BookView Review

The haunting tales in Ball’s captivating short story collection are filled with malevolent spirits and troubled souls, invading the ordinary spaces of unsuspecting victims. In the thrilling tale of “Served Cold”, a pawn is unwittingly drafted into a high-stakes game of revenge within a ruthless criminal organization. In “I Need A Friend,” a homeless man is tempted with an offer that seems too good to be true, forcing readers to confront the harsh realities of life and question whether anything is truly what it seems. In “Gemini,” a woman grapples with her sanity as her grasp on impulse steadily weakens. His skill in captivating and surprising his readers is equally compelling.

Each story takes an unforeseen turn, veering in a direction that even the most insightful reader would not have predicted. A woman exits the restroom at her workplace only to be met with the end of the world in the story titled “When the World Ended.” In “The World’s Greatest Joke,” the narrative takes a haunting turn as Ball explores the dark depths of twisted fate and its unexpected consequences. Ball’s characters are complex and genuine individuals, adding depth to his stories. He skillfully delves deeper into the darker corners of the human psyche, leaving readers to contemplate their own demons and ghosts.

Authentic, haunting, and utterly impressive. 

***