Days Pass like a Shadow

by Paula R.C. Readman

Within the pages of "Days Pass like a Shadow" are thirteen dark tales covering the theme of death and loss. At the centre of every story is a beating heart. For the reader to make the journey to that centre, along the flowing veins of the words, all they need is a few minutes during a lunch break, or at the end of the day. The reader will be introduced to a rich and diverse collection of characters – a gardener, a serial killer, a time traveller, a sleepwalker and many more.

"On the Streets of Kabul", which is set in Afghanistan, a soldier faces a life-threatening situation while searching for his missing comrade and childhood friend among the narrow alleys. "Perfect Justice" finds a secretary planning a murder. "Shelved" takes a reader into the unusual librarian’s office, while "Burning the Midnight Oil" has a son uncovering the truth about his dying mother.

So put your feet up, relax with a cup, or glass of your favourite beverage and let’s begin with "The Meetings"…

206 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2020

About the author

Paula R C Readman writes dark twisted tales for Bridge House Publishing, Demain Publishing and Darkstroke Publishing and has six books published and over a hundred short stories.

Reviews

[Diana Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days Pass Like a Shadow contains thirteen dark tales on the theme of death and loss -- these accessible stories range from the surreal to classic Gothic horror. There is shapeshifting, telepathy, supernatural activity, time travel, personality disorder, psychopathy and down right evil but all of these stories leave you with some haunting idea. That may be a shocking premonition about the future that may prick you later or a niggling guilty feeling as you go to put your coffee cup down on a book (cf. Shelved). Each story, and they are very varied, will leave you with something that will stay with you -- Paula Readman has a gift.
It reminded me of reading The Birds in a collection of short fiction by Daphne du Maurier -- I'm sure there's a good film in this book cf. To Wish Upon a Star.

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the short story enthusiast

Days That Pass Like a Shadow is a collection of eclectic short stories. Although my intent was to read one or two at a leisurely pace, I found the selections so interesting I could not refrain from flipping onward from one to the next. The one on perfect revenge was so good and the soldier in Kabul was intriguing. Each was well written, easy to follow, and a completely different scenario from the previous story. Absolutely 5 stars.

[Paula R. C. Readman]

To see the book cover and to read a review of my single collection of short stories. Check out this link.
https://scifiandfantasyreviewer.com/2...

Thank you so much.

[Elle Sie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book of Readman's, though the first short story collection I've read by her. I must say, I like her range as an author as all her books are very different and even within these stories, the tone changed from one to the next. The opening story, ‘The Meetings’ turned out to be one of my favourites, as I liked the watcher fixating on the Bohemian woman and what to learn from her, and I liked the surprise in ‘The Newcomers’ with an unexpected point of view. On the streets of Kabul is harrowing, especially given the backstory of the soldiers who grew up on a council estate back in England, making it more poignant, as it gave the impression there were few alternative options for the young men. In ‘To wish upon a star’ I liked how Estrella’s poetic and reflective point of view was framed by understanding Hyman’s opposite perspective at the end, giving a more speculative twist to an otherwise philosophical story. There were some more ghostly and gothic ones later in the collection, such as ‘The Chimes at Moonlight’ and ‘Roofscapes’ so there is something to suit a wide variety of tastes. Readman really is a skilled and versatile writer, and it shows in this collection.

[Christopher P. Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen stories of varying length; dark stories that explore death and loss. The diverse plots will keep the reader interested and the characters are particularly well-crafted. There's plenty of heart and plenty of emotion here, too.

Interesting, thought-provoking and definitely worthwhile.

[Gill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb collection of stories. Each one at once gives you pause for thought and entertains. To be enjoyed.