Malcolm can't remember being fatally stabbed. If the masked woman, Thalia, is to be believed, he's now in limbo along with six other strangers who are all guilty of unspeakable crimes. For atonement, they each must survive a trial involving an eerie monster in a haunting locale. Succeed, and return to life. Fail, and it's straight to hell. Malcolm could let the others face their trials alone. The monsters wouldn't sneeze at him otherwise. Unfortunately, he's grown to like some of these people. Death in limbo guarantees failure, but risking his neck to help the others might be Malcolm's smartest play. The more allies in his corner come time for his own trial, the better his chances of seeing his family again. As the trials proceed, Malcolm uncovers a link between their earthly demises. Each of the seven was responsible for a death of another, but the whos and whys are only a piece of the puzzle. Malcolm sees no sense in passing his trial only to be killed again when he returns to life. He must uncover the identity of his murderer, but with his spicy temper, he might not be able to resist a little revenge.

A modern day twist on Beauty and the Beast, set against the backdrop of a reality TV show ala The Bachelor - originally submitted for a 'subverted fairytale' themed short story contest

When 18-year-old Jane meets a stranger on her way home, her life suddenly turns into her worst nightmare. Jacob, a handsome 45-year-old never leaves anything to chance, but this time things could go either way. Is evil left in inheritance?