James Pyles's Blog, page 10

I See Dead People, Even On Vacation

“Oh, come on, Grandpa. Gold Hill is such a famous street and Shaftesbury is so beautiful,” said twenty-year-old Nell. “Try to enjoy it. How often do you get to go on vacation?” “I’m retired so every day is a vacation and you know how I hate old places, especially old crowded places.” Chandler’s eyes kept […]

Voyage to the Bottom of the Swimming Pool

“A pool’s just a hole in the ground you pour money into,” groused Darren as he continued to vacuum algae which grew out of his neglect. “But not today.” He heard the doorbell ring. “Honey, can you get that?” It would be Rob and the rest of the guys. By now, Carol would be rolling […]

Review of “Summer Knight” (2002), Book Four of “The Dresden Files” Series

After getting a nasty flu bug last Thursday, I had plenty of time to power through Jim Butcher’s fourth installment of “The Dresden Files” series Summer Knight (2002). It’s just as exciting, compelling, and funny as the previous three books which I have also read and reviewed. Some authors tend to cut back on the […]

“Ruth and Ann’s Guide to Time Travel, Volume II” Available Today!

This is it! Ruth and Ann’s Guide to Time Travel, Volume II is available starting today in both digital and paperback format. The anthology contains my science fiction short story “The Joker and the Thief.” Here’s a little something to whet your appetite for the whole story: Trying the handle, he found it unlocked. Too […]

At The End of Phaedra’s City

If you like my work, buy me a virtual cup of coffee at Ko-Fi. Phaedra the fugitive approached the shore. Not what she expected after the anguish she had suffered. “Where are you?” Her bare feet shuffled across the cool sand as she walked toward the odd collection of driftwood. A seagull hung suspended in […]

Book Review of “System Collapse” (2023), Book Seven in The Murderbot Diaries

I’ve been reading Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries for a while now and found them to be a great science fiction series. I’ve reviewed them all on this blog if you want to do a wee search and take look. That’s why when I read the seventh and latest edition, System Collapse (2023), I thought […]

The Sinking of the PS General Slocum

“I’m to receive a pardon, so I won’t kill myself breaking anymore rocks with this damn sledgehammer.” William Henry Van Schaick, former Captain of the riverboat PS General Slocum took a challenging stance in front of Sing Sing prison’s newest and most brutal guard. “You’re not out yet, Van Schaick, and if it was up […]

Coming Soon: Ann and Ruth’s Guide To Time Travel, Volume 2

Coming soon! (Before the end of November) Featuring a Foreword written by Henry L Herz. Featuring 30 stories written by: Abigail Gervase, Andrew Majors, Brandon Barrows, CJ Erick, Darrell Schweitzer, David Partington, Elizabeth Davis, Garrett Rowlan, Gary Every, Gary Zenker, Heidi Voss, James Harper, Janet A. Hopkins, John Haas, Kara Race-Moore, Ken Altabef, Ken Goldman, […]

Utopia Lost

“Whatever you have on tap is fine.” William hoped he said that right. The woman behind the bar smiled and served him a light ale. Although he superficially recognized his surroundings, everything was different, especially in terms of how people treated each other. He was served and paid what the man who sent him here […]

“Far Futures Book Three – Deep Space” is Available Now!

If you like my work, buy me a virtual cup of coffee at Ko-Fi. It’s here. My science fiction short story “Confluence” is now available in the Blue Planet Press anthology Far Futures Book Three – Deep Space. The Amazon blurb says: In Far Futures Three, some of the talented and rising authors in science […]