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hdbblog's review
4.0
Short story compilations are becoming a bit of an addiction to me lately. I think of them as the perfect bite-sized snack of reading. Just enough to sate you, but also to keep you coming back for more! That being said, when Russell Brooks asked me to review his newest project, Unsavory Delicacies, I jumped at the chance. I've already had the pleasure of reading Pandora's Succession, his first book, and loved it. Needless to say I had high hopes for this one as well. Below are my bite-sized reviews of each story within.
Crème Brulé
This is the first story in the book, and thus the one that had to catch my attention to keep me reading. Luckily I wasn't let down. This story had intrigue, trickery, and even a femme fatale. Featuring a character who I know quite well from Russell Brook's previous book, this was one that I literally devoured. See, Ridley Fox vowed revenge after his past excursions. I can't deny that I was a little disappointed he didn't get that before we left him. In this story...well let's just say everyone gets their just desserts.
To the Last Bite
Oh, this story. What do I say about this story? First off, in a matter of sentences Russell Brooks is able to build a vivid character. I could picture Dennis Kirby, the food critic, in my mind. After eating the best meal he's ever had, Dennis cannot seem to place the chef that he thanks. Who is he? A twist my friends. That's all I can say without giving anything away. Suffice it to say that this one greatly appealed to the side of me that enjoys a bit of dark humor now and then.
Shashlyk and Morezhenoe
I'll admit the title of this one had me a bit stumped at first, but after reading the story I got it! Very clever. By far my favorite story of the bunch, Ridley Fox once again takes center stage! The best part is that this story allows him to be the total bad-ass that he is. Oh yes, that's why he is my kind of guy. Reading this further proves to me that Russell Brooks is indeed a master of action and intrigue.
Overall thoughts? This is definitely a short story compilation worth buying, if only for the reason that it will make you want to read more from the fantastic Russell Brooks. If you are a fan of thrillers, you need to look more into his writing. Start by taking some time to dive into this perfectly bite-sized short stories. Think of them as appetizers!
Crème Brulé
This is the first story in the book, and thus the one that had to catch my attention to keep me reading. Luckily I wasn't let down. This story had intrigue, trickery, and even a femme fatale. Featuring a character who I know quite well from Russell Brook's previous book, this was one that I literally devoured. See, Ridley Fox vowed revenge after his past excursions. I can't deny that I was a little disappointed he didn't get that before we left him. In this story...well let's just say everyone gets their just desserts.
To the Last Bite
Oh, this story. What do I say about this story? First off, in a matter of sentences Russell Brooks is able to build a vivid character. I could picture Dennis Kirby, the food critic, in my mind. After eating the best meal he's ever had, Dennis cannot seem to place the chef that he thanks. Who is he? A twist my friends. That's all I can say without giving anything away. Suffice it to say that this one greatly appealed to the side of me that enjoys a bit of dark humor now and then.
Shashlyk and Morezhenoe
I'll admit the title of this one had me a bit stumped at first, but after reading the story I got it! Very clever. By far my favorite story of the bunch, Ridley Fox once again takes center stage! The best part is that this story allows him to be the total bad-ass that he is. Oh yes, that's why he is my kind of guy. Reading this further proves to me that Russell Brooks is indeed a master of action and intrigue.
Overall thoughts? This is definitely a short story compilation worth buying, if only for the reason that it will make you want to read more from the fantastic Russell Brooks. If you are a fan of thrillers, you need to look more into his writing. Start by taking some time to dive into this perfectly bite-sized short stories. Think of them as appetizers!
patchworkbunny's review
2.0
I found these three short story "thrillers" very easy reading.
The stories are interconnected by a restaurant and the theme of revenge mingled with food. Whilst I thought the first two stories, Creme Brulee and To The Last Bite worked well as short stories but I think I missed the point on Shashlyk and Morozhenoe which felt more like a beginning of something.
Don't expect much character development as the stories are on the shorter side of short. The writing style is very matter of fact and I think it would appeal more to thriller fans that wanted something to fill an hour.
The stories are interconnected by a restaurant and the theme of revenge mingled with food. Whilst I thought the first two stories, Creme Brulee and To The Last Bite worked well as short stories but I think I missed the point on Shashlyk and Morozhenoe which felt more like a beginning of something.
Don't expect much character development as the stories are on the shorter side of short. The writing style is very matter of fact and I think it would appeal more to thriller fans that wanted something to fill an hour.
scearceka's review
5.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book comes with a disclaimer of its own, and I have to say I definitely second, third, and fourth it to all future readers! All three stories are fantastic, and I'm already a fan of Ridley Fox, so I was happy to see him appear once again. "To The Last Bite" was certainly my favorite of the three (and I'm sure that doesn't bode well for my psyche), although I'm going to be quite wary of my remarks regarding a restaurant's cuisine ever again!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend this collection, especially to those who are already fans of Russell Brooks. Just make sure you're not planning to eat any time soon after reading...
Bon appetit!
5 stars =)
This book comes with a disclaimer of its own, and I have to say I definitely second, third, and fourth it to all future readers! All three stories are fantastic, and I'm already a fan of Ridley Fox, so I was happy to see him appear once again. "To The Last Bite" was certainly my favorite of the three (and I'm sure that doesn't bode well for my psyche), although I'm going to be quite wary of my remarks regarding a restaurant's cuisine ever again!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend this collection, especially to those who are already fans of Russell Brooks. Just make sure you're not planning to eat any time soon after reading...
Bon appetit!
5 stars =)
babyleo's review
5.0
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review
Brooks’ short stories, much like his novels, manage to encapsulate the thriller genre incredibly well, even with vastly fewer pages. Just like his novels Brooks upholds the tension and the gripping feeling but this time with less action and more cunning.
The theme of the collection is food, though Brooks takes very different approaches for each and as the title suggest they are quite on the unsavoury side. This does not mean though they are necessarily grotesque in description or in content. And yet while there is a warning for one of the stories, there is no denying Brooks is masterful when it comes to grabbing the reader’s attention from early on and holding on till the last page, dragging it around whereever it needed to be in the process.
Once again Brooks demonstrates creative and clever writing and he uses the short story design and the element of the unexpected to his advantage. The building anticipation in the stories is evident and not knowing where it could end up adds to the enjoyment because anything is possible. As a result, each story is brought to life with uniqueness and the perfect amount of pacing, revelation, and intrigue that a short story and a thriller needs.
With only three short stories, Unsavoury Delicacies is a quick read but it is one that once started you will not want to stop. Brooks’ cleverness is clear and his stories are filled with characters and conclusions that leave you wide eyed and mouth agape. This three course collection of stories are somewhat shocking yet fascinating, and with revelations that fit ideally into the thriller genre. I think it is safe to say that they are enough to suitably satisfy your appetite for the suspense but they also leave you wanting more.
This review was also published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/unsavory-delicacies-by-russell-brooks/
Brooks’ short stories, much like his novels, manage to encapsulate the thriller genre incredibly well, even with vastly fewer pages. Just like his novels Brooks upholds the tension and the gripping feeling but this time with less action and more cunning.
The theme of the collection is food, though Brooks takes very different approaches for each and as the title suggest they are quite on the unsavoury side. This does not mean though they are necessarily grotesque in description or in content. And yet while there is a warning for one of the stories, there is no denying Brooks is masterful when it comes to grabbing the reader’s attention from early on and holding on till the last page, dragging it around whereever it needed to be in the process.
Once again Brooks demonstrates creative and clever writing and he uses the short story design and the element of the unexpected to his advantage. The building anticipation in the stories is evident and not knowing where it could end up adds to the enjoyment because anything is possible. As a result, each story is brought to life with uniqueness and the perfect amount of pacing, revelation, and intrigue that a short story and a thriller needs.
With only three short stories, Unsavoury Delicacies is a quick read but it is one that once started you will not want to stop. Brooks’ cleverness is clear and his stories are filled with characters and conclusions that leave you wide eyed and mouth agape. This three course collection of stories are somewhat shocking yet fascinating, and with revelations that fit ideally into the thriller genre. I think it is safe to say that they are enough to suitably satisfy your appetite for the suspense but they also leave you wanting more.
This review was also published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/unsavory-delicacies-by-russell-brooks/
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