Random Book Review-Memoir of a Mad Woman by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Vashti Quiroz-Vega’s short story horror offering, “Memoir of a Mad Woman,” drops readers into a psychological tailspin before devilishly detonating our grip on reality more so than ever thought possible. Between the twists and turns, this short story delivers in spades and will leave many haunted by the imagery.

At the start, readers are introduced to Quiroz-Vega’s main character Emma who, innocently enough, seems ordinary given her circumstances. A troubled youth dealing with lackluster parental guidance and, some would say, an overly demanding and damaging mother, readers will instantly feel a connection to Emma’s plight and may garner a sense of mutual experiences from her brief introduction. The feeling is short lived. As Quiroz-Vega soon begins to peel back the layers of her creation, the true horrors begin to take shape.

Expertly crafting snippets of useful information within her prose to let readers in on her grand scheme without giving too much away, Quiroz-Vega perfectly details and explores Emma’s life all the while gradually shining a dimly lit flashlight upon her creatively crafted horror. As masterfully portrayed players come into view and side characters make appearances that flesh out Emma’s world, readers are alerted to an approaching storm they can no longer escape, and something tells me that Quiroz-Vega wouldn’t have it any other way.

As hope turns to trauma and blood finds a way to the surface, readers will no doubt find themselves jarred by Quiroz-Vega’s haunting imagery and in-depth graphic details while being glued to the pages praying for a miracle. The psychological turns sinister when a fractured mind is steering the story and through it, readers are given front row access to Quiroz-Vega’s maddening journey as if she pridefully tossed a match on our gasoline-soaked hold on reality.

Although pure horror fiction, Quiroz-Vega’s subject matter is dark and not for the faint of heart as it does include sexual assault so those who may become easily triggered should keep this in mind. Brutally effective and disturbingly traumatic, Quiroz-Vega takes her readers on a fast-paced and blood-drenched trip through a mentally damaged soul with whispers of the supernatural to add to the overall effect.

Unflinching and relentless in its approach, Quiroz-Vega hits a home run in the horror genre. By showcasing the darker side of life and the inner turmoil of a teenage girl into adulthood, readers will find that when push comes to shove, the inevitable snap can be doubly sinister. Powerful and gripping throughout, it should not be missed!