Jack's Diamonds

The best of the best; the five-star story that most impressed me each month.

         I came aboard here as The Phantom Reviewer, and the name of this award commemorated that handle. In mid-June, 2025, I changed my handle to what I consider my permanent identity, Jack of Diamonds , and am now changing the name of this award to reflect that. I divide my time here between writing and reviewing, and as much as possible, I choose my stories from the Please Review page. That way I know I'm not sticking my nose in where it isn't wanted. But it seemed that something more was warranted, something more permanent than a line on my review page that no one may ever read. So I inaugurated the Phantom's Gold award for the story that most impressed me from each month. It is now Jack's Diamonds, but it remains the same award. And if you earned a five-star review from me but not the award, know that at least your five-star winner will spend some time in the "hall of fame" on my Bio page.
         We all know that everyone has their preferences, and I'm no exception. I don't know the first snap about poetry, and I prefer adventure to romance, horror to family drama, but I'll try anything, and if a story impresses me with its quality, don't be surprised if it comes up a winner. I pride myself on being unpredictable, so now that you know the ground rules, let's make some awards!

July, 2025
         Special Award: When a poem is about you, it's hard to be objective. Knowing my bias would be insurmountable, I've made this award so that other stories reviewed this month would have a chance...

STATIC

A Friend  (E) A fond WdC memory #2326844 by Amethyst Angel 🌼

June, 2025

The Men From Macon  (18+) Strangers always seem to bring bad tidings or bad luck. #2341984 by Daisan

May, 2025

STATIC

Turned  (13+) A writer is haunted by her past. My submission for the May writing competition #2339740 by M

April, 2025

STATIC

A Love Beyond Pain  (13+) Greg longs to hear the word, "Daddy," but he's given up hope. #2333086 by Charles 🐾

March, 2025

STATIC

The Dugs O' Largs  (E) For Robert Burns Fans, my tribute - 'A third degree Burns' Written for Burns Night #2336196 by Kayr Sharp

February, 2025

STATIC

The Last Goodbye  (13+) Corbin, undocumented, and Kiara, a daughter of prominent citizens, share a last goodbye #2334663 by Prier

January, 2025

STATIC

I am not mad.  (18+) The ramblings of a madman who has discovered "the truth". #2333505 by Adam Niitsoo

         Special Award For a most excellent police procedural I've been following. The story starts here:

STATIC

Ghost Peppers  (18+) This is the prologue to my book "Ghost Peppers". #2331280 by Jeff Sturgeon

December, 2024

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #2332038 by Not Available.

November, 2024

STATIC

Bumps In The Night  (E) That feeling you get with your head on your pillow and the room goes cold. #2330556 by BrokenRing

October, 2024:

STATIC

Let's Hurt Tonight  (13+) Don't walk away, don't roll your eyes; if this love is pain... (Quill finalist) #2320665 by Amethyst Angel 🌼

Congrats!
Jack...