Reviews for
The Corpse of Madeline Hill
"According to Stephen King, “A short story is a different thing all together - a short story is like a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger.” (Skeleton Crew) Edward Medina’s short tale, The Corpse of Madeline Hill is just that: thrilling, terrifying, and romantic. We have all driven down a road in a sleepy town, passed by an open cemetery, and wondered who is buried there. Medina takes us under that ground and digs up the story of Madeline Hill, long forgotten by the town’s inhabitants, and as we soon learn, disastrously so. In fact the motif of the ground and its rich soil leads us through the mystical red wine vineyards in the little town of Accord and unearths its buried secrets. As in Medina’s past works, most notably Awilda, romance, horror, and messages about the flaws of both monsters and men abound. The reader is left yearning to know more about these tragic female protagonists, yet satiated at the same time – just like…“a kiss in the dark from a stranger.”
Belladonnalatte
"Love plays on words and people who play with them as well, which is why I always jump at the opportunity to read something by Edward Medina. So when he said he was coming out with a story for Valentine’s Day, I was ready and waiting for the Corpse of Madeline Hill to be released and late last night it was.
So here we are back reviewing new releases on Friday’s and what a lovely place it is. A quaint grave yard at the end of a quiet lane. Elites buried next to no bodies with as Medina writes “No walls nor fence or gate encircles it. Whatever unrest exists here is free to come and go at its pleasure.” And on the top of hill buried here is the tale of Madeline Hill. A tale that every ghost lover must read. It is the tale behind a mystery. One forgotten over the years not due to the weight of time, but because the story was really too horrible to retell. It was easier to try and bury it then deal with the consequences of looking the other way.
But, Madeline Hill is not a woman to be ignored. It doesn’t matter that she’s dead. She will be heard and her revenge felt long after her death.
Edward’s classical storytelling style with its lyrical style is at play through out the tale, although there are a few tiny bumps. This story continues his recent trend towards dark and sexy storytelling. I love the references to wine making as well as the historical ones to the Civil War and classical themes; honor and loyalty versus self-interest and greed.
I encourage you to read this story, because it is honestly one of the best short stories that I have read in a long time and reading it will encourage him to write more like it. I for one would like to see a novel written with the same skill, passion and artistry that this story was written with, because honestly this story like his last short story release left me begging for more.
His decision to release it on Valentine’s Day makes it the perfect gift."
Blogger, Lucinda Rose
"I have read Awilda (a vampire-stalking librarian), A Murder of Crows (a truly bizarre circus of animals and a pirate war told by Foxy Jack), and It Is Said (a steampunk fantasy) by Edward Medina. In fact, I've read each of them twice. So you might imagine that I've waited with great anticipation for The Corpse of Madeline Hill and was thrilled to be able to read it today. Like all of Edward Medina's offerings, this story is simply an elegant read.
This story is sweet and pure and loving and evil and revengeful. Madeline is a character to remember. Imagine a smooth cabernet sauvignon aged in oaken wine barrels and paired with rich & silky melted chocolate. Warm velvet wrapped around a strong, bold woman. That's our Madeline"
Babara Rouch, Read and Review
"I have read every published story from Edward Medina and I must say this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! The story is written so readers of all ages can enjoy it. It flows from start to finish leaving the reader wanting more. It can't end here... Happy Valentine's Day! Wine and chocolates anyone?"
Kat
"Edward Medina is an Amazon bestselling author and there’s reason for that. His latest short story release, “The Corpse of Madeline Hill” is just one more. He has a natural knack for sucking you into his stories within the first few lines. As a native New Yorker who regularly escaped the city to Poughkeepsie for years, I was immediately drawn in with its first two lines. The second sentence “Everyone knows the story of Sleepy Hollow” gave me a hint as to what was to come.
There are two particular traits in Mr. Medina’s writing style that I love. As anticipated, he did not disappoint me with this tale. One standout trait is the actual writing.
This is a beautifully sad, somewhat strange story told in prose so colorful, so vivid you are transported to your favorite campsite where you find yourself sitting around a fire with your friends transfixed by the orator’s voice as the tale is told.
The second outstanding trait I always look for is the way he inserts mysterious and totally unexpected twists in his stories. Again, there was no dissatisfaction there.
“The Corpse of Madeline Hill” is a quick read but by no means is it so because of lack of passion or wit. This is one of those stories you will want to read again and again, just to see if you missed something.
Kudos Mr. Medina!!!"
Author and Blogger, Minnie Lahongrais
"Say you enjoy history, or wine, or a finely written tale. Then this book is for you. There are so many things to enjoy about this book, but for me it is the way Edward Medina crafts a tale that feels intimate when you read it and memorable weeks afterward. Best enjoyed with a glass of red wine!"
Eric
"Don't expect to get exactly what this title says. Much like the rest of Mr Medina's work you get much more. It was a wonderfully written short story that I did not want to put down. Full of love, wine and revenge. If you are looking for something different and satisfying I would recommend you read this as well as his other books and stories. Can't wait for another tale from Edward Medina."
Elizabeth McCollough
"Edward Medina is gifted beyond measure in the art of storytelling. He is the person I'd invite to a campfire simply to listen to his creations. The Corpse of Madeline Hill jumps from the pages and swarms the senses in the best revenge tale I've read in years. Amazing."
Amazon Customer
"I very much enjoyed reading this story. I thought it was well-written and appropriately dark. I can definitely recommend it."
Leslie Kahle
"Some people say the short story is dead, but if anyone can bring them back to life, it's Edward Medina. I've read all of his work so far and I'll have to say this is a favorite. History, wine, forbidden love and family intrigue. Really, for what more could one ask? Stephen King is being quoted a lot in response to this reminding us that a short story like being kissed by a stranger in the dark. This is a wild, deep, passionate kiss from someone you hope won't be a stranger for long..."