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dellisphelps
, December 21, 2013
What do a knight; a twelve-year-old boy; a secondary English teacher; a run-away teen; and a serial killer have in common? �" “objects...cloaked in cobwebs and dust...” �"
A curiosity shop sits on the corner of Second and Main in Bottle Bay. Its proprietor, Mr. Blank, is a savvy trader, his shop�"something of a portal. Mr. Blank seems to know what is needed when and by whom, magically, maybe even eternally.
I read with interest how this enigmatic shop and its owner influenced each character in every story. I was fascinated by the crafty ways writers engaged the prompt to weave their stories around this central theme. The plots, twisted and thick, kept me guessing, often catching me by surprise.
As I do love schlepping around in second-hand shops, I found myself quite envious of some of the finds: an old book with a handwritten story between the lines; a Ming Dynasty vase; a door to re-entering one’s past. I will tell you though, should I find even the most gorgeous ring, or should someone offer me a ring they confess to finding in such a shop, I will, in the words of one character politely refuse saying, “I don’t accept gifts!”
You’ll have to read this clever anthology to find out why not!
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