The Stranger in the Crimson Hood
May E. A. Poe NOT roll over in his grave.14 total reviews
Comment from BeasPeas
This is excellent. Well described, clear, interesting, mysterious and with a good message anyone can relate to. Much luck in the contest with this terrific entry. Marilyn
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2018
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This is excellent. Well described, clear, interesting, mysterious and with a good message anyone can relate to. Much luck in the contest with this terrific entry. Marilyn
Comment Written 06-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2018
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I appreciate your your calling "Stranger" a "terrific" entry as it was a challenge to tell it in only 200 words. Many thanks, Marilyn, for taking the time to read and review. Rod
Comment from apky
What I liked most about this was the creepiness of the story,
most expressed in the symbolic clock's slow movement
forward, silently, while even the last embers die and
the chill advances just as stealthily.
And finally the arrival of the New Year with a great Bong!
Here to stay, while the Old Year vanishes forever.
Very well done.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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What I liked most about this was the creepiness of the story,
most expressed in the symbolic clock's slow movement
forward, silently, while even the last embers die and
the chill advances just as stealthily.
And finally the arrival of the New Year with a great Bong!
Here to stay, while the Old Year vanishes forever.
Very well done.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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I am delighted you enjoyed this short bit of macabre. Thank you so much for your kind praise.
Comment from tfawcus
Horror indeed! Another year just like the last! Fine imagery of the clock hands being raised like daggers and the fine twitch of the hands as they are impelled forward by the driving force of the pendulum. You have achieved a nightmare quality here.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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Horror indeed! Another year just like the last! Fine imagery of the clock hands being raised like daggers and the fine twitch of the hands as they are impelled forward by the driving force of the pendulum. You have achieved a nightmare quality here.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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I am delighted you enjoyed this bit of macabre. Thank you for sharing.
Comment from frogbook
A "timely" and original entry. Worthy of consideration for the top honors with it's humorous horror and it's surprising turn at the end.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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A "timely" and original entry. Worthy of consideration for the top honors with it's humorous horror and it's surprising turn at the end.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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Thank you for sharing my entry, frogbook, and for your encouraging comments.
Comment from Dan Diego
Reviewed in the blind: Add me to the list of reviewers who loved the story. For me, your word choices added the element of horror. Plus the unknown intentions of grandfather clock add an element of intrigue. Then, the satisfying twist in the end brings your readers back to the reality of "another year, another scare."
The writing was tight. Error-free. It was an easy read. Thanks for posting and the generous bounty of member dollars. This should easily beat the pants off mine. Good luck in the booth.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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Reviewed in the blind: Add me to the list of reviewers who loved the story. For me, your word choices added the element of horror. Plus the unknown intentions of grandfather clock add an element of intrigue. Then, the satisfying twist in the end brings your readers back to the reality of "another year, another scare."
The writing was tight. Error-free. It was an easy read. Thanks for posting and the generous bounty of member dollars. This should easily beat the pants off mine. Good luck in the booth.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2018
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I am honored and quite flattered to receive such high praise from a fellow competitor in this contest. Thank you so much.
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
This flash fiction has a nice thrill enterprise and mystic effect, horror is obvious; well done, well placement of the stranger, invisible, curious ends. DR ALCREATOR
reply by the author on 04-Jan-2018
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This flash fiction has a nice thrill enterprise and mystic effect, horror is obvious; well done, well placement of the stranger, invisible, curious ends. DR ALCREATOR
Comment Written 04-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 04-Jan-2018
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I am very pleased to have shared this shortie with you. Many thanks for your kind praise.
Comment from Rasmine
I really enjoyed this short horror story. Thank you, for sharing it and entering the contest. I wish you luck in it, but I think you will do well.
Hope you are having a good new year.
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2018
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I really enjoyed this short horror story. Thank you, for sharing it and entering the contest. I wish you luck in it, but I think you will do well.
Hope you are having a good new year.
Comment Written 02-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2018
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I am delighted you enjoyed "Stranger in a Crimson Hood," Rasmine. Thank you for sharing and your encouraging prediction.
Comment from giraffmang
Hi there,
clock. its wan face - comma rather than a full stop following clock.
When I turned to glance at the still chiming Grandfather's clock. its wan face stared at me from deep within a crimson cowl. - this reads as if the clock's face sat in a crimson cowl.
The deep furrows of its long robe shivered when brushed by the currents in the air . . . as did my flesh.- that's very nice.
This is quite confusing. The crimson cowled clock and then the talking of a tall figure suggests a person in a robe, then numerals when it moves forward...
I get what you're going for but I just don't think it works. the words figure and robe are too misleading, also your title indicated this further. it lacks the cohesion.
The final sentence 'borrowed' from Poe isn't necessary and feels a little tacked on.
All the best
GMG
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2018
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Hi there,
clock. its wan face - comma rather than a full stop following clock.
When I turned to glance at the still chiming Grandfather's clock. its wan face stared at me from deep within a crimson cowl. - this reads as if the clock's face sat in a crimson cowl.
The deep furrows of its long robe shivered when brushed by the currents in the air . . . as did my flesh.- that's very nice.
This is quite confusing. The crimson cowled clock and then the talking of a tall figure suggests a person in a robe, then numerals when it moves forward...
I get what you're going for but I just don't think it works. the words figure and robe are too misleading, also your title indicated this further. it lacks the cohesion.
The final sentence 'borrowed' from Poe isn't necessary and feels a little tacked on.
All the best
GMG
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 02-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2018
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Thank you as always, GMG, for taking the time to read my work closely and your astute comments. I am surprised you found the figure confusing as I described him. It is wearing a long hooded robe (the cowl) and its face, peering from deep within the hood is the face of the clock. I agree that the last line is tacked on, my final tribute to Poe and his great story.
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
A well penned creepy posting, Rod - held my attention - I even moved forward in my seat as if I had to listen well -
I applaud you --- I am useless at flash fiction - I guess I always have too much to write about.
a good entry for the contest - good luck to you.
Blessings,
Margaret
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2018
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A well penned creepy posting, Rod - held my attention - I even moved forward in my seat as if I had to listen well -
I applaud you --- I am useless at flash fiction - I guess I always have too much to write about.
a good entry for the contest - good luck to you.
Blessings,
Margaret
Comment Written 02-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 02-Jan-2018
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Thank you, Margaret, for your very kind praise. I had never written flash fiction before entering some of FanStory's contests. I find they "get the juices flowing" so I can get going again on longer projects where I've stalled.
Comment from Dean Kuch
I knew it, I just knew it!
I've been trying to tell everyone who has been spouting off about less violence for this new year what the figure in the crimson hood told the protagonist in your horror story.
Despite all of the well wishes and hopes against murder and mayhem in the world, nothing's going to change for 2018.
Nothing.
Mankind, in general and as a species, has a penchant for violence.
If anything, it's probably going to get much, much worse.
Still, we can be hopeful.
Good story. It has a defined beginning, conflict and conclusion.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2018
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I knew it, I just knew it!
I've been trying to tell everyone who has been spouting off about less violence for this new year what the figure in the crimson hood told the protagonist in your horror story.
Despite all of the well wishes and hopes against murder and mayhem in the world, nothing's going to change for 2018.
Nothing.
Mankind, in general and as a species, has a penchant for violence.
If anything, it's probably going to get much, much worse.
Still, we can be hopeful.
Good story. It has a defined beginning, conflict and conclusion.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2018
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2018
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Thank you so much, Dean. This is your genre, not mine and I am truly pleased by your praise and astute comments.
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You're more than welcome.
I enjoyed the read.
~Dean
