What do you think?
Rate this book
Room of Cloth
When Sebastian Creed returns home after a yearlong disappearance, his sister Sarah hopes she can finally get him off the drugs and make up for the many years she left him to suffer at the hands of their late, alcoholic father.
Only Sarah has no idea that Sebastian has brought back with him something far worse than any drug. In the depths of the web, he found “Room of Cloth,” an unfinished manuscript linked to disappearances and suicides, rumored to drive its readers insane.
For Sebastian, completing the story means escaping from a ruined life to a place free of pain and suffering. The manuscript tells him as much, first on the page and then in his dreams. We’re waiting for you, the voices whisper. All are welcome within the room of cloth. All are saved.
When Sarah also falls under the manuscript’s influence, she begins a desperate bid to save herself and the family she once abandoned, unaware that Sebastian may have already opened the door to a fate neither can escape—even in death.
Only Sarah has no idea that Sebastian has brought back with him something far worse than any drug. In the depths of the web, he found “Room of Cloth,” an unfinished manuscript linked to disappearances and suicides, rumored to drive its readers insane.
For Sebastian, completing the story means escaping from a ruined life to a place free of pain and suffering. The manuscript tells him as much, first on the page and then in his dreams. We’re waiting for you, the voices whisper. All are welcome within the room of cloth. All are saved.
When Sarah also falls under the manuscript’s influence, she begins a desperate bid to save herself and the family she once abandoned, unaware that Sebastian may have already opened the door to a fate neither can escape—even in death.
- GenresHorror
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
8 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
R.H. Gründ
4 books27 followersHorror writer | Author of the ROOM OF CLOTH series, SIMULACRUM, and INFLUENCE
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 6, 2023
This book grabbed me by the hand and took my on a wild ride in the best way possible. It has everything I love in a horror and more. Spooks, mystery, urban legend, psychological aspects, and the paranormal. As a bonus, the characters were so well-rounded, their stories so compelling, I really felt like they were real people. This book really has it all. I especially loved the family relationships that were explored and the pasts of each character revealed throughout. I really can't recommend this one enough. If you've ever read a Creepypasta and you love psychological horror, this one is for you.
February 13, 2025
Sebastian returns after a drug dealing job goes wrong to his sister Sarah who welcomes him back. He has a new mission. To finish a story so he can go to the room of cloth that accepts anyone and he can be set free.
This is a big book of something. It's just shy of 400 pages but it doesn't feel like that at all. Getting to know Sebastian and his friends to the depth we do really helped. I had to know how it ended for everyone and fully binged it one night. There is a second luckily so I will be diving into that when I next get in the mood for a long book! Perfectly well described characters and a fair amount of twists and turns that took me by surprise! Loved the fact there was some super gruesome moments in this. The imagery it's left in my head is just something else. I cannot explain how much this book means to me. It's bloody incredible. Picturesque and a must read for horror fans!
This is a big book of something. It's just shy of 400 pages but it doesn't feel like that at all. Getting to know Sebastian and his friends to the depth we do really helped. I had to know how it ended for everyone and fully binged it one night. There is a second luckily so I will be diving into that when I next get in the mood for a long book! Perfectly well described characters and a fair amount of twists and turns that took me by surprise! Loved the fact there was some super gruesome moments in this. The imagery it's left in my head is just something else. I cannot explain how much this book means to me. It's bloody incredible. Picturesque and a must read for horror fans!
February 5, 2025
This was a solid debut horror novel. The characters are written well and make the story interesting. It’s not detail heavy which leaves plenty of room for the reader to create their own twisted imagery in their heads.
If you enjoy reading stories on Creepypasta you’ll definitely have a good time with this book.
If you enjoy reading stories on Creepypasta you’ll definitely have a good time with this book.
May 20, 2023
full review at mattcantorwriting.com/room-of-cloth
For here, I'll just say there’s really no easy and short way to write this review. The best I can do is a paradox. The best I can do is to start with the end of the book. The ultimate spoilers follow. Here is the ending of Room of Cloth by RH Grund:
Room of Cloth— or at least the Kindle version, which the author was kind enough to provide me– ends with a preview of his next book, Simulacrum, due to come out within the next year or so. I’m starting with this fact because my reaction to this sample tells you more about the book before it than perhaps anything else could: I didn’t read it.
Or really, I couldn’t read it.
Upon reaching the end of Room of Cloth, a debut horror-novel exploring the darkest knots of the human condition in the internet-age, I had to stop. I couldn’t keep going, I couldn’t pick up something else, not even for a moment. I read the book in two sittings: the first quarter-or-so at my kitchen table, in between other tasks, almost on a whim– something to do while I was waiting to do something else– but like the titular book/thoughtform, Room of Cloth quickly took hold of me, and I read the other seventy-five percent over a breathless three hours in the library, while I was supposed to be doing something else. I finished the last page. I sent the author a message on twitter, congratulating him for creating something that indeed lives up to its dust-jacket quip of “A shocking debut”, in the best possible way.
And then I closed my laptop and I went to sit outside for a while in the sun. I mean it when I say that there is no higher compliment that I can give a book.
Room of Cloth is a paradox; this is what I keep coming back to over and over. It is a debut novel. It reads like a crowning masterpiece. It is self-published. It is crafted and honed and edited to a standard that a lot of what you’ll see in brick-and-mortar bookstores doesn’t even approach. It’s $4.99 as an eBook. I’d pay $19.99 for it, easy. There’s practically nothing on the cover. There’s too much inside it for any single review to make complete sense. RH Grund is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. RH Grund has written one of the most deeply terrifying books I have ever read.
For here, I'll just say there’s really no easy and short way to write this review. The best I can do is a paradox. The best I can do is to start with the end of the book. The ultimate spoilers follow. Here is the ending of Room of Cloth by RH Grund:
Room of Cloth— or at least the Kindle version, which the author was kind enough to provide me– ends with a preview of his next book, Simulacrum, due to come out within the next year or so. I’m starting with this fact because my reaction to this sample tells you more about the book before it than perhaps anything else could: I didn’t read it.
Or really, I couldn’t read it.
Upon reaching the end of Room of Cloth, a debut horror-novel exploring the darkest knots of the human condition in the internet-age, I had to stop. I couldn’t keep going, I couldn’t pick up something else, not even for a moment. I read the book in two sittings: the first quarter-or-so at my kitchen table, in between other tasks, almost on a whim– something to do while I was waiting to do something else– but like the titular book/thoughtform, Room of Cloth quickly took hold of me, and I read the other seventy-five percent over a breathless three hours in the library, while I was supposed to be doing something else. I finished the last page. I sent the author a message on twitter, congratulating him for creating something that indeed lives up to its dust-jacket quip of “A shocking debut”, in the best possible way.
And then I closed my laptop and I went to sit outside for a while in the sun. I mean it when I say that there is no higher compliment that I can give a book.
Room of Cloth is a paradox; this is what I keep coming back to over and over. It is a debut novel. It reads like a crowning masterpiece. It is self-published. It is crafted and honed and edited to a standard that a lot of what you’ll see in brick-and-mortar bookstores doesn’t even approach. It’s $4.99 as an eBook. I’d pay $19.99 for it, easy. There’s practically nothing on the cover. There’s too much inside it for any single review to make complete sense. RH Grund is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. RH Grund has written one of the most deeply terrifying books I have ever read.
August 31, 2023
Quick Take
Room of Cloth by R. H. Gründ is one of those hidden horror gems that clearly needs to be at the top of the genre in popularity. It is inspired by creepypastas, and so well written that it really got under my skin. There are no horror elements inside that exist purely for shock value. Instead, every horror element is expertly woven into the story to scare the reader before they realize what is happening. This is one of the best horror novels I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Tell Me More
Horror is one of those genres where books are either hit or miss. I often find that I either love a book, or that it just didn't do it for me. There is rarely a middle ground.
But let me tell you that I am not exaggerating when I say that Room of Cloth by R. H. Gründ is one of the best horror novels I have read this year, if not in my lifetime.
Based on modern "creepypastas", Room of Cloth follows an unfinished manuscript by the same name that has been linked to suicides and disappearances. A man named Sebastian happens to get his hands on the manuscript and falls under its spell. His sister, Sarah, also ends up becoming entranced by the manuscript, and what ensues are horrifying consequences.
While the novel does have a lot of violence, the writing is beautiful and allows room for the reader's imagination. By not providing extensive details, I found the story to be scarier than others, because it was not over explained.
I don't want to give away too much about this beautiful novel, so I will just stop here and say - go pick it up and read it. It is sure to entrap you just as it has me.
Room of Cloth by R. H. Gründ is one of those hidden horror gems that clearly needs to be at the top of the genre in popularity. It is inspired by creepypastas, and so well written that it really got under my skin. There are no horror elements inside that exist purely for shock value. Instead, every horror element is expertly woven into the story to scare the reader before they realize what is happening. This is one of the best horror novels I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Tell Me More
Horror is one of those genres where books are either hit or miss. I often find that I either love a book, or that it just didn't do it for me. There is rarely a middle ground.
But let me tell you that I am not exaggerating when I say that Room of Cloth by R. H. Gründ is one of the best horror novels I have read this year, if not in my lifetime.
Based on modern "creepypastas", Room of Cloth follows an unfinished manuscript by the same name that has been linked to suicides and disappearances. A man named Sebastian happens to get his hands on the manuscript and falls under its spell. His sister, Sarah, also ends up becoming entranced by the manuscript, and what ensues are horrifying consequences.
While the novel does have a lot of violence, the writing is beautiful and allows room for the reader's imagination. By not providing extensive details, I found the story to be scarier than others, because it was not over explained.
I don't want to give away too much about this beautiful novel, so I will just stop here and say - go pick it up and read it. It is sure to entrap you just as it has me.
November 16, 2023
Mysterious tales in an internet chat room. Strange emails appearing in inboxes. A manuscript that cannot be destroyed but instead destroys all who read it. Do you dare read "Room of Cloth"?
This is the debut, self-published novel from this author and what a debut it is. He was kind enough to provide me with a copy for an honest review.
The characters in the book are not the most appealing characters. They are all flawed in their own way. Easily manipulated by forces beyond their control. This makes them prime candidates for the manuscript and its desires.
This story taps into the darkest parts of humanity and what one is willing to do for something they are passionate about. It's a modern take on cursed objects. The entity surrounding the manuscript reminded me of The Cenobites and their love of torture. The imagery was confusing, horrific, and helped set the tone for what the main character was experiencing.
I appreciated how the concepts of "good" and "evil" were kept vague and left open for interpretation. There is a part in the book that alludes to supernatural beings having always existed and influencing mankind. Whether or not the are agents of chaos or agents of righteousness all depends on your viewpoint.
Overall I felt this was a strong debut from this author. It was a suspenseful read and I enjoyed it. I recommend you check this one out if you are a fan of thrillers, suspense, Creepypasta type horror, and books that make you feeling unsettled.
This is the debut, self-published novel from this author and what a debut it is. He was kind enough to provide me with a copy for an honest review.
The characters in the book are not the most appealing characters. They are all flawed in their own way. Easily manipulated by forces beyond their control. This makes them prime candidates for the manuscript and its desires.
This story taps into the darkest parts of humanity and what one is willing to do for something they are passionate about. It's a modern take on cursed objects. The entity surrounding the manuscript reminded me of The Cenobites and their love of torture. The imagery was confusing, horrific, and helped set the tone for what the main character was experiencing.
I appreciated how the concepts of "good" and "evil" were kept vague and left open for interpretation. There is a part in the book that alludes to supernatural beings having always existed and influencing mankind. Whether or not the are agents of chaos or agents of righteousness all depends on your viewpoint.
Overall I felt this was a strong debut from this author. It was a suspenseful read and I enjoyed it. I recommend you check this one out if you are a fan of thrillers, suspense, Creepypasta type horror, and books that make you feeling unsettled.
April 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️- Sebastian Creed returns home to his sister after finding purpose in a dark web manuscript that’s hellish influence is all too real. Sarah, Sebastian’s sister, also is unwillingly dragged into the manuscripts evil influence when she discovers it in Sebastian’s room and reads it not realizing her mistake before it’s too late. Attempting to finish the manuscript, Sebastian gets involved in a local gang to keep himself housed and fed during his labor to complete the script with an end result promising release and salvation by a sinister being he sees in his dreams and visions. Can Sarah stop her brother from self destruction and destroy the thing that threatens humanity as a whole? This story had a very interesting and unique premise. The writing was very good, but I feel that the overall story of the manuscript was a little vague and overshadowed by the narrative of the gang and it took away some of the horror factor for me. That being said it was well written and the being associated with the manuscript was definitely creepy and gruesome. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
April 7, 2023
“Room of Cloth” is described as a literary horror novel inspired by creepypastas (you know, the stories that gave rise to characters like Slenderman) and other modern-day forum threads that can take a dark turn rather quickly, especially when impressionable people are involved.
Have you ever been down a rabbit hole on the internet, consuming story after story, thread after thread, until you feel like you aren’t even in this world anymore? That’s what reading Room of Cloth is like.
It didn’t take long for me to get sucked in, following along as Sebastian slowly spiraled out of control after finding Room of Cloth - an unfinished manuscript rumored to drive readers insane. There were numerous times where I closed the book for the night and just sat in silence, feeling such an extreme sense of unease that I can only contribute to the book. I guess I would suggest not reading this in the early hours of the morning, unless you want to feel the same!
Grund was inspired by novels like House of Leaves, Insomnia (SK), The King in Yellow, and The Vegetarian, so if any of those are your vibe, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy Room of Cloth. Please note that the novel does contain scenes of graphic violence and allusions to physical/emotional abuse and sexual trauma.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to read and review! Looking forward to future publications.
Have you ever been down a rabbit hole on the internet, consuming story after story, thread after thread, until you feel like you aren’t even in this world anymore? That’s what reading Room of Cloth is like.
It didn’t take long for me to get sucked in, following along as Sebastian slowly spiraled out of control after finding Room of Cloth - an unfinished manuscript rumored to drive readers insane. There were numerous times where I closed the book for the night and just sat in silence, feeling such an extreme sense of unease that I can only contribute to the book. I guess I would suggest not reading this in the early hours of the morning, unless you want to feel the same!
Grund was inspired by novels like House of Leaves, Insomnia (SK), The King in Yellow, and The Vegetarian, so if any of those are your vibe, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy Room of Cloth. Please note that the novel does contain scenes of graphic violence and allusions to physical/emotional abuse and sexual trauma.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to read and review! Looking forward to future publications.
June 22, 2023
For fans of Hellraiser and supernatural horror, Room of Cloth is a must read. Full of seedy memorable characters, you’ll both sympathize with and be horrified by these fleshed out protagonists and antagonists. Sebastian Creed has had a rough life. A homeless addict, all Sebastian wants is to belong. Finally, a beautiful, mysterious woman he meets online tells him he has been chosen. He has been invited to the Room of Cloth. The price for this supposed salvation will come with a price however, as he delves further into the criminal underworld, all in the name of the Room and the Manacled Man. The horror slowly builds, revealing its ugly face at every turn. Begging to be adapted to film, the vivid and imaginative writing lends an air of the cinematic to the most intense scenes. You won’t be able to put it down. The Room of Cloth won’t let you.
October 24, 2025
Huh
*Received as a Goodreads giveaway* This book definitely fit the horror genre, but as you're reading this, you might have to reread things a few times. There's quite a bit of "static." Points of view get swapped without letting the reader know, online chatter is thrown in. It's very, very gory with a lot of derogatory words tossed in so be warned.
Sebastian is chosen. He finally has a goal in life. He has been living the life of a drug dealer and has violent tendencies. He shows back up in his sister's life and brings the stink of his new life ambition with him. This delves into the life of drug dealers, a mysterious book that holds a lot of power and death and lots of gore.
*Received as a Goodreads giveaway* This book definitely fit the horror genre, but as you're reading this, you might have to reread things a few times. There's quite a bit of "static." Points of view get swapped without letting the reader know, online chatter is thrown in. It's very, very gory with a lot of derogatory words tossed in so be warned.
Sebastian is chosen. He finally has a goal in life. He has been living the life of a drug dealer and has violent tendencies. He shows back up in his sister's life and brings the stink of his new life ambition with him. This delves into the life of drug dealers, a mysterious book that holds a lot of power and death and lots of gore.
November 8, 2025
I finished this days ago & I’m not convinced I’ll stop thinking about it anytime soon.
There are few moments of reprieve, but in what doesn’t feel like being locked in the room of cloth, you do come to understand and connect with every character individually. This author does a great job of giving everyone in the story humanity, and it adds so much to the narrative as a whole.
I did not want this to end, and I’m excited to finish his other works (especially his second book in this series).
The room of cloth calls to all, but will bind a few to “him”. If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of the few.
There are few moments of reprieve, but in what doesn’t feel like being locked in the room of cloth, you do come to understand and connect with every character individually. This author does a great job of giving everyone in the story humanity, and it adds so much to the narrative as a whole.
I did not want this to end, and I’m excited to finish his other works (especially his second book in this series).
The room of cloth calls to all, but will bind a few to “him”. If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of the few.
November 1, 2024
Room of Cloth is an indie horror with a lot to give to the reader. The characters are believable and their arcs range from exciting and inspiring to sad and downright melancholy.
This book provides the reader with a storyline that weaves together thriller, horror, and creepypasta providing one heck of a ride. It is fast paced, high adrenaline and will leave you wondering what’s next? Good thing there is a sequel!!
If you want to add a little diversity to your horror reads, then pick up Room of Cloth.
This book provides the reader with a storyline that weaves together thriller, horror, and creepypasta providing one heck of a ride. It is fast paced, high adrenaline and will leave you wondering what’s next? Good thing there is a sequel!!
If you want to add a little diversity to your horror reads, then pick up Room of Cloth.
July 11, 2025
Room of Cloth by R. H. Gründ is an underrated gem in the horror genre that truly deserves far more recognition. Drawing clear inspiration from creepypasta-style tales, the writing is so well-crafted it left a lasting impression on me. There’s no reliance on cheap scares or gratuitous shocks - every unsettling moment serves a deeper purpose within the narrative. The horror is so seamlessly integrated that it creeps up on you before you realise. It’s honestly one of the finest horror novels I’ve ever come across, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
February 12, 2024
Based on a review I saw on Horror Maven, I ordered this book through my local library system and I was absolutely blown away. Not only is Room of Cloth exquisitely written, it's utterly terrifying. Exceptional debut. No notes. Can't wait for Simulacrum.
October 21, 2025
A cursed story circulating the back channels of internet draws in those who seek it out leading to their obsession and eventual doom.
Sarah’s estranged addict brother, Sebastian shows up at her door like he always does, saying he's changed and things are going to be different this time. What Sarah doesn't realize is how right he actually is. He's recently stumbled across The Room of Cloth on the internet, a mysterious memoir reported to cause anyone who reads even a word of it to get sucked in and add to it's story and eventually body count.
As tantalizing as this story is (and it definitely is) what adds to this book's appeal is Grund's writing style. This book was dark and disturbing but written in such appealing and borderline poetic prose that it brings a surprising layer of beauty to black gritty macabre of what's going on.
Sarah’s estranged addict brother, Sebastian shows up at her door like he always does, saying he's changed and things are going to be different this time. What Sarah doesn't realize is how right he actually is. He's recently stumbled across The Room of Cloth on the internet, a mysterious memoir reported to cause anyone who reads even a word of it to get sucked in and add to it's story and eventually body count.
As tantalizing as this story is (and it definitely is) what adds to this book's appeal is Grund's writing style. This book was dark and disturbing but written in such appealing and borderline poetic prose that it brings a surprising layer of beauty to black gritty macabre of what's going on.
November 20, 2024
I won this book in a giveaway. It definitely had a slow start but I enjoyed it. Will read book 2.
July 4, 2025
WOW!
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it, but it turned how to be so good!
I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading it, but it turned how to be so good!
July 26, 2025
4.3
Pure insanity
This was a goodreads giveaway I won on kindle
Fascinating concept, very engaging characters
The ending goes wayyyy over the rails, in a very fun way
I do recommend
Pure insanity
This was a goodreads giveaway I won on kindle
Fascinating concept, very engaging characters
The ending goes wayyyy over the rails, in a very fun way
I do recommend
October 23, 2025
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart 💓 I love this horror book so much turns watch your triggers..
August 31, 2025
This one wormed a slow, dreadful course through succulent flesh to deposit vile propagules in my withered little heart. I report this approvingly. It's not to be missed if you like your horror literary, your characterization masterful, and your hopes for our universe nebulous at best.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews