Closing Time cover art

Closing Time

Collected Stories

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About this listen

From award-winning author and storyteller Jack Ketchum, a collection of bleak stories of loss and pain. This is the author's newest collection, and includes his Bram Stoker award-winning novella Closing Time.

Also included:

"Returns" "Damned If You Do" "Station Two" "Elusive" "Papa" "The Fountain" "Do You Love Your Wife?" "At Home with the VCR" "Those Rockports Won't Get You into Heaven" "Olivia: A Monologue" "Brave Girl" "Honor System" "Lighten Up" "Hotline" "Monster" "Consensual" "Seascape" "Snarl, Hiss, Spit, Stalk"

©2014 Dallas Mayr (P)2015 David N. Wilson Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Horror Short Stories Fiction Scary
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Ketchum is classic. The first story in here was like taking a literal punch in the gut. In all seriousness, I had to pause it because I was still feeling from the first story. Trust me when I say it's hard for me to get the feels. What can I say? I have a weak spot for pets. I adored how each story ended with a personal note from the author as to how and what influenced him to write each story. It's been a while since I've read Ketchum, but I'm sure I've read some of these before (many many many moons ago). Also, I saw how NYC, cigarettes, and Greek restaurants influenced his work

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Listener received this title free

It is difficult to classify this collection of Jack Ketchum short stories as pure horror. Yes, there are very effective and disturbing instances of gore and violence that Ketchum is known for, but these tales are also fascinating insights into the psyches of a large cast of diverse characters in a range of diverse situations. They really show off Ketchum’s skill for writing humour (‘At Home With The VCR’), unexpected twists (‘Damned If You Do’, ‘Brave Girl’), horror (‘Station Two’) and mixes of genres (‘Hotline’). There is even one story (‘Returns’) that is extremely moving, which is perhaps an uncommon and unusual adjective to describe his prose.

The maturity of Ketchum’s writing is expertly conveyed to the listener by the deep voice and gravitas of the excellent narrator. His pacing is perfect, as are the range of voices he uses for the various characters we meet. This is definitely one of those instances where narrator and text are an ideal fit.

In conclusion, I fully recommend this audiobook if you are looking for exceptionally well-written dark tales. This work is a reminder and a testament to Jack Ketchum’s skill as a writer.

A showcase for Jack Ketchum’s writing skills

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