Showing results by narrator "J. Stempien" in All Categories

With 15 dark and twisted tales, the mortician is back to terrify you once again. The author of the hit horror anthology Tales from a Mortician has masterfully woven a new collection that will turn your stomach and have you checking under your bed, locking your doors, and leaving the lights on as you listen. From finding a body in your parents' attic to serial killers, cannibals, werewolves, gut-wrenching Halloween tricks, and even a sweet old lady who kills dozens, Skeletons is sure to terrify, disgust, and enthrall everyone who dares to listen to it.

Epigraphist Dr. Essie DeSpencer travels to an ancient Welsh castle in order to decipher an Ogham inscription discovered by the handsome and enigmatic Garreth ap Daffyd. But the journey is not what she expects. She doesn’t plan to fall for the lord of the castle or to find herself deeply entrenched in legends, myths, and magic. Real legends, and real magic, that have devastating consequences. Garreth didn’t plan for Essie to stay any longer than it took her to decipher the pictograph.

Cherry Avenue Middle School ain't big enough for the two of them. With the dust still settling from the epic medieval mayhem that took place at the Medieval Renaissance Fair, Principal/Emperor Buthaire strikes back, revealing a secret plan he had been working on since the first day that he and Austin met. And it's his hardest-hitting plan yet. We're talking hard hitting like a Taco Tuesday fart. With extra spice.

A new website that bashes the overbearing principal surfaces and after no investigation whatsoever, Austin is the one and only suspect. To make matters worse, Randy Warblemacher, notorious cheater and Austin's chief nemesis, offers Austin a wager on the outcome of the science fair, and it's an offer too good to refuse. But after a communication mix-up, the lovable underdog finds himself going head-to-head with his own girlfriend.

After his brother wins a big sports award, Austin is jealous and wants his time to shine in the spotlight. With the school holiday musical just around the corner, Austin wonders if he's good enough for the lead role, but also scared he might fart during a solo. Amplifying the problem is a new kid in town: the golden-voiced, dark-hearted Randy Warblemacher, who will stop at nothing to destroy Austin's chances at fame and fortune, while attempting to steal his girlfriend in the process.

Meet Austin Davenport, whose fabulous luck landed him on this earth only 11 short months after his brother, Derek, putting them in the same grade. While Austin's brain power is unmatched, it appears as if his brother got all the athletic gifts and the family butt-chin, meaning their parents love Derek more than Austin, or so it seems. Join Austin on his journey through the tumultuous waters of middle school as he navigates the swampy and undeodorized hallways and explores the depths of the cafeteria's seafood surprise.

A Shade for Every Season consists of over 70 tales, reaching into the horror and science fiction genres and beyond. The stories may be short, but the impact is not. Take a stroll through the dark and the macabre. Hear of revenge, snatched back from beyond the grave, and monsters that will thrill and scare you. Travel into the furthest reaches and isolation of outer space. See what lies down inside the darkness, where sometimes doors are best left unopened. Experience the thrill of the narrative - in the time it takes to finish your morning coffee.

They say that mayhem can't buy love, but it can break it apart. Or at least they should say that, because with Valentine's Day rapidly approaching at Cherry Avenue Middle School, relationship trouble is brewing like a volcano about to erupt. When Austin and Sophie set their sights on winning Cupid's Cutest Couple Contest, a series of challenges and a secret admirer will put their relationship to the test. And they're not the only ones with their eyes on the love prize.

Austin Davenport is back as he travels back in time to battle his timeless nemeses for honor and glory. Well, sort of. When Austin is embarrassed by baby-faced villain Randy Warblemacher in front of the whole school, he decides to drop the gauntlet! And the upcoming Medieval Renaissance Fair is the perfect place for an epic showdown.

Austin Davenport is back in the mayhemiest adventure yet! Austin's world is forever changed when he learns that nerds have one chance to transform themselves into cool kids. And that's by starting a band. When Austin and his crew get fed up at being even less popular than the kid in the marching band who wears his shoes on the wrong feet, they decide to take matters into their own hands.

These are the stories of three boys living in Texas: one growing up, one dreaming, and one fighting to stay alive in the face of destitution and adversity. There's second-grader William, a shy yet imaginative boy who schemes about how to get back at his school-yard bully, Randy. Then there's Sam, a 15-year-old boy who dreams of getting a 1980 Mazda RX-7 for his 16th birthday but has to work at a Greek restaurant to fund his dream. Finally, there's Seff, a 21-year-old on the brink of manhood, trying to survive along with his roommate, working as waiters and barely making ends meet.

How does a man who lost his life to food - and ate himself into a coma - find the power to change the destructive path he was on and discover joy within himself? Read about my eight-year journey that took me from the jaws of death to a contented and satisfied life. Behind Closed Doors is my story.