by John Brhel, Joseph Sullivan
Genres: Anthologies, Paranormal
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Retired stage magician Dr. Marvelry prefers to stock his antique store with strange and occult items. He has always enjoyed meeting odd people and hearing their stories, the legends attached to mysterious objects. A phonograph that seemingly replays a tragedy. Fertility dolls that are more than decoration. A bedeviled mannequin. These are just some of the relics this eccentric shopkeeper has collected over the years.
No two customers will have the same experience in his curiosity shop -- some walk away satisfied, others are never heard from again. But one thing is certain – when you purchase an item at this store, you often get more than what you paid for.
Follow Marvelry and his hexed objects through twelve tales of suspense, magic, terror, and transformation. Meet his new assistant, fellow illusionists, and some irregular characters along the way. Whatever macabre artifact of the human psyche you’re seeking – you’ll find something special in Marvelry’s Curiosity Shop.
Marvelry’s Curiosity Shop by John Brhel and Joseph Sullivan is a collection of twelve short stories surrounding Marvelry’s Curiosity Shop and the odd and sometimes cursed artifacts sold in the shop. Perfect shorts for the witching seasoning these tales reminded me of the stories told around the campfire. I loved the unique store and strange sometimes spooky stories.
The Victor Talking Machine- Kevin and Brent are out purchasing unique items for their countryside home. They stumble upon Marvelry’s Curiosity Shop and meet the odd curator, who shows them a Victor Victrola player. It is in good working order and even has a Frank Sinatra album. Ecstatic they take it home and place it on an antique table in their bedroom. When Kevin is home alone, he plays it and discovers there is more hears more than just Frank. This tale was creepy with a curious twist and one you’ll want to share around the fire.
Echo’s Reflection- In this tale we meet Echo Dollinger and her fiance Robert Simmons. The two go out searching for a mirror for their master bathroom and discover the perfect mirror in Marvelry’s shop. The tale that unfolds had an Alfred Hitchcock vibe and lesson to be learned.
Magician’s Complex- We learn about our curator as he helps Peter Meyers, a thirty-five-year-old magician who longs to be in the spotlight. A magician’s chest of drawers made hold the key or maybe not. Another twisted tale, and I am beginning to see that some of these tales give a warning or teach lessons. This story was a tad freaky folks, leave the lights on.
The Painter’s Premonition- A set of paint brushes and an easel bring back memories for an alcoholic painter. Eerie and twisted Mr. Marverley and his knack for pairing items with people gave me chills.
A Gift Ungiven- This chilling tale shares events that happen when an anthropologist is gifted an Indian artifact. The twist at the end was freaky.
A Made Match- What happens when African fertility dolls get separated. In A Made Match, two couples find out when they each by one of the set. An interesting tale and the twist at the end was amusing. Oh, my!
The Letterbox- Josh loved spending time at his grandparent’s Victorian home and at forty he is finally able to buy the home and goes about restoring it. When he discovers their original letterbox at the curiosity shop he is beyond pleased…that is until the letters start arriving. A creepy tale that will have you turning on the lights.
Seams of Consequence- A young woman disgruntled by hardship things she finds the answers in an old Singer. Beware of the things you wish. Seriously..be very careful.
Martinus’ Mannequin- Necromancy anyone? A friend of Dr. Marvelry shows up with a strange mannequin. I liked how a previous object made an appearance here.
Siren Song- A pretty tenant has moved into the apartment building who plays her organ day and night. A twisted tale that reminds us to trust our instinct.
The New Assistant- When Dr. Marvelry goes on a day trip to retrieve an item, he places his new assistant Drew in charge reminding him that some objects in the store are best left untouched. Does Dave listen? Find out what happens as learn some of Drew’s extracurricular activities may complicate things. The build up was fantastic, and the tale gave me chills.
Grand Illusions-A weekend house party to celebrate a retirement has deadly consequences. I liked the clever twist at the end.
Marvelry’s Curiosity Shop reminded me of childhood shows that gave me the shivers such as The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock. For younger readers, these stories will remind you of Are You Afraid of the Dark and Goosebump episodes that aired on Saturday mornings. My favorite stories from the collection were Seams of Consequence, Siren Song, and The Victor Talking Machine. I liked The New Assistant but wanted to know more.
Read an Excerpt
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Melanie Simmons
I love the idea of several short stories about a single shop. I’m going to have to check this one out. I wonder if it is available on audio. I’ll have to check my library. That cover is awesome. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t think it is, but would be a fun listen.
AngelErin
This sounds great! I love that creepy cover. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
This was the perfect read for Halloween season 🙂
Paij Slater
The cover is creepy and I love creepy 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hehehe..me too Paij, me too!
Lily B
I saw this one around o.o I love short stories like this for halloween, I am going to have to look it up. Oh and the cover is kind of awesome yes?
kimbacaffeinate
The cover is freaky awesome right?
Danielle Nolan
This sounds perfect for me! I love stories like this, and they have the potential to be incredibly creepy. I almost do another set of short stories. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy them, these are fun for fall.
rae
Sounds like it would be worth giving a try. I am just now getting into short story collections as a good pick up/put down read to take when on the go. I always committed to a novel before.
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy them between books. Ya know when you finish a book early in the evening, but don’t want to start a new one for fear of “one more chapter” syndrome.
The Bibliophile Babe
That cover is quite creepy! :p Sounds like a really good read!
kimbacaffeinate
It is creepy and fits the theme of the book.
Debbie Haupt
Oh what a perfect read for a dark stormy October night
Boo!
thanks Kim, the shows you mentioned were some of my favorites when I was younger.
kimbacaffeinate
It brought back memories of my childhood Debbie 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
Oh, Are You Afraid of the Dark. I just loved that show. This sounds like a great collection of spooky stories!
kimbacaffeinate
I did too Lauren, of course I watched with my kiddos
Melissa (Books and Things)
I am an absolute wimp but this collection of shorts is just too odd to resist! I love these kind of odd and unusual stories so i’ll just have to endure the shivers at night. Another brilly review!
kimbacaffeinate
These are perfect for you…think Goosebumps.
Angela Adams
Wow! I think this would make a great TV mini-series!! Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
It would be fun to watch.
Bookworm Brandee
This sounds like an excellent collection of stories, Kim…all creepy-good! 😀 My younger daughter would probably really enjoy this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Good idea for your daughter Brandee.
Rowena
This one sounds really spooky and perfect for those trying to get into the Halloween spirit. Great review Kim. I’m going to see if my kid would like this one (since I’m not much of a spooky story reader).
kimbacaffeinate
They could read a story a night before Halloween. Maybe a family read along
sherry fundin
I like the creepy cover and this is the perfect time for a collection of spooky reads.
kimbacaffeinate
It is the perfect season for this one Sherry.
Heidi
I like the concept, and I know I would love some of the stories like you did. I will consider this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with these and the stories are short enough, you can read one and set it down. I read it between reading a full length novel.
Mary Kirkland
Oooh paranormal. I do like the sounds of this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same Mary. It pulls me in.
Laura Thomas
Oh yeah, this is definitely one for me. I love anthologies and this is a paranormal too! Can’t go wrong there. Collections are awesome. You get to sample different authors and find some good books too!
kimbacaffeinate
I feel the same way Laura, although it isn’t always good for my TBR pile. I read a Cole book, which added 18 books to my TBR pile.
Jenny
Oh man. That guy on the cover is creepy! I DON’T WANT TO GO IN YOUR SCARY SHOP!!!! I used to love the Goosebumps episodes on Saturday mornings though, so maybe these short stories would work for me:)
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, they are mild, chilling and perfect for Halloween.
Angela
Ooh I didn’t know about this one. It’s looks like something I would enjoy. There’s a few that look really intriguing!
kindlemom1
This doesn’t sound like a bad collection of stories at all. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with them, it was different and reminded me of my childhood and Halloween.
Melliane
Oh what a wonderful cover there, I didn’t know about this one
kimbacaffeinate
This was a fun one, perfect for Halloween season 🙂