Sunday, 18 October 2026

Bead by Bead The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman

Bead by Bead The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children
Inkwell Media, LLC
ISBN 9781734567021
ASIN B0FY4DCLNJ

Bead by Bead: The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman

I read A Single Bead by Engelman almost a decade ago, and it still comes to mind often, and is a book I recommend frequently. While working on a different review I stumbled upon this trilogy of books, one for each of the traditional sets of mysteries of the Rosary. This was the second in the set I have read. And though this book and series is completely different I enjoyed it just as much. These three volumes are prayer books, but they are also Visio Divina, which Visio Divina (Latin for "divine seeing"). It is a traditional Catholic method of praying with sacred artwork, icons, or images.  Each two page spread in the volume has a painting or piece of a painting to help with the reflection. And each station has two different paintings. But I am getting ahead of myself, the description of this volume states:

“Bring the Rosary to life for your children with this beautiful book featuring vibrant, classical art and an engaging retelling of the Joyful Mysteries.

Similar to a scriptural Rosary and written in language even young children will understand, the Bead by Bead series helps children develop a love for the Rosary, which of course leads to a love for Jesus and Our Lady as they discover that the Rosary is much more than a litany of recited prayers, but rather an opportunity to ponder the life of Christ and His Mother. Color-coded Hail Marys further help guide children’s fingers along their Bead-by-Bead rosaries, which can be crafted at home or purchased online if desired.

Whether your family prays the Rosary together every day or once in a blue moon, this book promises to elevate your family prayer and make contemplation of the Mysteries of Christ a reality.

Look for all the books in the Bead by Bead series!”

The volume begins with a quote:

“There is no surer means of calling down God's blessings
upon a family than the daily recitation of the Rosary.”
     Pope Pius XII

In note for children we are informed:

“The Rosary is the Blessed Mother Mary's very special prayer, which she gave to us so we could grow closer to her Son, Jesus. When we pray the Rosary, Mother Mary guides us on a beautiful journey, walking with us through Christ's life and helping us to know and love Him better.

Countless miracles have happened through the Rosary. Wars have been won, people who were very sick have been healed, and - most importantly- many, many people have been brought to Christ and His Church.

…

Today, we will pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, which are usually prayed on Mondays and Saturdays. The Joyful Mysteries help us think about Mary's trust and humility and, most importantly, God's incredible love: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)”

As mentioned each mystery is three facing pages, A piece of artwork on each set. After each Hail Mary is a biblical verse. Thus the volume is both Lectio Divina and Visio Divina. Each of the Hail Mary’s for each mystery is proceeded by a colour circle. Engelman also offers instructions for making matching Rosaries, especially for while teaching children. The colours are:

Yellow
Rust
Purple
White
Blue
Green
Black
Red
Light Blue
Light Purple

At the end of the volume we are provided the list of Image credits. They are:

Behold Love, commissioned work by Caris Roller, 2024
Our Lady of the Rosary with Child, Simone Cantarini, first half of 17th century
Virgen de/ Rosario, Domingo Martinez, C. 1720
Mysteries of the Rosary, Adoration of the Shepherds, Cornelis de Vos, 1620
Annunciation, Giambattista Pittoni, 1757
Annunciation, Bartolome Esteban Perez Murillo, 1655-60
La Visitation avec Marie-Jacobie et Marie-Salome, Domenico_ Ghirlandaio, 1491
Memorial Tablet, Master of the Spes Nostra, c. 1500
Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stamer, c. 1650
Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard van Honthorst, 1622
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Gregorio Lazzarini, c.1700
Altar of the Dominicans, left inner wing, bottom panel: The presentation of Christ in the Temple, Hans Holbein the Elder, 1500-01
The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple, William Holman Hunt, 1854/55
Finding of Jesus in the Temple, Giovanni Antonio Fumiani, c.1700
The Holy Family with a Bird, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, c.1650

I love the eBook edition as I can always have it on me. I am very thankful I picked up this trio of books. I really enjoyed this volume and the volume on The Sorrowful Mysteries as the second in the series I have read. I will use this volume often. 

This is an excellent book for the young or to be honest anyone who wants to go deeper with the Rosary. This is a fantastic book in a trilogy that would be great for any home, school, or church library. I loved this and can easily recommend it!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Bead by Bead The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman - Sample 1

Bead by Bead The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman - Sample 2

Bead by Bead The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman - Sample 3

Bead by Bead The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman - Sample 4

Books by Stephanie Engelman:
Walking with Christ: Life Stories of Jeanne Wieck Atkins with Scriptural Reflections
...

Bead By Bead Series For Children:
The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
…

Contributed to:
…

Written As S.J. Engelman:
…
Bead by Bead: The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman

Bead by Bead: The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman

Bead by Bead: The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary for Children - Stephanie Engelman
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Saturday, 17 October 2026

Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character Full Colour Edition - Monica Bennett - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Catholic Saints for Kids: 
33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character
Full Colour Edition
Paddy Bréagnamh
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
ISBN 9798258500847
ISBN 9798257330094
ASIN B0GX9RW3QH
ASIN B0GY8DSK1P
ASIN B0HJ92CP47

Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character - Monica Bennett - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Full Colour Edition

Before I get into this review there are 2 editions of this volume, one with full colour illustrations and one with black and white. It was so good I have picked up both editions. There is also a companion colouring book, which my son asked me to pick up for him. This new volume in this series is a little different. There are currently 11 volumes available in this series dedicated to specific saints, 3 the focus on 52 female saints, One that focuses on Saints for boys for first communion; and now this volume. I have enjoyed them a lot and keep checking for when new ones are released. I have benefited from reading them all and recommended each of them to several people. I especially loved the volume on Pope Leo XIV. This volume I picked up shortly after it released. It was released in 2026. The description of the book is:

“Not just stories. The moment everything changed.
What if your child didn’t just learn about saints—but stepped into the moment that defined them?
This book brings 33 Catholic saints to life through vivid, story-driven chapters, each centered on one decisive moment—when courage was tested, faith was chosen, and everything changed.
These are not summaries.
These are real moments, told like stories.

Inside this book, your child will meet:
A wounded soldier who stood back up and led an army (St. Joan of Arc)
A boy who stopped a fight with nothing but a crucifix (St. Dominic Savio)
A teenager who crossed frozen mountains alone to become a priest (St. Andrew Kim Taegon)
A farmer whose cloak revealed a miracle (St. Juan Diego)
A modern teenager who used technology to share his faith with the world (St. Carlo Acutis)

And 28 more unforgettable stories.

What makes this book different:
     • Every chapter is built around a single defining moment
          —making each story clear, powerful, and easy to remember
     • Full-page illustrations that bring each moment to life
     • A liturgical calendar connecting saints to the Church year
     • Saint Snapshot sections for quick, meaningful reference
     • A thoughtful structure that moves from story to reflection to action

Designed not just to be read—but to be understood, remembered, and lived.

Each chapter includes:
     • A vivid, story-driven narrative (600–800 words)
     • A clear virtue such as courage, faith, perseverance, or humility
     • Saint Snapshot with feast day, patronage, and symbols
     • Talk About It with one meaningful reflection question
     • Try It with a simple real-world action
     • A short, approachable prayer

Designed for ages 6–12:
     • No graphic content
     • Difficult moments handled with care
     • Clear, engaging language for independent reading or read-aloud

Perfect for:
     • First Communion and Confirmation gifts
     • Bedtime reading
     • Catholic homeschool and classrooms
     • Family faith conversations
     • Meaningful screen-free time

A different kind of saints book
Instead of covering everything, each chapter focuses on one moment that reveals who the saint was—and why it mattered.
Because those are the moments children remember.
If you’re looking for a saints book that is:
     • Story-first, not textbook-style
     • Visually engaging, with full-page illustrations
     • Structured for real understanding—not just information
This is the book they’ll come back to again and again.”

Most of the volumes in this series are under the pen name Paddy Bréagnamh, this is the first under the name Monica Bennett. Leaving us to wonder if it is now a shared series of if a pen name is just being dropped. The chapters in this volume are:

A Note to Families
1. Saint Joan Of Arc
2. Saint Carlo Acutis
3. Saint Nicholas
4. Saint Thérèse Of Lisieux
5. Saint Peter
6. Saint Dominic Savio
7. Saint Josephine Bakhita
8. Saint Bernadette Soubirous
9. Saint Philip Neri
10. Saint Juan Diego
11. Saint Padre Pio
12. Saint Martin De Porres
13. Saint Elizabeth Of Hungary
14. Blessed Virgin Mary
15. Saint Francis Of Assisi
16. Saint Clare Of Assisi
17. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
18. Saint John Bosco
19. Saint Moses The Black
20. Saint Benedict Of Nursia
21. Saint Monica
22. Saint Andrew Kim Taegon
23. Saint Marianne Cope
24. Saint Francis Xavier
25. Saint Patrick
26. Saint Teresa Of Calcutta
27. Saint Charles Lwanga
28. Saint Giuseppe Moscati
29. Saint Sebastian
30. Saint Rose Of Lima
31. Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
32. Saint Maximilian Kolbe
33. Saint Martin Of Tours
Color the Stories You Just Read
Saints by Feast Day
About the Author

About the author we are informed:

“Monica Bennett writes faith-filled stories that help children see the saints as real people—people who were afraid, made mistakes, and chose God anyway. She began writing with a simple hope: to create stories that children (including her own!) would want to hear again, and that parents could return to with confidence.

She believes that faith is often passed on in small, everyday moments—especially in the quiet time spent reading together—and her books are designed to support those moments in a simple and meaningful way.”

I only highlighted a few passages in this volume. I have read books about most of the saints explored. What I did highlight was:

“Each of these thirty-three chapters is built around one moment, the hinge point where a saint made a decision that changed everything. I have tried to make each story feel like what it was: something that actually happened, to a real person, in a specific place and time.”

“Each chapter works on its own, so you can read them in any order: by the saint’s feast day, by your child’s interest, or simply from the beginning. The Talk About It question at the end of each story is designed for conversation at bedtime or around the dinner table. The Try It challenge is meant to be taken seriously: a small, concrete action your child can actually do that week. The prayer closes the chapter and can be said together.”

“He wasn't gaming tonight. He was building a website, one he had been working on for months, cataloguing every authenticated Eucharistic miracle in the history of the Church. Location, date, what had happened, photographs where he could find them. He wanted people to be able to see it all in one place, to understand that these weren't just old stories from dusty books but real events, verified by scientists, documented by witnesses, scattered across the world and across the centuries.”

“By the time he was seven he was asking to go to daily Mass, walking there himself when he could, spending time in front of the Blessed Sacrament the way other children spent time in front of a screen.”

“But underneath the fragility was something else entirely: a will that bent for almost nothing.”

My son who is 18, and my daughter who is 15 and I listened to chunks of this in the car using adaptive technology. It sparked a lot of conversation around the specific stories, and specific saints. It is geared for a younger audience but any Catholic could benefit from reading it!

This book and series are great read for the young and the young at heart! I would love to see how the author would handle standalone volumes on Pier Giorgio Frassati, Charles de Foucauld, John Henry Newman, and many of my other favourite saints. But these books are so good no matter who is profiled next I know I will pick it up. My kids and I plan on listening to it again in the car and continuing our discussions.

That being said this volume would be a great gift for first communion or even confirmation. It would be an excellent addition to any home, school, or church library. This latest release in this series, is another fantastic read. The series keeps getting better and better. It was an excellent read in a great series. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:
Saint Cecilia: The Girl Who Sang in Her Heart 
Saint Lucy: The Girl Who Carried the Light 
Saint Josephine Bakhita: The Girl Who Chose Freedom 
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati: The Boy Who Climbed Higher 
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: The Girl Who Found a Little Way 
Saint Francis of Assisi: The Man Who Befriended Birds 
Saint Nicholas: The Orphan Who Became Santa Claus 
Saint Juan Diego: The Man Whose Cloak Held a Miracle 
Saint Faustina: The Messenger of Divine Mercy 
Saint Martin The Soldier Who Shared His Cloak
…
Lives of Women Saints: 52 True Stories of Courage, Faith, and Character 
The Lives of Women Saints Coloring & Activity Book 
The Lives of Women Saints Workbook 
Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character
Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character Full Coloring Book Edition
...

Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library 1-11

Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library 52 Women Saints

Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character - Monica Bennett - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Full Colour Edition

Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character - Monica Bennett - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Black and White Edition

Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character - Monica Bennett - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Colouring Book Edition


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Friday, 16 October 2026

Stowaway to Saturn - Karina Fabian - Zach Augustine Book 1

Stowaway to Saturn
Zach Augustine Book 1 
Karina Fabian
ISBN 9780819827722
eISBN 
ASIN 

Stowaway to Saturn - Karina Fabian - Zach Augustine Book 1

The reading of this story marks the 49th time I have read a story by Fabian, not counting her contributions to Anthologies. I remember when this character was mentioned in a Rescue Sisters Story, and am so excited having read this first story in this new series. In the beginning of the Acknowledgements section Fabian states:

“When I was a kid—and even now as an adult—I’d sometimes skip the Acknowledgements section. Too often, it’s just a list of people to thank, mixed with a couple of factoids about the book. But I want you to learn something from this section, whether you want to be a writer, an engineer, a scientist, or a landscaper! We seldom accomplish things on our own. Just like Zach needed Jake and Anna (and Putterbot!) to rescue the kids, I needed people to make this story as good as it is. So read on!

The Adventures of Zach Augustine got its start as a mention in my short story, “Moonboy.” In it, Cory Taylor, the first boy born on the moon, reads the Zach adventures and decides to go have one of his own. I only ever meant them to be a bunch of titles. But then editor and friend, Rebecca Martin, talked about the need for middle-grade Catholic books, and I remembered how much I loved sci-fi at that age. (Still do!) Why not make Zach Augustine a real thing? I suggested it to Rebecca, who gave me a lot of encouragement. Lesson: Be open to suggestions. Sometimes an idea can bear more fruit than you think!”

Fabian has written an excellent story for the young and young at heart. I have mentioned in a few reviews and several times over the years on my blog that I have a dual form of dyslexia. Maybe in part because of that I still love Middle Grade reads and Young adult novels. But when I met Madeleine L’Engle she spoke about writing for youths and kids is harder because they ask more questions, and do not just accept things older readers would read over. And Fabian does an excellent job in this her debut Middle Grade novel. The description of this story is:

“The first book in the new Zach Augustine series--page-turning, faith-filled, sci-fi adventures for ages 9 to 12. 

Zach Augustine is on the run. He's a spacer--born and raised on a ship in the asteroid belt. But now he's on his own. Will Zach be able to prove himself to his new crew and earn his place aboard their ship? Or will his faith and diligence prompt him to choose a different path when dangerous secrets come to light?”

About the author we are informed:

“Karina Fabian grew up reading the classics of science fiction and fantasy. Now the author of over 45 books in sci-fi, fantasy, and comedic horror, she loves to entertain readers of all ages with the adventures of her characters. Her books have won the Mensa Award, the EPPIE, the INDIE, and most recently, the Catholic Reads Editors’ and Readers’ Choice awards. She and her husband live in Florida where they can watch rockets launch from their front yard. Discover her books at fabianspace.com. Karina is glad to do school visits to share Zach’s adventures and the real-world adventures of space and science.”

Every time I read a book by Fabian, no matter the series, I think ‘it can’t get better than this’ and yet somehow it almost always does. This story really took me by surprise, in some ways it reads like a Johnny Quest or TinTin in space. Except for the fact that Zach Augustine is an orphan. Zach is trying to live by a code:

“He closed his eyes and recited the Creed. I am a Spacer. My life is among the stars. My ship, my suit, my God, are my protection. To survive, I must use my brains, my faith, my heart. A Spacer never panics. A Spacer survives first, feels second. A Spacer knows his situation, his priorities, and his orders ...”

This is an excellent story. And certain characters and their arcs really stay with readers, even after they finish it. Especially Saint and even Pinky, but especially Zach and Putterbot. The pace of the story is excellent, and the plot fascinating. We have a story with an orphan who is desperate to stay in space, pirates, a repaired robot, and so much more. Sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for, and Zach finds that out in a big way. He also learns that the world is not black and white, and he needs lessons in faith and virtues. 

This is the type of science fiction I had  access to when my own children were younger, and even when I was younger myself. It is a much better story than a lot of what I read as a youth. 

This book is another very entertaining read, and start to what looks to be an excellent series. It is a great offering from Fabian’s pen. Give this book a try; I am certain you will be entertained. Another amazing read from Fabien’s masterful pen that I can easily recommend.      

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!


Dex Hollister Series:
The Old Man and the Void
Dex's Way
...

Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator Series :
Neeta Lyffe, Zombie Exterminator
I Left My Brains in San Francisco
Shambling in a Winter Wonderland
…

DragonEye PI Series:
DragonEye PI Novels:

Space Traipse Series:
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 1
Space Traipse: Hold My Beer, Season 2
...

Zach Augustine Series:
Escape to Enceleadus! 
…

Write Boost Books:
Persevere in your Writing
Develop your Author Voice
Fun with Worldbuilding
The Dubious Joy of Editing
Torture Your Characters
Creature Creation
The Art of Critique
Goal Setting
Humor Writing
Idea Generation
Publicity Package
Scene Fixes
Character Creation
AI for Writers
Faith in Fiction
…



Contributed to:
Firestorm of Dragons
The Zombie Cookbook
The Book of Tentacles
Twisted Fayrie Tales
FRIGHTLINER: And Other Tales of the Undead
Mother Goose is Dead
Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary
Image and Likeness Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body
Corrupts Absolutely? Dark Metahuman Fiction
Weird Noir
The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels
Manifesto UF
Avenir Eclectia
Planetary Anthology: Jupiter
Planetary Anthology: Pluto
Planetary Anthology: Luna
Planetary Anthology: Uranus
FlagShip Science Fiction and Fantasy v2i5
My Little Book of Headdesks
To Be Men: Stories Celebrating Masculinity
...

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Thursday, 15 October 2026

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume II - Richard Paolinelli

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume II 
ISBN 9798906107244
eISBN 9798906107244
ASIN B0HFDV2GJF


I first encountered the works of Richard Paolinelli in the Anthology Cracked An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories edited by Bokerah Brumley, in 2020. And that story appears in this collection. Since that first story, I have read work by Richard 40 times. The stories in this collection span years of writing, and encompasses numerous genres and styles. That being said they are great stores. And between this and the companion Volume II we have all of Richard’s publishes stories (outside his Sherlock pastiches) and a few new works see print for the first time.

The description of this volume states:

“Dreams of the Storyteller by Richard Paolinelli gathers the imaginative short stories of his Dreams of the Storyteller series into a definitive two-volume collection.
From the far reaches of space—where desperate missions to Mars go awry, polar shifts strand survivors on the Moon, and humanity faces extinction-level threats or alien invitations that may doom Earth—to haunted lodges where the living confront the departed, post-apocalyptic landscapes stalked by the undead, tense hunts for serial killers, and even a hilarious barnyard parody of interstellar epics, these tales span classic science fiction, supernatural mystery, thriller, and unexpected humor.

Paolinelli, an award-winning author and former sportswriter whose works include Dragon Award finalist Escaping Infinity, delivers tightly crafted stories that draw readers in with vivid characters, high-stakes dilemmas, and the classic storytelling flair of mid-century speculative fiction, while adding modern twists of sacrifice, survival, friendship, and the thin line between life and what lies beyond.

Whether exploring the last human on a dying world, a War of the Worlds-style invasion in the American West, ghostly “fixers,” or time-traveling pirate crews, this two-volume set offers a rich tapestry of dreams that linger long after the final page—perfect for fans of imaginative short fiction who crave wonder, chills, and the occasional laugh.”

The stories in this volume are:

Spinster’s Manor 
The Sorceress Curses 
The Medallion 
The Last Hunt 
A State Of Revenge 
Memory Island 
Death On The Range 
Far Away 
The Guardian 

Most of these stories is available as an individual eBook. They are collected here and available as an eBook or in print direct from the publisher. I have yet to work through the complete canon of Paolinelli’s back catalogue but have been working my way through it. It was wonderful to resist these stories. I enjoyed them the first time I read them so much I wrote an overview of the series. This new collection of the 15 stories in a single collection is excellent, and almost half of them are new stories. 

I love that each of these stories is preceded by the story behind it. They are well worth reading and I highly recommend them.


This story has a different plot that took me by surprise. With how much I read that is saying something. There were several occasions while reading 12 of the other stories in this collection, where I almost started this one. But I kept putting it off. This story involves a ghost hunter’s type crew from a show called Haunted America looking for disappearing staircases in a national park. The head ranger, District Ranger Blanchard tries to dissuade them. Their leader is Larry Kincaid, and he is supposed to be the brains of the outfit. Vicki Grace is his co-host and Randy Phillips is the cameraman and tech crew.

But Larry has a plan, and his picked a few locations to check out. Unfortunately for the three of them he plotted correctly. And with disastrous consequences. To Find out what befalls them you will need to read this chilling tale.


This story took me by surprise. A little bit supernatural, in part a ghost story. It is about friendship, betrayal, forgiveness and life after death. It is a story that will stay with readers. I find myself still thinking about it days after reading it. 

This is a great short story. It draws you in quickly, it keeps your attention. The main character is excellently written. The plot will surprise you. I look forward to the other stories in this series and many of Richard’s other series.


This is a dark and disturbing story, especially once we start putting all the pieces together. It is a chilling tale for mature readers. And having read both stories that contain this surprising character, I can only hope there will be more.   

This is another great short story from Paolinelli’s masterful pen. It really took me by surprise and I had a pretty good idea who the surprise character was going to be. I can easily recommend this story for mature readers!


Judas is given a mission by the Pope, it is delivered in person by the Camerlengo, Cardinal John E. Konecsni in person. The bishop of Luna, Bishop Joseph Igwe, was surprised by the mission of the Camerlengo, and the hermit he was here to visit. The story begins on Armstrong City, Moon Base Alpha, 2117, Cardinal John E. Konecsni is there to begin an investigation of the Diocese on Mars. He is there to task The Jesuit with this mission. Traveling under the name Brother Julian, he soon realizes thing are in fact dire on the red planet. And The Jesuit must face off with an old foe. To find out more you will need to read this excellent story.

Spinster’s Manor 

An intriguing story. Set just before Thanksgiving in 1868 Tessa Palmquist, a 25 year old spinster had a traveling house guest. A mister William Charles Aspinwall III. Aspinwall does not appear to be a nice character and has unsavoury plans. But Tessa has plans of her own. A dark horror story with some real bite. Or should I say nibbles. Read and find out. 

The Sorceress Curses 

The author describes it as a mash up of Ladyhawke and Lord of the Rings lite, and it is a good description. It is an intense and moving story. And they are willing to take great risks for a valued reward. Weary traveller named Rodrym Maglar arrives in the village of Tenaxx driving a covered wagon. He seeking out Arexnar, a renowned wizard. Trying to end a curse of opposing slumbers. Does it work, read and find out.

The Medallion 

Something things are worth far more than they appear. And some things come with a bigger price than ever expected. In this story we encounter both scenarios and for the same object. A thief gets far more than they bargained for. And has a very hard decision to make. An excellent story. Would love to see it expanded into a novel there is so much that could be done in this world and with this story.


A previous edition had the subtitle “The Dyson's Comet Killer” which reveals a bit more about the story. This story starts with an event at the Golden Gate Bridge and then jumps back in time. I loved the sequence in the story about the Motorcycle Bandit, would love to see that expanded into a full story itself. The main story is a hunt for a serial killer. The lack of clues gives Bolton a clue and sharing that hunch changes everything. 

This is the most intense of the stories I have read in this collection. It draws you in and though you see a train wreck coming you just cannot look away. By the ends you will understand the beginning and feel the same sense of loss as characters in the story.

The Last Hunt 

Written three years before Covid they story could almost be prophetic. Far in the future most humans live in walled mega cities. In North America there is groups is smaller independent cities. A plague rips through The Walled Cities, some escape, they are a threat to all of humanity. This story follows the last hunter tracking for the last kill. An intense read!

A State Of Revenge 

It was interesting to return to Paolinelli’s handling of Churchill. A story of revenge and maybe by the end regret. A secret mission that is intended to send a message but without harm to humans. But things do not go as planned. Historic fiction at its best.

Memory Island 

You wake up on a desert island with no memory, not even your name. There are several bodies and 1 other survivor. You do what needs to be done to survive and have a plan. But then a mysterious chest floats towards shore, And things are never the same. A great little story tightly written. Would love to see other stories with the main character. 

Death On The Range 

The shortest offering in the collection. Written as flash fiction and under 1100 words. But does it ever leave you wanting more. A great story with a nice twist at the end.


This is a hilarious story and a mush up parody of some many fandoms. It is well written. It will have you laughing out loud. Join Brooster on his training regime. Be thrilled by his first battle with the hound dog. And watch as he loves ‘when a plan comes together’ to go after the four legged farm animals and the Evil lord the old farmer.  

At the end of the volume it states:

Coming Soon - BARN WARS 2: The Hare Menace

It has been a few years and we have not seen it yet. But after how much fun this story was, I can hope we someday see it in print.  It was fitting that this was the last story in the series I read as it was my introduction of Richard’s work.

Far Away 

Originally published under the pen name Lucca DeJardins. I had read and reviewed this not knowing it was a pen name. This was a fantastic read right from the get go. I was hooked very early on and as the story progressed appreciated the skill and craft in writing this story even more. Novels give you a lot of room to tell a story, but short stories and novellas are a very different creature. Not all people who write novels can write novellas, or short stories. But this story is masterfully written. The characters are amazing. The plot is engaging, intense and deeply moving. In some ways the story reminds me of some of Frank Herbert’s non Dune stories, or some of the stories of Alfred Bester. The writing is tight, clean and crisp. 

The Guardian 

I have picked up several of the Fantastic Middle Schools Anthologies over the last few years. But Have yet to read them. This appeared in the volume Wisecraft. It is an interesting story. Feels like a mashup of A Wizard of Earthsea and Potter. It is a short story that sets the stage. I cannot help but wonder where Paolinelli would take it in future works. An excellent little story. 

I read this collection thus rereading these stories over a long weekend. Reading some of the stories was like a visit with long lost friends. Some were more like nightmares revisited. All were great reads! Writing short fiction is a very different skill that writing novels. Paolinelli is a master of both; trust me. So I encourage you to pick up this collection and the companion volume and you will be in for some very entertaining reads! I guarantee it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:
Maelstrom
When the Gods Fell
The Calling
The Last Lonely Trail
A Zombie Christmas Carol

Infinity Series:
Exploring Infinity
Expanding Infinity
…

Starguest 4th Age Series:
Ranger
Cassandra's Line
…
Starquest 4th Age The Complete Saga
...

Timeless Series:
Odin’s Runes
Empire Of The Golden Dragon
Blackbeard’s Treasure
The Last Quest
…

Jack Del Rio Series:
Betrayals
Endgames
…
Del Rio Omnibus Edition
Del Rio The Complete Trilogy 
…

Divine Trolls Comedies:
The Fall Of The House Of 770 Vile Aromas 
The Corvo
…

SeaDragon:
SeaDragon 1 May 1986
SeaDragon 2 June 1996
Sherlock Holmes Pastiches:

Non Fiction:
Perfection’s Arbiter
From The Fields
The Space Shuttle: 1981–2011 
…

Contributed to:
To Be Men 
Places Beyond The Wild
Space Force Building The Legacy
Secret Stairs 
A Tribute To H.G. Wells (2019 Edition)
Beyond Watson 
Holmes Away From Home, Vol. 2 
Sherlock Holmes Adventures In The Realms Of H.G. Wells 
Sherlock Holmes Aventures In The Realms Of Edgar Allan Poe
The Art Of Sherlock Holmes 
The Mx Book Of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part Xxii
…

Planetary Anthology Series:
Sol
Earth
Luna
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
…
Best Of Planetary Anthology Series
…

Dreams of the Storyteller Series - Richard Paolinelli

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume I - Richard Paolinelli

Dreams of the Storyteller, Volume II - Richard Paolinelli


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