One of my favorite writers recently released a series of books in a great new format. These are longer than flash fiction and shorter than novellas Paul White says. What he doesn’t say is they are tightly written with amazing character development in the two stories I’ve read so far.

The first of these little gems I read was ‘Daisy and the Chocolate Factory’. I’ve always loved White’s writing. His books are usually delightfully twisted tales. The title of this tiny treasure made me think he had turned to children’s tales. Nothing could be further from the truth! This story is a great example of what happens when plans go wrong.

First off this British author sets the story in Brooklyn, New York. As a former city girl. I am impressed with White’s spot on descriptions of the borough, including mentions of recognizable places.

The Daisy in question works in a chocolate factory earning a pittance. It’s not enough to support her young daughter and herself. Struggling to make ends meet she resorts to taking a second and less desirable job. While engaged in this questionable position (pun not intended) she stumbles upon a possible permanent solution to her financial difficulties.

White manages to build the tension that leads to a finale with a darker than expected twist. The author’s attention to detail makes this gritty tale with the innocent title a great read. I finished it in about thirty minutes and was as satisfied as I’ve been with longer stories. I plan to devour the rest of these morsels and recommend you add them to your must read list.