mel_reviews_in_a_pinch's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thinking of that one thing that truly gets under your skin, how far would you go to take care of the problem? I will admit that my limit is the actual law. I can’t see myself breaking the law to solve a problem, unless it was self-defense (which is not technically against the law). This short story (79 pages) had a lot of potential, plus I wasn’t really sure what to expect going in. The synopsis made it sound like it could be something supernatural, but I wasn’t sure if that would include ghosts, creatures or a croatoan incident. The author’s suspense-filled build up to Charlie’s ultimate fate was well-done. It was very detailed and pretty gory (I wish I hadn’t been eating lunch while reading it). But it was far from perfect. There was a lot of what I deemed unnecessary swearing; it didn’t help make a point or add to the story at all. There was also a lot of repetition. If the author were repeating something because it was an important point that the reader needed to remember it would have been fine, but this was repetition for the sake of it or for making Deadlock seem longer. My biggest problem was a lack of resolution to the entire story. If it were part of a continuing series and ended on a cliffhanger, fine. Not the case here. I was actually pretty irritated that after getting to the end, I still have no clue what was haunting the freaking ship! I think Deadlock could be a full length novel, with more background on Charlie and his life decisions leading up to his decision to stay on the ship. Flashback accounts on the ship could also be added. Overall I did like this short story, I just thought it could be better. If you’re hardcore into thriller stories, I may recommend Deadlock to you, but it would be on an individual basis when I know what you prefer to read.
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bmacenlightened's review
5.0
This was my first real introduction to Mr. Curran's work and for the record its not going to be the last. It started quick with a great introduction to the characters but then spent the bulk of the time on why I actually picked it up, the horror. The haunting events taking place on that boat were things I'd never heard of anything close to but I'll never forget what they were doing to the man. I really enjoyed that the author kept the man reasonable with his stubbornness and the thoughts he had as everything was going on. Then as a cherry on top the ending of it was satisfactory as well on another level returning the story back to its place in the universe in which it existed.
paperbackstash's review
4.0
A fun, fast and haunting horror ride. This boat may never set sail, but being on a boat at night floating on a chamber horrors is enough without adding in actual creepy sea life.
The plot is basic and straight-forward, and it reminds me a bit of the short story from King's movie Cat's Eye where an addicted gambler is forced out on the ledge to solve his issues and save his life. In this case, a gambler who owes a major debt is offered the chance to pay it off by staying alive on a large freighter.
Charlie doesn't trust the mobster in charge, but the chance to squeeze out of a fifty thousand dollar debt and keep his dignity intact makes the risk tempting - I'll let you read it for yourself to see if this gamble paid off.
The one has an almost hallucinogenic quality as Charlie lets him imagination run away with him, mixed in memories and unrealities. The villain Arturo is kind of funny and made memorable lines and moments considered he’s the big-bad of the shipyard.
The ending is a satisfying “so there!” moment. You get creepiness, a suitable end, a worthy premise, and a bizarre ship. Tim Curran is a talented writer who penned a worthy tale. It’s not maritime horror since the boat stays docked, but the claustrophobic setting rocks for this type of story.
It’s relatively short at 190 pages and can be had for a cheap price of 2.99 e-book --- recommended.
The plot is basic and straight-forward, and it reminds me a bit of the short story from King's movie Cat's Eye where an addicted gambler is forced out on the ledge to solve his issues and save his life. In this case, a gambler who owes a major debt is offered the chance to pay it off by staying alive on a large freighter.
Charlie doesn't trust the mobster in charge, but the chance to squeeze out of a fifty thousand dollar debt and keep his dignity intact makes the risk tempting - I'll let you read it for yourself to see if this gamble paid off.
The one has an almost hallucinogenic quality as Charlie lets him imagination run away with him, mixed in memories and unrealities. The villain Arturo is kind of funny and made memorable lines and moments considered he’s the big-bad of the shipyard.
The ending is a satisfying “so there!” moment. You get creepiness, a suitable end, a worthy premise, and a bizarre ship. Tim Curran is a talented writer who penned a worthy tale. It’s not maritime horror since the boat stays docked, but the claustrophobic setting rocks for this type of story.
It’s relatively short at 190 pages and can be had for a cheap price of 2.99 e-book --- recommended.
charshorrorcorner's review
5.0
(I beta read this novella back in January and I have been thinking about it ever since. I originally rated it 4.5 stars, but after constantly thinking about it, I raised my rating to a full 5 stars.)
This novella was excellent!
One man. One night on a ship. Seems easy enough right? But this is no ordinary ship and Tim Curran is no ordinary author. If this premise sounds interesting to you, buy this novella. You won't be sorry!
This novella was excellent!
One man. One night on a ship. Seems easy enough right? But this is no ordinary ship and Tim Curran is no ordinary author. If this premise sounds interesting to you, buy this novella. You won't be sorry!
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