Kealan Patrick Burke ‘Sour Candy’ Review

Written by: Paula Limbaugh

I was first introduced to Kealan Patrick Burke via a short movie on You Tube; it was called Peekers and was adapted by Rick Hautala from Burke’s short story of the same title. I loved it, so of course, I had to grab a copy of the story. That said, I began to seek out more from Burke and thus far I have not been disappointed! Rumor has it that Lionsgate Films has a full-length movie in the making based on this story. Ooh, I do hope it happens!

Sour Candy, a novella, is the latest from this brilliant author. Subtlety creepy and unnerving, we are taken on journey with Phil Pendleton as he begins his day. You know, just a normal day, a quick stop at the store, pick up some munchies and spend the day vegging out with his waiting girlfriend. Hah, if only!

While shopping, Phil witnesses a young boy in tow with his bedraggled mother begin to scream, at a loss as to what to do, Phil stands frozen in his tracks. The boy finally calms and hands Phil a piece of sour candy. Not knowing what else to do, Phil pops it in his mouth. And now there is no turning back.

Can you imagine returning home from such a shopping trip, a trip that involves a car accident and a woman dying in front of you; and there waits the child you just saw. The one screaming in the store, now there, calling you Daddy. No girlfriend waiting for your return, just him. What madness is this? There are pictures of the two you scattered throughout the house.  Neighbors confirm, yes, he’s your son.

Phil begins to walk a fine line between the reality he knows was his and the reality of horror he is now living. Slowly Phil realizes his actions are no longer of his own doing, he is becoming a puppet with the boy controlling his every move. With every ounce of his being, Phil tries to make a break from this nightmare, but alas, not every story has a happy ending.

This is such a stellar read, I really don’t want to give away too much in my review, I’m just going to tell you to READ THIS!! Totally disturbing, you won’t be disappointed. You can pick up your copy here.

Rating: 5/5