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Men Going Mad: Two Twisty Tales
From the Author of SASQUATCH, BABY!, SHIMMERFISH and DEAD SPREAD, MEN GOING MAD is a duet of two dark and twisty tales. In Charred Cedar, Mark Hamartia is a failed chef living in a remote seaside enclave rumored to have a buried treasure. When his wife decamps to Berlin for a design conference, Mark hires a quirky character to do some remodeling--and while the house is torn up he discovers a series of riddles that could lead him to an immense fortune. Crime Scene tells the tale of a struggling real estate agent and a woman who owns the dilapidated bar he'd like to renovate. Nothing goes as planned and the story ends with a terrifying twist.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2023
About the author
Bethany Browning
9 books14 followersBethany Browning is the BIBA-winning author of Sasquatch, Baby!, Shimmerfish, Dead Spread, Men Going Mad. Queen of Tentacles, the sequel to Dead Spread releases January 2024. She's also co-writer of the independent film War of the Wills, available on Amazon. Her stories have been published in Esoterica Magazine, JAKE, Mudroom, Filth, Drabbledark, Stories We Tell After Midnight, Halloween Horrors, The Hallowzine, Allegory, and more. Learn more at bethanybrowning.com, and follow her on Threads @bethanybrowningbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 16, 2023
I really enjoyed both of these stories, for different reasons, though the ending for each one was a twist that I didn't see coming. They're both short yet full of detail and character development, which can be difficult to do in so few pages. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
4.5 stars
**I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
4.5 stars
**I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
November 18, 2023
Two Twisty Tales, indeed!
Browning does a fantastic job of creating a cohesive book from two different stories. Men going mad is far from the only shared theme between these tales. The descent into madness is quick on paper, but does not feel rushed. Each story has plenty of well-placed exposition to explain how each man reaches and, ultimately, plummets past the edge of reason.
This quick read has piqued my interest in Browning's other work. I'd say this was a delightful introduction.
Thank you for the chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Browning does a fantastic job of creating a cohesive book from two different stories. Men going mad is far from the only shared theme between these tales. The descent into madness is quick on paper, but does not feel rushed. Each story has plenty of well-placed exposition to explain how each man reaches and, ultimately, plummets past the edge of reason.
This quick read has piqued my interest in Browning's other work. I'd say this was a delightful introduction.
Thank you for the chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
January 21, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Men Going Mad" brings two mysterious stories that take unexpected turns, keeping readers hooked throughout. In "Charred Cedar," Mark Hamartia, a chef facing setbacks, stumbles upon hidden riddles while renovating his house, hinting at a potential fortune. The narrative unfolds with an engaging mix of suspense and curiosity, drawing readers into a web of secrets.
In "Crime Scene," a struggling real estate agent's plans to renovate a run-down bar take an unexpected and chilling turn. The story cleverly keeps the audience guessing, building tension until a terrifying twist unfolds. The characters are well-crafted, adding depth to the suspenseful atmosphere.
The author's writing style creates a palpable sense of mystery and unease, making both tales captivating. While some elements could be more finely tuned for an even more immersive experience, the overall narrative earns a solid 4.1 stars. "Men Going Mad" is a recommended read for those who enjoy dark and twisty tales with unexpected endings.
"Men Going Mad" brings two mysterious stories that take unexpected turns, keeping readers hooked throughout. In "Charred Cedar," Mark Hamartia, a chef facing setbacks, stumbles upon hidden riddles while renovating his house, hinting at a potential fortune. The narrative unfolds with an engaging mix of suspense and curiosity, drawing readers into a web of secrets.
In "Crime Scene," a struggling real estate agent's plans to renovate a run-down bar take an unexpected and chilling turn. The story cleverly keeps the audience guessing, building tension until a terrifying twist unfolds. The characters are well-crafted, adding depth to the suspenseful atmosphere.
The author's writing style creates a palpable sense of mystery and unease, making both tales captivating. While some elements could be more finely tuned for an even more immersive experience, the overall narrative earns a solid 4.1 stars. "Men Going Mad" is a recommended read for those who enjoy dark and twisty tales with unexpected endings.
November 10, 2023
I'm a big fan of short story collections, and these two tales are chock full of all the good stuff: mystery, comedy, a pinch of horror, characters that you love — or love to hate, twist endings you don't see coming, and momentum that keeps you turning the pages. I feel like I've been on a roller coaster ride through prickly thorns at nighttime, in a good way. That's the best feeling at the end of a story. Bethany Browning has perfected her craft, and man, it shows.
November 22, 2023
This was a very interesting and fun read. The first part is well done, short, concise and in a way, funny. Mark yearning, essentially for an adventure made it rather endearing, and I can't think of the last time I read a story about treasure hunting. The second story made me laugh a little and of course I wasn't happy about what he did to Proberta, but she seemed the type not to mess with either. The writing was easy to follow and kept things moving forward, no dilly-dallying at all. Bethany Browning has definitely gotten my attention and a new fan. The chemistry between characters was well written and realistic, which I personally enjoy. Regardless, great read for those who are fans of short but well written fiction!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2024
SO GOOD
Uggh I adore Bethany Browning. She has easily become one of my must read (non-kissing book) authors.
This book follows the stories of two men who make seriously questionable choices.
I wish I had more than 2 brain cells left. In my early 20s I would have been able to explore the symbolism and themes of her books. Instead I’m pushing 40 and just throughly enjoying that the women in these two stories are sensible and the men are train-wrecks.
Story 1 - Charred Cedar
Mark is a treasure hunter without a map.
Left to his own devices her makes some very questionable choices.
This story has murder, intrigue, and a twist ending a didn’t see coming.
Story 2 - Crime Scene
Dave falls down a rabbit hole of petty with some very driven focus.
His poor decision making quite literally costs him EVERYTHING.
Such a strong ending.
Uggh I adore Bethany Browning. She has easily become one of my must read (non-kissing book) authors.
This book follows the stories of two men who make seriously questionable choices.
I wish I had more than 2 brain cells left. In my early 20s I would have been able to explore the symbolism and themes of her books. Instead I’m pushing 40 and just throughly enjoying that the women in these two stories are sensible and the men are train-wrecks.
Story 1 - Charred Cedar
Mark is a treasure hunter without a map.
Left to his own devices her makes some very questionable choices.
This story has murder, intrigue, and a twist ending a didn’t see coming.
Story 2 - Crime Scene
Dave falls down a rabbit hole of petty with some very driven focus.
His poor decision making quite literally costs him EVERYTHING.
Such a strong ending.
February 4, 2024
I received this ARC from BookSirens. This is my first ARC review so I wanted to pick short stories and Men Going Mad: Two Twisty Tales by Bethany Browning did not disappoint. The first story, Charred Cedar, is a man's story about how he and his wife met and his plan to get away from his unsatisfying marriage. The second story, Crime Scene, is about a real-estate agent who is trying to buy property from a stubborn old lady and lengths he is willing to go to acquire her property. I, personally, love the ending to both of these stories because they are not what you expect. This is my first Bethany Browning read and will definitely not be my last. If you are short on time but want a short spooky read these stories are you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
*𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗦𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗔𝗥𝗖. 𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻.*
The second of these 2 short stories saved this for me.
I love a short, fast-paced story, but the first one read like a structure, an idea of a story before adding more detail. It seemed rushed, as if some of the plot was missing and at some points I was confused. Unfortunately at the discovery of the twist, I said "is that it?" out loud too...
The second story was much better, gripping and well explained, and again whilst the twist wasn't really that shocking, this time I was more invested. I just wish the main character's wife had had a bit more revenge!
The second of these 2 short stories saved this for me.
I love a short, fast-paced story, but the first one read like a structure, an idea of a story before adding more detail. It seemed rushed, as if some of the plot was missing and at some points I was confused. Unfortunately at the discovery of the twist, I said "is that it?" out loud too...
The second story was much better, gripping and well explained, and again whilst the twist wasn't really that shocking, this time I was more invested. I just wish the main character's wife had had a bit more revenge!
September 9, 2024
The title of the book pretty much sums it up for you. It’s a collection of two short reads wherein the main protagonists are men going mad with primarily jealousy and greed. The results are as expected but with a twist in each case. Both stories are quick and exciting, and they feature events that kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. In general, the book is a good study of human character, both men and women and a commentary on what life has become in this day and age… without being too heavy-handed. Men Going Mad is a perfect read for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 25, 2024
Charred cedar was a really unique story that packed a lot of emotion into so few pages. The little twist at the end made me chuckle and i enjoyed the easy to read writing style.
Crime scene had the perfect amount of detail that made pictures appear before my eyes reading it. Both stories were very easy to read, simple yet detailed enough to lose your self in the story. Both stories short enough to read in a single sitting yet highly enjoyable
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crime scene had the perfect amount of detail that made pictures appear before my eyes reading it. Both stories were very easy to read, simple yet detailed enough to lose your self in the story. Both stories short enough to read in a single sitting yet highly enjoyable
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2023
Thanks BookSirens - this ARC was wonderful.
Charred Cedar: the ending was so unexpected to me! I loved the mixture of backstory with the present day too. This is the kind of story that Inside No. 9 would have a field day with.
Crime Scene: I thought I knew where this was going. The author is two for two on surprising me. Honestly, no notes.
I don't want to be spoiler-y so I'm going to stop the review here. Cracking little book.
Charred Cedar: the ending was so unexpected to me! I loved the mixture of backstory with the present day too. This is the kind of story that Inside No. 9 would have a field day with.
Crime Scene: I thought I knew where this was going. The author is two for two on surprising me. Honestly, no notes.
I don't want to be spoiler-y so I'm going to stop the review here. Cracking little book.
January 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this quick read. I didn’t want to put it down.
I thought the mad men were well written and put you right in their shoes.
Each story had a twist you don’t see coming.
I wish there were more stories included in this. The author’s writing style made it so easy to read and left you wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought the mad men were well written and put you right in their shoes.
Each story had a twist you don’t see coming.
I wish there were more stories included in this. The author’s writing style made it so easy to read and left you wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 7, 2024
Bethany Browning does it again, mind blown! Men Going Mad: Two Twisty Tales presents two short stories that show two different men’s descent into madness.
Crime Scene is probably my favorite of the two. The literal twist at the end left me wishing this has been a full length novel. Despite its short length, Browning does a wonderful job with character and plot development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crime Scene is probably my favorite of the two. The literal twist at the end left me wishing this has been a full length novel. Despite its short length, Browning does a wonderful job with character and plot development.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2023
Men going mad: that was the common theme featured in the two short stories in this book. Both stories were written well, with a twist in the end. I enjoyed watching bad things happen to the over-confident men, lol. This was a good introduction to the author’s style. I might check out some of her other books.
(I received a free review copy from BookSirens.)
(I received a free review copy from BookSirens.)
November 21, 2023
Two twisty tales, indeed. But not that twisty that I didn’t see the twists coming from long away. The language is nice and the words flow over the pages but the plots are lacking a little suspense and surprises.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2023
ARC provided by BookSirens
While the writing for both stories was great, I found the stories to be a bit lacking when it came to the twists and turns. I guessed how both stories would end long before the endings. In the end, the stories were mildly entertaining but I have a feeling they won't stick with me.
While the writing for both stories was great, I found the stories to be a bit lacking when it came to the twists and turns. I guessed how both stories would end long before the endings. In the end, the stories were mildly entertaining but I have a feeling they won't stick with me.
January 31, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. MEN ARE INSANE! These men truly went mad from such simple starts until there was no turning back. Browning sets the scene in these short stories so well that you feel as if you are watching them unravel, but can’t stop the characters from making the wrong choices. Highly recommend for a short read!
January 1, 2024
Really well done shocking twists on both of these beautifully done short stories. Would recommend. Thanks for the arc
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2024
Two short stories with plots that hold your interest. I got a bit of a Stephen King vibe. Will definitely read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2024
It was a delightful read. It met the expectations I created.
I liked the premise and the way the author structured it.
I recommend
I liked the premise and the way the author structured it.
I recommend
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews