Speaking of which, I was obsessed with Agatha Christie books when I was a teenager. There was a second hand bookshop I'd go to that had loads of her books. However, I tried to read one recently and I just couldn't. I couldn't bear the style. Literature has changed so much, and some of the earlier popular books were written in the omniscient voice and I rarely read books like that anymore, so it was a real challenge.
I devoured them as a teen, too. Interesting that rereading after years didn't even work from the point of view of nostalgia. I think she was doing something new at the time and books like The Murder of Roger Ackroyd were genuine classics, but we have seen it all now and we're harder to impress. It must be such a gift being a hugely prolific writer of page-turners. Overall I am an admirer of hers, although I don't really return to her work either, possibly for similar reasons. I might give one a try one of these days...
What a nail biter, Jules! At first, I thought it was one of the short stories from Highsmith’s collection. Excellent writing, tension and pacing. Love a good revenge story. Please post more!
Thanks H2! Fiction isn't where I usually go, but it was nice to try it for size. Thanks for the kind words. Maybe Pam will return for a guest appearance 😊
I was waiting with bated breath to see whether you would like this little diversion, so I am just thrilled that you did. Thanks for sharing, and the reactions have been positive, so I'll definitely consider "Pam, The Return" if I can get some inspiration. I'll have to make an offering to the late, great Patricia Highsmith!
Speaking of which, I was obsessed with Agatha Christie books when I was a teenager. There was a second hand bookshop I'd go to that had loads of her books. However, I tried to read one recently and I just couldn't. I couldn't bear the style. Literature has changed so much, and some of the earlier popular books were written in the omniscient voice and I rarely read books like that anymore, so it was a real challenge.
I devoured them as a teen, too. Interesting that rereading after years didn't even work from the point of view of nostalgia. I think she was doing something new at the time and books like The Murder of Roger Ackroyd were genuine classics, but we have seen it all now and we're harder to impress. It must be such a gift being a hugely prolific writer of page-turners. Overall I am an admirer of hers, although I don't really return to her work either, possibly for similar reasons. I might give one a try one of these days...
This is great stuff Jules.
Thanks Sharon! x
What a nail biter, Jules! At first, I thought it was one of the short stories from Highsmith’s collection. Excellent writing, tension and pacing. Love a good revenge story. Please post more!
Thanks H2! Fiction isn't where I usually go, but it was nice to try it for size. Thanks for the kind words. Maybe Pam will return for a guest appearance 😊
You’ve got a gift for fiction, Jules!! I hope Pam returns. Send her here! We have a lot of dudes that could use the Pam treatment. 🤣
I was waiting with bated breath to see whether you would like this little diversion, so I am just thrilled that you did. Thanks for sharing, and the reactions have been positive, so I'll definitely consider "Pam, The Return" if I can get some inspiration. I'll have to make an offering to the late, great Patricia Highsmith!
Woah, Jules, have you murdered a man?
🤣Fiction, Jo. Fiction. I thought the ending was ambiguous. Clearly not.
"It's Fiction," she protests.
Honestly, Jo. Haven't you ever heard of Agatha Christie? This is Miss Marple with expletives!
Very captivating Jules 😊!! 😀 Was racing to get to the end of this. Ace 👌🏿👏🏿
Ah thanks so much Angie. I'm pleased you enjoyed it! 😉
This is an awesome story with its twists! Brava! I wish to see more of this!
Bless you Mr M! So glad you enjoyed. Maybe I should do a series of "Pam" stories 🤔 🤣
Brilliant. I barely drew a breath. More please.
As feedback goes that takes the cake. Thanks so much for sharing too. x
You hooked me in, and I very rarely read fiction on Substack. Great piece.
Glad you enjoyed it - was thinking about saving it for Hallowe’en but I thought what the hey! 😆Thanks so much for sharing x