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Tooth and Talon: Stories
Some things bite and some things tear in this collection of eleven suspenseful horror stories. An elderly woman discovers the source of the disturbance beneath her home… A vampire finds solace and humor in his own senility… A woman with a drug addiction develops a new obsession with blood… A couple struggles to escape an icy prison and an unnatural captor… A young boy taunted on the playground knows that worse nightmares await him at home … and more.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2015
2121 people want to read
About the author
James Walter Lee
3 books64 followersJames Walter Lee is an award-winning American author. He is the founder and editor of two publishing imprints, Zennea Press and 2nd Sight Press. He holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from The New York Academy of Art and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies. James is also an avid photographer and lives in Pennsylvania. For more about James Walter Lee, please visit jameswalterlee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 23, 2018
It’s who you know, not who you blow, get it with respect and don’t be a reject.
One thing that really stood out to me was the wide range of backgrounds that the characters in each story had. Basically every part of this novel had me on edge, and I'm pretty sure I got progressively more paranoid after reading each story.
DEVIL BENEATH
At first, I thought it was a bit underwhelming/anticlimactic because of the super ambiguous ending, but this actually created a lot of suspense and the lack of an explanation made the story creepier.
CLOSET MONSTER
I'm still a bit confused about what exactly happened at the end. It reminds me of The Grownup in the sense that there are some spooky “coincidences” with little to no explanations.
SEVENTIES
Interesting to get the supernatural’s perspective, but could use more information.
GROUND ZERO
It made me feel very small, and even though something felt off while I was reading, I still did not predict that ending at all. It was very creative and a bit morbid...
KING OF THE ROAD
Weird sense of justice. Also the inner workings of the main character's mind gave me some chills.
SNOWBALL’S CHANCE
The last bit was super spooky. Minus the supernatural element, this story really reminded me of some Criminal Minds episodes. Solid.
THE TALE
This was also very dark, but I think the characters and the plot could've been developed a bit more.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
It did not have a very happy ending, but it was cool to see both the investigation side and the crime side of the mystery. I think the author could've delved deeper into the supernatural elements here and explained it a bit more clearly.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Amazing! Super creepy and full of suspense. Absolutely loved the captivity idea.
THE FIELD
Tis some dark but interesting stuff.
NO GOOD DEED
The strangest and most confusing thing I’ve ever read. I think this story could use a bit more explanation.
Favorite stories:
- Northern Lights
- Snowball's Chance
Overall, a good and terrifying collection. But it could use a few more explanations here and there. Although I did say before that ambiguous endings sometimes make the story creepier, I also think the impact of this kind of ending definitely lessens after reading so many of them.
I recommend this collection of dark stories to anyone who likes supernatural and horror. 3.5
I received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.
One thing that really stood out to me was the wide range of backgrounds that the characters in each story had. Basically every part of this novel had me on edge, and I'm pretty sure I got progressively more paranoid after reading each story.
DEVIL BENEATH
At first, I thought it was a bit underwhelming/anticlimactic because of the super ambiguous ending, but this actually created a lot of suspense and the lack of an explanation made the story creepier.
CLOSET MONSTER
I'm still a bit confused about what exactly happened at the end. It reminds me of The Grownup in the sense that there are some spooky “coincidences” with little to no explanations.
SEVENTIES
Interesting to get the supernatural’s perspective, but could use more information.
GROUND ZERO
It made me feel very small, and even though something felt off while I was reading, I still did not predict that ending at all. It was very creative and a bit morbid...
KING OF THE ROAD
Weird sense of justice. Also the inner workings of the main character's mind gave me some chills.
SNOWBALL’S CHANCE
The last bit was super spooky. Minus the supernatural element, this story really reminded me of some Criminal Minds episodes. Solid.
THE TALE
This was also very dark, but I think the characters and the plot could've been developed a bit more.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
It did not have a very happy ending, but it was cool to see both the investigation side and the crime side of the mystery. I think the author could've delved deeper into the supernatural elements here and explained it a bit more clearly.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Amazing! Super creepy and full of suspense. Absolutely loved the captivity idea.
THE FIELD
Tis some dark but interesting stuff.
NO GOOD DEED
The strangest and most confusing thing I’ve ever read. I think this story could use a bit more explanation.
Favorite stories:
- Northern Lights
- Snowball's Chance
Overall, a good and terrifying collection. But it could use a few more explanations here and there. Although I did say before that ambiguous endings sometimes make the story creepier, I also think the impact of this kind of ending definitely lessens after reading so many of them.
I recommend this collection of dark stories to anyone who likes supernatural and horror. 3.5
I received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2017
A good book overall.
It works well as a collection of short stories (some of the stories give alternative points of view of previous stories in the book).
If you are reading this book and don't care for the first couple of stories, don't put it down. The stories get exceptionally better starting with the third story.
The first story needed more editing, but instead of removing material the author needed to clarify the story line and add information.
The second story was just simply confusing. It also needed more. I would suggest the author add an additional character. A family member, a mistress, or a long-term care provider, even a psychologist to provide a different point of view. This point of view could be used to clarify if the main character is a vampire or if he simply is delusional and believes himself to be Dracula.
Some of the other stories were simply horrifying, but a couple of them were horrifyingly brilliant.
It works well as a collection of short stories (some of the stories give alternative points of view of previous stories in the book).
If you are reading this book and don't care for the first couple of stories, don't put it down. The stories get exceptionally better starting with the third story.
The first story needed more editing, but instead of removing material the author needed to clarify the story line and add information.
The second story was just simply confusing. It also needed more. I would suggest the author add an additional character. A family member, a mistress, or a long-term care provider, even a psychologist to provide a different point of view. This point of view could be used to clarify if the main character is a vampire or if he simply is delusional and believes himself to be Dracula.
Some of the other stories were simply horrifying, but a couple of them were horrifyingly brilliant.
February 28, 2020
Lots going on here in this collection, it’s hard to pick a favorite story. Different strengths for each story, but one things for sure... they’re all pretty creepy! Very unique concepts. The stories took many twists and turns, and I was right there holding on for each one. Not my normal genre, but definitely makes me want to read horror/thriller more often!
July 22, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway here on Goodreads. I was intrigued by the horror genre and I have to say this book definitely didn't disappoint. This book is a collection of tales all relating to horror/terror/suspense.
I only gave 4 stars instead of 5 simply because the first couple stories made me think I wasn't going to like this book very much. The first story Devil Beneath almost seemed rushed. The story itself was broken up at times, and almost seemed to be rushed to an end point while still trying to add some sort of description to paint the scene. However, the story itself was good. The story leaves you guessing, wondering just what will happen next and how the story will end.
In Seventies, I actually didn't know the story was about a vampire until I read the back of the book again. This tale was another reason I only gave 4 stars instead of 5. It seemed chopped up and as I said, I didn't even know it was about a vampire.
After that, however, the book and the other tales deliver on the promise of horror/terror/ and suspense. The twists and turns in each story leave you guessing and wondering just what will happen next. And before you know it, the end is revealed and it's nothing that you thought it would be! I also really enjoyed this book because of a few of the tales, while different and independent, they tie into other tales in the book. You recognize similar characters or a different viewpoint. It truly leaves the reader guessing. It is perfect for a quick summer read!
I only gave 4 stars instead of 5 simply because the first couple stories made me think I wasn't going to like this book very much. The first story Devil Beneath almost seemed rushed. The story itself was broken up at times, and almost seemed to be rushed to an end point while still trying to add some sort of description to paint the scene. However, the story itself was good. The story leaves you guessing, wondering just what will happen next and how the story will end.
In Seventies, I actually didn't know the story was about a vampire until I read the back of the book again. This tale was another reason I only gave 4 stars instead of 5. It seemed chopped up and as I said, I didn't even know it was about a vampire.
After that, however, the book and the other tales deliver on the promise of horror/terror/ and suspense. The twists and turns in each story leave you guessing and wondering just what will happen next. And before you know it, the end is revealed and it's nothing that you thought it would be! I also really enjoyed this book because of a few of the tales, while different and independent, they tie into other tales in the book. You recognize similar characters or a different viewpoint. It truly leaves the reader guessing. It is perfect for a quick summer read!
October 29, 2017
This collection seems to be a real mixed bag.
Devil Beneath: I didn't care for this one. It rambled and language seemed to repeat, and you don't have that luxury with a short story. Plus I expected it to be great and it was just okay. 3 stars
Seventies: There's clever and then there's confusing. If your readers have finished the story and are ALL saying WTF was this about, you may want to rethink it. I kind of got that it might have been about a vampire lost in his own head, but if so the plot was super thin. 2 stars
The Tale: About teenagers in a haunted mill, this is open-ended, leaving more questions than answers. Had the vibe of something kids retell around a bonfire to scare each other. 2.5 stars
If you like dark, mildly creepy stories where you'll be scratching your head at the end saying, 'what did I just read?', this might be exactly what you're looking for.
Won in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to the author and publisher.
Devil Beneath: I didn't care for this one. It rambled and language seemed to repeat, and you don't have that luxury with a short story. Plus I expected it to be great and it was just okay. 3 stars
Seventies: There's clever and then there's confusing. If your readers have finished the story and are ALL saying WTF was this about, you may want to rethink it. I kind of got that it might have been about a vampire lost in his own head, but if so the plot was super thin. 2 stars
The Tale: About teenagers in a haunted mill, this is open-ended, leaving more questions than answers. Had the vibe of something kids retell around a bonfire to scare each other. 2.5 stars
If you like dark, mildly creepy stories where you'll be scratching your head at the end saying, 'what did I just read?', this might be exactly what you're looking for.
Won in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to the author and publisher.
April 7, 2019
A great collection of short stories that all happen to connect with one another. They are very similar to the style of Stephen King. I really enjoyed the stories:
1. "Closet Monster"
2. "The Tale" was a really creepy and intense read.
3. "The Field" was very sad and emotional. Reminded me of something out of "The Twilight Zone".
4. "Northern Lights" created a new type of captor-and-captive story that I really enjoyed.
These stories feel very polished and well-thought out. I absolutely love horror short stories, and this collection was excellent. This was a great easy read.
I received this as a complementary advanced reader's copy.
1. "Closet Monster"
2. "The Tale" was a really creepy and intense read.
3. "The Field" was very sad and emotional. Reminded me of something out of "The Twilight Zone".
4. "Northern Lights" created a new type of captor-and-captive story that I really enjoyed.
These stories feel very polished and well-thought out. I absolutely love horror short stories, and this collection was excellent. This was a great easy read.
I received this as a complementary advanced reader's copy.
June 2, 2020
It's interesting reading short stories where the Author in this case James Walker Lee, has you involved in the story which comes to a quick end, only to later in another story pull you back into the story from another perspective. Some of the stories run together that way, others are stand alone. To me, I think some could have been longer, more fleshed out. But to wrap this up, most were good and the ones that had additional stories added to them, maybe intermixing the 2 stories together would have been a better way to go.
Thank you for sending me the book. I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you for sending me the book. I enjoyed reading it.
August 16, 2017
Tooth & Talon consisted of eleven short stories. Each story was different. Some i enjoyed others didn't contain enough content. All in all it was a good read.
October 7, 2017
Interesting read, but not my type of book. My teenage son took the book to read though, it's probably more his style.
November 21, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads contest.
I am passing it on as a gift to another person this holiday season so the book will be enjoyed by another reader.
I am passing it on as a gift to another person this holiday season so the book will be enjoyed by another reader.
January 8, 2018
I just couldn't get into these stories. They seemed rushed, confused, and insufficient to hold my attention, let alone scare me.
July 10, 2020
Enjoyed the book..took me a bit to get into it! But overall I liked it!
November 17, 2020
Won in a goodreads giveaway I really nice mix of supernatural and realistic horror. Most were atmospheric and left you wondering what was going to happen.
October 25, 2017
MR. LEE HAS CREATED A THRILLING MASTERPIECE. I READ THIS BOOK IN TWO SITTINGS, JUST COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO HORROR FANS AND THRILL SEEKERS ALIKE.
CHARLES R. HARRISON
CHARLES R. HARRISON
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March 21, 2022Trigger & Content Warnings:
Kidnapping
Kidnapping
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews