Owned

Owned by Jess C. Scott is a collection of six psychological crime short stories.

The stories are united by one theme: revenge. And in every case, the reader is on the side of the avenger because the perpetrator is a truly awful person. The abusive father; the rapist; the murderous boyfriend; the cruel animal killer; the untrustworthy therapist; the Internet bully: all get their just desserts, usually in a spectacularly gory manner.

The writing is interesting, almost experimental in places, and the author has explored several contrasting styles to provide a short story collection which is varied, entertaining and sustains the reader's interest. However, some of these stories are purposeful with an intrinsic message. I think this works best in Skins which challenges the use of animals in fashion and furnishings and in Owned which addresses the damage that can be done by the cyber-powerful against innocent victims.

Overall I enjoyed reading the collection and think it's well worth a look.

If you've never read anything by Jess C. Scott, I think this collection of short stories would be the perfect place to start. A quick read that reveals the darker side of the author's writing. This author is not afraid of tackling "taboo" subjects in her work.

In this book, you will find a mix of excerpts from her novels and original short stories. The overwhelming themes in all the stories is murder and revenge.

Twins plot to kill their abusive father; an e-mail exchange between two friends who have both suffered abuse/rape contains the essence of a plot to take revenge on the perpetrator; in a paranormal story, a young girl takes revenge from beyond the grave; illegal animal skin traders are about to face their comeuppance in a tale that combines dark magic and vivid imagery; a dark and twisted man who takes advantage of his professional position meets his match; twin sisters take revenge on an online bully in an original way.

If you like dark fiction, you'll love these twisted tales.