Curious and Unusual Tales
The twenty-eight short stories presented in this collection are the author’s favorite tales from her written works in this genre. They are divided into seven different categories: animal antics, criminal conduct, extraordinary events, fairy tales, puzzling places, unusual individuals, and states of mind.
They were inspired in a number of ways: drawn from peculiar dreams, ancient myths, creative tales, instructive fables, family pets, world travels, fascinating characters, and strange experiences, all developed with a vivid imagination.
Some will amuse you, amaze you, surprise you, or even scare you. Some will warm your heart, inspire you, make you laugh, make you think, teach you a lesson, leave you awed, or make you scratch your head. Some can be enjoyed by children and some are more for adults. But one thing is sure, they will entertain you.
All of the stories have three things in common: they focus on a singular dramatic event, they contain few characters, and they leave the reader with a memorable feeling. The curious and unusual combine to make this group of stories unforgettable.
Available in Paperback and Kindle editions:
Published 2024 by Templar Media | 244 pages | ISBN-13: 979-8986984841
EXCERPT:
Millie stood at the front door with her Manny right beside her. “Sorry, inspector. We never know where Mister Madison is off to next. He has always traveled a lot, you know.” It had been two months since their boss was last seen. They felt they had to report him missing.
“He’s been such a blessing to this house and grounds,” Manny added, “and a good man to work for.”
“You’ve worked for him for many years, you say?”
“Yes, sir,” she quickly added. “Manny and I take care of him. I cook his meals, do the mending and clean house. Manny tends the garden and is always fixing something, painting or chopping fire wood. It is an old house and rests on old grounds. You need to know inspector; the master is a bit absent-minded. He could have gone to many different places. We can’t tell you exactly where he might be.”
“We’re checking the hospitals and airports, and taking all that into account, ma’am. We’ll keep looking and let you know.”
Reviews:
“Potpourri of unique, engaging, sometimes unique tales, fables, vignettes, and ruminations”
Review by Timothy P. Scott
I greatly enjoyed “Tales” due to their amazing variety and creativity. Ms. Chappell takes you through an entire panorama of genres and styles in her 28 stories, but her unique voice binds them all together. Once you finish the book, you feel that you know something of her inner being and wonder how amazing her life must have been to this point, since many of them are based on real people, places or events.
The pieces are mostly short, averaging about 8 pages, which keeps them engaging and moving crisply from start to end. No unnecessary words! They take the form of unique and intriguing fables, fairy tales, meditations, and vignettes. I’ve read them all twice, and some more than that, and they left me with a lingering sense of wonder and mystery.
The official website of Lita-Luise Chappell, writer on sex, magic, food, distant lands, and everyday life with articles, poetry, novels, travelogues, rituals, cookbooks, and short-stories.
