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A Concealed Hand
Bernie has about had it with his wife, and about forty years of her berating insults and over-seasoned cooking are about to come to a head during their regular Sunday canasta game, when he discovers that the only reason she's winning is because she's cheating.
Loaded with absurdly dark humor and capped off with an ending that chills to the bone, A CONCEALED HAND shows how quickly a long marriage can turn south over a bad game of cards.
Loaded with absurdly dark humor and capped off with an ending that chills to the bone, A CONCEALED HAND shows how quickly a long marriage can turn south over a bad game of cards.
16 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2011
4 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Allison M. Dickson
48 books299 followersAllison 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 4, 2013
I'll admit I know nothing about Canasta, other than it's how my parents passed the time. But, just like any other couple in a long-term relationship, I do understand competing with your partner. As I was reading this story, I kept thinking it would make a wonderful episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". I loved it. In addition to the subject matter, the words chosen by the author again remind me that the sharper the word choice, the more vivid the image in the reader's head. This is an art that can be lost in other genres, but it's one that Allison has mastered. It also reminds me why I often prefer short stories to novels - and I fervently hope the medium never dies out. As long as authors like Allison continue writing them this well, it won't.
January 18, 2014
"My sanity knows what a grotesque sideshow this is turning into, but it just sits back horrified and fascinated."
Ha, what a wonderfully sadistic read. Dickson's way with building up the story, showing all the little things that can wear on a person's nerves after 40 years of marriage, was exquisite. I would suggest this to anyone in the mood for a quick read with a lot of bang. Definitely an author I'll read again.
Ha, what a wonderfully sadistic read. Dickson's way with building up the story, showing all the little things that can wear on a person's nerves after 40 years of marriage, was exquisite. I would suggest this to anyone in the mood for a quick read with a lot of bang. Definitely an author I'll read again.
January 18, 2012
I'm a big fan of dark humor, and in that regard, this short is disturbingly satisfying! A card game simply must be finished; no ifs, buts, or...death. This woman needs her own little television series already, something like Masters of Horror or the throwback Creepshow! I would love to see her little macabre gems come to life.
January 15, 2012
Pretty decent short story. The characters were properly fleshed out and I got a sense of the disdain the husband felt for his wife.
The premise is interesting and the ending was abrupt enough to keep you wondering what would have happened next.
The premise is interesting and the ending was abrupt enough to keep you wondering what would have happened next.
February 28, 2014
For 16 pages, this story got me going! It had me jumping at everything I heard and it was pretty funny. Dude really wanted to kill his wife over a game of cards funny thing is 4 pages in I wanted to kill her too. Great story and I would love to read more from this author.
December 18, 2011
A man plans to murder his wife over a game of cards. These short stories by this author are really enjoyable to read. Definately worth the free download.
January 3, 2012
Super creepy story about a man who wants to kill his wife over a game of canasta. Very good story that made me jump when I hear noises throughout the house as I read!
April 27, 2012
A really good, creepy little short story!
September 30, 2012
Another brilliant book by the incomparable Ms. Dickson. An instant 5 starer for the stirring prose and haunting delivery.
November 25, 2012
If you like them short, murderous, and well written, this is a story for you.
April 6, 2013
Dickson's descriptions stand out in every story, but the banality of card games, beef stew, and murder set this fun short story apart.
July 8, 2012
Canasta might not be a good choice for spending the evening with your spouse.
September 21, 2020
This was a GREAT short story terror tale! I haven't heard of anybody playing Canasta in years and as a kid we played it all the time with each other and any adults that could tolerate us ---the story was true to the Canasta Rules and just terrified me! Was a great read! The author consolidated a bunch of her tales in one book: The Twelve Days of Dickson and this was just GREAT. Will make me try some of her books!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews