More Reviews
Ludec "It took almost a thousand years, but the wait was worth it. A unique and intriguing look is given to one of the most famous events in Britain's history and raises fascinating 'what if'' questions for the reader. But this is not a dry, historical book, rather an action-packed work by an accomplished author who has given the Battle of Hastings 1066 (or 1067) such a novel twist." Jon Marcus
Ludec "A powerful read beautifully written. It is thought provoking and stimulating but not without a touch of humour." Roy Joffee
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Ghosts Who Google "I picked a story at random - 'The Luckiest Man In The World' to read first - Wow! What a great story, made me want to read the rest of the book there and then! Each story is just the right length to read over breakfast and each one has a delicious twist which keeps you guessing right to the last paragraph. A must have book from this up and coming author."
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Ghosts Who Google "This collection of 22 short stories with a huge variety settings and supernatural themes is a delight. It is packed with novel, stimulating and sometimes humorous ideas each with its own subtle or surprising twist. A good number of the stories are miniature masterpieces and I,m sure each reader will find his/her own particular favourites. It left me yearning for more and I found myself picking it up and reading a story on every spare moment in the day...a practice ideally suited by this format. The ideas and situations here will touch the imagination of readers of all ages..."
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Ghosts Who Google "This collection of stories haunted by the ghosts of friends, family and lovers will disturb, delight and intrigue as Stephen transports the reader to tropical beaches and oceans, searing deserts, high mountains, a hospital and English pubs.
A variety of ghostly beings move through the pages, righting wrongs like Scavenger's tramp and Hubble Bubble's astute doctor or comforting loved ones left behind (Ne'er Even a Whisper, Angel and Presumed Dad). Stephen evokes a poignant sense of loss, regret and aching loneliness in family ghost stories that can be appreciated by all who have lost a loved one.
The reader will laugh, cry and experience the odd jolt as the twist in the tale is encountered. If you have enjoyed reading Ghosts Who Google you will love the next collection by this gifted story teller, Reflections in a Hubcap."
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Ghosts Who Google "I was intrigued to see how this author would seek to marry the traditional notion of supernatural experiences to the modern, commonplace world of the Internet. I share his view that far from freaking us out, we should be more fascinated with what 'they' - if 'they' exist - may mean in relation to human consciousness, and that implied communication with it.
So, regardless of my initial motivations, I soon became touched by the individual stories, like vignettes of something of myself haunting me deep down, demanding to be heard. Strikingly the first 10 tales explode as an exploration of the existential experience of loneliness, the sort of loneliness that longs for resolution at a profound level, in the depths of our very being.
Clearly loneliness and solitude, arguably not the actual themes, touched a particularly vulnerable spot in me. Most notably `Black and White Rainbow` and `The Luckiest Man Alive` - both delivered with stunning resolutions that profoundly shocked and moved me. Both unpredictable `twists` were cleverly produced, but rather than just being an admirable use of such a device, it was the impact that struck me, caught my breath, and - yes - culminated in a combination of both tears and smiles of recognition. It is a common theme throughout the collection."
Ghosts Who Google and Reflections in a Hubcap "Steve Atkinson knows the golden rule of the theatre: Leave them wanting more His cunningly crafted 23 short stories in his tome “Reflections in a Hubcap’ contain some of his personal and Fleet Street memories…or so we assume.
His book is a follow-up to ‘Ghosts Who Google’, a book which, among other things, explores the mind of a man who has never had a paranormal experience. His spooky book shows that ghosts do not always have to carry their heads under their arms and pass through dining room walls simply to scare hotel visitors.
In the modern world they are entitled to get into the spirit of technology by using somebody’s laptop.
He brings the supernatural up-to-date by reminding us that things can still go bump in the night.
His tales in ‘Reflections..’ are said to be ‘whimsically autobiographical’ while some visit the awakening corridors of the mind.
His pages are certainly worth a visit for any reader who likes a good mystery, not to mention any man who has had his wife stolen by another man… (Mustn’t Grumble, Reflections in a Hubcap.) Steve has a crisp and concise style of writing and does nor confuse the reader with flowery prose or pedantic detail. Above all, he makes you think that you are really there…" Former Daily Mirror industrial editor Terry Pattinson
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