***** Excellent Emotion Invoking Storytelling Review by Rox Burkey
Author Mae Clair provides a delightful set of short stories that cover the gambit from magical realism to scary suspense. As my first encounter with this author, I found a variety of stories that captured my imagination. The settings and characters are vivid and at times complex.
These fifteen stories are each unique and illustrate the talent of Clair. It is easy to savor each like delectable artisan sweets from a fine restaurant’s brunch, then return to sample another. The imagination of the author shows on each page and in every story.
I have loved the tales of Robin Hood since I was very young. I immediately fell in love with her Robin of Sherwood story right from the start. Here’s a sample of this modern-day encounter.
“…No one in Nottingham would mistake him as anything but nobility. With long white-blond hair, a light complexion, and green eyes, he looked aristocratic even if his attire—faded jeans, leather jerkin, and deerskin boots—was common fare.
“Are we close yet?” Sprawled in the passenger’s seat, Robin’s thirteen-year-old brother, Much, rummaged through a duffle bag. Paper crinkled as he unwrapped a pack of crackers then he popped one into his mouth. “Don’t you have anything that isn’t stale?”
“If you wanted meat pies and cobbler, you should have stayed in Huntington.”
Sprite-like in stature, it had been easy for Much to stow away in the bed of the pickup. Robin hadn’t realized he was there until it was too late. The Sheriff of Nottingham expected him tomorrow, and any delay would arouse suspicion….”
Author Clair selects the right words and inserts them to enhance the story and paint pictures in the minds of readers. I found this an excellent compelling read that I want to keep handy to devour when I need some fun. I highly recommend this book and I will be adding more of Mae Clair writings to my collection. I look forward to your thoughts.
About the Author
A member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. She has achieved bestseller status on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with several of her novels chosen as book club selections.
Mae writes primarily in the mystery/suspense genre, flavoring her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats.
Discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com
14 replies to "Things Old and Forgotten"
Rox, thank you so much for sharing your review of Things Old and Forgotten. I’m delighted you enjoyed the book so much. Your review has me grinning ear-to-ear.
Like you, I’ve been enchanted by the legend of Robin Hood (and Arthur, Merlin and Taliesin) since I was a kid. I loved being able to put my own spin on those legends. I’m glad you enjoyed my Robin Hood. 🙂
Thank you again for the fabulous review and for sharing!
Hi Mae, You definately have a way of storytelling that makes me smile and dream of the possibilities.
🙂
What a fabulous review for a fabulous book!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Rox. I agree with you about Mae’s version of Robin Hood. Each story stands on its own merit. A great collection! Congrats to Mae!
Hey Jan
Thank you for swinging by. Don’t you agree this is one book perfect for gift giving this year? I love the cover too.
Happy Holidays.
Wonderful review for a wonderful book. I loved this collection. Congrats to Mae! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rox 🙂
Harmony, thank you for stopping by to check it out.
I loved all the stories in this book. It was so hard to pick a favorite, though her take on Robin Hood certainly merits consideration. Fabulous review. Congratulations to Mae. Thanks, Rox.
Staci, agreed. Each story is well told. Thank you for stopping by. Joyful holidays to you.
I really enjoyed this book. I think Mae has a hit on her hands.
Totally agree Craig. Have a happy holiday season.
Great review, Rox. I enjoyed all these stories. As Staci said, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Joan
Thank you for visiting. I am right there with you. All winners.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Rox. Like you, I loved the book. The entire collection was a reader’s delight. 🙂