The Complete Collection

Collected Short Works

By: Brian Jackson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This eclectic collection of short stories offers a journey through innocence, suspense, horror, and nostalgia, exploring the unpredictable moments that define us. The stories begin with "The Kiss," where eleven-year-old Steve Merriman’s dodgeball accident leads to an innocent yet nerve-wracking schoolyard romance. Originally published in Columbia College’s Spring Review, it captures childhood’s humor and vulnerability, setting the stage for the mix of lightheartedness and darker themes to come.

In "The Finger," an ordinary day unravels into chaos when a severed finger is found on a coffee table, launching the protagonist into a bizarre chain of events. Dark humor meets suspense in this tale of how quickly life can spiral into absurdity.

"Fading Photographs" uncovers hidden family secrets, as an old box of photos reveals a beloved aunt’s long-lost love story. This poignant piece reminds us of the stories left unsaid in the lives of those closest to us. The collection then shifts tone with "Monster," told from the abuser’s perspective, delving into the unsettling cycles of trauma and guilt.

With "The Night Watchman," we find humor in the unusual friendship of a graveyard night-shift worker and his unexpected ally, revealing companionship in life’s quietest places. "Some Enchanted Evening" recalls a youthful, surreal night of dancing with a lamp-stand to “Zoom” by the Commodores, mixing whimsy with nostalgia.

"In Walked Trouble" pulls us into a noir-inspired Los Angeles where a hardboiled detective confronts ultimate evil. Dark and suspenseful, it’s a twist on classic Hollywood mysteries. "Bitch’s Brew" stirs the haunting memories of school, challenging perceptions of authority figures through an eerie teacher-student encounter.

"Gray Wolf" follows a lone hero’s fight for his people, exploring courage and sacrifice, while "Storm Front" brings readers to the horrors of war, seen through the eyes of a doctor grappling with the ethical toll. "Death Sentence" takes a contemplative turn, where Robert Buchanan reflects on life in his final hours, offering a meditation on mortality and memory.

"While Strangling the Cat" critiques societal apathy through a surreal, chilling tale of everyday horror. "Accordion of Doom" humorously unleashes supernatural forces when “Lady of Spain” is played on a haunted accordion. "The Tomb" offers adventure, taking readers on a fast-paced, Indiana Jones-esque journey.

"Anticipation" builds suspense as a predator stalks young lovers, capturing the thrill and fear of the chase. "The Lair" dives into nightmarish territory, as a gas company worker is ensnared by sewer-dwelling creatures, while "Center Divide" turns a plane crash scene into a tale of resilience.

"138 Grant Street" exposes horror within the mundane, and "Nightline" closes the collection with a melancholic look at loss, memory, and unspoken feelings.

Each story in this collection is an exploration of life’s unpredictable twists, blending humor, horror, and introspection, leaving readers to ponder the hidden layers of human experience.