Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words by Mark S. Bacon
Published By: Archer & Clark Publishing
Release Date: March 29, 2012
Format: eBook - 117 pages / Kindle - 249 KB / Nook - 536 KB
ASIN: B007Q1MKUY
Genre: Short Stories / Flash Fiction / Mystery - Suspense - Thriller
About The Author:
Mark Bacon began his writing career as a southern California newspaper reporter covering police and general assignments. Since then he's written several business books, one selected by the Book of the Month Club and printed in five languages. His articles have appeared in many magazines and newspapers and most recently he was a regular correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle.
BUY THE BOOK: Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site.
Virtual Book Event: On Monday, July 23, 2012, author Mark S. Bacon participated in a virtual book event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
Book Description:
Can you imagine a mystery being created and solved in 100 words? That's the purpose of Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words, a new short ebook of flash fiction. The book contains mini mysteries, mini puzzles with satisfying, unexpected endings.
Seven stories in this collection have been published recently in five different fiction magazines: Stymie Magazine, MicroHorror, 100 Word Story, Flashshot and 101 Words. Most stories contain a protagonist, a challenge and a resolution.
A woman makes a daring escape after robbing a bank - with help from a passing cop. Two con men run into each other again - with unusual results - when they're both working the same resort hotel. A detective sergeant surprises his inspector by solving a murder at a snowed-in manor. These are some of the seemingly complex stories begun and resolved in exactly 100 words.
Crime / mystery / police stories make up about half this book. Also included are love stories, humor, dramas and speculative fiction.
Book Excerpt:
Honor Among Thieves
The darkened home looked empty. Pete tried the front door. Locked. Around back he jimmied open a patio door with a credit card.
Immediately, he saw a man holding a pillowcase full of something.
“Shit. You startled me,” the man said. “First time I ever seen two guys break into the same house. I came in the window. But hey, I believe in professional courtesy. I’ve got jewelry and laptops. Rest is yours.”
Pete opened a drawer, reached inside.
“Hold it,” Pete said, pointing a revolver.
“What about professional courtesy?”
“I forgot my keys, “ Pete said. “I live here.”
The darkened home looked empty. Pete tried the front door. Locked. Around back he jimmied open a patio door with a credit card.
Immediately, he saw a man holding a pillowcase full of something.
“Shit. You startled me,” the man said. “First time I ever seen two guys break into the same house. I came in the window. But hey, I believe in professional courtesy. I’ve got jewelry and laptops. Rest is yours.”
Pete opened a drawer, reached inside.
“Hold it,” Pete said, pointing a revolver.
“What about professional courtesy?”
“I forgot my keys, “ Pete said. “I live here.”
On the House
Starting her workday baking before sunrise always made Sophie’s concentration sag by 9 a.m., but looking across the counter at a gun barrel got her immediate attention.
“Gimme the money,” the gunman said.
Sophie glanced over the man’s shoulder, moved toward the cash register–then ducked.
The cop standing behind the robber threw him against the counter, while another officer grabbed the gun.
“You gotta be the dumbest crook I ever met,” said the first cop. “Okay, maybe you didn’t see our car in the lot, but really….”
“Thanks, Kelly,” said Sophie. “From now on, doughnuts are on the house.”
My Book Review:
Author Mark Bacon has created Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words, that consists of 101 short stories / flash fiction in exactly 100 words, because he states it's enough to tell a complete story in a short space. He goes on to state that the stories don't necessarily have a beginning, middle, and end, but most do have a character, a challenging situation, and a resolution.
The stories that are in this book are mostly about crime and law enforcement, but it also includes some speculative fiction, fantasy, straight drama, humor and love stories.
Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words is a cleverly written and witty collection of flash fiction stories that peaked my interest, as I never heard of 'flash fiction' before. These brief stories had a touch of humor, some will tug at your emotions, while others will provide food for thought. I was intrigued at the brevity of each story, but in my opinion, they were just 'snippets' and unfortunately I was left wanting more. I may be a traditionalist, but when I read a story, I want to read a full length story that has a detailed beginning, middle and end. But I will say that this book of quickie stories was a fast read, and does have an entertainment factor that will amuse you, while others are thought provoking. I think these type of stories would be great if you are pressed for time and want a quick fix (ex: doctor's appointment, car inspection or repair shop, in line at the food store, etc).
Even though I am not a fan of this type of story, I do offer kudos to author Mark Bacon for creating a new genre of stories. I would love it if he expanded on some of his flash stories into full length stories, I would definitely read them. Nonetheless, I'm sure that there will be readers who will enjoy reading his entertaining flash fiction stories.
RATING: 3 STARS ***
I like how Mark Bacon wrote Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words. He's one of the few authors that I really like today. :D
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let the breeze blow
Hi Julie, thank you for visiting my blog site and commenting. I was intrigued with Mark's book, I never heard of flash fiction before, but I'm love details and descriptions, so his stories left me wanting more. :)
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