I have a number of short stories available to read for free and thought it might be nice to link them all in one post, so if you find yourself with a bit of time to fill and like a creepy read, see below.
Full book links available as well if you decide you may want to read more.
There is also a newer short story available – In the Mountain, which has now made it into the new book, bringing all of them together in one collection of 13 creepy tales…
I have seven various short stories available to read for free, I thought it might be nice to link them all in one post so if you find yourself with a bit of time to fill and fancy a creepy read, see below.
Full book links available as well if you decide you may want to read more, although most of them are now shared here for free 🙂
Have to say, it’s a very nice feeling to know someone has enjoyed reading something you have written. And very much appreciate that time was taken not only to read it, but to review it 🙂
A discovery in the Siberian tundra turns the entire world upside down, rewriting history and setting seemingly unstoppable forces in motion. In a race against time in a quickly changing world, they must learn to adapt to survive. Will people accept their fate or fight to save an existence that was always meant to end? Can humanity survive?
If you are looking for something creepy to read, maybe some of the review comments for Under the Apple Tree and other dark short stories may help you to decide if this book is for you ~
“Six creepy stories that are guaranteed to lodge themselves firmly under the skin. Each story invites the reader into a world where you are certain that from the very first word, things are not going to end with a cheery musical number. They are ‘dark’ stories for a reason. A quick read for those looking for a chilling end to the evening, each tale comes with its own twist. Personal favourites include ‘Doctors Visit’ and ‘Clocking Off’.
“Thoroughly enjoyed these short stories reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s ‘Tales of the unexpected’. Particular praise for ‘Clocking Off’
“Although the stories are set in present day, the author’s writing style is reminiscent of classic horror like Stevenson or Shelley, which can feel odd at times but carries the stories well. And, similarly to the classics, there’s not a lot of gore or curse words, which makes this collection enjoyable for fans of all ages. In a way, Under the Apple Tree: And other dark short stories remind me of scary stories you tell around the campfire or are passed around during sleepover parties, and like those stories these tales stay with you for a long time.”
Having some great names mentioned there in the reviews really was a treat, the whole point of writing is that people enjoy reading it. For a slice of what is in there – please take a moment to enjoy ‘Clocking Off’
For world book day I thought maybe I should share my books! We have from top left –
Under the Apple Tree – creepy short stories
Meeting in the Middle of Nowhere – non fiction book about hyperphantasia and aphantasia
The Willing Observer – fictional autobiography of a stalker
The Unknown – fiction horror/psychological thriller about a virus
Rhyme and Reason – poetry
A Parallel Abyss – fiction horror with a bit of supernatural
Links to books below 🙂
I actually have two colouring books as well that I have made from nature photography, tagged at the bottom but I shall give them their own post because I haven’t nearly shown them the love they deserve yet!
This was an absolute favourite of mine growing up by Joan Aiken, the stories are wonderfully illustrated by Jan Pienkowski, which made it stay in mind long after the book was put down. Both writer and illustrator have inspired me very much with this collection. The whole book is a delight, and I can only hope to bring this kind of enjoyment to a reader with my own books one day.
These stories are all Eastern European fairy tales with a strange surreal quality to them, all vividly brought to life by a great writing style and silhouette style artwork to accompany.
As you would expect from original fairytales, there is a dark twist or theme running through them including a queen being bricked up alive in a wall!
I recommend this if you like a bit of dark, strange and the surreal.
The Kingdom Under the Sea and other stories by Joan Aiken and illustrated by Jan Pienkowski.
I haven’t had much feedback for this one yet, other than it was compelling, they were hooked from the first page and the story unfolded at breakneck speed. I take that as encouraging. This was an odd story to write because unlike my first book where I knew the whole story and just had to put pen to paper, this one unfolded before me. I suspect that is why it comes across as happening at breakneck speed because that it is how it is meant to be.
I don’t actually know how to slow it down to be honest. And when I have re-read it through, I get so engrossed in the story, the excitement and the fear of where it’s going, that I am completely distracted by it. Good if I want to escape with my own book, but not so good perhaps for the reader? Chapter one is available below if anyone wants to take the plunge…
I also have colourful bags available for sale as well as copies of my books if anyone wants to buy them directly. Or bags available at Rebubble and books at Amazon.
It’s been just over a year now since I released my first book of short stories – the second one is half finished, but this year has really hampered creating for me. Under the Apple Tree and other dark short stories came from various ideas I had been mulling over for decades and two of the tales actually are adapted from real life experiences shared with me by someone close. So it was really exciting to receive a good review, then another and now I have six, all of them positive. One review mentions being reminded of The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone, and another actually likens my stories to Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl. That in itself is an achievement! I loved reading Roald Dahl growing up, have read my fair share of creepy stories and watched all three of those shows. Some of those horror tales obviously left their mark on me. I can only hope to do the same for someone else.
Part of one review – “Although the stories are set in present day, the author’s writing style is reminiscent of classic horror like Stevenson or Shelley, which can feel odd at times but carries the stories well. And, similarly to the classics, there’s not a lot of gore or curse words, which makes this collection enjoyable for fans of all ages. In a way, Under the Apple Tree: And other dark short stories remind me of scary stories you tell around the campfire or are passed around during sleepover parties, and like those stories these tales stay with you for a long time”
MKW Publishing 