A Bowl For the Soul

Short Noir: The Thirteenth Prophet

Hi, bookworms! Last month (and year), we did a short story review and we are doing another one again because we love T. Lucas Earle's story that much. This time his short story is titled The Thirteenth Prophet.

Book Blurb:

Mulligan Burke, an over-the-hill P.I. who has forsaken the evils of Personality implants, is brought back from Alaska to investigate the murder of one of the Prophets. The Prophets inhabit the highest position of the social hierarchy - they dictate fashion trends. Fashion, in this instance, encompasses much more than clothing. And, as Burke discovers, being fashionable is something to die - or kill - for.


At first, I was quite confused  when I started reading this short noir story. There are several references that make myself pause and re-read to understand the meaning of the story depiction. Great thing is the editing is done nicely with almost neither typos nor grammar mistakes. Earle has created a complex dystopian setting with terms that painted a world full of Prophets aka government controls, cult followings, and rampant trends. The concept of The Thirteenth Prophet makes sense as nowadays, I find myself becoming a follower of consumerism and part of a social dysfunction. Our personality might even change due to the society. That is exactly what happens in The Thirteenth Prophet. The so-called Prophets (who people worshipped) have different personalities that are copied and uploaded into other people so they can be gods, in some sort of sense. 


The Thirteenth Prophet is unlike most dystopian story because: 1. It's a short story, and Earle has nailed the whole dystopian atmosphere from the first page until the end with only 27 pages. 2. With smart jabs and satires, I find the story to be very entertaining and managed to held my attention as I finished in only a day. 3. You'll find yourself dying to know what happened to Defiance, the murdered Prophet. Is he really murdered or is there a hidden web of conspiracy behind his death (yes, conspiracy. It makes the story even better!)? 4. Mulligan Burke may come off as stand-offish and sarcastic but he becomes a much developed character over the course of the story with hidden investigating skills that you won't even think of. 5. You won't see it coming. Especially the ending. 


Earle has panned out yet another full of surprises short story that ensure the readers to mull their thoughts after finished reading it. Although the story flow is a little choppy, The Thirteenth Prophet proves that a short story could make a worthwhile impact to readers with provocative ideas and fresh crime suspense. 

Reviewer Notes: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.