Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven and Other Stories by John Howard Reid    Books by John Howard Reid     View all 68 · 140 All-Time Must-See Movies for Film Lovers Now Available On DVD · NIBBLES OF NONSENSE Hilarious Comic Verse · Success in the Cinema: Money-Making Movies & Critics' Choices · Hollywood Classics Title Index to All Movies Reviewed in Books 1-24 · Silent Movies & Early Sound Films on DVD: New Expanded Edition   Read Free Preview!
Category:	Literary Fiction	Publisher:	Lulu Press, Inc.	ISBN-10:	1430324767	Type:	Fiction
Pages:	144	Copyright:	December 12, 2007	ISBN-13:	9781430324768

Click here to buy this book! Buy your copy! Amazon Lulu Amazon Barnes & Noble.com Tower Books Books-A-Million Tom Howard Short Story Contest A collection of 15 short stories, of which twelve are inter-related in one degree (they share the same heroine) or another (they are set in a small town in Kentucky). MICAELA MORRIS IN JO'S HEAVEN AND OTHER STORIES When I commenced writing fiction 50 years ago, my first ventures were in the field of detective novels. Now if there's one thing I can't stand in mystery fiction, it's a third-person writer who, from his godly viewpoint, occasionally throws a few clues to the poor saps who have invested time and money in his book. Conan Doyle had the right idea. True, Dr Watson is not over-bright and Holmes does tend to go off on his own and unearth clues to which Watson is not privy. So, in my opinion, it's better still if the detective himself narrates the tale. I therefore wrote all my mystery novels in the first person. And as they were all praised to the skies by the critics (a pity they didn't sell to the same degree of elevation), it was obvious I was doing something right. It occurred to me that if I could master a masculine point of view, it would not require too much extra effort to write effectively from a feminine viewpoint. Hence, Micaela Morris, the adventurous, self-centered, quick-witted heroine of seven of these tales. I was right. The title story won a Commended Award in a national writing contest; "Fan-Fan" won the $500 First Prize in the 2002 Southern Cross Literary Competition; and "Grand Illusions" (in its screenplay format) won another First Prize. However, of the 15 stories in this collection, only 7 have won awards and only 6 have previously been published. The remainder were all written especially for this book.    Excerpt "Micaela Morris? And you're the very best the agency could do, yes? The very best?" asked Mr Symington-Simms, the opera manager, his eyes darting over the top of his rimless spectacles like an angry barn owl. "Don't look much like a bodyguard to me." "Expecting an Olympic weight-lifter? Not all ex-Country Club officials are built like tanks." "What about experience?" "One year as president, two years as manager, three years as trouble-shooter. Read my reference there from Captain Jorris." "You can sing?" "A singing fool am I -- A relic of old Capri, I've no face to delight the eye, All I can offer is me." "I suppose you'll have to do," sighed Symington-Simms. "Haven't said I'll take the job yet. Who's the body?" "The agency didn't tell you? No? -- Bodyguard to the star of our show, Miss Vivian Hyland." "I'll take, I'll take it! What's her big problem? Too many eager fans? I'll enjoy beating them off."

Paperback

Professional Reviews
William Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews

"Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven and Other Stories" is a rare treat for those who enjoy their fiction short. Fifteen examples of fine fiction, several are first prize writing competition winners, and all are written by author John Howard Reid. The book covers a wide range of genres from romance to fantasy, thrillers, satire, and even science fiction, and of course Mr Reid's own brand of quirky humor. Many of the selections feature a spirited character named Micaela Morris, and most are set in Kawbury, Kentucky.

A look at seven of my favorites:

In the title story, Jo's Heaven, we meet recurring heroine Micaela Morris. Micaela always dreamed of making the 117 mile drive to Jo's Heaven. She gazed at the sign post on the walk from school every day and imagined a magical, wondrous place. At eighteen, she made the trek herself in time to grant a dying man's last wish.

Raymond Wright was a poet. Wright and Wrong is set soon after his mother's passing. Raymond may have ended up with the shorter end of his mother's estate but his dealings with his sisters and brother inspired some of his most celebrated poems.

Fan-Fan is a white rabbit as well as a short that won a $500 first prize in the 2002 Southern Cross Literary Competition. She's no ordinary bunny with the run of her home except the computer room, where she enjoys a nibble of the electrical wires.

Changing Times takes the reader to Hedley's Creek, Australia. The parents of the narrator debate the necessity of an electric stove over the ancient wood burner the mother works on every day to cook for the family. This is a charming tale of how simple technology could bring serious change during the time of the Great Depression.

Micaela returns in Grand Illusions for a bit of sleuthing at the Kawbury Country Club when a club member is assaulted and Micaela is among the suspects. The book's largest selection was a contest-winning screenplay before being offered here in story form.

A futuristic departure from the mainly present day set selections is the science fiction piece Simon the Seer. Simon's life is threatened while broadcasting his once enormously popular Prophecies of Tomorrow TV program.

Miss Morris makes her final appearance in the closing story, Singing Fool. Micaela, the former country club official, turned P.I. and celebrity bodyguard, tests her vocal chops in a Gilbert and Sullivan Revival.

"Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven and Other Stories" is a perfect coffee break companion. Savour a story a day for three weeks while you enjoy the escape from the grind in these well-crafted, entertaining selections. The collection is strong throughout as the author has a knack for capturing reader interest quickly, holding that interest, and for developing his endearing characters efficiently and with memorable effect. Highly recommended for short fiction enthusiasts.

Reviewed by William Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews


Molly Martin in Molly's Reviews:

"Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven" is a perfect book to tuck into purse or brief case for those moments when a heavy tome may be too much.

John Howard Reid's "Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven" is an anthology of some fifteen short stories most of which have been published and many of which have won awards and prizes when entered in various writing contests.

The reader first meets Micaela Morris as she travels a narrow roadway to Jo's Heaven. In the words of Micaela's mum the track is 117 miles of scrub. Micaela was not deterred; she dreamed of Jo's Heaven at night, and she imagined all kinds of fantastic possibilities for what she might find should she actually set out along that roadway. Micaela thought it was a trip worth the drive.

"Wright and Wrong" leads the reader to Raymond Wright, poet and the mystery which slowly resolves until the reader comes to a surprising ending.

Once again Micaela is the central figure in "Plain Glory", while Kawbury, Kentucky is the focal setting in another or more of the offerings.

Micaela continues to appear in one then another of the offerings interspersed with other intriguing tales.

"Sink or Swim" brings the reader to Kings Crescent and one Conrad Joyce, Con to most, and his plans for the future, one that he hopes will be prosperous and filled with some ease. One scheme after another seems perfect only to end in hopelessness. On the other hand, if you keep trying then sooner or later something does come through, doesn't it?

From Fan-Fan, a wee rabbit, to "Kinkhead's Dilemma" and what do with a local ne'er do well to a new stove as the reader peruses "Changing Times" writer Reid's broad spectrum writing talent is apparent.

"Simon the Seer", "Position Chorus, Position", "Party First" and "Lacey" are more of the varied, appealing and captivating titles for works sure to rouse the curiosity, interest, and intrigue the reader.

John Howard Reid's "Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven" is a perfect book to tuck into purse or brief case for those moments when a heavy tome may be too much. The wait at the dentist's office, or while sitting at the railroad crossing waiting for the train to pass, or stopped as the 4th grader runs back to the classroom for something forgotten, are perfect times for taking out "Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven". Each tale is told in a few pages, stories are quick paced, filled with language tone, gradation and nuance as only John Howard Reid can create.

I like this Australian writer's style, settings are nicely portrayed to draw the reader into the action. Characters are fleshed with enough detail to allow the reader opportunity to like, dislike, ponder or simply enjoy. Each storyline is set down with skill.

All in all, John Howard Reid's "Micaela Morris in Jo's Heaven" is an out of the ordinary, and most enjoyable read.

Happy to recommend John Howard Reid’s Micaela Morris in Jo’s Heaven.

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