*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/reviews/sashi/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/5
Review Requests: OFF
606 Public Reviews Given
724 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
Previous ... 1 2 3 4 -5- 6 7 8 9 10 ... Next
101
101
Review of Najila  
Review by Sashi
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
The ending was a real tear-jerker, Claire. It took me totally by surprise. I expected Najila to leave that hospital with the gift of sight for the first time in her life. You did a great job showing how Najila's senses took the place of her eyes: recognizing footsteps, etc. Good job! *Thumbsup*

Consider the following when editing:


Walking to the wall in-between the kitchen and living room, Najila recognized the voices as her (parents.) parent's.

"But what about Najila?!" Her (her) mother's sorrowful voice came.

The roar of a car engine outside alarmed Najila of her mother crying in the kitchen.
(This doesn't read right. Did you mean 'alerted Najila'?)

"Oh Najila," Her (her) mother whispered into Najila's night black hair.

"Najila!" Her (her) mother yelled up to her.


Usually dogs were only aloud (allowed) in the cargo station of the plane, but Mack, being a guide dog, had special privileges to stay in the coach with Najila(;) , he even had the window seat.

'Okay, honey(,") ." Her (her) mother seemed to hiss.

"Okay Najila, you next," Her (her) mother said gently, nudging Najila into her seat.

"You awake(,) Honey?" her mother asked.

"Yeah(,") ." Najila replied, stretching her arms out.

Mack leaned over the armrest between then (them) and planted a slobbering lick on Najila's cheek.

"Honey, will you comfort Mack please? This must be a big shock for him(,") ." Mary whispered to her.

"Najila(,") ." A (a) distant voice whispered to her.

Beauty at it's (its) finest, being able to see the ones you love.

They melted into her father, a darkening shape with a hideous image(.) He had red eyes, and his face was like staring into the devil himself.

"It's okay(,) Honey," Her (her) mother whispered.

Your surgery is only a few hours away(.") "

They loaded their bags into a (an) empty cab and slid inside.

Mary lead (led) her and Mack over to someone.

"Ms. Stethers?" A (a) man asked in a deep voice.

Najila found that they were being lead (led) into the hotel.

Then came the Ding (ding) of the elevator as it came down and the doors slid open before them.

Najila is here to have her surgery(.) , you're (You're) going to see the world(,) sweetie(,") ." Her (her) mother said happily.

The doctors had told her mother on the phone that there was a chance that the (delete 'the') it would not be completely successful, or possibly a total failure.

The Ding (ding) of the elevator surprised Najila out of her thoughts.

The man lead (led) them to their room, and handed both Najila, (no comma here) and her mother a key, then strolled back around to the elevator.

"Najila Stethers(,") ." She (she) heard her mother tell the nurse.

You are here for the eye operation(,) aren't you?" the nurse asked, leading them down a hallway.

"The doctor will be with you in just a moment(,") ." the nurse chirped, then scuttled out of the room, her heels clicking on the tile floor as she walked back to her desk.

Then he took of (off) her sunglasses and set them on the cushioned chair beside him.

"Are you ready(,) Najila?" He (he) asked calmly, his voice soothing her worries.

"Then Let's (let's) go."

Najila was then put on a stretcher (and wheeled into a warm room.) , being wheeled into a warm room.

"I'm so sorry(,)" she heard a man's voice say.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

102
102
Review of Milk  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
I thought the credibility of this story was off in some places. For instance, why would Andy believe that the body in Jeff's trunk was murdered by someone other than Jeff himself? Also, I found myself wondering who Katie was. Was she killing Jeff for the Wizard? Why didn't this murderer kill him himself? *Frown*

There is a nice exchange of dialogue between Andy and Jeff... realistic as far as police interrogations go. *Thumbsup*

Consider the following when editing:

Unfortunately, the situation that soon unfolded entailed not only a confession, but a series of bizarre statements that raised Franklin’s eye brow (eyebrow) on several occasions, all of which he documented on the report pad in a scribbled mess.

"All right...Mr. Watkins(,") ." He (he) began.

"Wilcons(,") ." The (the) fat man said.

There was a disturbing tone of honesty that surfaced from his trembling voice, but Andy dismissed it and intended to dismiss Mr. Wilcons as just another nut case whom (who) craved attention from authority figures.

Christ knows that Hilken had its fair share of (oddballs.) odd balls.

This guy sitting opposite Andy with a filthy corduroy jacket and wire slick (wire-slick) hair just made up the numbers.

There’s no where (nowhere) for me to go!" He (he) cried.

It looked as if he were about to break into a tantrum of wet sulks like a five year old (five-year-old) girl.

What you’re telling me is that this so called (so-called) Wizard is an actual vampire?"

Now, kindly leave this station(,) otherwise I’ll be forced to place you under arrest."

Wilcons swallowed hard and Andy saw a bulging lump protrude (in) his wide neck then disappear.

As he stood in the interrogation room 4D face to face (face-to-face) with a man who seemed to be nothing more than a bloated maniac, that floodgate was rapidly collapsing.

What you’re trying to tell me is that The Spilt Milks are taking photographs of little girls on their way to preschool and giving them to an unknown client in return of (for) large quantities of cash, right?

Andy did as he was asked and produced a pen from his shirt pocket, clicked the butt, then opened his note pad (notepad) again.

Andy nodded and sat stoned faced (stone-faced) with his pen skipping and jumping all across the (notepad.) note pad.

I never ordered them to hurt anyone, but every month or so they would pull of (off) a small seven eleven (7-Eleven) job or something of the sort.

Sooner or later I was back on my feet again, concerning the dosh anyway, and me and (the) boys were on good terms.

It took me a while (awhile) to get it out of him, but he soon told me that their latest client had macabre requests.

"Such as the photographs(,") ." Andy said.

It was in a park, lodged half way (halfway) up a tree.

After they tore it free, Johnny almost choked on his own puke at the site (sight) of it.

Desperate times call for desperate measures(, he thought grimly.) . He thought grimly.

Wilcons voice was soft and wavered, like he was recounting a disturbing child hood (childhood) experience.

"Show me the body, Mr. Wilcons(,") ." Andy said firmly.

He’ll be so pleased. So proud(,) . She (she) thought as she hobbled over to them with the harsh patter of rain covering the sound of her footsteps.

"Believe me now?" Asked (asked) Jeff.

"Weird town(,") ." He (he) said, barley able to hear his own voice.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
103
103
Review of Frobesher, 262  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
You told this story well. The characters appeared realistic, and the dialogue fit the story well. The paragraphs flowed smoothly into each other, making it easy to read. I enjoyed the storyline. It was ashame that George became a victim of his discovery. *Sad*

Consider the following when editing:

"Frobesher, 262(,") ", he said with icy calm.

How else will we know if our theory works on a genius as well as it does on normal people as well as the street people?
{Suggest: How else will we know if our theory works on a genius as well as it does on normal people and the street people?)

"Father is gone so much(,)" came the plaintive yearning of five year old (five-year-old) Jennie.

"Get used to it(,") ", snapped Charlotte.


"You never get used to it(,") ", said Beth quietly.

In contrast, thirteen year old (thirteen-year-old) Megan was solely involved with herself.

She cared not a whit about Father's presence as long as her allowance came on time. That she spent on make-up, pop and cigarettes.
(Consider combining these two, like so: She cared not a whit about Father's presence as long as her allowance came on time, spending it on make-up, pop and cigarettes.)

"I've heard from Father(,") ", she said brightly.

"Abel(,") ", George had said at their last meeting, "This (this) is my chance.

"Everything is not as it seems(,") ", he said.

"Certainly(,") ", said Harry.

Harry moved quickly to a book shelf (bookshelf) and selected a book.

"Good heavens(,") ", gasped George.

"Ugh(,") ", thought George, "cold paper(.") ".

"Rest for now(,") ", Harry added.

Four days later, Harry popped around the half open (half-open) door of George's room like he owned the place, with another man in tow.

"I guess not" he managed.
(Consider: "I guess not," he managed to say.)

He inquired of the steward(,) . "Tell me, do we eat like this all the time?"

I'll be carrying a bit of my lab table because it is too close to my spine to have (been) safely removed."

"I guess I'm doing a good job of being myself(,") ", he thought with satisfaction.

George was impressed with the set up (setup)- expensive, comfortable and well equipped (well-equiped.) .

"I've talked out loud to myself for so long that I don't even think about it any more (anymore.) .

He tried to keep his reading up to date (up-to-date) , but even that waned as George got nearer his solution.

"Well, yes I have(,") ", he said slowly.

"George(,") ", he said briskly, "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Lucinda.

"I cannot allow my research to be used in this manner(,") ", he murmured.

"Frobesher, 262(,") ", he said with icy calm.

How else will we know if our theory works on genius as well as on normal people (and the street people?) as well as the street people?



{center} ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** {/center}



104
104
Review of Red and White Mom  
Review by Sashi
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
Well written... realistic characters and appropriate dialogue... Dorine got kudos from me when she took Matthew and cleaned him up and fed him. I like the way the story ended. *Delight*

Consider the following when editing:


In the midst, a boy, perhaps three years old, with filthy clothes and an injured look in his eyes, toddled from one (to another looking for attention.) the another looking for attention.

One of the group, a tall red head (redhead) with freckles and short cropped (short-cropped) hair, approached Dorine.

A petite dark haired (dark-haired) beauty slipped over to Dorine.

There's (a) staff kitchen and rest room (restroom) area in there.


"Thanks(,") ", Dorine flung over her shoulder as she hurried with her arms full.

"Matthew(,") ", she said brightly, "we're going to give you a good bathe (bath), wash all your clothes and then find you something good to eat.

"Matthew(,") ", she gasped(,). "How (how) long has it been since you've had a bath?"

Dorine gave her whole heart to this baby - the last hold out (holdout) from (Suggest: past experiences of painful relationships.) the past experiences of pain in relationships.

Dorine spent a careful half hour (half-hour) letting him play in the water while she gently sponged his sores.

"Looks well fed, but starved for attention(,)" she thought.

An hour later, Matthew's clothes were all clean, and he wa (was) dressed in a fresh pajama.

"I love you, Mommy(,)" he whispered into her hair.

"You want a job, little girl? Take care of that baby. We won't pay you but maybe you can get some cash outa his old man.(") He laughed bitterly and Katy turned on him.

But to the surprise of all present, Karen rushed in to Kay's (Katy's) aid.

"There's your hundred dollars, Mister. Write me a receipt and get out so we can get busy running this airline.(")

"Keep it(,") ", they snarled and walked out for the final time.

A tall, lean, blond haired (blond-haired) man stepped in the door.

"Katy, Karen - what is going on? Did we hire this girl, and what, if I may ask are we supposed to pay her with?(")

"Matthew(,")", he shouted, "you're talking.

I never dreamed a precious four year old (four-year-old) would change my life in one afternoon."



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
105
105
Review of My Story  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
First of all, let me say that reading this was like having you tell it to me in person. It read so... naturally. The content was good. I had a vivid picture of that fat boy being bullied throughout school, until he stood up for himself. I also saw a boy who had inner strength and determination. He wasn't afraid to work for his school lunches, even if the kids laughed at him. He did what he had to do. He was a surviver. Write On! *Thumbsup*

Consider the following when editing:


My father was a school teacher, which naturally meant he didn’t get paid much, and my mother was a stay at home (stay-at-home) mom.

Our house had a cherry tree in the (backyard.) back yard.

Across the street was an open field owned by (the) Santa Fe (Railroad.) Rail Road.

For a five year old (five-year-old) it might as well have been a mile.

Once I pasted (passed) him I had to cross the haunted train tracks.

The Red Cross Wagon Wheel was a (godsend.) God sent.

In California if you had to go to the bathroom you were aloud (allowed) to get up and go.

On paper, my father made too much money for free lunch and not enough for me to pay full price, so I received reduce (reduced) lunch.

I took the city but (bus) to school and walked home.

The karate (Karate) Kid was my inspiration.

I had boards in our back yard (backyard) that I used to practice with.

I was still over weight (overweight) but not by much.

I was glad to leave that hell hole (hellhole) when summer came.

I swore to myself I would never go back (there) again to live.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **




106
106
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Very professionally written... powerful story... I was glued to the monitor until the end. Great job! *Thumbsup*


I looked back at them and concentrated on its location. It turned on without a push of a button and their attention turned to the news that blasted from it’s (its) speakers.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
107
107
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
You had me guessing for a while as to what creatures were about to become parents. *Smile* At first I thought it was birds, until you mention a muzzle... hmmm. What they really were caught me by surprise. I never thought of THAT. *Wink* Good Job! *Thumbsup*

Consider the following when editing:

One more rock and they reached her cave like (cave-like) nest and sat down, now all she needed to do was wait for her children to come.

Over a day and a half produced the fruits of her labor. Four glorious speckled eggs.
(Consider this: Over the next day and a half, the fruits of her labor were produced: four glorious speckled eggs.)

As she lay staring in wonder at her eggs, a loud squeal (was heard) and shortly afterward Rainyiis returned with a large fox in his mouth.

Slowly turning her neck and she rolled the closest egg, then gingerly brought more nest lining up around it’s crown.
(Suggest: Slowly turning her neck, she rolled the closest egg, then gingerly brought more of the nest's lining up around its crown.)

Many days of travel took it’s (its) toll upon the young Tharga, who still felt the pain of her early injury.

She lifted her leg and watched as the egg cracked and rolled onto it’s (its) side.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

















108
108
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (3.5)
I had to chuckle at the ending. Poor man had enough trouble getting the clothes, let his wife get the knickers. *Laugh*

“Size 12, your wife knows the sort of things she wears(.") ”.


109
109
Review of Mexican Postcard  
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
I found this to be written well with a good storyline. I didn't think it was nice of Andrew to lead her on about going to Mexico with her, but was glad to see that she managed to go on her own in the end, hopefully to a better life than the one she was leaving.

You need to leave blank lines between paragraphs and dialogues.

They were two teenagers working part time (part-time) jobs, with beater cars, who lived in Michigan.

“Then lets the two of us go somewhere.”
(Suggest: "Then let's go somewhere.")

She looked at the small heart shaped (heart-shaped) locket, and her father’s nickname for her, engraved on the front in a beautifully feminine script, examining it with care.







110
110
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
This is so sad. That poor child is better off away from her mother. (Although, I'm not sure about her foster home and all those chores... hmm) The saddest part is that she believes she was bad and has to try harder... that she didn't deserve her Christmas presents because she wasn't good. Well done! *Thumbsup*
111
111
Review of For Always  
Review by Sashi
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
You paint a very nice picture here. The description of what this person is feeling is very well done. I can feel the anguish and pain of losing the loved one. It's an all consuming pain that doesn't seem to diminish. There is so much emotion running through this. Good job! *Thumbsup*
112
112
Review by Sashi
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
Well, I guess Betty had enough abuse all right! I was amazed that she painted her mother red, then poured it in her mouth. But then the end explained her reasoning for the red paint. It had to match... I thought you wrote this well. It certainly held my interest. *Thumbsup*
113
113
Review of Too Many Rules  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
You gave a nice insight into what this woman was feeling. Sometimes there are so many rules in one's life it doesn't leave much room to just be you. I felt sorrow over the letter her husband sent her. Seems to me he broke the biggest rule. The ending was sad, although not as sad as if it had been her and the baby. Still, her life is ruined now... and she will not be with the child when it's born. WRITE ON!
114
114
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
I enjoyed reading this from the puppy's POV. It brought a tear to my eye when the puppy couldn't understand why Blaze didn't come home. This is written well and certainly held my interest. WRITE ON!

Getting used to living with the Girard’s (Girards) was hard at first.

115
115
Review of The Rose Files  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
I found this a bit chaotic. I was curious about what happened in the lane, but what followed became a little tedious with no one knowing who even lived at the address. However, my interest perked up again when the civic club president declared the meeting over. I wondered why he'd do that.... I think you need to add more detail about what happened in the lane. Did the police question neighbors? Was it a murder? An accident? An assault... a rape? Give us a hint. It seems a bit odd that they'd be no mention of it in the media.


prententiously (pretentiously)

the silence ringed (rang) in my ears



116
116
Review of Teachers  
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
This is a nice tribute to teachers. Nowadays, teachers are usually treated disrespectfully by their students. It warms the heart to see some praise for them. You're right about how teachers are a major part of your life. They help shape your future. WRITE ON!
117
117
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
I used to hate to have to get up in front of the class and give a speech! I, too, used to wait in my seat, engulfed in fear, hoping my name would never be called. However, I never had to dash out of the room for the bathroom like your character did. Poor boy... but he did learn a lesson from it: never give a speech without going to the bathroom first. *Delight*

I stood in front of the snaggled tooth (snaggled-tooth) sixth grade class ready to give my dreaded oral report on beavers.

self esteem (self-esteem)

Half way (Halfway)









118
118
Review of The Music Box  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
You paint a vivid picture here. I felt her panic and terror as she ran for her life. In a matter of minutes such a happy day turned into one of lost and destruction. A little girl became an orphan... a victim of war. This is such a sad story. You did a good job writing it. *Thumbsup*
119
119
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (3.5)
I liked reading this from the pumpkin's POV. Cute little story that I think older children might enjoy. The ending was inspirational.

When we were nothing but sproutlings. The green gourds, (we call them that, cause they’re pre gourd, not a sprout but not a grown pumpkin), well they would start telling stories. All about what happens when a pumpkin is made into a pie.
(Suggest: When we were nothing but sproutlings--we called them green gourds because they're pre-gourd, not a sprout but not a grown pumpkin either--we would start telling stories about what happens when a pumpkin is made into a pie.)
Finally, as if that didn’t gross us out enough. Those gourds would chuckle, and say once the humans’ get what they want. They’ll turn us into hideous things, called Jack-O-Lanterns.
(Consider: Finally, as if that didn't gross us out enough, those gourds would chuckle and say that once the humans got what they wanted, they'd turn us into hideous things called Jack 'O Lanterns.)

There were a couple other cars stop (stopped), but they only looked around.

Right before ten a.m., a pretty woman with light auburn hair stopped in.) , hair stopped in.

“What cha looking for(, Ma'am?) Mam?” The (the) farmer asked as he watched her meander through the veggies.

(")I‘m so glad she can be cheery(," I thought, sickened.) I though sickened.

“Oh God! I am going to become a pumpkin pie!” (my mind screamed.) …My mind screamed.

“I will pick it up later though(.), I have a few errands to run in town(,").” I vaguely heard her saying.

“Good choice(, Ma'am,") mam.” The Farmer (the farmer) replied, as she got in her car, and sped off towards town.

That sweet angels (angel's) face fell, as she whispered, “no sir ("No, sir) , I’m just lookin.”

We always used to make Jacky lanterns, but not since daddy died (,").” She (she) said with a thick voice full of tears.

I watched that pretty lady wrapped (wrap) her little angel in a big hug as they both cried.












120
120
Review of Helping Hands  
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.5)
This is truly beautiful. You paint a vivid picture of a mother's love for her son--starting before birth even. And Jeffrey was always there for her too, comforting her in times of need. Well done! *Thumbsup*

Jeffrey came home from school tmhat (that) day and found me at the kitchen table, sobbing, with my head on my arms.

121
121
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
oh, this is so sad... it brought tears to my eyes. At first, I thought CeeCee was real. Boy, did you fool me! You have captured the various emotions in this very well. The mother's laughter and joy at her daughter's antics...the father's sorrow for the child he lost a year ago, and the wife he'll so lose too. Good job! *Thumbsup*
122
122
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
I enjoyed reading this. It is well-written, amusing, flowed well and the dialogue was great... *Thumbsup*

Consider the following when editing:

I was jest settin' down ta a right nice supper a bar-b-que ribs and tater salad, when the door bell (doorbell) started ringin'.

Sounded like some kid was standin' on ma porch, leanin' on the thing with (a) stick.

Well the customers on the other side, they couldn't get out and the dogs couldn't get in and the folks in the parkin' lot was startin' ta think real quick 'bout goin' some wheres (somewheres) else.

The management musta called the fire department cause a few minutes later a big ol' hook n ladder come pullin' inta the parkin' lot, it's (its) lights flashin' and sirens blarin.

And then they catch on fire too, least ways (leastways) what was in 'em does.










123
123
Review by Sashi
Rated: E | (4.0)
Very well thought-out story... Realistic dialogue and characters... a bit of suspense when shots are fired... nice explanations of how Holmes solved the case. The conclusion surprised me; I thought the uncle was attempting to kill her. Good job! *Thumbsup*

Consider the following when editing:

"How so?" I replied with some surprise, although not as much as I used to as (Consider: as I was already well acquainted with Holmes' capacity for observation.) Holmes capacity for observation I was already well acquainted with.

"Well for a start you're here visiting me instead of being out and about(;), secondly(,) you no longer order your own newspaper, unless you have changed your reading habits - which knowing you, you wouldn't have(--) but thirdly and most importantly of al(all,) your clothes are still in remarkably good condition(.), had (Had) you been busy this morning they ought to be sufficiently creased."

"Actually you have timed your visit rather well(,) Watson(,) for there is a case that has been brought to my attention that may prove to be most promising."

With that he withdrew his feet from his desk and pushed a white letter across to me saying, "what ("What) do you make of that(,) Watson?"

"Yes(,) there wasn't too much else to go on bar the name," interjected Holmes,(.) "she (She) is obviously left handed from the tilt of the writing and the paper itself is from a London based (London-based) firm.

The name(,) however(,) I was able to look up in my files where I found out the following."

Is a well known (well-known) and well liked (well-liked) writer who regularly moves in the higher society circles."

Holmes put down the file then continued, "what (What) her problem is I do not know Watson, but the fact she states it as trivial greatly intrigues me for it is often the more trivial cases that are the most interesting."

With that he strolled to the window and within a few minutes exclaimed, "unless (Unless) I am very much mistaken(,) there she is now."

She was a quite pretty young women (woman) in her mid twenties (mid-twenties) with auburn hair and many dimples.

She seemed slightly concerned by my presence but Holmes reassured her in his gentle at ease (at-ease) manner that she wasn't intruding upon anything and that she was welcome to take a seat.

"Mr Holmes I am so glad that you are available(.), I have become so concerned(,) though(,) about affairs that have started to take shape at Belleview.

About six months ago however(,) a picture above my bed fell and would have killed me if it were not for the fact that it gave a warning creak before falling(,) and again a month ago the reins attached between my horse and carriage snapped at the top of a steep hill(.), I was able to survive only by jumping out.

I was wondering(,) Mr Holmes(,) if there is anything that you can do to help me.. I'm so worried(.") "

Holmes remained with a grave face throughout this narrative before lighting his pipe and taking a puff from it(.) he (He) replied, "The facts as you state them(,) Miss Eliza(,) definitely seem to point to your Uncle (uncle) or another making plans against you, for three attempts, that cannot be coincidence.

"Well then(,) I suggest that Watson and I post guard about the house that night in an effort to protect you and to catch him (red-handed.") red handed.

Are you brave enough to carry out such a plan(,) Miss Eliza?"

"Yes," she replied courageously as she looked Holmes in the eye, "I will do as you say(,) Sir."

So all is settled then…I will look further into the affairs surrounding your estate in the meantime to get a clearer picture of events but until then(,) I wish you well."

"It seems a relatively simple case after all(,) Holmes," I said with the merest hint of disappointment.

"Perhaps," Holmes replied with a troubled face, "but I'm not so sure Watson…a sixth sense is telling me that it (delete 'it') there may be more going on here than first meets the eye. By the way you don't mind going down to Hertfordshire tomorrow(,) do you?"

The following day I entered my friends (friend's) apartment to find him furiously smoking away in some agitation.

"Are you all right(,) Holmes?" I asked anxiously(.), Holmes brow was knitted together tightly(,) showing the furious thinking that was taking place beneath.

"I just can't understand some of the aspects of this case(,) Watson," he said(.), "there (There) are pieces that jut out and jar(,) and I just can't place my finger on a solution.

Still…"he said jumping to his feet and putting down his pipe, "it is most refreshing to have a case that exercises my mind such as this(.), I have felt the monotony of the past few months drift away today."

"Well for a start(,) the estate compromises (is comprised) largely of an orchard near the village as most of the surrounding land has been sold off(.), the (The) orchard itself has been failing for many years, yet neither her Uncle (uncle) nor she have had it cut it (delete 'it') down or sold off, despite some quite lucrative offers.

The land itself is out of view of the Mannor (Manor) and would be of no real loss so I cannot yet understand why it hasn't been sold(.), Eliza didn't strike me as the sort of women (woman) who would be sentimental about such things…secondly(,) I've made many enquiries about Gerald but am yet to find a trace of criminalism or ill temper (ill-temper) within his history.

Thirdly and most curious of all(,) Gerald has actually been gaining money over the last eight months(,) despite having no apparent employment."

I too could offer very little help in resolving these issues(,) although personally I could see little to be concerned about in either, the evidence still clearly pointed to Gerald being the instigator of the crimes and that was still very much my view as we departed from the train.

It was quarter to six when we reached the small village on the outskirts of the village ( the small village on the outskirts of the village... is this what you meant to say? If so, then I need to know which villages) and quarter past when we were within the Manor grounds, where we positioned ourselves to overlook Miss Eliza's bedroom window.

"Curses Watson(,) I told her to be careful and now it may be too late, save for justice itself."

Holmes quickly broke into the house via a back window and I rather (delete 'rather') followed rather clumsily behind.

She(,) however(,) proved to be the better shot(;), the bullet from Gerald's gun had ended up in the woodwork to the side of her head.

Holmes however, having checked Eliza's pulse(,) prowled the floor for some time before helping me lift Eliza downstairs.

I quickly located some brandy and soon Eliza had recovered sufficiently to confirm my suspicions(.), she (She) had left her room to find Gerald coming up the stairs with a gun(;), he had fired and missed and she had then fired in fear of her life.

Holmes heard her out before speaking(.), "It seems then (delete 'then') that you have had a lucky escape then and for that I am sorry for I should have ensured we arrived sooner…I did not expect him to strike so early in the evening.

One other question Eliza, why haven't you sold off the large Orchard (orchard) that lies due South of the property(?), it (It) is a question that has puzzled most greatly."

"Why yes," she rallied with a mild laugh, "it was my father's wish that it shouldn't be sold and so both (my uncle and I respected it.") me and my Uncle respected it."

"Now(,) Watson(,) if you would be so kind as to ensure Miss Eliza is alright (all right) then I'll ring for the police who can sort out the mess upstairs."

I spent the next ten minutes looking after Eliza(, who) still appeared to be in a state of shock.

"No Watson, at least not at first(,) for the problems that I have had surrounding this case appear to be resolving themselves before my eyes.

I have been blind(,) Watson(,) not to have seen what was occurring before my eyes, a drama set out to play into the criminal's hands…and such cunning and nerve as I have rarely seen in its execution."

I was more than a little puzzled by Holmes secretive remarks and more so when we returned to the scene of last nights (night's) tragedy.

"It seems pretty tied up to me," I replied dryly(.), "by ("By) the way where is Eliza, is she still in shock from last night?"

"Come Watson(,) surely you see it all now? …Perhaps not, but I assure you Miss Eliza is more than well(;), perhaps you'll understand better when I show you what lies in her basement.(")

It's not the first such scheme that I've had to deal with(.), I do believe that cases involving smaller scale operations were among the ones I have dealt with(,) but never something quite on this scale."

"Explain yourself(,) Holmes," I cried.

"This case troubled me from the first Watson, not only did I feel that along with courage their (there) was another deeper characteristic present in Eliza(,) but (also) that the facts of the case she put to me didn't really stack up.

If he was concerned about being (the) primary suspect to murder then why attempt to kill her in such a way s (as) having a painting fall on her head(?) ,…clearly (Clearly,) although it would be made to look like an accident(,) the suspicion would still fall on him and any evidence of tampering would hang him(,) and then he attempts to poison her food(.) …so (So) he was either cunning to wait four years(,) then careless(,) or for an unspecified reason waited four years (before trying.) then tried.

Crucially(,) Watson(,) several seconds passed between the first and second shots(,) yet they should have been almost instantaneous.

The bank accounts started to make sense, Gerald was blackmailing his niece over something, and seen (seeing) as he mainly stayed on the estate(,) it would seem likely that the problem lay there.

Her eyes gave away that the secret lay there, obviously it now becomes clear(,) then why she was unwilling to sell it(?), she (She) probably persuaded her (uncle) Uncle, who wasn't quite the brute she painted him to be, and certainly not a murder(murderer), although he was a greedy man.

If it had been sold(,) the concrete room, that (which) had originally been built as the cellar for an older store building before being renovated, would have been discovered beneath and her secret outed."

"Why then come to you?" I asked as my mind tried to adjust to Miss Eliza being the cold hearted (cold-hearted) killer Holmes had described.

"Because she wanted to safely get rid of Gerald," Holmes replied, "and she fancied she could outwit me doing it…she may well have read some of my cases(,) such as the one concerning the man who started sending a snake through to his wards (ward's) room to try and gain her inheritance(,) and so thought she could pull of (off) the same trick.

Eliza was in the same mould(.), I think most people would have sympathised with her actions last night(,) and I nearly fell for the act she carried out within my room when she came to see me.

Thankfully though(,) it seems that justice has indeed been done. A toast(,) Watson?"

And on that note I close the case(.), Miss Eliza Grange was hanged within a few months for the murder of her Uncle (uncle) and the case closed as one of the most interesting to date that Holmes has been required to solve.

Perhaps tomorrow I'll find time to slip down amongst the whitened streets of London and visit the cosy, smoke filled, flat (smoke-filled flat) of the most celebrated detective of our time.



124
124
Review of Beacuse We Can  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 18+ | (2.0)
Slow beginning... nothing to hook the reader in. The selling of DeWalt products gets a bit redundant. After three pages, I have no idea where this story is going. Steve seems a bit paranoid about bartenders. As far as I can determine, this story is going nowhere, so I'm going to stop reading. I suggest you develop the storyline and get rid of excessive descriptions of Steve travelling around the country, which seems to be getting him no contracts for the company. With a little work, I think a better story can be created. I'll be happy to review your story in the future.

No one ever dare challenged him to a fight; not even the older kids since he was bigger than a lot of them.
(Suggest: No one ever dared to challenge him to a fight, not even the older kids, since he was bigger than a lot of them.)

And with the addition of athletics came an introduction the (to) weight training.

His body developed so precisely to the way he wanted (that) he started to compete in amateur bodybuilding competitions.

He was able to secure a job with DeWalt tool company. (DeWalt Tool Company.)

Starting at the bottom in the company(,) he was required to go on business trips out (of) town.

A lot of the family owned (family-owned) shops liked to be loyal to 1 (one) specific dealer who usually sold from to (delete 'from to') only 1 (one) brand of product.

If he could convince them they would make more money by selling Dewalt products, Dewalt (Suggest: his company) would increase their product range and Steve would get a sales rip. (What is a sales rip?)

Dewalt is a well known (well-known) product and few hardware stores lacked in their products.

However(,) the data shows that some places well clear of the bigger cities were wide open for asking, so why not at least go and see if these places are (suggest: were really) untapped resources.

Sometimes ne (he) spent an extra day in these places to experience what the area offers (offered) or to get a feel of what the community was like.

The extra effort translated from place to place an the ability to at least pass off the banter of a locals. (This sentence could be removed without changing the story.)

Having a mainly blue collar (blue-collar) job is not for the timid and is especially tough in these environments.

The type of people who spends (spend) most of their day building and serving the rich folks who have cabins on pristine lakes.

It was easy for them to do this with little repercussions because what in their ******, small town could they possibly do the (to) get thrown into jail.

Its (It's) easy for them to say(,) '(")I either drink because I live in a small town, or I live in a small town because I drink(".) '.

The looks he received were (sometimes threatening and judgmental.) the sometimes threatening and judgmental ones.

Too much prejudice towards one town based on few tough guys wasn't something Steve wanted weighing on his conscience(--especially if business had gone well.) . Especially if business had gone well.

All experiences had (of) all types have benefits, he thought. (Italicize thoughts)

In March of 2004, running low on funds, Steve decided he should make a trip to Mellen, WI. (,which was) located just west of Ironwood and south of Ashland, WI at a (the) cross roads (crossroads) of Highways 13 and 77.Mellen.) located just west of Ironwood and south of Ashland, WI at a cross roads (crossroads) of Highways 13 and 77.

It seemed like an ideal spot to do some door knocking (door-knocking) as he liked to put it.


125
125
Review of Blue M&M  
Review by Sashi
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
This story held my attention from start to finish. Realistic dialogue, especially Timmy’s with his mispronounced Ls. The story flowed along nicely. I liked John less and less as he methodically went about giving those pills to his family. After killing his daughter, he had no remorse as he tucked her back in the blanket. His main concern was going away to start a new life. Even as he gave his son the pill, his main thought was packing his duffle bag. I thought it was very appropriate that Timmy, finding the pill that looked like a blue M&M in his cereal, put the pill in his Daddy’s coffee. You know what they say… what goes around, comes around. Well done! *Thumbsup*

He closed his eyes wishing his life was a DVD player so he could push the “skip” button. (Nice sentence!)

Some things to consider when editing:

“I’m Detective Simpson and this is Detective Cole,” the skinny one, whose tie ended about four inches too soon, started, (stated.)

That evening it seemed different at the dinner table. (Suggest: It seemed different at the dinner table that evening.)

The hazy light leaking into the dining room from the setting sun brushed her jet black (jet-black) hair, giving it a purple tinge.

Her dark hair set against snow white (snow-white) skin and a constellation of light freckles perfectly placed on her cheeks just under her shiny dark eyes made her seem somber and delicate and … older. But she still had the look of clean porcelain doll (porcelain-doll) innocence.

She had already drunk (drank) one glass of tea and that was enough.

It was very luke-warm (lukewarm) but he wouldn’t have time to stop on the way to the airport and he needed the wake-me-up.

“Timmy …. Sweetie(.”) ,” Jill cupped her hands around his face(.) ,

Timmy looked down and shook his head(.)



248 Reviews · *Magnify*
Page of 10 · 25 per page   < >
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/reviews/sashi/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/5