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Idle Hands: a Dark Teesside short story
"I didn’t think the police would do much, they’d just put the hoodie in a locker and forget about it. Maybe if I could show them the note, they’d know that I wasn’t just making this whole thing up."
In this chapter of the Dark Teesside series of short stories with a twist, the events unfold in Thornaby and Stockton...
Brought to you by award winning author Glenn McGoldrick, creator of the Dark Teesside series.
In this chapter of the Dark Teesside series of short stories with a twist, the events unfold in Thornaby and Stockton...
Brought to you by award winning author Glenn McGoldrick, creator of the Dark Teesside series.
12 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Glenn McGoldrick
31books59followersI live in the North East of England. I’ve always enjoyed writing short stories, and I have been writing professionally for three years.
‘Nightmare Waiting� is my first short story collection; I hope you enjoy it.
I’m an avid reader, particularly enjoying James Lee Burke, Robert B Parker and Lawrence Block. When I’m not busy writing, I enjoy music, movies, beach walks and beer.
‘Nightmare Waiting� is my first short story collection; I hope you enjoy it.
I’m an avid reader, particularly enjoying James Lee Burke, Robert B Parker and Lawrence Block. When I’m not busy writing, I enjoy music, movies, beach walks and beer.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 20, 2023
A Small Happening, Explained.
Well, my dearies, you may all step to the side. Nothing to worry about. Nothing to see here.
The ending was phoned in.
Review edited: This book is made a good book by the follow up book Shaking Hands.
I give this one four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, my dearies, you may all step to the side. Nothing to worry about. Nothing to see here.
The ending was phoned in.
Review edited: This book is made a good book by the follow up book Shaking Hands.
I give this one four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 2, 2022
Are you there?
Ok, so if we found a hoodie hanging on a post by a park, a swimming hole, a picnic area...or wherever.....what exactly would you do!?
Crap! I don't know, for sure! Do you take it to the police? Leave it there, then call the police? Do you look around? What? What would you do?
Well hell if I know what you'd do! Then....
You receive an ominous "warning" ..or is it?
Ok, I'm hooked...Glenn has done this...he's got you wondering Well, What's next!? Good little story...go grab about 20-30 minutes and enjoy yourself! See for yourself and wonder...what's next?, How would you handle it? , or close the book, think what you'll say about what you just read, give it a rating and leave a review? Or write a scenario in your imaginative mind THEN leave a review!? Enjoy--P/
Ok, so if we found a hoodie hanging on a post by a park, a swimming hole, a picnic area...or wherever.....what exactly would you do!?
Crap! I don't know, for sure! Do you take it to the police? Leave it there, then call the police? Do you look around? What? What would you do?
Well hell if I know what you'd do! Then....
You receive an ominous "warning" ..or is it?
Ok, I'm hooked...Glenn has done this...he's got you wondering Well, What's next!? Good little story...go grab about 20-30 minutes and enjoy yourself! See for yourself and wonder...what's next?, How would you handle it? , or close the book, think what you'll say about what you just read, give it a rating and leave a review? Or write a scenario in your imaginative mind THEN leave a review!? Enjoy--P/
July 27, 2022
The author has a way with short stories that reflect an action on those casual thoughts we all tend to have. Glenn seems to hold on to them a little longer and in the process weaves scenarios in his head and formulates bespoke short stories full of energy and a degree of menace.
I warmly recommend anything he has written as worth reading and judging for yourself.
Idle Hands is a dozen pages, part of he Dark Teesside collection and perhaps stems from being between jobs or thinking on the saying. Certainly it pads out the idea that someone who is unoccupied and bored will find mischief; someone who has nothing to do will partake in something that will get him into trouble.
Mark narrates to the reader a right mess he has got himself and by implication his family. The unexplained and darkening mystery with sinister implications that hangs over them just because he was curious and the extra time he had without a job (between jobs) allowed him to pry and poke in affairs someone else doesn’t want him exposing.
I was drawn in and felt helpless as Mark’s life spins out of control, but let Mark tell you about it.
I warmly recommend anything he has written as worth reading and judging for yourself.
Idle Hands is a dozen pages, part of he Dark Teesside collection and perhaps stems from being between jobs or thinking on the saying. Certainly it pads out the idea that someone who is unoccupied and bored will find mischief; someone who has nothing to do will partake in something that will get him into trouble.
Mark narrates to the reader a right mess he has got himself and by implication his family. The unexplained and darkening mystery with sinister implications that hangs over them just because he was curious and the extra time he had without a job (between jobs) allowed him to pry and poke in affairs someone else doesn’t want him exposing.
I was drawn in and felt helpless as Mark’s life spins out of control, but let Mark tell you about it.
June 20, 2024
This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟
This short story is tied to the short story "Shaking Hands" and although they can be read separately it is better that "Shaking Hands" is read first.
This short story is tied to the short story "Shaking Hands" and although they can be read separately it is better that "Shaking Hands" is read first.
May 1, 2022
Mark is between jobs. Part of his daily routine is a cycle ride which includes a riverside path. An abandoned red hoodie catches his eye and his idle hands pluck a note from the pocket. This starts his mind working around the whys and wherefores. Whose is this garment? What does the note mean? Should he go to the police? He goes into amateur detective mode, looking for possible clues. Suddenly all changes! He receives a chilling warning. No words, just a photo, of his son's school. This feels like a threat to his family. Who put this through his letterbox? How did he find Mark? What should he do now? Any wrong step could endanger his child.
I definitely want to know the answers. I have followed Mark and his emotions this far on his journey and need to know where the story is leading.
Glenn McGoldrick's narratives revolve around areas that he knows well and so can draw the reader into them, pictured clearly. This makes the storylines seem very real.
I definitely want to know the answers. I have followed Mark and his emotions this far on his journey and need to know where the story is leading.
Glenn McGoldrick's narratives revolve around areas that he knows well and so can draw the reader into them, pictured clearly. This makes the storylines seem very real.
November 23, 2022
Idle Hands: a Dark Teesside short story, my second short read from author Glenn McGoldrick. How do you get breakneck pace, an intricately & tightly woven story line in just 12 pages? “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Next uo, Dark Project: a Dark Teesside short story. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 12, 2022
Pinteresque Menace
The piecing together of random, seemingly unconnected and mundane items unfolds into sinister short story of tension and menace. Vivid description of an already strained relationship unravelling.
The piecing together of random, seemingly unconnected and mundane items unfolds into sinister short story of tension and menace. Vivid description of an already strained relationship unravelling.
June 30, 2022
Another marvelous story
So short! These stories are short and usually ends so that I can furnish two or three ways for the ending.
So short! These stories are short and usually ends so that I can furnish two or three ways for the ending.
November 16, 2022
One does not read a Glen McGoldrick tale expecting an HEA. He writes dark noir tales with well edited texts and somewhat off-kilter endings. This one somewhat creepy and open ended.
November 18, 2022
Very short story. Interesting, but left me wanting more.
December 1, 2022
I've got this book via StoryOrign, thanks a lot!
A very tight and suspense-packing story, nice English crime with author trademark twist in the end which I really enjoyed.
A very tight and suspense-packing story, nice English crime with author trademark twist in the end which I really enjoyed.
December 27, 2023
Young man between jobs spends his time looking for objects and frightens himself - 3 stars
Mark, father of Luke and husband of Liz, is between jobs. He is not an active job seeker. Mark enjoys his unstructured time and puts some effort into trying to stay fit. Most evenings, Mark finds time to have a few sips of whisky.
On one bicycle ride, he notices a red hoodie and investigates, finding a note.
Posting on Facebook, contacting the police, and finding new objects sets him up with fear for his son's safety.
This extremely short story has possibilities for the reader to imagine possible outcomes. Then, (you finish the thought)...
Mark, father of Luke and husband of Liz, is between jobs. He is not an active job seeker. Mark enjoys his unstructured time and puts some effort into trying to stay fit. Most evenings, Mark finds time to have a few sips of whisky.
On one bicycle ride, he notices a red hoodie and investigates, finding a note.
Posting on Facebook, contacting the police, and finding new objects sets him up with fear for his son's safety.
This extremely short story has possibilities for the reader to imagine possible outcomes. Then, (you finish the thought)...
November 19, 2022
Mr. McGoldrick's Idle Hands is a short story entry into the world of Dark Tee scale. A very easy way to wet one's feet into his novels in the genre. The premise that a post puff of Facebook can lead to a dangerous encounter for the main character of Mark's son is a great plot twist. Mark, Lisa, and Luke give the story the character driven plot tone that it needs. Mr. McGoldrick gives the words that give it the intensifying fast pace that draws the reader in from the first paragraph. All in all, I Tate this four out of four stars. A must read.
March 16, 2023
While this is a VERY short story, it is based on an incident in the author's life. The storyline is straightforward, with events limited to a few characters and the developing story gives the reader mystery after mystery. As each is resolved, that resolution results in a new, somewhat sinister mystery. It certainly keeps the reader's interest with an ending that promises more to come. I received an ARC and this is my honest appraisal of this short story.
March 15, 2023
Another Stellar Short Story!
Glenn never disappoints! He is the King of Shorts! (stories, not clothes. Although he might be a snazzy dresser..😕❓️).
He makes the most mundane and/or random thing into an exciting story that leaves you wanting more. No muss, no fuss, no filler.
I received a free copy of this book from Glenn, and it somehow got buried. Sorry Glenn!. But here it is!
Glenn never disappoints! He is the King of Shorts! (stories, not clothes. Although he might be a snazzy dresser..😕❓️).
He makes the most mundane and/or random thing into an exciting story that leaves you wanting more. No muss, no fuss, no filler.
I received a free copy of this book from Glenn, and it somehow got buried. Sorry Glenn!. But here it is!
April 4, 2023
Well-developed characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. A good, solid read.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
June 1, 2023
The character has found an item and contemplates on what to do, causing a tense home life. This is a very short read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2023
Writing a short story is a whole different art form than writing a novel. In a very few pages the author manages to tell an entire story, get the reader involved in the character's life, and empathize with him for getting into a bad spot when just trying to do the right thing. Excellent work!
January 29, 2023
The moral of this story is Mind your own business, leave well enough alone. Idle hands is a short quick to the point story.
December 15, 2023
Short and sweet and not too sure where it goes from here? Should develope into an interesting book.
April 8, 2023
I've enjoyed some of Glenn's short stories but this one wasn't for me. I didn't feel like I knew what was going on and the end left too many unanswered questions. I have to say that this is not typical of the other things I've read by the author
January 18, 2024
Curiosity can suggest a killing
An unemployed man finds a red hoodie with a note. He puts the note back and walks away. The next day the hoodie is still there but no note so he takes the hoodie and puts it in Facebook. No serious replies so he goes back and this time he finds a mask which also garners no serious replies, then he gets a picture of his son's school. Well written but a little confusing.
An unemployed man finds a red hoodie with a note. He puts the note back and walks away. The next day the hoodie is still there but no note so he takes the hoodie and puts it in Facebook. No serious replies so he goes back and this time he finds a mask which also garners no serious replies, then he gets a picture of his son's school. Well written but a little confusing.
August 9, 2023
Interesting concept but the story (extremely short) reads like a preview of a lengthier piece of work, so the reader is left wondering about - well everything. The total - if this is the total - is less than satisfying. I was left confused; maybe it’s just me ?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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