**** 4 stars Reminiscent of Gangster Wanna Be Guys! by Rox Burkey
Author Michael Ciminera creates a compelling short story thriller with two low-level stereotype mobsters, aka grave diggers, as the lead characters. The dialogue between Otto and Mordy shows insight into these characters. Mordy clearly annoys Otto often.
There are some tongue-in-cheek moments that are essential to the storytelling. For example:
“Envelopes I don’t mind so much. It’s what’s inside them,” Mordy said.
Otto played along. “What’s inside them?”
Cock nosed assignments is what’s in these envelopes,” Mordy said again.
He took the card from the envelope and read it out loud with more attitude that the first time, “Dig a two and a half foot wide, eight-foot-long hole, next the fourth gravestone on the right.”
He counted the gravestones, one,
two, three and with a middle finger landed on four and shrugged back to Otto.
“That ain’t a gravestone,” Otto said.
“What do you mean it ain’t a gravestone?”
“That’s a boulder, dummy.”
Even though these two guys are not as high in the organization as they desire, they are familiar with the mob rules. Sallie the Horse, their immediate boss, has a distinctive personality, often referring to the boss above them as The Man with The Plan. Fast paced and entertaining.
This story is a good listen with a surprising ending. The quality of the audio is good. The narrator is consistent with the voices, tone, and pace of telling the story. The voice of Kay Elusvian is well-suited to these characters. The style and emphasis enhance the thriller aspects.
About the Author
Michael Ciminera was born in Queens, NY and was raised on Long Island. He has written over a dozen produced screenplays for top Television Networks including ABC Family’s hit franchise, “The Dog Who Saved Christmas.” He holds a degree in Finance from Hofstra University and lives on Long Island with his wife, son and 5lb dog named Rocky.
About the Narrator
I have a background in local theatre and radio. I attended the Nottingham Actors Workshop and the Nottingham Improv Comedy Experience (NICE), as well as working as a DJ and voiceover on the radio in Kent. I’ve even performed live comedy!
I spent two years training in the art of voiceover acting by one of the most sought-after voice tutors in Hollywood: the wonderful actor Pat Fraley (IMDb, website).
In addition, I’ve trained with some of the top industry pros:
- Tom Keegan, the renown videogame director who also worked on Dexter’s Lab, Johnny Bravo and other Cartoon Network classics.
- Sara Jane Sherman, casting director for Disney and Warner Bros. including the Animaniacs reboot and Gravity Falls.
I keep my skills current with regular workshops and seminars. Acting is a tool that needs sharpening. Currently I’m attending the respected Act Up North drama workshop.
I was born in England in 1983. I have lived and worked in both the UK and Japan. I hold a first-class Bachelor’s degree. I am a trans woman (she/her) so my performances range across genders from male to female and over 4 octaves!
