Set on Halloween, Jack Brown is one frustrated painter set on not having any fun. His neighbor Cassie, a Wiccan, has invited him to her party but he plans to stay in and brood. That is until a little dab of blood gets his painter’s inspiration flowing again. What he paints changes his life.

Right from the start, we get a feel for Jack’s life. He’s taking photos of an aged beauty, Molly, who also is well-to-do. He doesn’t really want to paint her portrait but he feels he needs the money. Still, he has this inner monologue that is grumbling about everything. He doesn’t like his neighbors either. In fact, Cassie’s cat somehow got into his apartment once again. Cassie does tease him a little but in a good-hearted way. Alas, Jack can’t take it for what it is.

So in a moment of self-harming, inspiration strikes! But is this the good kind of inspiration or is it something that will consume him, soul and all? It is Halloween and evil spirits may be about. What follows had me on the edge of my seat. I know this is a short story, but it grabbed me from the start and those 33 minutes flew by!

Red, red, red is what consumes Jack. A bit of his blood goes a long way in this tale. I liked that I wasn’t sure where things would go in this story. I knew Jack was in trouble but I wasn’t sure what form the trouble would take. Even at the end, I wasn’t sure how things would go for Jack until all was said and done.

And I like the little bits of humorous imagery thrown in as people in costumes make small appearances in the story. For instance, the woman in camo fallowed by a 6 ft tall squirrel gave me a little laugh.

All told, it’s a great story to set you in the mood for Halloween.

I received a free copy of this book.

The Narration: Michael Sanguinetti did a really good job with this story. His narration was smooth with no technical issues. His voice for Jack was spot on, making use of various emotions as the story called for. I liked his simpering old lady voice for Molly and his gentling teasing voice for Cassie. ( )