Jack Binding takes the raw, unpolished version of reality, lightly douses it in horror, and delivers it with a fitting moral of the story.
Having read the below 3 stories it seems ambition and greed are the overarching topics yet the settings and characters are unique per story. Everyone can ramble on about a topic or idea, it’s making an impact and getting the whole point across with a short story that is a skill. You’ll only feel a sense of satisfaction from a short story when you don’t feel like the author is keeping secrets, or the best bits, for themselves. In this case, I’m a very happy camper indeed- three full-bodied short stories that have been the highlights of 3 of my lunch breaks.
Note: click on the covers for the story’s Goodreads page. Below I have linked author’s website.
Dot Matrix by Jack Binding Amazon UK | USA
London’s Square Mile. A cesspit of contempt and adultery into which Larry Hawthorne is sinking to the very bottom. But, one late night, underneath the artificial glow of his office space’s strip lights, a solution stutters to life . . .
An ancient printer helps Larry succeed with his career. Just remember- printing ain’t cheap! Blood, death and a demanding Dot Matrix.
Moral of the story: Karma is a Bitch!
Rating: 5 stars
Property by Jack Binding Amazon UK | USA
You’ve bought a brand new apartment. The taps glisten. The rain shower falls hot and heavy. But beneath it all lurks something evil…
My absolute favorite of the three stories, this one will make you think if all that you’ve been working for really is the ultimate happiness. The ending will add a sense of urgency for us all.
Moral of the story: It’s your life, change it when you’re not happy! Life will wait for no one!
Rating: 5 stars
Twenty-Seven by Jack Binding Amazon UK | USA
Being the prettiest model in London isn’t quite enough for Nathan Little. He wants more. He wants fame. And one drug-fuelled night, he receives an offer too tempting to turn down …
It’s OK to sell your soul to the Devil for fame… just remember to fully read the contract before you sign it! 😉
Moral of the story: Be wise when making choices or face the consequences!
Rating: 5 stars
About the author
1980. John Lennon was murdered and Dallas was the most popular show on TV. But it wasn’t all bad, oh no. 1980 was also the year in which Jack Binding was born. He grew up and moved to London, where, inspired by such literary heavyweights as JG Ballard, Stephen King and Jim Thompson, he now writes twisted, dark works of fiction.
So far Jack hasn’t won any awards for his writing (although he did win at tenner from a scratch card last week), but you can be sure that he’ll update this bio to tell you all about it when he does.
Jack has no children (that he knows of), although he is considering getting a dog one day.
He has some formal qualifications and has worked in a few different jobs during his lifetime, but you don’t really care about that, do you?
Just read his stories.
Did I ever tell you I love your reviews? That unique voice of yours always makes me smile or laugh! I’m leery of short stories because it is so hard to have a real impact and tell everything the reader needs to know with so little pages available. Finding three great ones is a big success! I really like the sound of Property!
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Oh my, thank you so much! It’s like the ultimate compliment for me, and any book blogger I guess! 🙂 Feeling the feels over here 😀 Thank you!
Yes, short stories can go so wrong… but Jack-man over here (there?) seems to capture everything necessary and deliver nicely. I recommend Property… super short with only 12 pages and an ending bound to blow your mind! 🙂 The horror element in Property is really not there… it’s more reality, the way I see it… the other two stories have more of that subtle paranormalty in it, but then again, I’d like to look at those paranormal aspects as symbolism rather than full blown boogiemen.
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Hooked with that opening! You have me searching on Kindle right now! I love short stories that are able to pack the full punch. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Yay! 😊 I hope you like which ever story or stories you decided to give a shot at! 😊
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Reblogged this on JACK BINDING and commented:
Thank you thank you thank you! Property is actually my favourite too – you have exceptional taste 😀😀😀
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😉 welcome!
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I’ve read very few short stories in my life, but man do I agree. It takes a particular skill to be able to deliver a 5* story in few words. I do think that short stories are where you truly find out how much power a word has. Sounds like this series did just that! They do sound like they have great life lessons to convey. 😛
– Lashaan
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Well said about the power of words in short stories.. it doesn’t only relate to writing fiction it also relates to, say marketing content. I struggle weekly by trying to write concise content and it’s a task and then some! 😀
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