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Friday, November 2, 2007

Fiction Review

Stingy Jack
by R. Scott Taylor
ISBN-10: 1601452691
Review by Heather Froeschl




Give the devil his due; he is a temptation. Luring souls into sin is his game, the prize being the souls to claim. In “Stingy Jack” by R. Scott Taylor, two souls may be about to escape the clutches of Old Scratch. One has been roaming the earth for centuries, the other may be about to do the same.

Adam is a thief. Quitting school and entering the college of hard knocks and real life, he began pilfering, swiping, stealing and surviving. He was tutored by Nicky, a greater thief and more sophisticated gentleman, who may be more than it would seem. There is a last big escapade in the works, one which could retire the pair if they aren’t too greedy. Plans are being made and this job might bring in millions. Adam becomes distracted though, first by a beautiful woman and then by a lurking shadow. It may be that the shadow is trying to make amends for his own sinful past, and he introduces himself as Jack.

Jack tells tales of Celtic lore, but really they are his own life story. He tricked the devil once or twice and bears the weight of his burdens. Adam listens intently, sharing hours and drinks at bars around Boston. Jack’s life was not an easy one but he made it worse by being a thief. He pilfered, swiped, stole, and survived for quite a while. He stole the heart of young Colleen and left her on her own. His dealings with the devil haunt him still. Will he be of assistance to Adam or is he just a lonely soul in search of spirits? Will Adam find his heart and then leave her to her own life as Jack had done? When making deals with Satan it might be hard to think straight.

This novel is a fast and fun read. There seems to be a fascination with people who cheat the system and the devil himself. Readers will get hooked by Adam and then again by Jack. The plot flows well, visiting Vegas, Boston, and old Ireland. Jack’s tales are my favorite, with the twisting in of mythology. An interesting novel; I enjoyed it.

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