Learning Curve (24 page)

by Jack Scoltock

Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-32-9

eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-33-6

What should a young boy do when he discovers that his father is involved in the IRA? Who can you trust when an insane murderer is trapped on the same train you're riding? How can a Catholic child manage to fit in at a Protestant school in Northern Ireland?

From the small towns and byways of Northern Ireland, this collection of short stories from renowned Irish author Jack Scoltock provides a rare glimpse into everyday life in the midst of religious and political strife. From coping with family members in the IRA to the trials of Catholic children attending Protestant schools, these stories reveal the complexities of modern living with a deft and insightful eye.

“Scoltock captures the hopes and dreams of working class northerners, still characters rarely seen in modern collections, and at all times he does this in the twinkling dialect of his own city. Here is a pen that records all of human nature but gravitates habitually toward the good.”
—Cahir O'Doherty, Arts Editor,
The Irish Voice

“Poignant day-to-day Northern Ireland life, with a touch of the Irish whimsy. Renowned author Jack Scoltock gives us a feast.”
—Midge Baker, SimeGen.com

Preview the first four chapters for free at

www.barkingrainpress.org

by Christopher Treagus

Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-26-8

eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-27-5

Experience a new twist in the tale of Jack the Ripper, as seen through the eyes of renowned artist Walter Sickert. Though Sickert was not a suspect in the crimes during that time period, in modern times he has been identified as a person of interest.

Set fifteen years after the original murders, this story begins when Sickert's apprentice, Robert Wood, is accused of murdering a prostitute in Camden Town and comes to Sickert for help. Believing Wood to be innocent, Sickert agrees to assist him, but his investigation reveals an uncanny similarity to the Ripper's crimes years before. Soon he must face a horrible possibility: Jack the Ripper may have returned—or, all the more likely—the Ripper never left!

To save his friend, Sickert must uncover the true villain behind the original killings, following an unsolved case more than a decade cold. His search will lead him down an ever-twisting path toward a truth far more terrible than anyone could ever suspect—or believe!

“Chris Treagus has a great talent for historical horror fiction, dragging the reader through time and space so that one feels like they're actually there. A writer to watch!”
—Ken Kupstis, Author,
Clownwhite
and
Voodoo Highway

Preview the first four chapters for free at

www.barkingrainpress.org

by Adele Abbot

Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-80-0

eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-81-7

When history goes off course, can it be nudged back? The second coming of Jesus Christ was supposed to take place in the thousandth year of His era, but it did not happen as scheduled.

For in the year 1016, the long-lived thirteenth apostle (who was chosen to replace Judas), sets off on a perilous journey across Europe with a priceless and powerful treasure—twelve parchment scrolls inscribed by the twelve apostles. Matthias knows that if the scrolls can be read at the proper time at Glastonbury Tor in England, their powers will be initiated. History would be rewritten and the world would be restored to the glorious state originally envisioned by his Lord and God.

But Matthias is not the only one who knows what the power of the scrolls can do—nor is he the only ancient being with an agenda. For these primordial clans know that if the scrolls are ever put to use, they and their families will disappear, as if they had never existed…

What is the price they — and the rest of humanity — will pay for postponing Armageddon?

Postponing Armageddon was a finalist in the
2011 Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now
contest for aspiring debut novelists, sponsored by Sir Terry Pratchett and Transworld Publishers.

“A most unusual and intriguing story which engages the reader like the very best fast-paced murder mysteries, with a new twist that slightly alters biblical and natural history in order to make a good fantasy. First rate entertainment!”
— Carol Marrs Phipps, Carol and Tom Phipps Fantasy Blog and on Goodreads

“Set against a rich, seamless backdrop of history, fantasy, and hidden agendas, Adele Abbot takes you on a fantastic journey in this well-crafted, relentless page-turner that will leave you questioning the nature of fate and faith. Well done!”
— Clint Talbert, author,
The Last Stand of Daronwy

“A taut tale woven from rumors of Christ's Apostles, lost biblical manuscripts, ancient beings and plenty of action as the journey unfolds. Abbot uses a crisp writing style replete with compact scenes, well-defined characters, and a compelling plot that elicits curiosity about her alternate history. It kept me reading, that's for sure!”
— Phillip Tomasso, author,
Sounds of Silence

Preview the first four chapters for free at

www.barkingrainpress.org