Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Shades of Grey

by Michael Cargill (Goodreads Author)

3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 · rating details · 57 ratings · 46 reviews

John is not a very nice man. He works for the government. So who has tied him to a chair and what do they want? James is a British soldier during WWII. Tom is a young boy with a terrible secret

Three stories. Three very different people. All of them battling to survive.

ebook, 104 pages

Published

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Books at Making Connections Group

110th out of 154 books — 95 voters

Authors Behaving Beautifully

45th out of 110 books — 69 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 119)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 15, 2012 Erin Dove rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I just finished the first short story. A simple story, but the author told it with such emotion. This story starts off with a bang! The way the author wrote the story is quite emotionally overwhelming at times, but he even had me giggling in spots. The constant flash backs to his life before being captured makes the story well rounded. It is not one you'll want to put down!

The second story in this collection was so detailed it made me tear up. I felt as if I was a part of this story. The wa...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 25, 2013 Bettie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: winter-20122013, shortstory-shortstories-novellas, e-book

Eating venison drinking wine and reading this in the city

A Nutty NUUT read

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 09, 2012 Marian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-it-and-reap-reviews

This review can also be viewed on my blog: WheneverLifeGetsTough

Normally, I would have loved anything that talks of anything "history-related", me being a person who likes really bad stuff happening, especially anything that involves people dying or going crazy. So yeah, I pretty much finished this really fast (I admit I regretted not getting to it immediately, as what I've done with most of the books I'm reading) and I have a really good explanation why my rating is it was ok.

So, first off, let...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 17, 2012 Leanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-ebooks-for-review

*Received e-book through Read It and Reap program from the Shut Up and Read! Goodreads group from author;
**Also posted on Amazon.com under Leanne

Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill is a collection of three stories that illustrate the blurry area between right and wrong. The first story, Shades of Grey, depicts the torture of a secret operative named John, who has himself caused riots and killed others in the course of his job. The second story, There and Back Again, follows a British soldier name...more *Received e-book through Read It and Reap program from the Shut Up and Read! Goodreads group from author;
**Also posted on Amazon.com under Leanne

Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill is a collection of three stories that illustrate the blurry area between right and wrong. The first story, Shades of Grey, depicts the torture of a secret operative named John, who has himself caused riots and killed others in the course of his job. The second story, There and Back Again, follows a British soldier named James who is bombarded by German attacks along the French border and must deal with the gritty reality of war. The final story, Down the Rabbit Hole, is about a boy named Tom whose toy rabbit begins talking to him, making dangerous suggestions to deal with an abusive father and a bully at school.

Shades of Grey: This was my second favorite story of the compilation. Cargill did an admirable job in bringing John’s character to life with his inner monologue as he was strapped to the chair. I found John engaging and multidimensional as he described his previous assignments and his failed marriage. Despite his non-ideal past, I was hoping he would survive his torture. The only thing I didn’t like about this story was that it ended too soon – I think Cargill could release a full story with John and would look forward to reading this.

There and Back Again: This was my least favorite story of the compilation. Although Cargill did a thorough job in describing James’s ordeals in various battles, I did not connect to the character, unlike the other stories. I found myself becoming disinterested in the plot and was actually waiting for the end in order to read the next one. I think this story would be more appreciated by fans of war scenarios (which I am not).

Down the Rabbit Hole: This was my favorite story of the compilation. Reminiscent of a Stephen King plot, I loved the sinister feel of the talking rabbit as he persuades Tom (unbeknownst to him) to set up “accidents” for a bully at school and a delivery driver. I thoroughly enjoyed the tension-filled buildup leading to the bloody finale involving the father. I felt that Cargill successfully wrote a complete short story with enough introductory information and a satisfying ending.

Overall, Shades Of Grey was a fast and entertaining read. I would recommend this to adult readers who are fans of suspense/thrillers, such as those written by Robert Ludlum and Stephen King.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Three Crow Press rated it 4 of 5 stars

Three Crow Press Review by OCD Reader

This novel is actually a collection of three short stories about three very different people and settings. Each main character, in their own way is trying to survive in messed up situations where they have very little control. There are tons of books out there right now with the same or similar titles, so be careful! I won this book from Becky's blog a couple of weeks back - thank you!

Story 1 – Shades of Grey; this is largely a stream of consciousness of the...more Three Crow Press Review by OCD Reader

This novel is actually a collection of three short stories about three very different people and settings. Each main character, in their own way is trying to survive in messed up situations where they have very little control. There are tons of books out there right now with the same or similar titles, so be careful! I won this book from Becky's blog a couple of weeks back - thank you!

Story 1 – Shades of Grey; this is largely a stream of consciousness of the wandering mind of a captured operative, John, who is being tortured for information. He has been worked on for a while and he keeps flashing between past and present. It does go through some flashback to other people in John’s life so the reader can understand the ending. You don’t read too much about any gross torture stuff, but you know he is hurting. And, while it is a heavy subject matter, there are actually funny bits. Cargill seamlessly blends humor with horror and made me surprised that I found levity and laughed at times while reading about this situation.

Story 2 – There and Back Again - Set during WWII right before the Germans occupied France, we follow a British soldier, James who is one of the troops trying to stop the invasion. Also filled with a few humorous bits, this snapshot of war and the men who fight them shows what we are capable of committing and surviving during wartime, and a bit of the ridiculousness that accompanies it all. I don't normally read war stories, but I found it interesting.

Story 3 – Down the Rabbit Hole – this third story is the longest of the bunch and the most disturbing to me. Hard to believe since the others about the atrocities of war and torture! But this one follows a young boy named Tom who has an abusive father and loving but ineffectual mother, though relatively strong willed, even though she has stuck it out with such an ass of a man for so long. His best friend, a stuffed rabbit named Borger, comes alive, or at least begins talking, and makes suggestions to Tom, both in what to say and what to do when faced with adversity or even boredom. Borger’s suggestions begin helpful and smart and take a turn to menacing and even deadly. But Borger has Tom’s best interests at heart, or does he?

This collection was great. I really enjoyed each of the characters and even after having finished this book a week ago I am still picturing some of the scenes. That can be both good and bad since some of the scenes were intense, but it made me think and stuck with me so I find that impressive. I also really enjoy the seamlessly blended humor. It felt natural and normal, maybe I am messed up in the head, but I resort to humor during trying times, and I really felt that it works in these stories. After having read Cargill’s blog, I was expecting much more ridiculous and wacky stuff, but he keeps it limited and it almost sneaks up on you in Shades of Grey. I am looking forward to reading more from Cargill and give this book a 3.5/4 stars.(less)

like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-review-books

In Shades of Grey, we find the tale of John, a soldier who has been captured. John doesn't remember how he got here or even where he's at. John sifts thru his memories of the past to be distant in the present. John's captor tries to get him to talk but hasn't had any luck so far. John knows that he can't give out any information to his captor. Will John break? Or will John be rescued? In There and Back Again, our tale picks up the story of James, a soldier in World War II fighting in France. Jam...more

like · see review

Jun 02, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-own, own, review-copy, short-stories

I got a copy for review and have to say I was very pleased. Michael Cargill is an author I will make a point to read from now on because of Shades of Grey, it's a great sampler of his work.

I love short stories and the three in this book are no exception. The first about a man who wakes up to find himself tied to a chair. Out the window a lovely park children running, band playing inside the room with him are people who will do whatever it takes to find out what he knows.
The second about a soldi...more

1 like · like · see review

May 30, 2012 Lauraloves rated it 3 of 5 stars

I won this book in a givaway from the lovely Becky at her blog a few weeks back. Now before i start I'm just going to state that this is not a book like the one that has a very simular name.

This book is a collection of three short stories, and as the synopsis above states, the main theme through the book is survival. I did think that it was war to start with, but the last story really didnt fit the theme.

The first book in the collection was Shades of Grey. This is about a man called Jack, who we...more I won this book in a givaway from the lovely Becky at her blog a few weeks back. Now before i start I'm just going to state that this is not a book like the one that has a very simular name.

This book is a collection of three short stories, and as the synopsis above states, the main theme through the book is survival. I did think that it was war to start with, but the last story really didnt fit the theme.

The first book in the collection was Shades of Grey. This is about a man called Jack, who we find tied to a chair. His thoughts go from the present, being surrounded by people with sniper rifles, and going back to the past where he found his wife in bed with his neighbour. I liked how these two halfs of the story fitted together and it really worked for me.

The second book in the collection was There and Back Again, I just couldnt get The Hobbit referance out of my head all through this story! However in my opinion this was the best story out of the three. This is about James, a foot-soldier during the first world war in France in the trenches. In this he faces his first battle and kills a man for the first time. I liked the emotion behind it and how he still had time to write home to his mum and dad back in England.

The final book in the collection was Down the Rabbit Hole, the title for me reminded me of Alice in Wonderland a little bit. This book is about a little boy called Tom who has a toy rabbit called Borger. He gets abused by his father and is unhappy. Now the bunny starts to talk to him and gets him to do quite horrible things if I'm honest. I didnt like this story at all, I'm not a fan of horror books and for me this is exactly what it was. I am a little uncomfortable to read about a little boy doing all those horrible things.

Now the book as a whole. I enjoyed this book, but to be honest it isnt one of my favourites. I liked the first two stories, but the third for me really put me off. I also thought that it was very gorey in places, which for me at least does put me off a little.

I would recommend this book for people that like crime/thriller/horror books, but for me the last story didnt hook me in as the others did. (less)

like · see review

May 27, 2012 Linda Parkinson-Hardman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Since being given a Kindle for Christmas a couple of years ago I have found that my reading has become much broader and I was recently invited to read Michael's book of three short stories 'Shades of Grey' and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the stories as I had assumed that I 'never read that genre'. Each one of them invited me to look at the world with different eyes. However, the thing that impressed me the most was that the stories told me about the individual experience in a way that is...more

like · see review

May 13, 2012 Shomeret rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, mystery-thriller, my-reviews, historical-fiction

The stream of consciousness technique used in the first story, “Shades of Grey”, is highly effective for showing us the experience of a captured UK black ops agent. He’s not a very sympathetic character, but neither is anyone else described in the story. That’s very much the point of it. He’s what passes for ethical in the context of black ops which requires people who are willing to do whatever it takes to complete an assignment. He’s very critical of other black ops agents for enjoying violenc...more The stream of consciousness technique used in the first story, “Shades of Grey”, is highly effective for showing us the experience of a captured UK black ops agent. He’s not a very sympathetic character, but neither is anyone else described in the story. That’s very much the point of it. He’s what passes for ethical in the context of black ops which requires people who are willing to do whatever it takes to complete an assignment. He’s very critical of other black ops agents for enjoying violence too much, but he’s no paragon of virtue himself. I wondered about the location of this story’s events. It could have been in Ireland or somewhere in the UK itself. The protagonist mentions at least one mission within the UK. I remember thinking while I was reading this story that the protagonist could just as easily have been a mercenary. Mercenaries seem very similar to black ops agents.

The second tale in this anthology, “There and Back Again” takes place during WWII. The central character, James, was rather bland compared to other characters in this anthology. James’ war experience causes him to think differently about courage and cowardice. His fellow combatant, David, is much more complex. David is along the lines of the black ops agents in “Shades of Grey”, but he has survived a difficult past which makes him somewhat more sympathetic.

I would categorize the last of these stories, “Down The Rabbit Hole” as a horror tale. I don’t think it’s about domestic abuse as other reviews have said. The horror element surfaces much earlier in the story. I’ve seen other similar situations in the horror genre. Like the previous two stories in the anthology, it deals with crossing the line ethically. Where should that line be drawn? What happens when the person deciding whether the line has been crossed is a child? I think that another theme that this story shares with the others is that violence begets more violence. If countries have black ops teams, their antagonists escalate in response. The same thing certainly happens in war. In “Down The Rabbit Hole” the violence that begets more violence is incubated within a family. When the violence escalates, no one can predict what the consequences will be. It’s hard enough for an adult to be faced with such a situation. The responsibility would have to be staggering for a child who must figure out how to deal with what seems to be like a juggernaut that he is helpless to control. Fortunately, this is a remarkably tough child. I would agree with the reviewers of this anthology who consider “Down The Rabbit Hole” the best of the lot. This story’s placement provides Shades of Grey with a strong finish.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 12, 2012 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having not read any works by this author before I was hence unsure of what to expect when offered ‘shades of grey’ to read, but I was certainly not expecting to be as overwhelmed by it as I was. Upon sitting down to read this book that is a work comprising of three individual short stories (part one being ‘shades of grey’, part two being ‘there and back again’ and part three ‘down the Rabbit hole’), I sat transfixed for several hours lost within the authors work reluctant to move and somewhat di...more Having not read any works by this author before I was hence unsure of what to expect when offered ‘shades of grey’ to read, but I was certainly not expecting to be as overwhelmed by it as I was. Upon sitting down to read this book that is a work comprising of three individual short stories (part one being ‘shades of grey’, part two being ‘there and back again’ and part three ‘down the Rabbit hole’), I sat transfixed for several hours lost within the authors work reluctant to move and somewhat disappointed when I had finished. Each story was unique and completely singular showing how diverse a writer Michael Cargill is, and how universal these stories are that will appeal to so many different kinds of reader.
Part one ‘shades of grey’ instantly captured my attention and I was immediately drawn into the story from the very first few lines. After only a short amount of time the reader suddenly encounters an unexpected twist within the tale, which turns a somewhat predictable beginning of a story into something exciting and that made me want to read on as I sat in tense anticipation and excitement. This was certainly cleaver and I loved how I learnt so much about the main character strait away, without enduring any lengthy history or long descriptions; the fast-pace was set and the momentum was continued throughout. I loved the descriptions and the use of metaphors to create vivid imagery, for an example I loved the line; “…felt as if they had been cleanly sawn off and someone had stuffed angry bees into the wounds.” Just great writing! Another intriguing twist was when you actually found out the main characters supposed connection to the UK government, but which contrapuntally leans towards crime and the darker side of life. How he described his character was completely engaging and how he thought of his actions like a ‘show’ was a fascinatingly brilliant way of shedding light on the criminal mind. I loved the use of flashbacks and how it flicked from the present to the past, helping to develop the reader’s understanding of the main character and storyline. It was utterly readable, full of fast-paced action and completely engrossing, with one particular description reminding me of a film called ‘Taken’. The conversational style made it feel as if you were conversing with the main character. The use of short sentences also helped to add pace and highlight the intense drama.
Part two ‘there and back again’ completely juxtaposed part one entirely, and which instantly transported me to the battleground with its atmospheric & realistic portrayal, that touched upon all the senses. The reader is thrown headlong into all the action and taken on a personal journey through the eyes of the main character. The soldier’s innocence and the futility of war is emphasized throughout, with all the realism & horror. Part three ‘down the rabbit hole’ was ever so sinister and mentally impacting hence It has stayed on my mind since. The relationships and emphasis surrounding the violent father is so clearly depicted, that you can almost feel what the characters are feeling. There was a lingering feeling of foreboding, an eerie presence out of the corner of your eye that kept me in utter suspense and tense throughout. It felt always as if there was something more apparent than met the eye, and the tension and drama built to an exciting climax. The only element that left me despondent was the cliffhanger ending which especially on this story I would have preferred not to have, and since reading ‘shades of grey’ I am now longing to read more.Completely brilliant, 100% engrossing and something that as someone who does not read short stories very often it is surprising that I cannot enthuse enough about this book.
(less)

like · see review

Apr 23, 2012 Sandy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: nook, own

The writing of these three stories was astonishing and I was moved by the depth and the realism I felt as I read each one of them. Each of them was unique in their storyline but the characters each came out a different person in the end. A better person? Well, that all depends on your own perspective. To tackle a variety of different storylines inside one book was a nice change and I commend the author. The author did an excellent job in the details of each story, giving the readers just enough...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 29, 2012 Heather Boustead rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, crime, drama, suspense, thriller, short-story

Shades of Grey
By Michael Cargill

Shades of Grey: British operative John, or “John the Baptist”, has been abducted and is being tortured; this is a crude and tormenting short story that delves into the psyche of the tortured mind.

There and Back Again: An Action packed story of James a soldier during World War Two, showing the savagery of war and the bonds that form under such extreme circumstances.

Down the Rabbit Hole: An abused young boy, Tom, finds that his best friend, a stuffed rabbit, has...more

like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Julissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a collection of 3 short stories. All of them very different from each other but all dark and with the same themes of death and violence.

The first story, "Shades of Grey" is about a man (John) who works for a British government agency and who has made a career out of violence and killing. In the story he finds himself on the receiving end of some of his own tricks of the trade. This story I wanted to know more about. How did John end up tied in the interrogation chair? What happens to hi...more

like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Eyehavenofilter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Shades of grey. I cannot think of anything more terrifying than coming to, tied to a chair, in a place I don't recognize , being interrogated by people I don't know, about some really bad stuff I've done, concerning a job that really isn't recognized by any legal agency. Well that is what the first story is all about. A tense situation to say the least. Deftly and artistically written by Cargill, at his best. He has a way depicting the underbelly of society, putting the reader right there, in th...more

like · see review

Apr 29, 2012 Martha D rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge, author-read-review, kindle

Title: Shades of Grey
Author: Michael Cargill
Rating: 4/5

Summary: This is a collection of three stories where each of the main characters have one thing in common – the desire to survive. John is not very nice. James is a soldier for the British in WWII. Tom possesses a terrible secret.

Review:
Shades of Grey: British operative John, nicknamed many things, but one of them is “John the Baptist” has been abducted and is being tortured. This story is crude and tormenting, but it is fantastic and it le...more

like · see review

Apr 21, 2012 Betryal rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I saw the announcement on anyone interested in reviewing this book I signed up in an instant. Not because it's m/m because it def isn't that. I told myself I would go out of my normal genre reading zone and chose this one. Boy did I ever! The cover I'll say is what brought my attention to the forefront the most.

Michael presents you with 3 stories. 2 with men and one with a young boy.

1. Shades of Grey: Features John who's kidnapped and you'll read in his POV his thoughts while he's being h...more

like · see review

May 18, 2012 Midu Hadi rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: war fans

Shelves: 212books, abuse, anthologies, shorts

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

7 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Redheaded Bookworm rated it 3 of 5 stars

I had agreed to review this book after receiving a fun email from the author. I hoped that falling for his personality didn't set my sights too high for his book. Well it did.......NOT.

The first story, Shades of Grey, gets you into the mind of a government agent in the UK. Who has been tied to a chair and is being held captive by an unknown. You get great bursts of imagery in this one and lots of crude language.

The second story, There and Back Again, is about a soldier in the British Army during...more

like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Lily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sometime ago, the lovely Erin who co-writes our blog, read and reviewed this book of short stories and had the pleasure of doing an author spotlight with Michael on May 3, 2012.

So, when the author requested a few more reviews through Shut Up and Read Group, I jumped at the opportunity to read it as well.

Truthfully, the last story, 'Down the Rabbit Hole', is what really interested me the most about the collection, and due to my personal tastes, what 'made' this book for me.

'Down the Rabbit Hol...more

like · see review

May 14, 2012 Pat rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mini-reads, adult, suspense-thriller

3stars – an anthology

During the first story (Shades of Grey) features a man resisting interrogation and having his place on a team reaffirmed. So we’re looking at the individual’s impact on the societal paradigm. Inside the second story (There and Back Again) our central characters are soldiers and we examine the differences between courage and cowardice with WWII the backdrop. The third story (Down the Rabbit Hole) is looking more at abuse within a family unit.

Throughout the stories the common...more

like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Delilah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: language-english, thriller, historical, 50-2012

In short words: This collection of short stories was simply amazing.

The slightly longer version is like this:(view spoiler)...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 28, 2012 Brenda Cothern rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: free, short-story, military, other

The book started out really really good but then seemed to just stop. Another story started, where I thought the next chapter would begin, called There & Back Again with totally different characters. I was so confused at this sudden change of characters, time frame, plot, etc. that after a few pages, I stopped reading all together.

That said, perhaps this is a sampling of Mr. Cargill's work? As an author, I have done this myself on the back end of free shorts. However, the shorts just seem to...more

like · see review

May 01, 2012 Darian Wilk rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Shades of Grey is a collection of three short stories, all touching on violence and death. Although this may sound a bit gruesome or odd, it's quite the contrary. Each story is from a different perspective, all seeing violence, life, and death differently than the other stories. Which was a nice approach for me. While I haven't read many collections of shorts, the ones I've had felt so similar they almost blended together to me. That's not the case with this collection - each story stands on its...more Shades of Grey is a collection of three short stories, all touching on violence and death. Although this may sound a bit gruesome or odd, it's quite the contrary. Each story is from a different perspective, all seeing violence, life, and death differently than the other stories. Which was a nice approach for me. While I haven't read many collections of shorts, the ones I've had felt so similar they almost blended together to me. That's not the case with this collection - each story stands on its own.

The first and main title, Shades of Grey, is about a John, a government agent in the UK. Its told through his thoughts, as he's tied to a chair by an unknown captor. Cargill pulls you into the mans thoughts so deeply that they almost feel as if they're your own. He connects you with the character, not an easy task to accomplish with a short story. In Cargill way, there are bits of humor throughout the story, which added a lightness to the scene, yet connected you even more to the character.

The second short is There and Back Again, about James, a British soldier during WWII. This story comes at a completely different angle than the first. I loved the emotion it evoked. It shows how, sadly, war can make people become almost numb to violence and its affect on others. This was a very touching, heartbreaking read for me - one I think many would also feel an impact from.

The last title is Down the Rabbit Hole, is about Tom, a young boy with a very loving mom, and jerk, abusive dad. His best friend is a stuffed rabbit, who Tom finds out has come to life to help Tom with the issues in his life. Of course, Tom is thrilled, until things turn for the worst down a sinister path. This short is the favorite of most reviewers. It's much darker than one might think at first, certainly a very interesting story, and was fleshed out very well by the author.

I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite of the three; all offer so much for being short stories, and from such different perspectives. The author did a wonderful job separating each story, making it truly its own, not comparable to the rest. Cargill has a little darkness about his writing, a quirky humor, that I quite enjoy. This collection of shorts has good reviews and ratings for a reason - it's well written and very entertaining. If you're looking for something that's a little bit different than the norm, I'd say this book is for you.

**My review copied from my blog, CrazyLadywithaPen.blogspot.com(less)

like · see review

Jun 03, 2012 Elisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This novel is actually a collection of three short stories about three very different people and settings. Each main character, in their own way is trying to survive in messed up situations where they have very little control. There are tons of books out there right now with the same or similar titles, so be careful! I won this book from Becky's blog a couple of weeks back - thank you!

Story 1 – Shades of Grey; this is largely a stream of consciousness of the wandering mind of a captured operativ...more This novel is actually a collection of three short stories about three very different people and settings. Each main character, in their own way is trying to survive in messed up situations where they have very little control. There are tons of books out there right now with the same or similar titles, so be careful! I won this book from Becky's blog a couple of weeks back - thank you!

Story 1 – Shades of Grey; this is largely a stream of consciousness of the wandering mind of a captured operative, John, who is being tortured for information. He has been worked on for a while and he keeps flashing between past and present. It does go through some flashback to other people in John’s life so the reader can understand the ending. You don’t read too much about any gross torture stuff, but you know he is hurting. And, while it is a heavy subject matter, there are actually funny bits. Cargill seamlessly blends humor with horror and made me surprised that I found levity and laughed at times while reading about this situation.

Story 2 – There and Back Again - Set during WWII right before the Germans occupied France, we follow a British soldier, James who is one of the troops trying to stop the invasion. Also filled with a few humorous bits, this snapshot of war and the men who fight them shows what we are capable of committing and surviving during wartime, and a bit of the ridiculousness that accompanies it all. I don't normally read war stories, but I found it interesting.

Story 3 – Down the Rabbit Hole – this third story is the longest of the bunch and the most disturbing to me. Hard to believe since the others about the atrocities of war and torture! But this one follows a young boy named Tom who has an abusive father and loving but ineffectual mother, though relatively strong willed, even though she has stuck it out with such an ass of a man for so long. His best friend, a stuffed rabbit named Borger, comes alive, or at least begins talking, and makes suggestions to Tom, both in what to say and what to do when faced with adversity or even boredom. Borger’s suggestions begin helpful and smart and take a turn to menacing and even deadly. But Borger has Tom’s best interests at heart, or does he?

This collection was great. I really enjoyed each of the characters and even after having finished this book a week ago I am still picturing some of the scenes. That can be both good and bad since some of the scenes were intense, but it made me think and stuck with me so I find that impressive. I also really enjoy the seamlessly blended humor. It felt natural and normal, maybe I am messed up in the head, but I resort to humor during trying times, and I really felt that it works in these stories. After having read Cargill’s blog, I was expecting much more ridiculous and wacky stuff, but he keeps it limited and it almost sneaks up on you in Shades of Grey. I am looking forward to reading more from Cargill and give this book a 3.5/4 stars.
(less)

like · see review

Mar 19, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, kbr

Shades of Grey is a collection of three short stories. Each one different, but each with a very dark side to it. The stories all focus on violence and death, but from different angles. Each story is very different to the other, which is a credit to the author; all too often an anthology of short stories can be a bit too ‘samey’ when written by the one author.

The title story, Shades of Grey, was a little too abstract for me. I didn’t really get it, but then perhaps I was looking a little too deep...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 24, 2012 J.R.Barker J.R.Barker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: war-thriller-horror-crime-short, thriller

I have to say it took me a longer to get around to reading this than I would have liked, but it was well worth the wait.
It’s not often I will sit a read a book in one go. I couldn’t even put it down between stories. There are three of them.
This book is not for the faint hearted. The tales are disturbing, dark and absolutely gripping. The stories suck you in, spin you around in a deliciously dark world and spit you out before you know what’s happened.
Michael really makes use of all five senses, w...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Rosemary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Short but satisfying...
Three tales of people under strain, short but not easy reads, each the right length for a sitting. There is lots to mull over in these stories after you have finished reading them.

Of the three, I preferred the first and the third stories. The second, There and Back Again, set in the trenches of WW2, seemed a little familiar, but was still well written. The first tale, Shades of Grey, was gripping, with the tension of not knowing where it was going and just the right amount...more

like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Melanie Cusick-Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I’ve not read a short story collection for a long while so, as it turns out Shades of Grey, was a perfect choice – because it is fantastic!

I read quite a lot and I have to say that it has been a long time since I found myself so ‘transported’ by a book – to the point that the descriptions and world built in the story feel so alive and real that I feel I could turn my head and actually see what the character is looking at – but that was a regular sensation when I was reading this.

The writing sty...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 Sannie Hald rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, read-2012, read2review, free

1st story: 4 stars
- I really liked this short story. The main character is not really likeable, he doesnt have a likeable job or anything, yet one actually likes him. Well I did, anyway. I liked how bold and true everything was described.

2nd story: 2 stars
- Normally I like war stories, yet I did not like this one. I did not feel anything important happened, and I found it annoying he wrote so many letters..

3rd story: 2 stars
- I really liked the idea and concept of this one, yet I think it could...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Making Connections: Michael Cargill - Shades of Grey	6	34	May 18, 2012 09:35pm
Shut Up & Read: Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill	25	56	Apr 22, 2012 04:03am
The Nexus : Shades of Grey - free for reviewers	4	34	Mar 23, 2012 09:11pm
Goodreads Authors...: Shades of Grey - collection of short stories. Free for reviewers.	1	7	Feb 28, 2012 07:16am
UK Book Club: Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill	1	16	Feb 22, 2012 05:14am

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Thriller

7 users

Short Stories

4 users

Anthologies

2 users

Suspense

2 users

See top shelves...

About Michael Cargill

I'm an author who lives in the sunny, green hills of England. As you can see in the photo to the left, I'm mostly bald.

Over the years people had often said that I should write a book so, in mid 2011, I did just that! Anyone wondering which book of mine to read first should start with Shelter from Thunder. 'tis short and available for free.

Feedback of any kind is always welcome.

www.facebook.com/Mic ...more

More about Michael Cargill...

Books by Michael Cargill

Diary of a Dork - Articles of Sarcasm and Irreverence

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Shades of Grey

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Shades of Grey
avg rating	preview: Shades of Grey Goodreads rating: 3.70 (57 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13494255-shades-of-grey?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329815458l/13494255.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13494255-shades-of-grey?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill[/url]

Shades of Grey

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

Videos About This Book

Genres

About Michael Cargill

Books by Michael Cargill

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Shades of Grey

new topic
Discuss This Book