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As Mad as a Hatter: A short story collection
Madness is a state of frenzied or chaotic activity, and that is what you will find inside the pages of ‘As Mad as a Hatter’. Walk the path of Lady Death, feel the power of freedom, fall in love, and fear the dark corners of the room with these twelve short stories and six poems from Catherine Stovall. What will you find under the top hat?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2014
6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stovall
43 books113 followersCatherine Stovall is the author of many fiction works in the horror, steampunk, paranormal, fantasy, dark fantasy, and YA genres.
Catherine is a fearless creature who surrounds herself with the joys of life both in and out of her fictional worlds. She lives in Southeast Missouri with her husband, three children, and pets. When not writing, she spends her time riding motorcycles, wearing elaborate hats, and genuinely enjoying the oddities in life.
A lover of social media, she encourages her fans to reach out to her through facebook, her website, and twitter, so they can share in the experience of publishing and creating.
Visit Catherine on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCather...
Catherine is a fearless creature who surrounds herself with the joys of life both in and out of her fictional worlds. She lives in Southeast Missouri with her husband, three children, and pets. When not writing, she spends her time riding motorcycles, wearing elaborate hats, and genuinely enjoying the oddities in life.
A lover of social media, she encourages her fans to reach out to her through facebook, her website, and twitter, so they can share in the experience of publishing and creating.
Visit Catherine on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCather...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 12, 2014
As Mad as a Hatter by Catherine Stovall is a wonderful collection of what the author has to offer her readers. As per the norm Catherine takes her reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions and experiences. Her ability to paint a scene with mere words is breath taking. There is something for almost everyone in this book.
If the reader is looking for a good scare then “Room Number Four” and “The Queen’s Art” will have them afraid to stay in a seedy Motels or betray a person’s Trust. For the fans of ghostly horror and the super natural we have “Lady Death Comes to Call”, “Down on the Banks”, and “Sweet Sally Slasher”. All three will have you sleeping with the lights.
Unfortunately, the poetry, I found lacked the connection to the reader that is vital to make the meaning relevant. It had the measure, the timing and (in most cases) the rhyme. I fear it lacked the heart and soul her writing usually conveys. The poetry left me feeling as if I had missed something important. It is just under the surface, however not quiet breaking through. The poem “The Saga of Bonnie and Clyde” tells a story and portrays the love and respect the author has for the characters. It gave a glimpse of what the author is capable of doing in the field of poetry.
Several of the stories tackle abuse toward women and how these women respond. My heart went out to them. I understand why the stories are told as they were, however they seemed cliché. It is a story that should be repeated over and over until violence toward women stops, on the other hand I feel Catherine could have tackled the subject in a way that hasn’t been done before.
The true gems in this set of stories are “Drift back Home”, “A Photograph of Home”, and “Pretty Little Poppet”. They grab the reader by the emotions and pull them in. Once the reader starts reading, they can’t escape and are along for the emotional ride. They tackle some of the hardest emotional wants and desires of an individual and show the outcome may or may not always be what we need or want. I dare the reader not to get emotionally attached.
This book is a recommend for those readers who are not sure of what to expect from Catherine Stovall. Over all the book makes me wonder what the author will have for us next. I look forward to watching her develop and grow as an author. I also would like to thank her for sharing a part of herself with the world.
As Mad as a Hatter: A short story collectionCatherine Stovall
If the reader is looking for a good scare then “Room Number Four” and “The Queen’s Art” will have them afraid to stay in a seedy Motels or betray a person’s Trust. For the fans of ghostly horror and the super natural we have “Lady Death Comes to Call”, “Down on the Banks”, and “Sweet Sally Slasher”. All three will have you sleeping with the lights.
Unfortunately, the poetry, I found lacked the connection to the reader that is vital to make the meaning relevant. It had the measure, the timing and (in most cases) the rhyme. I fear it lacked the heart and soul her writing usually conveys. The poetry left me feeling as if I had missed something important. It is just under the surface, however not quiet breaking through. The poem “The Saga of Bonnie and Clyde” tells a story and portrays the love and respect the author has for the characters. It gave a glimpse of what the author is capable of doing in the field of poetry.
Several of the stories tackle abuse toward women and how these women respond. My heart went out to them. I understand why the stories are told as they were, however they seemed cliché. It is a story that should be repeated over and over until violence toward women stops, on the other hand I feel Catherine could have tackled the subject in a way that hasn’t been done before.
The true gems in this set of stories are “Drift back Home”, “A Photograph of Home”, and “Pretty Little Poppet”. They grab the reader by the emotions and pull them in. Once the reader starts reading, they can’t escape and are along for the emotional ride. They tackle some of the hardest emotional wants and desires of an individual and show the outcome may or may not always be what we need or want. I dare the reader not to get emotionally attached.
This book is a recommend for those readers who are not sure of what to expect from Catherine Stovall. Over all the book makes me wonder what the author will have for us next. I look forward to watching her develop and grow as an author. I also would like to thank her for sharing a part of herself with the world.
As Mad as a Hatter: A short story collectionCatherine Stovall
January 9, 2016
Title: As Mad as a Hatter: A Short Story Collection
Author: Catherine Stovall
Format: E-book
Pages: 144
Dates Read: November 29-December 1, 2015
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Madness is a state of frenzied or chaotic activity. Twelve short stories. Six poems. We are given a delightfully chaotic and frenzied view beneath the top hat that the Hatter wears. Catherine Stovall's delightfully mad muse.
Review:
I was gifted a copy of this short story collection by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity Catherine!
Where in the hell do I start with this fantastic collection of short stories and poems? I have absolutely no idea. Let's see if I can do this collection justice with my review or if I will fall short because I cannot properly find the words to express the nostalgia and reminder of Stephen King and other authors ability to capture and hold my attention with their twisted, beautiful, and insane ideas.
The narrative is fantastic, the description is picturesque in its quality. The mental imagery is a kaleidoscope of perfection from the crispness of her descriptive passages. I greatly enjoy delving into the Hatter's madness every now and then and find myself fancying a trip again soon.
"Drift Back Home," is one that will forever strike me to the core. The experiences are known to adults, as well as couples with children, or anyone who has been cracking under the pressure. The sadness in this tale of hopeful coincidence is what continually draws me back to it.
"Independence Day," is quite sinister and is decidedly one of my favorites! Though, "Room Number Four," and "The Queen's Art," will definitely make one a bit more wary of staying in seedy motels, or betraying a person's trust.
All in all, this collection is one of my favorites and I will perpetually be re-reading it.
Author: Catherine Stovall
Format: E-book
Pages: 144
Dates Read: November 29-December 1, 2015
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Madness is a state of frenzied or chaotic activity. Twelve short stories. Six poems. We are given a delightfully chaotic and frenzied view beneath the top hat that the Hatter wears. Catherine Stovall's delightfully mad muse.
Review:
I was gifted a copy of this short story collection by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity Catherine!
Where in the hell do I start with this fantastic collection of short stories and poems? I have absolutely no idea. Let's see if I can do this collection justice with my review or if I will fall short because I cannot properly find the words to express the nostalgia and reminder of Stephen King and other authors ability to capture and hold my attention with their twisted, beautiful, and insane ideas.
The narrative is fantastic, the description is picturesque in its quality. The mental imagery is a kaleidoscope of perfection from the crispness of her descriptive passages. I greatly enjoy delving into the Hatter's madness every now and then and find myself fancying a trip again soon.
"Drift Back Home," is one that will forever strike me to the core. The experiences are known to adults, as well as couples with children, or anyone who has been cracking under the pressure. The sadness in this tale of hopeful coincidence is what continually draws me back to it.
"Independence Day," is quite sinister and is decidedly one of my favorites! Though, "Room Number Four," and "The Queen's Art," will definitely make one a bit more wary of staying in seedy motels, or betraying a person's trust.
All in all, this collection is one of my favorites and I will perpetually be re-reading it.
November 13, 2014
As Mad as a Hatter is an abundance of entertainment. It is compilation of eighteen, dark poems and short stories by Catherine Stovall.
My vigor was laced with nostalgia as I clung to each word. I was reminded of autumn days writing my own stories, and now understand my mother's worries. I was reminded of Stephen King's ability to ensnare my attention with his beautifully, insane ideas. These twisted stories are balm for my creative angst.
I'm more amazed than ever at Catherine's ability to provoke mental imagery through the crisp articulation of her descriptions. Her material always contains a picturesque quality. The prose is always clear without lacking intellectual narrative. I am now adding all of her books to my TBR on Goodreads. I say this not only because her talent deems her worthy of Best-Seller for years to come. I sincerely enjoyed these stories and will again.
A large percentage of insanity's presence is the cold, harshness of reality. "Drift Back Home" is filled with a variety of of experiences known to adults and couples with children who are cracking under the pressure. It's a sad tale of hopeful coincidence.
Im not sure my husband would handle it well to know I think of the "Independence Day" story to be pure genius, no matter how sinister. The song included is one I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember. Relatable qualities of a story is thrilling of a familiar tone, a reminder that we are not alone.
I loved every poem, and in every story a catalyst to assault my emotional state.
My vigor was laced with nostalgia as I clung to each word. I was reminded of autumn days writing my own stories, and now understand my mother's worries. I was reminded of Stephen King's ability to ensnare my attention with his beautifully, insane ideas. These twisted stories are balm for my creative angst.
I'm more amazed than ever at Catherine's ability to provoke mental imagery through the crisp articulation of her descriptions. Her material always contains a picturesque quality. The prose is always clear without lacking intellectual narrative. I am now adding all of her books to my TBR on Goodreads. I say this not only because her talent deems her worthy of Best-Seller for years to come. I sincerely enjoyed these stories and will again.
A large percentage of insanity's presence is the cold, harshness of reality. "Drift Back Home" is filled with a variety of of experiences known to adults and couples with children who are cracking under the pressure. It's a sad tale of hopeful coincidence.
Im not sure my husband would handle it well to know I think of the "Independence Day" story to be pure genius, no matter how sinister. The song included is one I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember. Relatable qualities of a story is thrilling of a familiar tone, a reminder that we are not alone.
I loved every poem, and in every story a catalyst to assault my emotional state.
November 14, 2014
This book is an amazing read ! You cry ,your frightened and maybe even have strange dreams from some of the stories. The poems come from the heart of the writer and I would recommend this book to everyone. Miss Stovall writes wonderful stories of death life and love all wrapped up with a twist of fate. Treat yourself and enter into this strange world of nightmares that keep you wanting more!
Elaine Johnson
Elaine Johnson
November 11, 2014
This book is amazing! From tears to chills the greatest collection of stories I have ever read! The depth of emotion and feelings put into each story is astonishing! I can't pick a favorite and wouldn't want to cause to say any were better than any other would be criminal! Catherine really out did herself with this book!
April 24, 2016
As Mad as a Hatter
Not bad! There are some twisted little poems that I found enjoyable. Nice shorts. It was free so tried it out but found myself losing interest at times. A bit on the slow side for me.
Not bad! There are some twisted little poems that I found enjoyable. Nice shorts. It was free so tried it out but found myself losing interest at times. A bit on the slow side for me.
September 7, 2019
Incredible!
I couldn't put this book down. The short stories are each a masterpiece. The poetry was a fines a bit clumsy but the magic is most definitely in those short stories, the words dig into your brain and the characters make themselves comfy and stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Highly recommended.
I couldn't put this book down. The short stories are each a masterpiece. The poetry was a fines a bit clumsy but the magic is most definitely in those short stories, the words dig into your brain and the characters make themselves comfy and stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2024
A must read!!!
June 14, 2015
I think I’m going mad!!!
Mad as a Hatter is a well written book that’ll keep you hooked until the end.
This book is the first I’ve read from Catherine Stovall and I have to say, it ranks as the top two books I’ve read so far this year!
This book is a mixture of poems and short stories, used to provoke a reader’s imagination by creating vivid descriptions and might I add, Miss Stovall’s descriptions are fantastic. I found myself glued to each page, unwilling to stop in fear of missing any interesting details.
My favorites are Lady Death Comes to Call, Forever’s Kiss, and The Saga of Bonnie and Clyde.
This isn’t to say that the rest of this book lacks. Oh no. The rest of the poems and shorts carry their own weight which tops this book in a layer of creamy goodness.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read something that succeeds in showing more than telling. This book is a breath of fresh air among the novels I’ve read.
These eighteen shorts will truly fascinate and entertain you. I loved walking the path of Lady Death and I think you will as well.
I’d like to thank the author, Catherine Stovall, for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mad as a Hatter is a well written book that’ll keep you hooked until the end.
This book is the first I’ve read from Catherine Stovall and I have to say, it ranks as the top two books I’ve read so far this year!
This book is a mixture of poems and short stories, used to provoke a reader’s imagination by creating vivid descriptions and might I add, Miss Stovall’s descriptions are fantastic. I found myself glued to each page, unwilling to stop in fear of missing any interesting details.
My favorites are Lady Death Comes to Call, Forever’s Kiss, and The Saga of Bonnie and Clyde.
This isn’t to say that the rest of this book lacks. Oh no. The rest of the poems and shorts carry their own weight which tops this book in a layer of creamy goodness.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read something that succeeds in showing more than telling. This book is a breath of fresh air among the novels I’ve read.
These eighteen shorts will truly fascinate and entertain you. I loved walking the path of Lady Death and I think you will as well.
I’d like to thank the author, Catherine Stovall, for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
This really wasn't my type of book at all. It wasn't badly written and I am sure people that like this genre will find this book right up their alley.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews