Fiona loosened the latch of the large metal gate. As it came ajar, I poked my way through a tiny gap and rushed out to embrace the open spaces it guarded. I loved the park and exploring its mysteries, particularly its smells. Whenever my friends were there, we’d chase each other through the play area,… Read more

    That growl. I knew it well. Why did mum insist I retrieve her golden, leathery handbag that she left at her place? She knew he didn’t like me.      There was a history between her loyal guard and I. The daunting presence of his dark shadow lingered by the door, waiting for me, watching… Read more

Why am I doing this? The question haunts me as my butt firms into a stool at the bar. An overdose of aftershave and perfume surrounds me, a reprieve from the damp smell of beer I associated with the place.       ‘Rough day, mate?’ inquires the bartender.       Was it that obvious? The night before,… Read more

Oscar Crew! His name stared back at him from the front of an unaddressed envelope. Hidden within the thin paper package was a letter, one he had waited years to read.  ‘A strange item to leave in a will,’ thought Genevieve, studying the letter in Oscar’s hands.      ‘Dad was always very secretive about it,’… Read more

Endless possibilities, untouched and vulnerable, stare at me from the shelf. Their pages whisper to me, wanting to be read; their melody, music to my ears. The bookstore overflows with variety, with front covers fighting for my attention, just like puppies in a pet shop.             There is always that one puppy that captivates you… Read more

Catching the train! The “clickety clack” of the wheels hum in my mind like backing vocals in a band while the constant murmur of conversation stimulates my attention. A particular theme has captivated me. There is a common obsession with the tomorrow that awaits.         Ah, tomorrow! Full of unlimited possibilities yet plagued by curses.… Read more

Suspicion lured me into the animal enclosure at the local show. It was the one place I had hoped to avoid. My allergies to the scattered hay and animal hair triggered a rash under my jowls, but the rewards would be worth it. Within this farmer’s haven was a cryptic word that would win me… Read more

An ink-stained shirt on the motionless body on the apartment floor intrigued Detective Brugman.            “Where have I seen this stain before?” he questioned.            He pulled out his notebook and began scribbling on its small, recycled pages, before flipping back to another note.            “An elderly neighbour said they heard a shrill, piercing cry around noon yesterday,”… Read more

BOOKS ARE PEOPLE This is an interesting metaphor but when one considers how people judge a book, the similarities are quite frightening. First and foremost, people judge a book by its cover. It is the initial contact that sparks a connection between book and potential reader. They analyse the cover, working out whether it is… Read more

BREAKING THE COMFORT ZONE      I must confess: I am guilty of contradiction! How may you ask? Quite simply, I have allowed the preacher side of my professional side of life to not filter into my private side. Yesterday was a rather eye-opening day and one that made me strongly consider just how vital it… Read more