Wednesday 5 February 2020

GLENN McGOLDRICK - ROSEBERRY TOPPING (2019)



Synopsis/blurb.....

When I got on top of Roseberry, I saw an old couple walking a poodle. I waited until they left, then went to the edge and looked over.

This was the way she went. It would be my way too. But not yet. I still had a few things to do.

In this chapter of the Dark Teesside series of short stories with a twist, the events unfold in Thornaby and Cleveland...

Introducing Roseberry Topping, one of many dark stories from the pen of award winning author Glenn McGoldrick.

I've enjoyed some of Glenn McGoldrick's short stories in the past and was interested enough to bag a copy initially from him direct then subsequently on Amazon when his latest one dropped.

Loss, bereavement, pain, guilt, regret, an intended action, some loose ends to tie up and then the deed.

I liked it well enough. McGoldrick sets his tales in his native North East sometimes urban, sometimes in the countryside. Here there's a bit of both.

I was sympathetic to the main character, felt his sense of loss and his lack of desire to go on.  It might be one of those stories that should carry a tag at the bottom stating that if you're feeling vulnerable or low seek help, along with a contact number for the Samaritans.

Not much cheer to be had here I'm afraid, but it gives you pause for thought, especially considering the fragility of life.

3.5 from 5

Previous Glenn McGoldrick stories enjoyed are Dead Flies (2017), Red Marks (2017), Breaking Spirits (2017)

Read - January, 2020
Published - 2019
Page count - 14
Source - purchased copy
Format - kindle

7 comments:

  1. I do like books that make me think, even if they aren't exactly 'happy' or uplifting. And a short story is often a good way to get to know an author's work. Glad you thought this one was worth the read, Col.

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    1. Thanks Margot. Not exactly grim but not happy either, thoughtful might be an apt description.

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  2. Col, I'd probably look at the other short stories you shared at the end. Always game for a good story by authors new to me.

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    1. If I'm honest I slightly preferred them to this one, Prashant.

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  3. I am planning on reading more short stories this month. And hopefully I will take the time to post on them.

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    1. Yay, I look forward to you putting more up on your blog this year, Tracy.

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  4. Thanks for popping by and commenting

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