Title: The Rustic Inn: Judge and Jury
Author: J.D. Fromm
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1669812913
Pages: 88
Genre: Fiction / Mystery & Suspense
Reviewed by: Alyssa Avina

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In the grand scheme of life and death, humanity has always turned inward on itself and looked at the ultimate outline of the events which brought them from the beginning to the end. For some, there is a need to find their own set of morals and stick with them throughout their lives. For others, they seek guidance in their particular faith or belief system, and use the teachings of those faiths to make a life lived by holy proclamations. No matter the path, there is a general belief that some cosmic force of the Universe needs to balance our lives against the good we’ve done and the bad we’ve done.

In author J.D. Fromm’s The Rustic Inn: Judge and Jury, the author explores the concept of good and evil through a local inn in a small town. What should be a local hotspot and great getaway for travelers becomes a nightmare for others every fifteen years. For the inn has taken on a life of its own, unleashing nightmares and terrors on the people unlucky enough to be in its space during the moments it awakens.

The author did such an incredible job of world building and character work in this short story. The atmosphere was haunting to say the least, allowing the humor and wit that the characters and their dialogue have together to add enough depth to the narrative that those moments of terror really stand out. The tension which cuts through the narrative is perfectly added, allowing the emotions that are running through the character’s minds to stand out when the action and horror hits without warning.

This is a brilliant and perfect read for those who enjoy short stories, especially those who enjoy mystery and thriller stories, horror stories, and narratives with a quick-witted humor to it. To me, the narrative reminded me of stories from greats like Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot to Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas, honing in on the small town life and vibes perfectly in the world-building of this story, while also infusing the world with characters that feel real and fiery on the pages, both good and bad.

Memorable, haunting, and entertaining, author J.D. Fromm’s The Rustic Inn: Judge and Jury is a must-read short story. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional and heartfelt ending will stay with readers long after the book ends, and the thrilling atmosphere the tension builds into will create a great sense of imagery that will stick to the reader’s mind. This is a book readers will be glad they picked up and enjoyed, as it pages quickly yet imprints deeply.