Customer Reviews

PMS

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Expect the unexpected in this mystery anthology. The eleven stories are written by nine different women authors, all with impressive publishing credentials. The stories vary as to style but share a similar theme: murder by poison. For readers who enjoy a well-written story, especially a mystery or crime story, this anthology is a must read.

Jo Hiestand's "Cross Purposes" is the first story presented. In this British police procedural, Detective-Sergeant, Brenna Taylor, of the Derbyshire Police Constabulary, leads a team to discover why the seemingly well-loved and respected wife of a baker has been found dead of poisoning on Good Friday after eating a hot cross bun. The writing which is brisk and intelligent leads to a surprising denouement. Chelle Martin's "Grounds for Divorce" is an entertaining story about a woman who poisons her husband's morning coffee. Witty and suspenseful, it goes to show that Robert Burn's was correct: the best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray. In BV Lawson's short story "Hear No Evil," Scott Draycoe investigates the murder of a concert pianist by one of those closest to her. In Caitlyn Hunter's "The Secret Life of Alice Smitty," Alicia Smith's life begins to fall apart as an alter ego takes over her life and urges her to kill her sick husband. In "Final Breath" by Norma Lehr, the author writes from a first person male viewpoint. Dr. James Riley is accused by an apnea patient's wife of killing him. This story has a clever twist in the tale, an unexpected ending that mystery readers will enjoy. In Claire Applewhite's "Moonlight Becomes You So," the reader is provided with multiple viewpoints in this complex, disturbing tale of a diabetic woman's poisoning. Chelle Martin's "Brew's Clues" gets into the micro-brewing of beer with another clever tale of death by poisoning. In Lyn McConchie's "Reunion," Marie visits Jan, her old college friend, but what they do on their reunions is a shocker. "Swim in the Sunshine" features Jennifer Wells, an over-the-hill movie actress, who is trying to hold on to a younger husband. The mysterious new backer for her next film comes with an unexpected price. "FM for Murder" by BV Lawson ends the anthology on a strong note. Scott Draycoe investigates the death of a shock jock, host of a morning radio program. He questions those who might have had a reason for poisoning the man and cleverly solves the crime. All in all, an excellent read for lovers of quality mystery fiction.

PMS is an anthology built around poisonous thoughts and murderous intentions. The eleven stories approach the subject from different aspects. All include the suspense necessary to a mystery but also adhere to the format of a short story, which is an art unto itself. I love the twist at the end of each story. A fun read provided by a talented group of authors.

Expect the unexpected in this mystery anthology. The eleven stories are written by nine different women authors, all with impressive publishing credentials. The stories vary as to style but share a similar theme: murder by poison. For readers who enjoy a well-written story, especially a mystery or crime story, this anthology is a must read.

Jo Hiestand's "Cross Purposes" is the first story presented. In this British police procedural, Detective-Sergeant, Brenna Taylor, of the Derbyshire Police Constabulary, leads a team to discover why the seemingly well-loved and respected wife of a baker has been found dead of poisoning on Good Friday after eating a hot cross bun. The writing which is brisk and intelligent leads to a surprising denouement. Chelle Martin's "Grounds for Divorce" is an entertaining story about a woman who poisons her husband's morning coffee. Witty and suspenseful, it goes to show that Robert Burn's was correct: the best laid plans of mice and men oft go astray. In BV Lawson's short story "Hear No Evil," Scott Draycoe investigates the murder of a concert pianist by one of those closest to her. In Caitlyn Hunter's "The Secret Life of Alice Smitty," Alicia Smith's life begins to fall apart as an alter ego takes over her life and urges her to kill her sick husband. In "Final Breath" by Norma Lehr, the author writes from a first person male viewpoint. Dr. James Riley is accused by an apnea patient's wife of killing him. This story has a clever twist in the tale, an unexpected ending that mystery readers will enjoy. In Claire Applewhite's "Moonlight Becomes You So," the reader is provided with multiple viewpoints in this complex, disturbing tale of a diabetic woman's poisoning. Chelle Martin's "Brew's Clues" gets into the micro-brewing of beer with another clever tale of death by poisoning. In Lyn McConchie's "Reunion," Marie visits Jan, her old college friend, but what they do on their reunions is a shocker. "Swim in the Sunshine" features Jennifer Wells, an over-the-hill movie actress, who is trying to hold on to a younger husband. The mysterious new backer for her next film comes with an unexpected price. "FM for Murder" by BV Lawson ends the anthology on a strong note. Scott Draycoe investigates the death of a shock jock, host of a morning radio program. He questions those who might have had a reason for poisoning the man and cleverly solves the crime. All in all, an excellent read for lovers of quality mystery fiction.

I just finished reading PMS, an L&L Dreamspell Mystery Anthology. I loved it! Eleven different writers give their take on how to poison someone. How do you take yours? In hot buns, coffee, herbs, beer? Perhaps by Jellyfish? Or do you like a cereal killer? LOL. Fun book! It's hard to pick a favorite story, but among my favs are "Grounds for Divorce" by Chelle Martin, the wickedly good "The Secret Life of Alice Smitty" by Caitlyn Hunter, and "First Person Singular" by C.K. Charles. If you're looking for shorts with a few flinches of evil, this is an anthology worth noting.