Sugar Got Low by Frank Zafiro

Thirteen rather dark tales of people doing their best…even if their best is not what most of us would consider being “good”. I kept hoping that there would be an uplifting story mixed in somewhere, but this collection was dark, intense, and left me wondering “what if”? I wondered what it would be like to be each of the main characters in each story or perhaps the supporting ones, I thought about what circumstances would be required to make the decisions that were made, I thought about the power some held and how most of the time that power was not used for the benefit of others…I thought a lot and know I will ponder these stories again from time to time.

ADAM RAISED A CAIN: Nature vs nurture…does it make a difference? One policeman finds out in this short story.

A GYRO AND A GLOCK: The difficulties of an addict caught between a rock and a hard place.

DETAILS IN BLACK: Who knew that one could become so obsessed with a car?

LONG BURDENS: Truth, accountability, and power play parts in this one – will right prevail?

LOWEST POINT: The impact of suicide is far reaching.

PARTY DRESS: Escape seems to be the theme in this one.

PRANK CALL: Stupid stunt with major consequences…didn’t see the twists coming in this one.

WALKING THROUGH: Matt is conflicted for a number of reasons and working in the era he does would make it difficult to be as open and honest with his colleagues as he might be in this day and age.

WALTER’S NIGHT: Twisted tale…but then...Walter was a bit twisted, too. Not sure if karma was visited on him or just bad luck.

RUN ITS COURSE: This one was a surprise…made me wonder what would happen AFTER the story ended…am sure something big did.

THE CONCRETE SMILE: Grifters with a checkered past are running a con – would like to learn more about the main couple.

TITUS, MY BROTHER: Roman soldiers preparing for battle against Boudica with one soldier dealing with big questions as he contemplates his life and what he does for a living.

SUGAR GOT LOW: Sugar’s life changed when she was nine and her mother disappeared leaving her with her rather useless father…she had some LOW times…this story really grabbed me and made me wonder what would happen next.

Did I enjoy this collection? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )