Consumption by Michael Patrick Hicks

Consumption by Michael Patrick Hicks
Narrator: Joe Hempel
Published by Self Published / Indie on 23 August 2017
Length: 1 hr and 16 mins
Genres: Horror
Format: Audiobook
Source: Author, Submitted

Rating Report
Story (Plot)
Performance
Production Quality
Attention Holding
Overall:

You are what you eat.

Reclusive chef Heinrich Schauer has invited six guests to a blind 12-course tasting menu.

While snow blankets the isolated Swiss valley surrounding his estate, the guests feast eagerly, challenging one another to guess at the secret tastes plated before them.

This meat is murder.

As they eat, each guest is overtaken by carnal appetites, unaware of their host's savage plan - or of the creature lurking below.
One thing is clear - there is more on the menu than any of them have bargained for.

Consumption is a 12,000 word (approx.) short story. It contains graphic depictions of sex and violence, and is intended for mature audiences.

©2014 Michael Patrick Hicks (P)2017 Michael Patrick Hicks

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This short horror story (76 minutes of listening) is about a small group of wealthy individuals who gather to eat the rarest delicacies money can buy.  Their host, Chef Heinrich Schauer has more in mind than just a sumptuous feast.  After dedicating his life to finding and preparing the most unusual and delectable meals for an appreciative audience, he delivers what he is sure to be a life-changing meal.

The only rule is that the guests must keep on their masks and are required to stay anonymous to each other, though they have some clue as to each other’s identity as it is thinly populated at the top of society.  At first, they spend their time in small talk and discussion of the savory, yet strange meal.  Things begin to heat up as more than just hungry appetites are satisfied.

It is difficult to say more about this short story without ruining the plot.  Suffice it is to say, it is a horror story of carnal desire and food.  More than a little bloody.  Definitely for adult listeners and those not easily offended or squeamish.

Joe Hempel performs this quick listen with his familiar and capable voice.  He is no stranger to horror and delivers a good performance with his steady delivery.  The characters are well differentiated and easily discernible with no complaints.  The production quality is top notch as you would expect from a consummate pro.  He gets out of the way, so to speak, to let the action progress appropriately.

Perhaps not groundbreaking material, it should be entertaining for horror and horror-Sci Fi fans.  There isn’t really that much suspense, just a steady rise to a most gruesome conclusion.  It is a quick, horrifying listen for a round-trip commute, perhaps giving you food for thought for those pesky co-workers who annoy you most.

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