When an unidentified noise sets off a series of unexplained events within his home, Allan is at first excited by the idea of a ghostly visitor. But his enthusiasm quickly turns to dread when it becomes apparent that his phantom guest has also begun to notice Allan. This tale is from the short story collection, BURIED IN THE BASEMENT, by the author of The Temple of the Blind series. 9200 words
Brian Harmon is an independent author of horror fiction, suspense and dark adventure. He grew up in Missouri and currently lives in Southern Wisconsin with his wife, Guinevere, and their three children.
Strange noises. Phantom footsteps. Wrapping on the walls. Ear blasting shrieks. And a closet door that won’t stay closed.
This and more is happening at Allen and Selena’s house.
At first, they put it off as the house settling. But as more strange things happen, they have to face facts.
For some reason. after all the years they’ve lived in their house, it is haunted.
Whatever is haunting them is getting stronger, more territorial, and dangerous.
Something has to give.
I know what I’d do. I’d be out of there.
I’m not easily scared, but I don’t think I could handle what happens in this house.
Something that can reach out from beyond and hurt you is not to be messed with.
As the entity got stronger and more vicious, my shoulders tightened up, my head drew in to my shoulders, my elbows tucked snug against my body, and I braced myself as I kept on reading.
The author had me connecting with Allen and Selena , wondering why in the world they didn’t just leave. I was afraid each time I turned a page that the worst was waiting for me.
So much dread from so few words. I recommend you read this after dark, preferably on a stormy night. It’s meant to scare you and the mood should be set. Just keep a flashlight handy. Wouldn’t want to be left sitting in the dark.
What’s that noise? Nope, sitting in the dark, our mind will imagine all kinds of things. Is the closet door closed?
I was very lucky and got this as a free download. Thanks Brian. I can’t think of a better way to discover new authors.
This short ghost story has all the odd happenings you would expect - unexplained noises, phantom footsteps, knocking on the walls, strange shrieks. But you know what creeped me the fuzz out?
The closet door wouldn't stay shut.
When I was little I'd have frequent nightmares about my closet door suddenly bursting open by itself. Sometimes there would be the requisite "horrible thing" lurking in the there. Even now as an adult all closet doors must be firmly shut, and all room entryways must have their doors completely open against the wall, or else I will freak the hell out.
I thought this was a great story, very well-written with only one typo. I would have liked a little more detail on where the box came from and what was in it, but the paranormal and the unexplained do go hand in hand.
[SPOILER ALERT] Most ghost or horror stories are scary through psychological tricks. The ghost makes the main character see or do something, or things fly around, stuff like that. This one's different. This one's got teeth. And it means business. The solution came a little too easily for complete enjoyment, and the neighbor with the ghost-hunting equipment was a tad too convenient, but neither killed the story for me. Enjoyed the read, Mr. Harmon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An excellent, well-written, and creepy little story. I especially liked that the main character was rational (even while terrified), thought things through, and eventually deduced the origin of the activity.
An insanely creepy ghost story, From Such Small Things left me feeling a little unnerved. Brian Harmon does a great job of creating an unnerving atmosphere from modern day suburbia. A must for fans of ghost stories.
Creepy short story that brought back all those childhood fears of monsters grabbing my feet, monsters under the bed and of course in the closet. I will definitely look for more stories from this author.
This fast-paced story was great. Good short story to enjoy on a plane, lunch break or simply a couple of hours free time. In spite of the fact that I wanted more, it was well crafted as a short-story, it served its purpose to entertain.