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Supply and Demand: An unpaid debt and a tanning pit of trouble
Amid the backwaters of 18th century Essex, an outlaw is tasked with collecting an overdue debt. But tanneries can hold secrets far worse than they smell.
Samuel Shanklin has been putting fear in folk since the moment he learned that fear could put food on the table. When a current employer wants his unpaid rent collected from a recluse tenant, living a long ride from the stench of London, Shanklin and his sidekick seize the opportunity for some clean country air. But the air ain’t so fresh where leather’s being made, and the pair soon find themselves tasting a little of their own foul medicine.
Samuel Shanklin has been putting fear in folk since the moment he learned that fear could put food on the table. When a current employer wants his unpaid rent collected from a recluse tenant, living a long ride from the stench of London, Shanklin and his sidekick seize the opportunity for some clean country air. But the air ain’t so fresh where leather’s being made, and the pair soon find themselves tasting a little of their own foul medicine.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2017
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 14, 2020
Interesting story with memorable characters! Definitely a bit of a creepy factor, also!
December 9, 2017
Supply and Demand by C.C. Edmonston is a historical adventure that is largely character driven. The story is written in third-person and is from debt collector Samuel Shanklin's point-of-view. The story is well-written and has well-developed characters. It has a rather dark plot, a bit of crude language, and some violence.
I enjoyed reading this one as it kept my interest throughout and didn't disappoint with its ending. An easy read with interesting characters and an intriguing plot.
I enjoyed reading this one as it kept my interest throughout and didn't disappoint with its ending. An easy read with interesting characters and an intriguing plot.
December 28, 2017
This is a prequel to the series of books called THE GRIM LORE.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is based around a character called Samuel Shankin.
He is married, although it seems not happily married, to Sarah and has a son Harry.
The year is 1747. Randall, Shanklins close friend and work coleague, and Shanklin are working as enforcers for a landlord. They are on a stake out. Waiting for the bootmaker, Mr. Abraham Graves, to return to his shop. He owes money for the rent on his workshop and they are there to see that he pays, either in money or in boots. He is reported to be the maker of the finest and softest boots in London.
They arrive at his home late. The house is a wreck, and the tannery for the bootmaking is around the back of the house in another building. Mr. Graves is not at home, so rather than go back to their employer empty handed, they wait and eventually he comes back. But things are not as they first appear. The bootmaker has someone with him. Someone who seems to be drunk and pretty much unconscious.
After he carries in this person, the bootmaker finds the two enforcers in his workplace and tries to bargain with them. What happens after that will surprise you! The twist in this story is awesome and I didn't see it coming. A really unusual story with a great plot, great characters and a brilliant twist at the end. What more could one ask for?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is based around a character called Samuel Shankin.
He is married, although it seems not happily married, to Sarah and has a son Harry.
The year is 1747. Randall, Shanklins close friend and work coleague, and Shanklin are working as enforcers for a landlord. They are on a stake out. Waiting for the bootmaker, Mr. Abraham Graves, to return to his shop. He owes money for the rent on his workshop and they are there to see that he pays, either in money or in boots. He is reported to be the maker of the finest and softest boots in London.
They arrive at his home late. The house is a wreck, and the tannery for the bootmaking is around the back of the house in another building. Mr. Graves is not at home, so rather than go back to their employer empty handed, they wait and eventually he comes back. But things are not as they first appear. The bootmaker has someone with him. Someone who seems to be drunk and pretty much unconscious.
After he carries in this person, the bootmaker finds the two enforcers in his workplace and tries to bargain with them. What happens after that will surprise you! The twist in this story is awesome and I didn't see it coming. A really unusual story with a great plot, great characters and a brilliant twist at the end. What more could one ask for?
April 17, 2019
9/1747 (18th century). Essex, England. Sun St. Mr. Ditchwater (landlord) sent Samuel Shanklin, & Randall to collect a debt owed by Abraham Grave (fine boot maker).
The 2of them only gave him 1 ultimatum pay what is owed or lose some fingers.
After much bickering back/forth he offered them a pair of homemade boots of great quality.
The tannery was quite dark/dreary.
He also offered the 2 fellows some whiskey.
Laudanum (morphine) kind of made Samuel, & Randall “Fluff” woozy & almost pass out.
The 2 of them had quite the tall tale to tell Mr. Ditchwater when they returned.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 18th century adventure (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 18th century adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
The 2of them only gave him 1 ultimatum pay what is owed or lose some fingers.
After much bickering back/forth he offered them a pair of homemade boots of great quality.
The tannery was quite dark/dreary.
He also offered the 2 fellows some whiskey.
Laudanum (morphine) kind of made Samuel, & Randall “Fluff” woozy & almost pass out.
The 2 of them had quite the tall tale to tell Mr. Ditchwater when they returned.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 18th century adventure (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 18th century adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
February 15, 2018
A short but enjoyable read, this novella reeks with 18th Century atmosphere. And more beside, as a large part of it is set in a tannery!
I had my reservations about some of the wording (using 'gun' when you mean 'pistol' is an unnecessary imprecision to my way of thinking, and creates a slightly ambiguous picture as to what weapon is actually being referred to). And the plot. whilst clever and well worked out, did have a few small flaws (I wouldn't call them holes).
It was also a bit heavy on the back-story for such a short piece. Of course, it is intending to set the scene for a series of full-length novels, but could have been better balanced - much of the characters background, while interesting, is irrelevant to this story and could be better introduced in the novel. However, the characters themselves are colourful and well portrayed, with a nice line in dialogue.
All that nit-picking apart, it was a good introduction to a promising series, and I'll certainly be trying the first full length novel.
I had my reservations about some of the wording (using 'gun' when you mean 'pistol' is an unnecessary imprecision to my way of thinking, and creates a slightly ambiguous picture as to what weapon is actually being referred to). And the plot. whilst clever and well worked out, did have a few small flaws (I wouldn't call them holes).
It was also a bit heavy on the back-story for such a short piece. Of course, it is intending to set the scene for a series of full-length novels, but could have been better balanced - much of the characters background, while interesting, is irrelevant to this story and could be better introduced in the novel. However, the characters themselves are colourful and well portrayed, with a nice line in dialogue.
All that nit-picking apart, it was a good introduction to a promising series, and I'll certainly be trying the first full length novel.
February 21, 2019
A very enjoyable and entirely horrible story,
by C.C. Edmonston captures a great deal of 18th century London atmosphere and intriguing dialogue couched in theives cant in a short read. The characters, while not entirely likeable, are very much alive. The horror is of the human type, and convincingly creepy. I have already begun to read A Harvest of Souls: Book One of The Grim Lore. I look forward to more Shanklin adventures.
by C.C. Edmonston captures a great deal of 18th century London atmosphere and intriguing dialogue couched in theives cant in a short read. The characters, while not entirely likeable, are very much alive. The horror is of the human type, and convincingly creepy. I have already begun to read A Harvest of Souls: Book One of The Grim Lore. I look forward to more Shanklin adventures.
July 28, 2018
Supply and Demand
What a great short story line. The introduction was so informative that I could see it in my minds eye. It started with a debt collector heading out to a remote area to collect 3 months rent for a tanning business. He has to wait for him to come home. What happens from here on will surprise you. I sat here with my mouth agape as the realization came to me...... Never saw it coming!! I would highly recommend this book to all my friends who enjoy some mystery and suspense. Loved it!!
What a great short story line. The introduction was so informative that I could see it in my minds eye. It started with a debt collector heading out to a remote area to collect 3 months rent for a tanning business. He has to wait for him to come home. What happens from here on will surprise you. I sat here with my mouth agape as the realization came to me...... Never saw it coming!! I would highly recommend this book to all my friends who enjoy some mystery and suspense. Loved it!!
September 16, 2019
This has history in it and some shady characters in it! The plot is interesting with where will it ask lead to! Has adventures in it plus keeps you guessing what in the world will happen next! I enjoyed this book as it started slow for me but kept me going on what these fellows are going to do next!
March 24, 2020
I discovered this book through Book funnel and I am absolutely glad that I found this gem of a Author! The characters Shanklin & Randall bunches of the page and they feel real although both aren't very likable but I couldn't get enough of them. The swearing kinda put me off at first but I got used to it. I'm already fan of the Authors work that I finished the first Book in this Grimore Series.
December 10, 2017
C.C. Edmonston has written a chilling short story featuring his highwayman Shanklin and his minion. The story begins innocuously enough and builds to a surprising ending. The author has obviously researched his characters' occupations.
April 12, 2021
Second book I have read in the series.
Set in old England it is a odd read with a twisted ending. A debit collection for a landlord in a time when the law was lacking unless you were rich went really strange.
Try this one out and you may find yourself wanting more of the series like me.
Set in old England it is a odd read with a twisted ending. A debit collection for a landlord in a time when the law was lacking unless you were rich went really strange.
Try this one out and you may find yourself wanting more of the series like me.
October 23, 2018
This short reminded me of the old radio show "Suspense". Thee is a twist at the end and then a twist on the twist-freakin' brilliant!
March 15, 2019
Watch where you step in such nice boots.
Kind of Poe-ish. Predictable ending, both betrayals. Good read for a hour's adventure but the swearing was unnecessary so rating was decreased.
Kind of Poe-ish. Predictable ending, both betrayals. Good read for a hour's adventure but the swearing was unnecessary so rating was decreased.
July 1, 2020
Enjoyed this book. Liked the ending.
July 27, 2020
Pretty cool little gruesome story! All the right bells and whistles for a "period piece". I enjoyed it quite a bit.
October 4, 2020
This is a very interesting short story.
I figured out which way the book was going to go so it has a nice twist.
I figured out which way the book was going to go so it has a nice twist.
May 8, 2021
two strongmen are collecting a debt from a recluse who runs a tannery and makes boots.
They discover they are in over their heads.
They discover they are in over their heads.
November 14, 2017
A good short tale that was surprisingly dark and not at all what I was expecting. Great work!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews