- Format: Kindle (Amazon)
- File Size: 130 KB
- Print Length: 58 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Eostre Press; 1 edition (May 18, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
- Language: English
- ASIN: B0084OI18M
- Source: I bought it
Jimmy Kiley is a keen amateur movie maker. He’s also the ruthless criminal boss of the north side of the city. When enforcing his own brand of law, he sees no reason why he shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. His kick is to provide a private viewing of his last venture to the star of the next. And his reluctant stars are only ever one hit wonders.
Killer Reels documents Kiley's movie making through a collection of interlinked short stories.
My take
Rob Kitchin has written a considerable amount of flash fiction and a growing list of drabbles. In an explanation in KILLER REELS, Kitchin says that the collection or 12 pieces of flash fiction "started life as a single piece of flash fiction focused on a fairly simple premise - an impending murder victim would be shown a video of the death of the previous victim and also get a sense of the movie in which he or she was about to star."
In each macabre story, the next victim is shown a snuff movie showing the death of someone who refused to give information to film "director" Jimmy Kiley and his thugs. Each of the victims has tried to cheat Jimmy in some way. Kiley eventually even turns against members of his own gang when they go against his orders. He extends his net to a crime reporter, a teenage drug peddler trading on his patch, a jockey who didn't follow instructions, a police detective who'd shown a keen interest in the operations of Kiley and his gang, a young member of a rival gang who executed one of Kiley's inner circle, and then his long time girlfriend makes a fatal mistake.
The stories are cleverly conceived and rather bizarre, and the reader moves seamlessly from one to another.
My rating: 4.5
Other titles (novels) by Rob Kitchin reviewed
5.0, THE RULE BOOK
4.6, THE WHITE GALLOWS
Kerrie - I'm glad you enjoyed this collection. Jimmy Kiley is a deliciously creepy character isn't he?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Kerrie. Much appreciated. If I ever visit Adelaide I promise not to bring a video camera ...
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