PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Mia Dalia has been one of my favorite authors since before she even published a single story. I began Beta reading for Mia a few years ago after engaging with her on Goodreads. Every story she sent was fantastic. She has a knack for writing complex plots and characters you love or love to hate.
I was sent Tell Me a Story in May of 2023 and knew immediately that it needed to be shared with the book-loving public. It is a psychological horror thriller set primarily in an independently owned bookstore. What reading enthusiast doesn’t crave a story that takes place in a bookstore?
The Synopsis:
What if the truth is nothing but a story we tell ourselves? Welcome to Mr. B’s bookstore. A place of stories and second changes. For Jared, a young man down on his luck, it seems like a perfect refuge when he is taken in the store’s elderly owner and offered a home and a job.
Only something isn’t quite right. Dark secrets lurking around. Ghosts visiting at night, whispering of terrible things. Nightmares coming to life. It’s enough to make Jared question his sanity, his benefactor’s past, and the very fabric of reality.
Sometimes, the only thing to do is strike a match, light a candle, and see what tales the shadows hide.
Ninja Clown’s Thoughts on Tell Me a Story:
I think, at this point, we can all agree that I am a huge fan of Mia Dalia and will read everything she ever releases. That being said, Tell Me a Story is definitely a favorite of mine. It’s a creepy story set in a bookstore. That should be enough information to entice any reader, but I will elaborate.
Our story revolves around the main character, Jared. Jared is an ex-junkie that is given a second chance and a job by Mr. B, the owner of a bookstore, Mr. B’s Story Emporium. Jared lives a very simple life in a small, simple room in the bookstore. He has very few possessions and only the bare necessities. His second chance life is going well, until one night when Jared is visited by “angels” who want justice.
Meanwhile, during the workday, the bookstore receives a donation of books. One of them is titled The Angelmaker Bible. A true crime fan, Larry, shares all of the information he knows about The Angelmaker. This information, plus the nightly angel visits, start to have an extremely poor effect on Jared’s belief that he is sane.
After some more intrigue and twisty narrative, we are gifted with some answers that are unexpected and slightly unclear. The scenes with the visiting angels are incredibly ethereal and creepy. The ending is intense and, almost, completely satisfying. Tell Me A Story is another compelling and brilliantly written tale by Mia Dalia. Definitely recommended. Shout out to the always amazing Ruth Anna Evans for a strikingly perfect cover.
