Speckled: A Collection of Short Stories is filled with delightful gems that speak to the author’s skill as a rich character painter.

In short spaces, these characters deal with varied complex emotions and circumstances. Some are in a realistic fictional context while others exist in a highly altered reality. From a girl facing either foster care or a life with a father she’s never known, to private investigators collecting clues for peculiar cases, to bleak futures of indentured servitude and robotic rationing of household utilities, to a self-cloning steampunk robot. He articulates the emotions and plights of the characters so beautifully that I found it easy to connect with each of them and to think, “ah, I understand how this would feel!” While not all of the stories have a complete arc, peeling away the layers on the characters and their relationships to the point where Scott has chosen to let things taper off is immensely satisfying. It raises a myriad of possible journeys and outcomes worth pondering after the fact. Some stories pluck at cords of sadness endemic to the human condition while offering hope. Others are more light-hearted, humorous, and thoughtful.

This was a wonderful, enjoyable read. Well done, sir!

You can find Speckled: A Collection of Short Stories on Amazon in both Kindle format: http://www.amazon.com/Speckled-Scott-William-Taylor-ebook/dp/B00SC4039O
And in paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Speckled-Collection-Scott-William-Taylor/dp/1500499285/