Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze

By: Stephanie Perry Scissom

Narrated by: Miranda Elizabeth

When her seven-year-old daughter Lizzy disappeared into a corn maze on Halloween night in 1984, Catherine Bryant didn’t think she’d survive the loss.

For nearly 40 years, Catherine has struggled with her grief and guilt, so when her doctor delivers a fatal diagnosis, it’s almost a relief.

But something is happening to Catherine. Whether a result of her medications or from the disease that’s destroying her brain, Catherine is experiencing vivid nightmares that spill over to waking hallucinations of a malicious cartoon scarecrow. Smilin' Sam has ripped himself free from the billboard above the maze claiming he wants to help her.

As her dreams reveal new clues, Catherine becomes obsessed with finding Lizzy’s remains, so they can be laid to rest together.

The lines between fantasy and reality blur as Sam becomes increasingly real and violent. Will his cruelty and power over Catherine lead her to do the unthinkable as her mental state deteriorates?

©2023 Stephanie Scissom (P)2023 Stephanie Scissom

A Mother's Determination

Catherine Bryant was never the same after her daughter Lizzy disappeared and was never seen again. The Bryant family had no help from the local police whose investigation techniques were backward to say the lease. There is a twist in here, but I won't give it out. Catherine medical diagnosis is grim, but with the help of a new friend and something else, the pieces start to come together, and the truth is coming full focus.
This novella may be short, but it packs a punch that you will feel in the depths of your soul. This story will take you on a ride that involves pain, drama, betrayal, and heartache that even the little glimpses of humor don't truly heal. I will say this a mother's love knows no boundaries and has no end. I highly recommend this book. The phenomenal narration of Miranda Elizabeth brought forth the emotions and personsonalites of each character, which brought the story and them to life.
This is my first book from author Stephanie Perry Scissom, but it definitely won't be my last. I received this audio book for free upon my request. I am voluntarily leaving my honest, unbiased review on this phenomenal, well written book of my own free will.

Can her degenerating mind solve the mystery?

Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze follows Catherine, a mom in her 70s who has just been diagnosed with a degenerative disease that will quickly take her memory before taking her life. 40 years prior, her daughter Lizzie disappeared while they were at corn maze on Halloween. Her mind starts giving her hallucinations of Smilin' Sam. She believes that he's going to help her find out what happened to her daughter, but is there more going on?
I really enjoyed this story. As a parent, I couldn't imagine the immeasurable grief that would come with not only losing a child, but not knowing what happened. I could sympathize with Catherine as she desperately tries to cope with not only losing her own mind, but trying to find Lizzie before she can't any longer.
I also really enjoyed the narrator, but one minor issue that I had was how she portrayed one of the characters. It becomes pretty clear what their true intentions were right from the beginning, and I don't know that I would have seen it that way if she didn't narrate that character in that way.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and would look forward to reading more and listening more to the author and narrator!

Great listen!

The story was a fun mystery with a twist of unique character point of views. I enjoyed the story.

Great short story!

This was a great quick listen with a wonderful narrator. She really brought the scarecrow to life with his voice! Spooky and twisting story just like a corn maze! Highly recommend.

I received this audio book in return for my honest opinion

Exciting!

What an exciting novella with twists and turns! The narration is so passionate that I felt in the moment with Catherine as she struggled to manage her illness while seeking justice.

I felt like I was there!

I am from a small Tennessee town. When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. The descriptions were detailed and reminded me of the places where I grew up. I usually have plots figured out early on when I read a book, but this book was a delicious surprise. The characters felt real to me. This book is truly a slice of life, and it reminded me that one tragic event can change the whole trajectory of a person’s life. The reader “did all the voices” and I was blown away by the nuances expressed in each character. I wonder if this author is related to Stephen King? She hits the same nerve that King and Poe do in their writing. Highly recommended.

Twists keep coming… right until the end!

I loved this story! Many times throughout, I thought I knew which way the story was leading me. Turns out, I was wrong in the best way. I loved how this story came together and gave me the most unexpected, satisfying ending. Do yourself a favor and give this one a listen!

Smilin’ Sam’s Corn Maze review.

An interesting story overall. Had a likable main character and looking forward to more from the author.

Spectacular

This story is a great quick read. The narrator did an excellent job helping the author bring these characters to life.

Masterpiece

Smilin’ Sam’s Corn Maze is an absolute masterpiece and I listened to the entire novella in one sitting because it captivated me from the very beginning. I thought it was truly incredible how seamlessly both Catherine Bryant’s medical journey with being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and her getting justice for what happened to her daughter Lizzy 40 years ago when she disappeared from a corn maze were combined together. Additionally, the narrator did such an amazing job with bringing the scarecrow to life. Overall, the story was spooky, full of twists and turns, and I loved it. I definitely will be recommending it to friends and family for sure.