Under the Scotch Broom

by Allison M. Dickson

It's business as usual for Dr. Victor Barnes, lead researcher at Whitacre Pharms, until a strange little boy named Elvis walks into his life. The kid strikes him as familiar, but the doctor's memory is fading fast, a side effect of the serum he tested on himself to become immortal.

Dr. Barnes soon learns how much his desire to live forever has endangered billions, and that he must go to extreme measures to keep mankind from forgetting itself.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Horror

19 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2011

About the author

Allison M. Dickson is the author of several well-reviewed independently published novels and short stories covering everything from horror and sci-fi to suspense.

Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.

Reviews

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, you wont understand the title until you read the book,
and i know it doesn't sound scifi from the title,
but to me, a drug, 'Perpetua', that allows immunity to any disease and
fast healing to any injury, is scifi!
What say you?

Just the kind of edge I would love to have!
Still, there's just a little problem...
a side effect that i just cant quite remember what it is...
I just know i have this good feeling after reading the short story.
I wonder why...

Kudos to Allison for another great story!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short story that pretty much drew me in from the first few paragraphs. You meet Dr. Barnes who is coming up with a new drug, Perpetua, and has taken it himself to test it. What follows is a tumble through insanity, and an accomplice/delusion named Elvis.

EASY and very short read for those of you who haven't read it, and free on Kindle.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this disturbing science fiction tale, Dickson touches on the dark side of living forever. The story is tight and thrilling and will leave you wondering whether or not you really want that eternal life. Recommended.

[Jessica Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I downloaded this that it was a short story. Upon discovering this, I nearly deleted it without reading it first, but I am certainly glad I didn't! This is an engrossing, well-written story. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.

[Vincent Hobbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great story by Allison M. Dickson. I was hooked from the start. Amazing story, great character development. Had me on the edge of my seat. Loved the ending!

-Vincent Hobbes

[Ishanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting little story by this author. The only complaint I'll ever have is that I want MORE! I wonder what kind of story she could pull off in a novel!

[Byron 'Giggsy' Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story, worthy of being expanded into a full length novel or film

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Loved the ending even if it was kind of sad. Great imaginative story and I didn't see the twists and turns coming. Just awesome!

[Cameron Garriepy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Under the Scotch Broom months ago, and it still comes back to me in idle moments. Ms. Dickson's chilling story is haunting and thought-provoking in equal measure.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. I'm quickly becoming a fan of this author.

[Shawna Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story would make a great novel! Loved it! A few small typos, but nothing big. Enjoyed the disintegration of the final act to save the world. Lots of suspense.

[Craig Wessel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one...very Stephen King-ish :)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best short stories I have ever read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story that really draws you in. Enjoyed it. The style is engaging and the way it is written mirrors the character development so it just feels right and complete when you finish.

[LS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is really, really good.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this our future? Some would think it could happen. Scarry thought.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Under the Scotch Broom

This book was ok how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Victor Barnes has come up with a revolutionary new drug, Perpetua, which causes a patient to never age and to heal from any disease. However, Perpetua, wanted by everyone from the military to the black market, has some very serious side effects and Dr. Barnes has to do something to stop this drug from being released. During his time of insanity he completes his mission, along with the help of a strange young man named Elvis, and escapes prosecution. Until an enemy finds him, but Dr. Barnes will never be Under the Scotch Broom.

This was a good medical/techo thriller. I would love to see this become a movie; it has all the action, adventure, suspense, and thrill that would captivate today's audience obsessed with youth. I don't want to say much to give away any endings, but I got this for free on Amazon and it was definitely worth the read for a freebie. 3 stars.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was awesomely twisted and dark. I super liked it and I really empathized with the MC. I don't want to give anything away, so all I'm going to say is that it is definitely worth a read if you like dark and twisted. I got this for free on the Kindle a while ago. Not sure what it is going for now, but I liked it so much, I would say anywhere from free to $1.99 would be a worthwhile price to check this out. It is a bit on the short side, but it really packs a punch. Five stars, definitely.

[DENISA HOWE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing writing and this author is on my "to always read list" The story line, characters and all was mind blowing, fresh, surprising and wish it would be taken to a longer novel format! One of my favorite this year. A short story but the words reach out and pull you in and you don't even want to escape. When it's over.... you still don't want to return to your normal world... Loved this book.

[DK]

Available to lend through B&N "Lend Me" - see link below for info and reviews. Leave a comment if you are interested in borrowing.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Unde...

[Nicole C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story about the dangers of living forever, or really, the quest to live forever. I enjoyed it, but I wanted more. Also, a few minor edits would have made it better - there were words missing, and so on.

[Bethica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great free short story that really gets you into the storyteller's head. Really enjoyable quick read that looks into the mind of a scientist doing experiments on herself.

[Kathi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Odd little short story. It was a free Kindle download. Might be interested more fleshed out in a full length novel but not bad really.