How dark do you like your fiction? Are the terrors of day to day life enough? Or does it take the creature hidden in the dark woods to stir your blood? Perhaps, a visit back in time to face the Wendigo will quench your thirst? Fairies are sweet, gentle creatures...right? Are you brave enough to turn the page? Don’t close your eyes or cut out the lights! ‘Possum Stew is a collection of short stories from multi-award winning paranormal and dark fiction author David W. Thompson. Beginning with the New Year, it follows the seasons through all the major holidays. From dark tales inspired by ancient mythology to those flavored with cutting edge technology, they provide dark fiction treats that are impossible to forget. So how much spectral spice do you desire? You’ll find it here.
The author is a rare native of Southern Maryland, and a graduate of University of Maryland, University College. Prior to retirement from a position with a major Aerospace Corporation, he tried his hand at a variety of occupations- from grocery store clerk to warehousing, from shoveling coal to a four year stint with the U.S. Army. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys time with his family and grandchildren, kayaking (mostly flat water please), fishing, hiking, hunting, wine-making, and pursuing his other “creative passion”- woodcarving. After his family and cheesecake, reading was his first love. It exposed him to people, cultures and ideas he’d never experience otherwise. Writing was a natural extension of this “out of body” experience as characters carved little niches in his skull, showing their worlds, and their possibilities. He's hopes to honestly convey the stories they've whispered in his ears. Often bloody, habitually dark, always original!
Dark Poignant Short Stories with Holiday Themes. Ten Stories, Ten Holidays New Year, Miriam – a vampire’s honour code Valentine’s Day, Eternal – a happy marriage or a ghost story Easter, Possum Stew – don’t visit the shadow woods unless you’re prepared to withstand the test. Mother’s Day, It’s Never Too Late – a mother’s love knows no boundaries Father’s Day, The Phone Call – don’t be afraid to admit your love Fourth of July, Let Freedom Ring – as love heals a broken heart so death renews the faerie kingdom Happy Indigenous People’s Day (Columbus Day), The Saga of Running Deer – Little Fox the victim of schooling children at the tip of a bayonet. One way or another, Running Deer gives his life to save the children. All Hallows’ Eve, When Dawn Breaks – Liam and Lola. The curse of life eternal, only to be ended through sunshine Thanksgiving, Thank You, Edgar Allan Poe – older cousins, and a brother’s Dracula prank gone wrong Christmas, Yuletide Spirits – Spirits come back to visit and comfort A year may not last long, but the happenings in it determine how it touches the individual. David W Thompson shows humanity through the prism of monsters. Vampires, Ghosts, Faeries, Demons, Watchers of the Underworld, a Wendigo (a Native American avenging spirit) live in his ten short stories and help to show the deepest longings and pains as well as the horror, love, and redemption we humans share and live through. This is a tour de force of narrative mastery and leaves the reader thoughtful.
I’m a kind of ‘hide-behind-the-cushion’ person when it comes to dark tales and this collection of dark short stories is certainly not for the faint hearted - but it is incredibly captivating.
The author has an exceptional imagination; the stories are diverse and bewitching. I was captivated from the first page and quickly drawn in to these dark, often macabre tales with unexpected outcomes that I could not have easily predicted. The characterisation is so realistic that at times you could envisage yourself on the periphery. I found myself gasping out loud on many occasions.
This is the first work I’ve read from the award-winning author David W. Thompson and I thoroughly enjoyed it too.
An absolutely touching glimpse into the life-coming of age-of a young man, whose vocabulary does NOT include surrender. A MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ! Guaranteed not to disappoint!
I believe this offering will please many readers. The tales and characters are all very different, original and compelling. Some stories are perhaps too real, as we've all faced human horrors in our own lives. Other tales explore mythologies long forgotten and some give old literary "monsters" a new twist or two. I hope you enjoy. Best to you and yours always. Dave T.