An eclectic mix of short stories, this collection contains many standouts. “The Trauma Thief” is an interesting take on the looping story that continues to catch a new victim in its snares. It answers the question of what you would be willing to accept to completely remove a horrible memory. In another, a young woman shows shrewd mental abilities and control as she dupes all those around her for the power she has coveted. In one tale, an often laughed-at sculptor declares the stone will carve itself into what it most wants to be. He believes this transformation will take place due to heavenly inspiration. What a block of stone wants, however, may be different from what most expect. There is also an interesting twist on a vampire theme and one that inspires by showing it is never too late to leave the past behind and join the society of never coming back.

Mallery writes tight prose which is well-crafted, and his descriptions of his Twilight Zone settings and supernatural forays into the dark side of the psyche show a seasoned competence. The stories that resonate display an ability to reach deep into the human consciousness and exhibit an inner life that is available to all readers regardless of the genre. Some of the stories don’t quite have the epiphanic element that reverberates in the common experience, but most will still have broad appeal. For those who love tales by Edgar Allan Poe or episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there is a lot to enjoy. The details and originality of Mallery’s writing will keep readers entertained.

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