasionally rises from the grave to feed. But that’s not the reason for his awakening on this fateful night. Two grave robbers are digging his grave up, eager for the precious leftover spoils of his previous life. What’s a miserly undead thing to do?

Mixing the genres of horror and comedy are extremely hard to pull off, but Painter looks that challenge in the face and laughs. Both elements were handled very well. The comedy was subtle and not overstated (something I prefer), and the horror subtle as well.

To be honest, I could relate to the MC, Janders, maybe a bit too well. I mean, we’re all looking to save a buck here and there. This story begs the question how far, and what sacrifices we are willing to make at the expense of others. Am I destined to become a draugr? I sure hope not, but if I am, I’m known for my ravenous appetite, so beware!

I liked the mystery of what the miserly man was and what he was capable of. He was menacing in his own unique way, and as the saying goes, old habits die hard.

If you’re looking for a lighter read with some thrills, definitely give this a chance. You won’t regret it!

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this short story review. I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you read this story? Are there other short stories you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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