Synopsis/blurb......
'A fantastic writer.' Donald Ray Pollock
Beat On The Brat (And Other Stories) is the second collection to be released by prize winning author Nigel Bird, following the success of his debut, the critically acclaimed Dirty Old Town (And Other Stories).
Here are 9 more pieces from the shadows.
BEAT ON THE BRAT
Winner of the Watery Grave Invitational Contest 2011
Published in Needle Magazine Summer 2010
Nominated for ‘Best Story Online’, Spinetingler Awards 2011
HOODWINKED
First published at ‘All Due Respect’ 2011
Nominated for ‘Best Story Online’, Spinetingler Awards 2011
MIND YOUR STEP
Published in Microw,Winter 2010
TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG
5th place, Watery Grave Invitational Contest 2011
SNOW-ANGEL
First published at ‘Not From Here Are You?’ 2011
SUGAR AND SPICE
First published at ‘A Twist Of Noir’ 2010
and making their first apprearance in this collection:
REGRET
DANCE WITH ME
KILLER HAIKU
Praise for the work of Nigel Bird:
"A rare talent." Allan Guthrie
"Grim, but really good." Ian Rankin
"I’ve not seen Bird take a misstep yet.’ Heath Lowrance
"I sought out everything I could from him. I dare you to read and not do the same." - Chris F Holm
Nine shorts from Mr Bird, with a few absolute belters and the rest pretty good, with a poem and a couple of haikus.
Highlight of the bunch - Beat on the Brat. It's amazing how much is packed into this 15 page multi-narrator tale. A couple of young kids, a neighbourhood clown with a history and a heart, a disaffected teenager and a drunken parent. An inevitable collision occurs.
Too Much Too Young is another powerful tale. A funeral, the return of a disgraced son and some local community action.
Hoodwinked is another tale of revenge and an evening up of the scales.76 pages long - an excellent collection. An hour and a bit's entertainment and cheaper than a decent cup of coffee!
4.5 from 5
Smoke from Nigel Bird was read and enjoyed a couple of year's ago.
A few more offerings from him sit on the device - Southsiders, In Loco Parentis and Dirty Old Town (And Other Stories)
Nigel Bird has his blog here.
Read in November, 2016
Published - 2011
Page count - 76 pages
Source - purchased copy
Format - Kindle
I remember your talking about the author's Smoke. I really must get round to giving his work a try.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I did notice after I posted that one of his is currently free on Amazon UK, maybe US too? THE SWALLOWS......oops just checked and it's a no. Hope you can try something by him regardless.
DeleteThanks for taking the trouble to check around, Col. I see he has a free title on Smashwords, but unfortunately it's por . . . er, erotica. It goes against the grain but I may even spend some money . . .
DeleteOops, a moot point but it was THE SHALLOWS not THE SWALLOWS. Hmmm, I may have to head to Smashwords to check this one out - purely for academic purposes only!
DeleteI always admire an author who can do both quality short stories and quality poetry, Col. This sounds like a good collection, too; glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMargot, I have enjoyed both things that I've read from him and his work does seem to garner some high praise. Justified in my opinion.
DeleteIt's great to see this. A real shot in the arm. I'm grateful that you took the time to read the collection and that you took the trouble to share your thoughts. It means a lot. Tomorrow's time at the keyboard will be that less intimidating because of this. Cheers.
DeleteNigel, thanks for stopping by. You're welcome - apologies it's a wee bit after the time I read it. Hopefully I'll be more prompt with my one from you!
DeleteThat's so nice that the author came visiting! You obviously cheered him up...
ReplyDeleteYes, I was surprised. I should read more from him really. I've enjoyed his work so far.
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