This book contains three short stories that pack a big punch in a small package. They are each quite different and yet share a theme of insecurities and manipulation, a longing to love and be loved, and at least in the first two stories, a desperate need for something to believe in.

In the title story, a chance encounter on a message board quickly spirals out of control in a series of direct messages that leads to death. I am not spoiling anything for you by telling you that it ends this way since the beginning opens with the knowledge that one will not survive. It will make you wonder whether these two met by coincidence or whether one was just lying in wait for a victim. The internet can be dangerous, and you never know who is on that other screen.

In the next story, religion plays such a large role it could almost be considered one of the main characters. Religion and a desperate need to believe is what tears this family apart, builds them back up, and has tragic consequences for all involved.

In the final story, A man has trouble standing up for himself due to a longtime habit of politeness that has been deeply ingrained in his psyche since childhood.

There is no happily ever after to be found here. These stories are bleak, powerful, and ugly, showcasing the darkest side of human nature.
If you like weird fiction, this is for you.

5 out of 5 stars

My thanks to Titan Books