Thuggish Itch: Theme Park

On a visit to one of the parks in the north of the country, my father and I lined up to ride a roller coaster that had been themed around a 90’s action film. It was the ride of the moment, one of those ones where you sat hanging on the outside rather than sitting inside an enclosed car, and it seemed like every man and his dog had lined up with us.“You two can’t get on," said one of the ride workers. "Too tall. Your feet will scrape along the concrete, or it’ll take your leg right off.”This comment stuck with me over the years, and at times I would wonder just what would have happened if we had managed to sneak onto the ride. Nothing good I imagine.Thuggish Itch’s Theme Park is a collection of sixteen short stories that delve into the weird, wonderful and sometimes dark world of carnivals, fun fairs and theme parks. Lower your lap bar, strap yourself in, and prepare for the ride…