A Kidderminster Tale

Zantis carefully steers the reader into nine different worlds and times, cultures, and traditions, through fact and fiction with a lightness and ease. One is a tale of a man whose family life goes to ruin when his wife joins a religious group. Another story recounts a quadruple murder and suicide on a Greek island that no-one can stop. Then there is a heart stopping story about a reckless swim in a dangerous ocean. There are nine different stories here. With well-chosen words we can visualise characters and places and forge deep connections to the heart of them. We are sometimes left reflective, sometimes outraged, and other times intrigued and tantalised and heading for the computer for additional research. Every story has a different texture, every conversation a different rhythm, tension builds and recedes or builds and overpowers. It is a fascinating journey.

"These stories weave together humour and pain, the importance of family and connection and will leave you wanting to read Zantis' next collection. I guarantee it."

Alex Coutts Fender

Beautifully written. The words and expressions carried the emotion well. I had a lump in my throat."

Subba Rao, author of No Murder Tonight

"Very enjoyable and the truth, so yeah."

'Tik Tok' Phil