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John D. Ottini
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People Behaving Badly: A Collection of Short Mystery Stories Kindle Edition

by John D. Ottini (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 91 ratings
Semi-Finalist in the 2015 Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. (Florida Writers Association)

People Behaving Badly is a collection of thirteen short mystery stories exploring the folly of criminal behavior. Welcome to a world filled with strange and quirky characters where murder, vigilantism, jealousy, infidelity, sex, violence and people behaving badly are the norm.

These short mysteries were written as individual bite-size stories that can be devoured in one sitting. Perfect reading for your bus, train or subway commute to work, while you’re waiting at the doctor’s or dentist’s office, having your car serviced, enjoying a latte at your favorite coffee shop, or whenever you have a few minutes of free time.

Stories Include:

Easy Pickings: A cocky thief meets his unexpected match.

Dumpster Rose: The face of murder may not appear evil.

True Confession: A code of ethics which condones murder.

A Shoulder to Die On: A jealous wife discovers more than she bargained for.

Killer Karma: What goes around will more than likely come around.

The Auditor Cometh: What you say, can and will be used against you.

Also includes: Falling is the Hardest Part, A Matter of Disposal, A Deadly Act of Kindness, Hell to Pay, Sorrow Point, The Butcher and Lucky Thirteen
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    182 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    March 5, 2015
  4. File size
    3.8 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Each story in this collection, gives you a short, sharp shock. As the title suggests, each story is about people behaving badly but these are everyday people in scenarios that we can,surprisingly, relate to. Until the twist eventually arrives, and it doesn't take long, you will feel empathy, hostility or be fearful of these characters. These stories are the equivalent of peeling back the curtains and finally finding out what has been going on inside your neighbour's house." - Spectrum Books Review

"John Ottini is back with a new release eBook of Short Mystery Stories - 13 in all. I'm suspecting the number '13' is by choice. The collection looks like it encompasses a murderous collection of human vices,enough to satisfy the most ardent mystery connoisseur. John's writing style is fluid and will have you curled up in a ball-of-anticipation with each turn of the page. Each story is just the right length to devour in a single sitting." - The Living Hunger Blogspot

"The author mixes the right amount of quirks and horror to make the stories both humorous and horrifying. It's exciting to read about the characters getting their comeuppance, but there are deeper themes underneath the entertaining tales. The stories comprehend the reasons behind murders. What motivates a person to commit a crime? Greed, vigilantism, infidelity, lust, insanity, there is no end to the list. The author also looks at some sensitive issues like a woman's self-esteem and the damage that stereotypes do to our society ("I can't ever imagine bringing someone like you home to meet my parents"), or the effect of sexual abuse on children." - 4 out of 4 stars - onlinebookclub.org

"John D. Ottini is an author who knows how to tell a good story. His writings grab the reader with captivating characters and intriguing story lines. This collection certainly will have you looking for more of his wonderful novels. Enjoy!" - Book Basset (Nov 2017)

"Readers who are fans of crime stories, some of which contain macabre twists, are advised to check out this quick entertaining read from an author whose prose is competently wrought and whose sense of characterization is strong and commendable." - Barry Ergang (BookBub Sep 2018)

From the Inside Flap

Books by John D. Ottini - Desperation Kills - Elevated Madness and Other Stories - A Fool for Love & Money - The Twisted Road Ahead: An Anthology of Short Stories - The Black & Blue Butterfly Tattoo - A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday Cat Tales

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00UCD72JW
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 5, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 182 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1508664447
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 91 ratings

About the author

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John D. Ottini

John D. Ottini

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John D. Ottini was born in Northern Italy, raised and educated in Canada, and currently resides in Central Florida USA with his wife and mischievous kitty named Bella.

You can learn more about John and his writing by visiting his website - jdonovels.wordpress.com

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
91 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the short stories in this collection fascinating and well-written, with one mentioning each story has a little twist. They appreciate being able to read complete stories, and one customer notes the book's humor.

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16 customers mention "Story quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the short stories in this collection, finding them fascinating with excellent plot lines and wonderfully worded narratives, with one customer noting that each story has a little twist.

"This is comprised of 13 short stories that are somewhat like the "Twilight Zone." They start out like normal stories and then they turn for..." Read more

"...Each was very different but each captivating. I, however was left wanting more at the end of each story...." Read more

"...I was reminded of the older Ellery Queen Digest short stories. Clever, interesting and fun. Looking forward to more from John Ottini." Read more

"Interesting characters, great stories with unexpected endings. Wonderful read on a rainy summer afternoon...." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and appreciate being able to complete a story in one sitting, with one customer noting it's a quick read.

"...repercussions of their actions... That being said, it was nice to read a complete story in ten minutes, great for a working Mom on the go...." Read more

"...These were surprisingly good, much better than I expected. I was reminded of the older Ellery Queen Digest short stories...." Read more

"...You smiled and laughed as you read this anthology. It's worth the time to read it." Read more

"...If you want a quick read with good characters and some good twists this is definitely a good buy." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous.

"...Clever, interesting and fun. Looking forward to more from John Ottini." Read more

"...Everyone had an unusual ending. You smiled and laughed as you read this anthology. It's worth the time to read it." Read more

"It was awesome and funny. Great short reads" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Customer Cathy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Short Surprising Stories
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is comprised of 13 short stories that are somewhat like the "Twilight Zone." They start out like normal stories and then they turn for a surprise twist in the end. Just to name a few characters amongst the colorful stories are: a wife and brother-in-law who are dedicated to their family, a little girl who's father is being threatened, a priest, and a harassed tenant of an apartment complex and many more. I like these stories because they were not too graphic, but are surprising.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Janice A.
    4.0 out of 5 stars it was nice to read a complete story in ten minutes
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This collection of short mystery stories will have you on the edge of your seat. Each was very different but each captivating. I, however was left wanting more at the end of each story. I became very invested in the characters and then - bam!, the story was over. I wanted to know what happened next... How did they get through it.... What were the repercussions of their actions... That being said, it was nice to read a complete story in ten minutes, great for a working Mom on the go. Buy this book and enjoy the quick thrill of each story!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Loves to Read
    3.0 out of 5 stars Same Stories as in Another Book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I read this author's book of short stories, A Second Helping of Crazy, and I enjoyed it, so I downloaded this book, People Behaving Badly. As I read, a few of the stories sounded very familiar. When I compared the stories in each book, turns out the author included five of the same stories in both books! The descriptions for one of the books do not include the titles of all the stories, so there is no way for a reader to know both books contain many of the same short stories until they are paid for and downloaded. The cost was not much to download but, honestly, I feel cheated out of 5 new stories.
    One person found this helpful
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  • warriorgoddess
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved these short stories!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I read every day and it's my favorite hobby. These were surprisingly good, much better than I expected. I was reminded of the older Ellery Queen Digest short stories. Clever, interesting and fun. Looking forward to more from John Ottini.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting characters, great stories with unexpected endings. Wonderful read on a rainy summer afternoon. Clear your schedule, turn off the ringer and enjoy.
    Helpful
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  • Mary Papas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Grab a copy now!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    It took me a long time to think of the right words for this book review. This is the BEST short story collection I have EVER read so far and I have read A LOT! An amazing combination of darkness, intelligence, dry wit and carefully structured plot twists that leave you mesmerized!
    Highly recommended and needless to say I will read the rest of the author's books!
    One person found this helpful
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  • CJM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Every one of these stories were interesting. Everyone had an unusual ending. You smiled and laughed as you read this anthology. It's worth the time to read it.
    Helpful
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  • tahoffman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Review
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting collection of short stories. I enjoyed them and think others will also enjoy them. The author is a good writer and knows how to tell a good story. I gave him two thumbs up.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • jeanette linehan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 15, 2015
    Verified Purchase
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