Synopsis:
Everyone knew about the dark history of Stewartville. The mining war that led to the prisons. The prisons that brought the corruption. The drugs and the crime. It was no secret that something was wrong with the place.What we didn’t know was why. Then Denny and I found that tunnel in his basement. And what we learned—what everyone learned—is that there’s no escaping the ghosts of your past. But let me start at the beginning…
Disclosure:
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. They give me no money, nor do they in any way influence my thoughts – those are 100% my own for better or worse.
Note from 2023: Looks like this one has found a new home at Brigid’s Gate Press!
Edition:
Kindle e-book
My Thoughts:
I struggle to read books dealing with addicts. Specifically books dealing with meth addicts. I’m like I imagine a lot of people in America are – all too familiar with the ravages of the drug. I don’t think you could probably spit anymore without hitting someone (but please don’t – it’s gross and rude) who has lost friends or family to meth. I guess what I’m saying is that I find stories of meth addiction incredibly triggering most of the time. With that being said, right off the bat I was a little hesitant to read this one (hence why I put it off until just before publication).
But I did, and you know what? I’m not mad at it. While there was certainly plenty of drug use, it was never glorified. I am in awe that this novella is Felton’s debut. Her writing is so thoughtful, purposeful, and strong that it doesn’t read as the work of a new author at all.
“Misery in Stewartville was a gradual process. I sprouted, blossomed and withered with the seasons.”
Stewartville feels like it could be a real town. Hell, I’ve lived in towns that remind me a bit of it. Towns where everybody is piss-poor, unhappy, and beaten down. Towns where criminality is just a way of life and prison is inevitable – as either inmate or guard, depending on the whims of fate.
It’s a town without hope. A town built on bad vibes.
Yeah, the backdrop is bleak as hell. Most of the people are just awful. But not everyone. And the story is worth it all in the end, I promise.
About the Author:
Shannon lives in Buckeye, Arizona with her husband, Ben, and their four children. Her debut came in the highly-anticipated, ghost story anthology, MIDNIGHT IN THE GRAVEYARD.
Her novella, THE PRISONERS OF STEWARTVILLE is slated for a February 25th, 2020 release by Silver Shamrock Publishing.
Also on tap for Summer 2020, her short story, “Angel Dust,” will be featured in Silver Shamrock’s MIDNIGHT IN THE PENTAGRAM anthology.
You can find her on Facebook,
Instagram @ shannon_leslie_f
and Twitter @ ShannonNova3
Rating:
It comes out TOMORROW. You should go buy it posthaste!
The Prisoners of Stewartville By Shannon Felton Silver Shamrock Publishing Horror ASIN: B0844FDX2D Expected Publication: February 25, 2020 E-book, Paperback 157 pages
