Tom Raimbault

Tom Raimbault resides in the Chicago land area with his wife and two daughters. When not writing, he works as a lab technician at a telecommunications company and is self-described on his resume as a “technology professional” who has worked with cellular & IP infrastructure, biomedical equipment, emergency two-way radios and computer hardware.
Tom began to produce weird writings back in 2000 while working the graveyard shift. The nightly edits were emailed to a small collection of coworkers who looked forward to something unusual to keep them awake or humored.
This practice was ended when he was moved to a different shift. Sadly, his enjoyment of writing was forgotten for several years, until the autumn of 2007, when old friends received a “blast from the past” email with the recognizable words, “Hello All”. The strange writings and short stories had resumed and a personal website was soon to follow.
In autumn of 2009, Tom published his first book, Freaked out Horror (a collection of short stories). The work has been temporarily unpublished and will be re-released in 2011 with many additions, revisions and improvements.
Check out his website that includes the blog at: http://sites.google.com/site/tomraimbaultwritings/
Tom is always open to new friends on Facebook where he shares photos from his nature hikes, family vacations and any random thoughts throughout the day. Feel free to request him as a friend on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000526443534

Website: http://sites.google.com/site/tomraimbaultwritings/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TomRaimbault
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/

abduction    balloon fetish    bizarre    bondage    cable man fantasy    captivity    dark romance    dollification    domination    erotica    espionage    fantasy    fiction    freaked out    ghost    graphic erotica    horror    macabre    mystery    panties    paranormal    paranormal romance    punishment    romance    short story    spanking    strange    submission    submissive    supernatural    suspense    tragedy    weird   

Bridget Squires
Latest book: Heavenly Falling. Published on March 25, 2011. (4.50 from 2 reviews)

• Nick on April 02, 2010
  
  This is a fine example of true, classic horror as it illustrates someone who had performed a devious act only to suffer a consequence beyond anything imaginable! It’s a firm reminder not to throw caution to the wind because strange things do happen. I don’t want to give the plot away, but I was angered with what the main character did. Even so; his interrupted, morning ritual literally had me squirming in my seat. At one point, I said out loud, “Oh my God! I can’t take much more of this!” Your choice of words had me feeling his pain and madness. I’m giving this piece a rating of 5. Great job!
  
• The Anthill on April 02, 2010
  
  The author mentions in his biography that he grew up on a steady diet of The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. It certainly shows in this short story! It’s refreshing to find an author who finds serial killer movies boring and offers hope to restore the days when horror was pure art. I really enjoyed this work, but I will mention to future readers that it has a “creeper effect”. Initially it seemed like the story portrayed too much normalcy and a slight conflict between the main character and his wife. And yet there is something happening in the background, building and building, causing fear and wonder of what’s soon to occur. And just like every Twilight Zone and Outer Limits episode, the ending is well worth it! I give this short story a rating of 5 stars! I will definitely be reading more from this author.
  
• Gas For Grass on May 05, 2010
  
  Here's a story that the author labeled as bizarro. And once you read it, you will agree that this work is delightfully bizarre. I would say that the story is a mix of a few other genres to include erotica, horror and comedy -- even a brief moment when I squirmed in my chair towards the end upon realizing what was about to happen. I highly recommend this short story to anyone and hope you enjoy it as well as I did.
  
• Closing My Eyes Helps Me To See Clearly on June 18, 2010
  
  I struggled with this work. It truly does take time to think of the meaning. And I believe that Robert Williams (below) says it quite well in his statement, "It can't really be described in terms of having a plot." You simply must read this story! The scenes and imagery are incredible, each one likened to a series of stanzas -- as if loose poetry. Kipp's story is certainly worthy of a 5 star rating. Very few writers are willing to press the boundaries in such a way that this story does. Great job!
  
• Porn Can Be Fun on Sep. 27, 2010
  
  The interesting point illustrated in this story is how our moments of passion contain thoughts that stray from one fetish to the next. If one lets go in the moment, he or she will become absorbed in a myriad of fantasies, further proof that our own minds can be the best sex organ. Well done with this story! Tom Raimbault
  
• Love and Death on Oct. 13, 2010
  
  Love and Death: a short story that will have you at the edge of your seat, in suspense, feeling for Detective John Murphy. There is a hidden lesson to be learned towards the end of this story, but I won't disclose that to the reader. You'll get the best effect if you read the story. I will say that the opening setting plunges the reader in one of those unfavorable moments during rush hour, when we inch through traffic with rain hitting the windshield. The icing on the cake: Detective John Murphy's archenemy has called. This is the serial killer who has caused much torment for a number of years. He reveals that another murder is just minutes from taking place, and then provides the address. My mind swung from one possibility to the next as Detective Murphy finally arrived to make the disheartening discovery. But the discovery was only the beginning of horror and suspense. Throughout the remainder of the story, I felt as though the serial killer was just over the detective's shoulder, about to do harm to him or his loved ones. I give this suspense thriller 5 stars. I read it at work while in the lab, literally sitting at the edge of my seat. Occasionally, my hand would slap the workbench while exclaiming, "No! No way!" I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice blend of mystery and suspense. Tom Raimbault Chicago, Illinois
  
• Die Already on Nov. 24, 2010
  
  Not only did the harsh title, Die Already, grab my attention; but the disturbing artwork for the cover further pulled me in. The art alone of his stories are certainly worth collecting as they create feelings of a strange uneasiness. Really, the cover of this story is simply a young lady with a terrible neck injury. But a deeper looks reveals a subconscious suggestion of so much more that can disturb us. To me, the young lady takes on the features of a warped, antique doll that also possesses the attributes of a child. Combining these three elements, I am immediately reminded of innocent, yet, damaged antique dolls that only wish to be burned—already dead and forgotten, just somehow remaining in existence. But enough of the artwork! Reading the story affects me as I immediately realize that the narrator certainly does have a terrible curse. Throughout his accounts, I found myself wondering how such a curse would impact someone emotionally, mentally or socially. And these things are briefly discussed; his fear of being out or around crowds. It will make perfect sense when you read it. Kipp does quite well in illustrating the horrible scenes, giving us a front-row seat into the possibility of creatures that cannot die no matter how traumatizing an injury might be. At one point, I recalled a horrible sight that I experienced on the road some years ago. Somehow that gruesome scene became part of the story for me. Being a fan of Kipp Poe Speicher's writings, I'm beginning to notice a certain style or flavor to his stories. He likes to integrate serious injuries or fatal wounds to the already morbid circumstances. Let me also mention that there was just no chance of a positive outcome for this dark tale. Some part of me struggled to maintain hope that the ending would have a splash of something positive. But no; the curse was so terrible! I give this story a 5 star rating, and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of horror. Tom Raimbault Chicago, Illinois
  
• Delia-Boobelia on Dec. 31, 2010
  
  Being an author, myself, I follow Jesi Lea Ryan on Facebook & Twitter, and was excited to see that she had released a short story on Smashwords. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to read it. Being an author of horror, fantasy and dark erotica; to me the title Delia-Boobelia reflected a story that might have been humorous with a few sexy twists. The title did, after all, have the word boobs in it, and I like boobs! Funny thing: I never bothered to read the synopsis, just simply downloaded the PDF and started to read. The title is very suiting for someone like me because it results in a harsh slap to the face, not once, but several times. I immediately felt sorry for the main character who was going through a difficult time in her life. Throughout the story I would click the tongue against the roof of my mouth while exclaiming, "Awe..." :-( After the first page, I realized that this is not a story created to entertain the reader. This is a story that places the reader in the main character's shoes and attempts to educate us of the often shrouded, dark world that girls in early puberty (especially those who develop early) must endure. I immediately developed a respect towards the author and allowed her to tell me this horrible, horrible tale. I cannot believe the terrible things that happened to this poor girl. After witnessing her thoughts, I believe it should serve as a lesson that young girls need to be educated by their parents to recognize certain situations as being wrong, and the appropriate action to take. You'll see what I mean when you read this story. Like I said, this is not an entertaining read such as a macabre or erotica work, designed to take us over the edge into some strange territory. This is a blunt impression of reality that takes us to some truly, dark places. It serves to educate. I give this story 5 stars. Very, well done!
  
• Well on Jan. 24, 2011
  
  The opening and closing to this story are a complete contrast from one another. Bridget goes to great length, in the beginning, to illustrate a beautiful and serene place that Mother Nature had reclaimed. If you spend time out in nature, then you certainly know of this place. But there is an ugliness to this sanctuary that many might overlook. Only the person who is responsible is full aware and in tune with what lies beneath the beauty. Everlasting love: it's something that we all wish for in our lives. To finally have a beautiful person at your side, sharing your life as the days go by; and perhaps that person might fall in love and see the beauty in you. But how long does it last? Do you have a sense of anxiety when the season changes or your relationship is under a new circumstance? Maybe you can "cripple" your lover, make him or her appear less beautiful to prevent losing what brings you such happiness in life. As the years go by and your lover ages, he or she might feel like a prisoner. The years of jealousy, possessiveness, separation anxiety and dependence are often overlooked by those who see nothing more than a beautiful love from the distance. I give this story 5 stars! Bridget did an excellent job in captivating the horror of possessive love. And if you are prisoner of such painful, destructive love; do read this tale and learn of the ugliness that lies beneath the beauty of that quiet and serene place.
  
• The Rot on March 21, 2011
  
  A hot-button topic has recently appeared in every day conversation, suggesting that our country's leaders may not be looking out for our best interest. Who hasn't come to this conclusion in recent times? It would appear that politicians and company CEOs, alike, have it their only objective to make obscene amounts of money--whether it be for personal use or campaign funds. How far will these leaders go to get exactly what they want? What sort of sacrifices can be made? To make this issue all-the-more angering, it would appear that it's the ordinary, everyday citizen who pays the bill and often receives one injustice after another in doing so. Conspiracy theory: it's a topic that creators of horror fiction have suddenly embraced. We truly are fearful of those who lead this country. What if politicians could do something horrible, and do it to those who are in most need of help in this country, all for the sake of a personal gain? When reading the first, few paragraphs of The Rot, I couldn't help but feel for those less fortunate than me. When waking up this morning, I heard nothing but peace and quiet in my house. I had hot water in my shower, and the plumbing didn't sputter and spray air for some moments before finally spiking cold water. I'll go so far as to say that my environment was nice and clean; and I had food in my refrigerator for breakfast. Is it any wonder that I had a sense of guilt while experiencing a small moment of the main character's day? But his day was only going to get worse! I give this story 5 stars. Kipp did a great job in embracing a new terror that disturbs and outrages us. Well done! Tom Raimbault Chicago, Illinois
  
• i on April 13, 2011
  
  I think the simple title, I, had me much intrigued at the beginning of this work of short fiction. Was it going to be tragic tale of a lone survivor of some war or disaster? Was it going to be a simple writing on psychology or consciousness? I soon learned that the story serves many lessons throughout, one of them being controversial, but certainly something worth thinking about. Regrets; chances never taken; courses of action that prove disastrous: these are all things we must consider in our romantic journeys through life. I think most adults can look back at a time in life when a true love was abandoned for what was thought to be the right thing. Maybe it was a career choice. Maybe reasoning told you that it was best to leave this person. Or, as in the case of this story, maybe you turned away from someone who you were deeply in love with, all for the sake of a commitment made with someone else. What would you do in this situation? Most people do the right thing and push away that newcomer, all for the sake of maintaining a commitment. But then the years pass with an onslaught of the "what-ifs" and the "maybe-I-should-haves". I actually learned a dark lesson from this story. Being a writer of horror and macabre, I think I'm well qualified to state the ugly truth of this piece. It's better to have that "fling" or that extramarital affair than to push aside a newcomer who you have fallen in love with. But that isn't a license or a "green light" to enjoy a life of regular, taboo relationships! Be sure it's with a once-in-a-lifetime special person. If you discard that newcomer, it will surely haunt you for many years. But then there's a second story layered over the first. All I'll say is that it illustrates further actions that lead to regret. It's the ending of the story that has me completely stumped. I actually don't like the ending! I think I understand what these star-crossed lovers have in mind. All I can say is, why; why would they have resorted to such a drastic measure? Written in a poetic format and highly thought-provoking, I give this story 5 stars. I was very close to rating it 4.75 because of the diffused ending. But I'm quite sure the rash of negative emotions and speculations is the exact effect that Kipp was going for. Great job! Tom Raimbault Chicago, Illinois
  
• The Dam on May 15, 2011
  
  Occasionally, I get these recurring dreams of being in a large, darkened, industrial area with mammoth machinery. The interesting thing about this dream is the fact that it's necessary to cross long, metal, grated bridges to get from one area to the next. I know the source of this dream, but have never understood the subconscious connection. It has to do with a maintenance job I had at a Sears department store, nearly 20 years ago. Part of my duties included watching over the HVAC equipment in the penthouse, a large area that contained enormous machinery. The most interesting region of this area was a network of chambers that housed what looked like mammoth circulation fans that might be used as engines in commercial jets. To enter this area, one would have to unlock a steel door that resembled the entryway from one hallway to the next in a submarine. It was necessary to lock this door before venturing deeper inside; for upon opening one of the doors to enter a wind tunnel that led to several chambers, an intense air pressure had the potential to throw the entry door open. Each chamber was frightening enough on its own. These large fans generated enough air pressure to make the opening of a door nearly impossible. Inside a chamber, only a protective grate stood between a person and a large vortex of high-speed fans that could liquefy one in a matter of seconds. Although a dark, dramatic and horrific place; I would often visit these chambers. But then there was another place I liked to visit. Rather than venturing in the chambers, sometimes I would step outside onto the store's roof. Right before me was a large, metallic housing; perhaps 1-and-a-half stories tall. I could climb a metallic, grated ladder that led to the top of the housing. At its center was an enormous blade that rotated high speed and discharged air. You know the central air fan that sits outside a house and spins during the summer months? This was the exact same thing, but was large enough to accommodate a department store. Often I would stand on the top of this housing and use it as an observation deck. The fan blade was horrific, but the scenery before me amazing—yielding the surrounding neighborhoods and even the Chicago skyline. I couldn't help but think of this dramatic area of oversized machines and my recurring dream while reading Bridget Squire's short story, The Dam. The main character visited a city dam for a job interview and was given a thorough tour of his hopeful place of employment. Along with the impressive machinery that he would oversee if hired, he immediately took notice of strange noises that resembled voices that cried out for help. I can't help but wonder if Bridget visited such a place and used it as inspiration to write this story. I can say, first hand, that being alone in an area of such astronomical machinery; eerie, ghostly noises can be heard. You can't help but wonder if something horrific ever happened and the ghost of that unfortunate person calls out for help. I've noticed that Bridget has a talent for writing stories that represent our subconscious fears of eerie places. Consider her story, Well, a tale of an old, abandoned well and a horror that resides within it. What sort of nightmarish perceptions might we have of old wells in desolate places? And in reflection of reading The Dam, what sort of fears might we have in dramatic, fearsome machinery that has the seeming ability to overcome the powers of nature? The Dam is classified in the genre of teen and young adult horror, and for good reason. The story is pretty straight forward, easy to understand, and presents nothing mysteriously complex to grasp. However, Bridget's literal illustrations of the eerie surroundings, along with the frightening phenomenon experienced, make this tale equally enjoyable for adults. If there is ever a new generation of the Twilight Zone created, I could actually see this story being turned into an episode I give The Dam 5 stars. I can tell that the author did some research or had some experience in a place like this. I really wish that Bridget had a blog in which she took the reader behind the scenes and discussed these things in further detail. Still, she's a talented writer and I look forward to reading much more! Tom Raimbault Chicago, Illinois
  
• It Was The Dead Who Groaned Within on Oct. 03, 2011
  
  Just in time for Halloween, Kipp Poe Speicher has come through with another tale of horror to add in your e-reader collection. The cover artwork for his new story, It was the Dead who Groaned Within, immediately pulled me in. Maybe it's because I have a fondness for the forest, especially when a landscape can produce eeriness. It immediately suggested to me of something dead which had been resurrected, now pawing its way out of the grave. Credit should be given to photographer, Christine Nichols, who gave Kipp permission to use it. And if you look close enough, the outline of the lighting looks like the classic ghost with arms stretched out, perhaps wailing and calling out frightful screams. I'm sure it was no accident for Kipp to choose this photo. It was the Dead who Groaned Within is classified as a zombie apocalypse, a condition in the story that the reader will soon realize while reading it. What I find interesting about the formatting is the fact the Kipp partitioned the story, each with its own name. Where-as I simply partition a story with three asterix symbols in between two paragraphs to note a transition of time, or perhaps the end of a character's memory, Kipp actually gave these partitions names: Awakening, Fading Into View and Faded Blues. It actually brought the piece to life, giving it its own spirit! And he did something else that I'm sure the reader will pick up on near the middle of the story. Written in first person narrative, I found myself asking, "What in the Hell is wrong with the main character? Is he on some kind of psychedelic trip in which his mind is in two places at one time and experiencing thoughts in retrospect while engaged in normal, everyday transition of time?" Ah, but the main character can only wish for this! His plight is far graver than a temporary moment of madness. And it's about to get even worse! No cliffhanger ending in this story; the final few paragraphs are nothing less than a shocker. I give It was the Dead who Groaned Within nothing less than 5 stars! Thought provoking, shocking, disturbing while at the same time enabling one to feel what the character is experiencing (no easy task considering his condition); I strongly recommend that you add this to your collection of horror. Tom Raimbault
  
• May Be Crazy on Oct. 11, 2011
  
  I think one of the most depressing places I've ever visited is a nursing home; and I'm sure you feel the same way, too. Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by lethargic senior citizens who slump in their wheelchairs while nearing a diabetic state after breakfast. Sometimes I wonder if one or two of these unfortunate residents become lost in some fantasy that causes him or her to truly believe to be merely waiting for the bus, or perhaps even a spouse to drive up and honk the horn. It was only a kindhearted visit to an imagined loved one who was struck with a bad case of old age. And despite how selfish the masked thoughts might be, the delusional person realizes how good it will be to finally leave for the afternoon and go home, far away from the depressing nursing home. I've sat in these nursing homes before with a sense of not only sadness but revulsion. No outside air ever enters a nursing home. It could be a beautiful day in spring with gorgeous, fresh air; but still, the windows are closed. And there might even be heat coming out from the ventilation registers. For you see, older people catch draft easily and can quickly be struck with pneumonia. Along with the stagnant air and heat, there is most often a sickly smell in the air. Younger nurses or caretakers who just started working in the nursing home appear to do their best to remain lively and somewhat bubbly while wheeling people into the recreation lobby or the cafeteria. But if a nurse or caretaker has been there for a while, that perky face is replaced with a frown, even near bitterness. In all the months and possibly years of being kicked, slapped, bitten, called foul names, accused of mistreatment along with exposure to regular deaths must certainly drain the life out of someone who works in a nursing home. And if one has been there long enough, he or she begins to look like all the old people! Visiting a nursing home (I imagine) is probably the only experience I've had that could be similar to visiting a mental hospital. Fortunately I've never stepped foot into one of those! Already with acute mental disorders; drugged with anti-psychotic pills such as Haldol along with tranquilizers, lithium and God knows what else; a patient's realization that leaving the hospital is impossible can leave him or her feeling hopeless. And then there are the unmentionable horror stories of patients being neglected and abused. Some are heavily drugged for no reason. Others are beaten or sexually abused, unable to fight while in restraint or possibly in a catatonic state. And just how many perfectly normal people are locked away in an insane asylum, simply because a family member had him or her declared mentally insane for one evil purpose or another? Mental hospitals surely have an excessive amount of negative energy. It wouldn't surprise me if such places are haunted for many decades after a facility had been shut down. And I couldn't help but wonder if horror writer, Bridget Squires, was ever exposed to a mental hospital. Perhaps she had a family member or friend who spent time in one of these places and spoke of the horror. After reading her short story, Well, I was curious of reading something from her, The Dead Don't, series. But after the first initial paragraphs of the first story in the series, I quickly changed my mind! It's a little brutal for me. But I won't speak on behalf of everyone else! Others would surely enjoy her Dead Don't stories that are written so well and with such descriptive imagery. The mental impressions will surely disturbed you. Not only is Bridget an incredibly talented horror writer, but I do believe she has certain degree of being crazy. That's the mark of true horror writer. Maybe Crazy does have some disturbing descriptive imagery. But it's forgivable because the patients in the mental hospital now have their sweet revenge. I give this story five stars. Calling to mind the suffering and abuse that patients in insane asylums sometimes endure, it also reminds us that many of the people belong there. And there's a chilling reminder that one should not work in such a place for too long! Tom Raimbault October 11, 2011