M.J. Downing It might have been on the fifteenth of December this year, or maybe the year before—or a hundred years before. Edward McKinney, in his heavy Irish sweater and flat cap against the chill, leaned toward his computer screen in the darkest corner of a coffee shop on Eastern Parkway. Lean and angular... Continue Reading →
As those who follow my Instagram account know, I’m a fan of Jay Bonansinga. His images sizzle and pop on the page; his story lines demand I go on reading. The immediate connection he builds between a reader and his characters drives us forward, page after page. Don’t read him at bedtime! In Stan... Continue Reading →
M.J. Downing “But, surely, to make such a statement, you’d need to read the entire Lovecraft canon, Jared, which you haven’t,” Peter Hundt said as he and Jared Barlow walked through the crisp, wintery sunshine of early November, making their way back to their adjacent offices in the Humanities building. “I’ve read all... Continue Reading →
“Christmas Ex Machina.” M.J. Downing On a cold, gray Christmas Eve, while Sam Cooper was home, at work, when the ghost came. Sam, surrounded by computer screens, was in the midst of a video conference at the same time he answered several questions from clients who paid him well. His talent was making software behave.... Continue Reading →
Do fairies translate to the techno, postmodern world? M.J. Downing First of all, I’m looking or comments on this subject. So, please give this a thought, especially in light of the last story I posted, “An Eye to See.” Halloween stories need a source of threat. I chose fairies, this time, because I don’t see... Continue Reading →
“An Eye to See.” M.J. Downing When the wind kicks up dried leaves in your path and the night grows longer, the walls between the worlds grow thin. The last sere breath of summer rattles though nature’s parched lips, and the year makes ready to die. It still dreams, though, the old year does, and... Continue Reading →
This one is for Tolkien enthusiasts who are disappointed by The Rings of Power: There’s Hope Yet! Amazon’s Rings of Power is just the right size for television or film. It is far too small, though, for Tolkien enthusiasts. The computer graphics and clever camera work are all exciting, perhaps even innovative. I am... Continue Reading →
Just recently, as I emptied my email spam box, I came across an invitation to be admitted to the Illuminati. No, I had not sent in an application, as odd as that might sound, coming from the former director of the Jed Clampett College Center of Esoteric B.S. the sign for which was once posted... Continue Reading →
M.J. Downing. With the recent release of a “coming attractions” Netflix ad, folks will see that Enola Holmes 2 is on its way in ’22. Furthermore, “Screen rant” suggests that Henry Cavill’s reprise of the Sherlock role will be more involved in the second view. In my view, I say, why not Cavill? Since... Continue Reading →
M. J. Downing. Leaving aside his famous ancestor, Bandobras, Hildifons Took numbered amongst the boldest of Hobbits in any era. However, as courageous as he was, dread accompanied his thoughts about crossing the Misty Mountains with Stapa. Though he never mentioned this to Stapa, Hilds noticed that the big lad bent wary eyes on the... Continue Reading →
MJ Downing’s Place 