Reviews

[Dropcloth Angels] contains so much characterization and hard life imagery that it could also be called literary fiction. Chapter one begins with an amusing observation on the direction of a hitcher’s sign, Zane bemused at its alternative meaning which only he would get. Zane’s introspection is slightly reminiscent of Dexter in the way that they are both serial killers living inside their own minds, struggling with an emotionless life, but then they diverge. Zane’s rationalizations and internal dialogues give a sense of purpose to the character often missing in serial killer stories that tend to focus on the investigator. It’s as if Zane is trying to come to terms with his actions, to find value in them, and thereby, value in himself.

Chapter two, Zoe, a good segue into a new character, one with foibles and gifts, a victim of her life and limits. Strengths and weaknesses in symbiosis, her streetwise savvy and toughness a cover-up for her dependence on drugs, and on others for money. The fact that she is revulsed at what she has to do to survive reveals her unhappiness, despite her carefree attitude and outwardly focused resentments which mirror her own submerged self-hatred.

“maybe it was just cloudy with a chance of empathy” – Brilliant line!

“Every town and every city….had an underbelly.” – evokes the image of the city as a beast, devouring its own inhabitants. A classic technique in stories like this, and well used here.

Brilliant rationalizations in how Zane tells himself that he will save Jeanne from cancer, giving her the dignity it never would. First he kills the hitcher because she’s too dumb, then targets Jeanne to save her from cancer. He needs a noble reason to perform. Sort of falls in line with Zoe’s after-the-fact rationalizations that minor good deeds made up, at least partially, for her sins, like mailing the kid’s wallet back to him after stealing it and emptying the cash. He needs justification for his actions before he acts, and she needs atonement after she acts. Jeanne is the common element, sister/victim. Their meeting is inevitable.

I very much liked the insertion of Dr. Gideon’s notes on Zane’s pupils, giving the whole thing a clinical atmosphere right in the middle of his seduction. It’s almost as if you’re revealing signs, to the reader, of what to look out for should you ever meet a strange man who comes across as too charming. Introducing scientific factors into Zane’s character during a set-up for a victim abduction is a clever reminder of exactly what’s going on here. I think Zane’s ability to carry on external and internal simultaneous conversations shows his level of concentration, but the pupils almost give him away. Like Jeanne said, they are the stems of his soul (I thought it was windows? Either one works) and his fear that she might actually be able to see his soul through his eyes shows his awareness of his external facade being so counterpoint to his internal psychological machinery.

“Even on an angel, desperation is an ugly gown.” – Brilliant line!

Wonderful side story about the little girl in the airport. It transformed a mundane travel scenario into a story-furthering episode that reveals another tier in Zane’s character: the frustrated hero who wants to save children from ignorant and neglectful parents. Makes one imagine Zane’s own childhood as being less than perfect.

An extraordinary piece of writing. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax and imagination all according to the best and most professional standards.

Micheal Stone

Author of Underwood

~o0o~

OMG! WHEW! This is certainly not a story for the weak or feeble minded. You are expert at moving this story along and I am sure Chiller Theater would have found a place for you among their writers. Your tone, description, sentence structure, punctuation, and transitions are flawless. Your craft is so polished that one can sink to the level of consciousness or unconsiousness with the MC. This is GOOD stuff!
Ida L.

Author of Silent Storm