3:33 by Mark Towse - featuring “Last Train”
3:33 is Mark Towse’s newest psychological horror novella. It was published on November 30, 2022 by D&T Publishing and weighs in at 119 pages.
I dove into 3:33 without reading any reviews or info about the story, because quite frankly I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Towse thus far and had a suspicion I wouldn’t be disappointed. I was right.
One of the things I enjoy most in Towse’s books are his characters and the ease in which he makes me either relate to them or at least believe they’re actual people. There’s something so nonchalant and natural about how he writes his dialogue. I feel like I’m listening to a story from a friend versus reading a book. His writing flows well, and he had me hooked throughout 3:33.
In the story, we follow the life of a man named Frank. He’s struggling to find motivation in his life, and he’s having trouble maintaining a semblance of a healthy relationship with his wife and kids. As the story unfolded, I felt bad for his no-win situation. Nothing goes his way. He struggles to sleep each night and is haunted by strange dreams. He finds one of the only ways to calm himself is to drive and listen to music.
He regularly sneaks out of the house while his family sleeps, contemplating his life and seeking answers. The real fun begins one evening when he stumbles across a “very exclusive club.” As a reader, you know it’s bad news. Still, you can’t help but want him to visit as often as he can. Frank learns how hard it is to live a double life and struggles with what to do. Each comes with a price, and they both take a huge toll on him in various ways.
Themes of growing older, sadness, depression, midlife crisis, and temptation abound in this story. You’re put through the ringer with Frank as he endures roller coasters of emotion. It’s up to the reader to decide if the decisions he makes are good or bad in the end. The story does start out a bit slow, as you are getting accustomed to Frank’s daily life and misery, then it speeds up and takes you on a wild ride.
Some of the scenes in 3:33 remind me of Towse’s book Nature’s Perfume. Both include some “sexy” scenes, so be aware if that’s not your jam. The cover does imply that you might be in for some good old-fashioned hedonism, though. There’s nothing graphic, but if you don’t like debauchery in your horror, this is your warning. There are some great horror scenes throughout, as well. Towse never disappoints and makes sure to sprinkle a little gore here and there. I always appreciate that!
I enjoyed how Frank breaks the fourth wall and speaks to “you” the reader on occasion. It cemented me into the story and made me feel like I was hovering above watching all of the action. Loads of fun, especially when he’s in the club. You’re walking right alongside him as you both discover what’s hiding behind masks and doors - and what’s in those concoctions at the bar. Speaking of which, I loved Lloyd the bartender! That character drew me in with his intrigue and personality and I loved the scenes with him.
I did have a moment that made me smile when I caught a small homage to Towse’s book Nana. I like that Nana pops up here and there throughout his works.
When I finished reading 3:33, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a short story tucked in after it. It reminded me of reading One Last Shindig and Nature’s Perfume. Both of those novellas also included short stories at the end. I like that Towse does that. It’s a nice touch, and who doesn’t want more Towse?!?
“Last Train” was a fun read about a lonely guy named Ralph. The story had a good amount of suspense and dread. I was shaking my head while reading it, knowing that poor Ralph just wasn’t going to make good choices. Bad for him, good for me as a reader! Towse did a great job luring me through the story and giving a satisfying ending.
3:33 is another enjoyable book on my Towse library shelf. I’m looking forward to reading more from him in the future!
Need more Mark Towse writing?
WHO IS MARK TOWSE?????
Mark Towse is an Englishman living in Australia. He would sell his soul to the devil or anyone buying if it meant he could write full-time. Alas, he left it very late to begin this journey, penning his first story since primary school at the ripe old age of 45.
***Taken from Mark Towse’s Amazon author page
About D&T
D&T was started in 2020 in Corinth, MS. Dawn Shea and her husband Timothy, are the team behind D&T. Dawn, an avid lover of horror for most of her life, went from a small dream of one ABC based anthology, to now publishing other authors work. Our main goal here at D&T, is to spread more authors words out into the world.
-Speak your truth, through words and deeds.
D&T Publishing
***Taken from the D&T Publishing website
