The Moral Infection

A captivating short story collection that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The stories are full of suspense and thrills, with unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and the plots are engaging, making this collection a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of suspense and thrills with The Moral Infection.

“And now you must accept your new identity if you want to survive.”

The Moral Infection, Michael J. Atwood’s fourth short story collection, is a fantastic set of mystery and suspense tales. A Massachusetts native, Atwood was clearly brought up on the detective fiction of Robert Parker (Spenser-for-Hire novels), George V. Higgins (The Friends of Eddie Coyle) and more recently, Dennis Lehane (Mystic River). His writing style is reminiscent of all three authors. The Moral Infection quickly hooks the reader with reoccurring themes of revenge, betrayal, delirium, reparation, and lost love. Atwood tends to focus on moral corruption in characters like undercover FBI agents, murderous politicians, vengeful Mafia capos, insatiable bullies, and dirty cops. He creates morally ambiguous protagonists, who face personal struggles, as well as the consequences of their past actions. Atwood’s characters are far from perfect; they make mistakes then seek forgiveness for their sins, making them terribly complex and more human.

Morality is the focus of these stories. Characters are paralyzed in moments of truth, with only seconds to decide right versus wrong. The collection is action-packed but also thought-provoking, exploring the events leading to the loss of one’s moral compass. I really liked the way in which Atwood addressed these issues, offering you an incredible reading experience.

Each of the nine stories shine in their own way. The plots were diverse, with characters you want to know more about, as they wrestle their own internal conflicts. We are transported to Stockholm, Sweden, Encinitas, California, London, England, Maui, Hawaii, Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island: it’s an international odyssey that immerses the reader into tense and exciting situations. You’ll enjoy discovering how these stories are intertwined yourself, making this collection interesting and dynamic. I felt this book should be adapted for television or film.

Two of my favorites' stories: "Autumn Manor” features a nursing home security guard named Owen Bradley, whose dark and mysterious past is slowly revealed. It features zombie-like protestors, a falsely accused priest, and of course “Father's nephew”, a state representative with dark ambitions to get to Washington. “Autumn Manor” explores themes of justice, sins, morality, and loyalty, and has a surprising ending.

This line leaves the reader thinking: “Are we not sinners, slaves, psychopaths, overtaken by our wild ideologies, mantras and dogmas, adamant that our way is the only way, the correct, moral and ethical way?”

The other favorite story was “Vittnessskyd”. It features an ex-Boston detective who is hiding from his past in Stockholm, Sweden. From the first sentences I really enjoyed how the author hooked us, beginning in the second person, but then shifting into a first-person narrative. I felt immersed in the narrative as if I were the protagonist myself; the whole plot of the new identity was very ingenious. The feeling of being inside the plot kept me tense, trying to discover the hidden secrets of Michael Finn.

Overall, this book is an intriguing and thought-provoking collection of mystery short stories, one that is worth reading, especially for readers who enjoy this genre. I think it's an exciting read that explores the morality of the characters and keeps you on your toes. I couldn't put it down until I finished it.

A thrilling short story collection that will keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense and thrills. The stories are full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. From a Mafia capo seeking revenge to an Olympic athlete on the run from his past, this collection is a rollercoaster ride of mystery and intrigue.