Fetch

by Scott Roche

Father Ian promised his parishioner to investigate a mysterious sighting at the nearby cemetery. When he does and finds nothing out of the ordinary, he arrives at the man's house only to find him dead. Evil is roaming the Irish countryside and has its sights set on the good Father.

Nook

First published January 11, 2011

About the author

A military brat, fan of horror and occult fiction at an embarrassingly (for my parents anyway) young age, and a seeker of the true reality beyond that which we see every day, I try and include as much life experience in my writing as I can. Every story I write combines these elements into something that I hope you will not only enjoy, but tell all of your friends about. I am active in the podcast fiction sphere and am a contributing editor at Flying Island Press.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little weak in beginning is what I thought but that's like saying the uphill climb of a major roller coaster is boring. It's what you have to do to get over the hump and drop down into a totally insane ride of your life. I wish it was longer because I honestly loved it and wish it keep going. But like all great things, this too came to an end. Not a slow drawn out death but a fantastic and intriguing end that will make you want to call Mr. Roche on the phone and discuss the possibilities of the horrors his characters reveal.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging quick read

While horror is definitely not my genre, I found this to be a well crafted and enjoyable short story and well worth the read. It definitely could become the first part of a bigger whole going forward.

[Richard Grenvile · Rating 4 out of 5]

While far from edgy or avant garde, Fetch by Scott Roche is a remarkable little story with a number of uncommon observations lurking just beneath the surface. The story is written from the POV of one reverend Ian, the parish priest in a small Irish town. In a tone reminiscent of Flannery O’Connor, he tells his tale in an unaffected manner, while relaying the most agonizing circumstances and emotional trauma.

Father Ian is approached by a parishioner fearful that a doppelganger has come to do him harm and asks Father Ian to reconsecrate an old and disused cemetery in order to insure protection. Father Ian puts the old man off but is drawn into a supernatural intrigue when he later finds the old man dead in his own easy chair.

Like O’Connor Roche focuses on the observations of the POV character painting the world with the broad, surrealist strokes and sparse description that characterize human recollection, with intermittent swathes of intense detail that relate the Character’s and possibly author’s heightened emotions.

It’s a good read and well worth the price of admission.

[The Digital Ink Spot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, the beginning did not pull me in. Was I tired? Was I jaded? I don't know, but I keep reading and hoping for the best.
This is some kind of literary trick by Mr. Roche because I was quickly caught off guard and I tumbled through the entire story, my mind and sense of safety assaulted by Roche's storytelling. I was honestly creeped out by the honesty of horror for a man of faith.
Great Story and Great Price. I am excited for Mr. Roche's future as a writer.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

an oustandung little tale. i had no idea where the author was going with this at all! and i loved it when he finally made it worth the wait