There
is nothing harder to review than a book of collected short stories by various
authors. From the different styles to the different levels of production, short
story collections can be, as Forest Gump’s momma says, “like a box of
chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get”.
Well,
Waiting to Be Forgotten makes my job a bit easier because all the stories are
good; albeit some are better than others.
The
concept to the collection is a great one; each story is inspired by a title of
a song from the group, The Replacements. Each author’s take on a different song
leads to a different experience, yet the stories all seem intertwined with
feelings of revenge, dread, hope, and desire.
Some
of my favorite offerings from this collection:
Customer
by S.W. Lauden: The anthology kicks off with a hell of a tale of love and
revenge. Lauden has gotten my attention with everything he has written and this
story is no exception. A perfect recipe for revenge served cold.
Within
Your Reach by Alex Segura: If the first few paragraphs from this one don’t make
you scratch your head and say WTF, I don’t know what will. Starts with a
standard noir outline; man has access to money that isn’t his, he meets a dame
who has plans to get money that isn’t hers, man makes plans that will never pan
out…ah, you know the rest. But Segura infuses this tale with some unique
characters and twists and ended up with a tale that did everything right.
Gary’s
Got a Boner by Johnny Shaw: With a title like this and an author like Shaw, you
know you better buckle up for this one. Add one part of a man who needs some
spice to his sex life, one part Mexican cop with bad intentions, sauté it with
the effects from a Mexican sex pill and you have all the ingredients for a hell
of a read. Johnny Shaw can do no wrong and this quick read is just more proof
for any doubters.
Kiss
Me on the Bus by Angel Luis Colon: A
great story of the balancing act that goes on between finding love and feeding
the itch of addiction. Had a heartbreaking feel, but mixes in feelings of hope.
Left
of the Dial by Eric Beetner: I love Beetner and everything he writes. Here is
gives us two men who find one killing quickly begets another. Issues can arise
when you aren’t totally committed to the task at hand. Beetner’s streak of
writing winners continues.
The
Ledge by Josh Stallings: A family torn apart by drugs and the legacy that drugs
leave on the soul. Stallings is at his best writing about pain, torment, and
guilt. This was my favorite story in a collection of great stories. Sweet
Jesus, this is a good one.
All
in all, this is one hell of a great collection of stories. From established
authors who have had my interest for years, to newer writers who have now
piqued interest, there is something for everyone here. I loved the cover, I
love the concept, and most importantly for a reader, I loved the writing. This
is going to knock your socks off. Dare I say Waiting to Be Forgotten is a perfect holiday gift for
the noir lover you want to keep out of your hair for a few hours.
Highly
Recommended
Reviewed by Derrick Horodyski.
