Comment from mommerry

Excellent

Did you write Horror? Yes Did it have a twist? Yes. Edgar Allan would probably give you a pat on the back and say, "Way to go! Good job.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

I hope so, mommerry. I'd hate for him to come after me, heh-heh!

thanks so much for the review. :}

Comment from Debbie Noland

Excellent

While some critics may turn up their noses at parody, let's face it--sometimes it is just plain fun. I have been known to parody the poems of Poe myself upon occasion. It is clear that you are having fun here, and I think that's important, considering how easy it is for writers to take themselves too seriously. It is clear as early as the title that this piece is meant to entertain and not to be a serious stab (ouch!) at the serious horror/thriller genre. Considering that, I can't predict how well it will fare in the contest, but I have to say it started my morning off with a smile.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Well, by all accounts, not too well as contest entries go, Debbie.

However, the important thing is that you saw it for what it was, parody, and having a bit of fun, and that it made you laugh. That is more important than any contest win could ever be to me.

Thanks so much for your supportive review. :}

Comment from Phyllis Stewart

Excellent

Clever play on Poe's words, but I think you might have thought it out a bit more and made it a bit more interesting... but then, with the word limit, I suppose I'm asking too much. Yes, I am. So just ignore that. :)

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Haha, it's never wrong to feel that way, Phyllis, not really. I would have loved to make it more detailed, as I'm usually criticized for being far too wordy. But, with the constraints involved, I tried to incorporate the ending of Poe's tale as best I could, and employ a little "twist" of my own in it.

Thanks for your review and honest feedback. It's very important to me. :}

Comment from jpduck

Excellent

To do anything in 144 words is so difficult. I think you have worked wonders - right down to the magnificent last line. Very well done indeed.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Thanks, jpduck, now only if...

Anyhow, I truly appreciate your encouraging review. I needed one for this one, LOL.

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

A satire on Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." This is very well written with a sinister flow of words, making for a very good read. No Errors.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Hey...someone actually "got it!"

That alone is worth a big "thanks", Charlie, so...

THANKS!!!

reply by c_lucas on 20-Nov-2014

You're welcome. Charlie

Comment from padumachitta

Excellent

Hey You...fun and tongue in check and of course it has a twist..you have my vote...I figure i might just know who this is...but i have beem wrong before...let me know by message if I have it right...pleasant screams.
padumachitta

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Hey, thanks for the encouraging review and support, padu. Believe me when I tell you this, whoever you "think" I am, I am very grateful, heh...heh...heh.

Comment from ravim

Excellent

The beauty of your composition is its brevity. Within just a few lines, you were able to bring out the horror and suspense of the story. Well done. I enjoyed reading it.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Thanks, ravim, that is so kind of you to say, my friend. I certainly appreciate your very thoughtful comments and encouraging review. :}

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

I remember (I think, it was so long ago) reading the Tall Tale Heart in high school. In this shortened, unique version, you spun and twisted it into a winner.

Nicely done... John

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

I certain have tried to, my friend, but I'm not too sure. I suppose I will simply have to wait it out, and see.

Thanks for the positive feedback and review. They are appreciated. :}

Comment from royowen

Excellent

There is only one thing I couldn't work out who on earth is or was Bart, a cat perhaps? I hope he gets away with murdering, oh I see the cat was down there and alerted people into finding out that it's mistress was murdered, well done blessings, well done, well written, I hope you do well in the comp. Roy, blessings, Roy.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Thanks, Roy, and if you've ever read Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, then this will have made perfect sense to you. You're right, the murdering fiend inadvertently buried Bart, the cat, alive in the hole with his murdered wife. The cat's incessant meowing alerted her father that something might be amiss, and he contacted the authorities.

The rest, as they say, is history, LOL...

As always, thanks for the review. :}

reply by royowen on 20-Nov-2014

Most welcome,

Comment from mfowler

Excellent

Your Poe influence showing through again, I see. Well, you're in your element. Dead bodies, whining cats, murder, conscience, police... All the elements of a good horror story I'd imagine. 142 words asks a lot of the storyteller, but you've got it right here. I think the self talk of the murderer is a great device to get the detail, character, and theme developed in these micro stories. Good luck, let's hope the roll, rolls on.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Let's hope, Mark, LOL...

I wasn't even going to enter this, but after reading Poe's Tell-Tale Heart again for what was probably the hundredth time or more (I simply can't get enough of Poe's fascinating work!), this just came to me in a flash (no pun intended).

I'm very glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the R&R.

Much obliged, Mark! ;)