Short Story Review: Early Retirement by Sue Ann Jaffarian

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Fun short story with great plot and characters

Cons: None

The Bottom Line:

Delightful short piece

With satisfying story

That’s plenty of fun

Short Story with None of the Fun Retired

I don’t usually go out seeking short stories.  It’s not that I don’t like them, but my TBR pile is large enough as it is.  Still, every so often it’s fun to pick up something you can easily finish in one sitting.  So when Sue Ann Jaffarian offered me a copy of her short story “Early Retirement,” I couldn’t resist.

It’s just another Monday for Edna Brewer, the office manager in her brother’s criminal law practice.  As usual, she’s the first one there, but soon her life with change since she plans to retire in the next couple of months.  She’s really looking forward to the freedom that will bring her. 

Then the police show up asking questions about a dead body found at LAX.  What does it mean?  And what might it do to her retirement plans?

This is a fun story that moves along nicely.  Since it is a short story, it only has a handful of real scenes, but all of them are essential to understanding what is happening, just as it should be.  There is no padding at all, and I was extremely satisfied with the ending when I was done.

Likewise, there are just a handful of characters.  Edna is the only one we truly get to know, but all of them are memorable and distinct in the short time we see them on the page.

I read the story in roughly half an hour (I wasn’t really timing myself).  The time was well spent since I enjoyed every page of it.

Short stories are a great way to try new authors, so if you have yet to pick up one of Sue Ann’s wonderful books, give “Early Retirement” a chance.  You’ll soon be seeking out her novels to devour as well.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this story.  My opinion is my own.