Grandpa Gets a Tattoo and Other Stories (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798993827803)

Ancient underground earth-dwellers enlist three humans-a Native American with a spirit guide, a woman with a desperate plan, and a young African scientist-to help them save humanity. A Vietnam vet comes to terms with the past. Humor abounds when a persnickety grandma and her wifi-deprived granddaughter are forced to head for the hills during a pandemic. A vulnerable twelve-year-old saves a queen, two princes, and himself in his fairy-tale world. And getting away with murder can be quite satisfying!

Michael Massee's imagination ranges far afield in this lively collection of nine short stories and two novellas. His writing is by turns poignant and witty, thoughtful and irreverent. In one story he gently portrays a person in crisis; in the next he serves up an insufferable miscreant. He pays tribute to brave women, great teachers, and persevering souls. There are family comedies and tragedies, serial matrimonial mistakes, anguished confessions-and a dream of world peace.

These page-turning stories are full of unexpected turns, shocking revelations, and surprise endings. Some feature mystical connections or supernatural powers; others reflect some of the difficult social problems of our age. And we are treated to rich local color-streets and scenery, shops and parks, entertainment and eating establishments-in settings as far apart as Atlantic City and Portland, Oregon. These authentic details enhance the appeal of these highly engaging stories.