Duncan Whitehead - The Best Man: A Dark Comedy

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

22. The Best Man: A Dark Comedy by Duncan Whitehead (2015)
Length: 35 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 5 June 2017
Finished: 6 June 2017
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Duncan Whitehead as I downloaded a copy of this book for free from his website.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 April 2017
Why do I have it? I like short stories and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

Brad Chance is quite the catch, at least according to his sister Claire. Not only is he handsome, fit, charming, and hilariously funny; but he is also a plastic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of children with facial deformities. However, although Brad is a successful doctor, a philanthropist, and an all-around nice guy; he still hasn't found 'the one'. He's looking for the same type of love that his sister so obviously shares with her husband...and apparently not having much luck in finding it.

That is until he meets someone while escorting his ten-year-old nephew and two of the boy's young friends to a Broadway show. Jenny Blythe seems like she is the perfect woman for Brad, and he can't help but hope that he will get the chance to see her again sometime soon. Suddenly, his life seems to be looking up for Brad, and he couldn't possibly be any happier. Until a twist of fate changes everything, and Brad finds himself living every man's worst nightmare.

After returning from completing some charity work abroad, Brad is shocked to meet up with his college roommate and best friend. Mike Bayless may well be a playboy, a flagrant womanizer, and a staunch commitment-phobe; but he also has a very important question to ask Brad when he finally returns home. He really needs a best man, and Brad seems like the obvious choice for the position. However, when Brad knows everything about Mike - from his darkest secrets to his strangest foibles - at the end of the day, who will really be the best man?

With a plot twist so shocking that it will leave readers speechless - and a sucker punch ending that will ultimately set their minds reeling - Mr. Whitehead once again delivers the perfect balance of dark humor, irony and tragedy.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I had no inkling how the story would develop and could not help but feel slightly sorry for the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and I would give this book an A!

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

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