Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze

De: Stephanie Perry Scissom

Narrado por: Miranda Elizabeth

When her seven-year-old daughter Lizzy disappeared into a corn maze on Halloween night in 1984, Catherine Bryant didn’t think she’d survive the loss.

For nearly 40 years, Catherine has struggled with her grief and guilt, so when her doctor delivers a fatal diagnosis, it’s almost a relief.

But something is happening to Catherine. Whether a result of her medications or from the disease that’s destroying her brain, Catherine is experiencing vivid nightmares that spill over to waking hallucinations of a malicious cartoon scarecrow. Smilin' Sam has ripped himself free from the billboard above the maze claiming he wants to help her.

As her dreams reveal new clues, Catherine becomes obsessed with finding Lizzy’s remains, so they can be laid to rest together.

The lines between fantasy and reality blur as Sam becomes increasingly real and violent. Will his cruelty and power over Catherine lead her to do the unthinkable as her mental state deteriorates?

©2023 Stephanie Scissom (P)2023 Stephanie Scissom

Can her degenerating mind solve the mystery?

Smilin' Sam's Corn Maze follows Catherine, a mom in her 70s who has just been diagnosed with a degenerative disease that will quickly take her memory before taking her life. 40 years prior, her daughter Lizzie disappeared while they were at corn maze on Halloween. Her mind starts giving her hallucinations of Smilin' Sam. She believes that he's going to help her find out what happened to her daughter, but is there more going on?
I really enjoyed this story. As a parent, I couldn't imagine the immeasurable grief that would come with not only losing a child, but not knowing what happened. I could sympathize with Catherine as she desperately tries to cope with not only losing her own mind, but trying to find Lizzie before she can't any longer.
I also really enjoyed the narrator, but one minor issue that I had was how she portrayed one of the characters. It becomes pretty clear what their true intentions were right from the beginning, and I don't know that I would have seen it that way if she didn't narrate that character in that way.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and would look forward to reading more and listening more to the author and narrator!

Great listen!

The story was a fun mystery with a twist of unique character point of views. I enjoyed the story.

A Mother's Determination

Catherine Bryant was never the same after her daughter Lizzy disappeared and was never seen again. The Bryant family had no help from the local police whose investigation techniques were backward to say the lease. There is a twist in here, but I won't give it out. Catherine medical diagnosis is grim, but with the help of a new friend and something else, the pieces start to come together, and the truth is coming full focus.
This novella may be short, but it packs a punch that you will feel in the depths of your soul. This story will take you on a ride that involves pain, drama, betrayal, and heartache that even the little glimpses of humor don't truly heal. I will say this a mother's love knows no boundaries and has no end. I highly recommend this book. The phenomenal narration of Miranda Elizabeth brought forth the emotions and personsonalites of each character, which brought the story and them to life.
This is my first book from author Stephanie Perry Scissom, but it definitely won't be my last. I received this audio book for free upon my request. I am voluntarily leaving my honest, unbiased review on this phenomenal, well written book of my own free will.

Smilin’ Sam’s Corn Maze review.

An interesting story overall. Had a likable main character and looking forward to more from the author.

Spectacular

This story is a great quick read. The narrator did an excellent job helping the author bring these characters to life.