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Blue Girl and the Stars and Other Stories
A collection of dark stories of speculative fiction. A mix of stories, mostly mystery and suspense with a speculative bent. Along with one straight up mystery that’s not speculative, and one straight up horror story.
In a future where memories are a commodity, bought, sold, swapped, stolen, etc., you never know what you might run across. How about a brutal murder? And the killer wants the evidence back.
That’s just one of the tales.
How about a future with a couple of creepy robot children? One woman only wants her son back, but she gets more than she bargains for.
In another story, a computer genius has a puzzle to solve. She helps a detective try and figure out why there were three seemingly accidental murders, and yet there are no bodies.
There’s a story in which a woman isn’t really sure whether she murdered her husband or not.
And the horror story? Well, is the woman crazy, or is something weird actually happening as she takes her flights of fantasy?
Definitely a dark collection of tales!
Think Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Philip K. Dick and Harlan Ellison, mixed with a little bit of Stephen King.
In a future where memories are a commodity, bought, sold, swapped, stolen, etc., you never know what you might run across. How about a brutal murder? And the killer wants the evidence back.
That’s just one of the tales.
How about a future with a couple of creepy robot children? One woman only wants her son back, but she gets more than she bargains for.
In another story, a computer genius has a puzzle to solve. She helps a detective try and figure out why there were three seemingly accidental murders, and yet there are no bodies.
There’s a story in which a woman isn’t really sure whether she murdered her husband or not.
And the horror story? Well, is the woman crazy, or is something weird actually happening as she takes her flights of fantasy?
Definitely a dark collection of tales!
Think Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Philip K. Dick and Harlan Ellison, mixed with a little bit of Stephen King.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2021
9 people are currently reading
2363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 28, 2023
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A collection of dark science fiction stories. I would say they are influenced by Philip K. Dick, but aren't quite as paranoid.
A collection of dark science fiction stories. I would say they are influenced by Philip K. Dick, but aren't quite as paranoid.
September 22, 2025
2.5 star rounded up to 3
I won the book in a Goodreads giveaway. The collection of short stories had its moments, with some stories standing out as truly creative and engaging. However, overall, the writing style throughout seemed to suffer from a lot of repetitiveness. It often felt like I was reading the same sentence twice, just with different adjectives, which took away from the immersion. Some stories were definitely stronger than others, and I think with further editing, especially to tighten the prose and reduce that repetitive feel, the collection could really shine. Despite these issues, the originality in certain pieces made it worth the read.
I won the book in a Goodreads giveaway. The collection of short stories had its moments, with some stories standing out as truly creative and engaging. However, overall, the writing style throughout seemed to suffer from a lot of repetitiveness. It often felt like I was reading the same sentence twice, just with different adjectives, which took away from the immersion. Some stories were definitely stronger than others, and I think with further editing, especially to tighten the prose and reduce that repetitive feel, the collection could really shine. Despite these issues, the originality in certain pieces made it worth the read.
October 15, 2022
I received a digital copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. (Thank you, Mr. Stattelman!)
I really enjoyed this book. The overview states that the stories are influenced by Hitchcock, PK Dick, Ellison, and King. I would also add Rod Serling, as “The Last Child” and “Seeks Same” made me think of The Twilight Zone. They’re poignant stories, and a couple - especially “The Last Child” - will stay with me.
I very much enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to other readers.
I really enjoyed this book. The overview states that the stories are influenced by Hitchcock, PK Dick, Ellison, and King. I would also add Rod Serling, as “The Last Child” and “Seeks Same” made me think of The Twilight Zone. They’re poignant stories, and a couple - especially “The Last Child” - will stay with me.
I very much enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to other readers.
November 16, 2022
Wonderful collection of short scifi/fantastical stories. The first story, Blue Girl and the Stars, was my fav. I could image a fleshed out full novel.
All the stories had unique themed and plots -- AI, dystopian, magical. I'll be adding other Mark Stattelman book to my TBR.
Thank you Mr Stattelman and GoodReads for my electronic copy this book.
All the stories had unique themed and plots -- AI, dystopian, magical. I'll be adding other Mark Stattelman book to my TBR.
Thank you Mr Stattelman and GoodReads for my electronic copy this book.
February 12, 2023
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. Each story is unique and grabs you from the start. I did find a few errors though, like where the wrong named was used. I look forward to reading more from Mark Stattelman.
July 14, 2021
Collection of short stories
Great selection of short stories. I recommend reading this book. The author holds the readers attention in each and every story.
Great selection of short stories. I recommend reading this book. The author holds the readers attention in each and every story.
June 10, 2023
Wild
An excellent read, lots of creepiness and interesting stories. I don't have a bad thing to say about any of the stories.
An excellent read, lots of creepiness and interesting stories. I don't have a bad thing to say about any of the stories.
January 11, 2024
Thanks to Goodreads and Mr. Stattelman for the digital copy.
Some stories I didn't understand.
For the most part an interesting book to make you think.
Some stories I didn't understand.
For the most part an interesting book to make you think.
June 24, 2025
🐦🔥🐦🔥🐦🔥🐦🔥🐦🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book from GoodReads as part of the First Reads program
This is a collection of short stories, mostly of at least some science fiction leaning, though some have elements from other genres as well. Each story is interesting and well worth the time to read. The science fiction isn't the spaceship type, but more along the lines of not too distant future on earth. For example, one story involves memory implants and buying memories. Part of the story is about the protagonist's problems with a mother in a nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer's, and his attempt to buy memories for her. Of course that's just part of the story, but you're going to need to read it to get the full thing. Another involves robots and hacking in what is kind of a murder mystery setting. There's also one about a guy in a coma who types on a computer in his mind that somehow connects with people in the real world and stops them from pulling the plug on him. The stories are all well written and compelling, and I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy and thought provoking diversion.
This is a collection of short stories, mostly of at least some science fiction leaning, though some have elements from other genres as well. Each story is interesting and well worth the time to read. The science fiction isn't the spaceship type, but more along the lines of not too distant future on earth. For example, one story involves memory implants and buying memories. Part of the story is about the protagonist's problems with a mother in a nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer's, and his attempt to buy memories for her. Of course that's just part of the story, but you're going to need to read it to get the full thing. Another involves robots and hacking in what is kind of a murder mystery setting. There's also one about a guy in a coma who types on a computer in his mind that somehow connects with people in the real world and stops them from pulling the plug on him. The stories are all well written and compelling, and I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy and thought provoking diversion.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews