Patricia Matthew

Femme Fatale and Other Stories Patricia Matthew

FEMME FATALE and other stories is an eclectic collection of tales by the author of 'Free as a Bird in a Healing Garden'. Two stories, 'Femme Fatale' and 'Just Deserts' are quirky 'Death and Destruction', 'Pressure', 'Addicted' and 'Screams' have surprising endings. 'Trapped' and 'Identity' have deliberately been left open-ended so that the reader can think about what might happen next. The remaining tales are about relationships in their various guises. The opening story,' Femme Fatale' taken from the title of the collection, explores the strange occurrences going on in a sleepy, coastal village. When beautiful, mysterious Jessica Witherington arrives in Frinton Upwater and moves into Cedar Gables, the derelict house at the end of a lane, there is much curtain twitching from day one. Some believe her to be a witch, a sorceress, a temptress with strange powers. Soon after Jessica's arrival, a number of young men mysteriously disappear, gone without a trace. Their cars are discovered in various locations in the village. What on earth is going on? Is something sinister afoot? Can it just be a coincidence or has it, as many believe, something to do with this enigmatic woman? Greg Burrows, a new recruit at the Gazette, is asked by his boss to investigate the situation. In spite of having been warned by people to be vigilant, Greg arranges to visit Cedar Gables for a meeting with Miss Witherington. This collection is an eclectic mix of thought provoking stories encompassing fantasy, mystery, murder, deception, childhood memories, nightmare neighbours, phobia, loneliness, mistaken identity and much more.