Arithmophobia is a collection of short stories that leads you on a journey to consider the sometimes haunting, sometimes humorous impact of numbers. Whether it be the value we assign to our lot in life, a date on a calendar, or the numerical magic that mother-nature can offer, Arithmophobia's nine stories examine the magic and mystery that begins at the intersection of life and a single digit.
Adam is a young preacher, with a loving wife and a child on the way. His family, his congregation, and his affinity for one particular science fiction movie are enough to keep him happy with his life. But when a new member of that congregation begins to haunt him at seemingly the worst possible moments, he begins to question the weight of his life's responsibilities. Can he handle being "the one" - the one so many look to in times of need?
Detective Oswald Quinn is not so happy with life. His marriage has not turned out quite as happy as Adam's, but his responsibilities have become just as heavy. The latest of these burdens have led him to the investigation of a serial killer who seems to seek perfection in the number 3.
Meanwhile, Scott seems completely unburdened by responsibility, save for his endless pursuit for a full glass at the bar. The drinks should be flowing freely on May 5, or "Cinco de Mayo". But on this date, Scott discovers a failure much more haunting than an unquenchable thirst.
*** [Adam abruptly returns to consciousness with a snort and a groan - THE ONE] ***(Mystery and Horror, LLC, 15 December 2017, ebook, 144 pages, copy from @TCMPublicity and voluntarily reviewed, blog tour 10 November)
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Stories included:
- The One
- It Takes Two
- Three Is As Magic As Can Be
- Four Men on Horses
- May Day Number Five
- These Six Walls
- Seven Colours
- A Perfect Eight
- Revolution Nine
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This is my first time reading the author.
I really enjoyed the stories in this collection. People have been superstitious about numbers for generations. Some more so than others. I never have been. Arithmophobia is a clever collection of stories that focus on one of our oldest dreads. Every story was a pleasure to read. What makes the collection stand out is the fact the stories are all very different and cover multiple genres. The stand out story in the collection is Four Men on Horses. This clever tale pitches the four horsemen of the apocalypse against modern humans when they fail to bring about the end of the world. It's the funniest story I've read in ages. I especially loved it when Pestilence succumbs to the charms of a junkie because she reeks of disease. I laughed so much I hurt my ribs. What a brilliant story. I also especially enjoyed The One, May Day Number Five and These Six Walls.