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Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze

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Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze

By: Stephanie Perry Scissom
Narrated by: Miranda Elizabeth
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About this listen

When her seven-year-old daughter Lizzy disappeared into a corn maze on Halloween night in 1984, Catherine Bryant didn’t think she’d survive the loss.

For nearly 40 years, Catherine has struggled with her grief and guilt, so when her doctor delivers a fatal diagnosis, it’s almost a relief.

But something is happening to Catherine. Whether a result of her medications or from the disease that’s destroying her brain, Catherine is experiencing vivid nightmares that spill over to waking hallucinations of a malicious cartoon scarecrow. Smilin' Sam has ripped himself free from the billboard above the maze claiming he wants to help her.

As her dreams reveal new clues, Catherine becomes obsessed with finding Lizzy’s remains, so they can be laid to rest together.

The lines between fantasy and reality blur as Sam becomes increasingly real and violent. Will his cruelty and power over Catherine lead her to do the unthinkable as her mental state deteriorates?

©2023 Stephanie Scissom (P)2023 Stephanie Scissom Anthologies & Short Stories Fiction Genre Fiction Psychological Short Stories Small Town & Rural Thriller & Suspense Human Brain
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Listener received this title free

I received a copy of this audiobook for free and am glad that I did. It isn't the kind of book that I would normally go for but I could see it had been quarterfinalist for a cinematic book contest so thought it would certainly worth the time spent listening to it.

As a short story, it runs for little over 2 hours, but is very well read by the narrator who uses a number of different voices really well so you are always aware of who is doing the speaking. The maze theme is definitely in use in the writing as you're taken on different turns and twists throughout the story as our protagonists, Catherine and Daniel try to discover what happened to Lizzy all those years ago, (also with the help of Smilin' Sam himself who gives off a very good Pennywise vibe).

I'll admit that, having a granddaughter around the same age as Lizzy, I found some parts of the story quite emotional but that is simply down to the story telling and the thought process the parents must have gone through. I enjoyed the pop culture references around 1984 with Ghostbusters and the music that was being listened to. It took me back to that time when I myself was a teenager.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone who's got a few hours to spare and enjoys the horror / thriller / supernatural genre.

Great story that keeps you guessing until the end.

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Listener received this title free

Such a good short story. Interesting characters brought to life by great narration. Highly recommend

Great story

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