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Grey Noise
Evan is just trying to get his store, REWIND VIDEO, up and running. Fate, unfortunately, often has other plans. Then he finds something that would be the perfect touch, an old vacuum tube TV. One that keeps turning to static. And it too has other plans.
It follows you.
Drives you.
It’s already inside you.
Lose yourself in...GREY NOISE.
It follows you.
Drives you.
It’s already inside you.
Lose yourself in...GREY NOISE.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
16 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Hawke
16 books121 followersMarcus Hawke is a writer primarily of horror and dark fiction, some fantasy and sci-fi, and a few things that defy categorization. He was born in Toronto, moved around quite a bit during the dreaded formative years, and finally settled in Calgary where he studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Many moons before that, he had aspirations of becoming a filmmaker and......well......a long story short, that didn't happen. But one thing that wasn't curtailed in that time was his love for stories and the written word. Starting with the likes of R.L. Stein in childhood, it grew into a full-fledged possession thanks to the works of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Ray Bradbury, and JRR Tolkien.
After years worth of rejections, he finally had a short story called Bump in the Night published in Jitter magazine in 2016. Since then his work has appeared in a number of publications from Dark Pine Publishing, Jitter Press, Lunatics Magazine, Strange Elf Press as well as his first full-length novel, The Miracle Sin, the award-winning collection, Acts of Violence: Twelve Tales of Terror, Grey Noise, The Axe Remembers, You Can't Take It With You, and most recently the follow up to The Miracle Sin: The Trouble With Faith and Other Stories. He also edited the October Blood and Dead of Night anthologies under his imprint, Hawke Haus Books. He lives with his feline overlord in an apartment building haunted by the type of neighbors that make a person wish a ghost would come to visit in the cold, often gloomy great white North.
In his spare time he reads, draws, paints, plays Dungeons & Dragons, and rambles in third person while writing website bios.
Many moons before that, he had aspirations of becoming a filmmaker and......well......a long story short, that didn't happen. But one thing that wasn't curtailed in that time was his love for stories and the written word. Starting with the likes of R.L. Stein in childhood, it grew into a full-fledged possession thanks to the works of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Ray Bradbury, and JRR Tolkien.
After years worth of rejections, he finally had a short story called Bump in the Night published in Jitter magazine in 2016. Since then his work has appeared in a number of publications from Dark Pine Publishing, Jitter Press, Lunatics Magazine, Strange Elf Press as well as his first full-length novel, The Miracle Sin, the award-winning collection, Acts of Violence: Twelve Tales of Terror, Grey Noise, The Axe Remembers, You Can't Take It With You, and most recently the follow up to The Miracle Sin: The Trouble With Faith and Other Stories. He also edited the October Blood and Dead of Night anthologies under his imprint, Hawke Haus Books. He lives with his feline overlord in an apartment building haunted by the type of neighbors that make a person wish a ghost would come to visit in the cold, often gloomy great white North.
In his spare time he reads, draws, paints, plays Dungeons & Dragons, and rambles in third person while writing website bios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this premise. And the undertones of depression and abuse really added some nice layers to our lead, Evan. Unfortunately, the pacing really threw off the experience for me throughout. Everything moved so quickly that, as the reader, I just felt like I was having to jump from one abbreviated plot point to the next, with no time to enjoy the story and character. I am an 80s baby, so I soaked up all the references, and just wished we had more than a single day in Evan's video store, having more awkward interactions with his friend and customers. And thinking of his old girlfriend and his nasty previous employer, Hank, and his parents. There was a ton of great material introduced, but none of it fully developed. Having worked in dead end jobs before, it can really do a number on your psyche, and that should have been the focal point. The static was a great touch, but instead of being the driving force for Evan's actions, it needed to be a little less of a trigger than everything else just weighing him down. Also, the book is very short and there was one area towards the latter portion where there were more than ten pages of images, all aimed to bring you into Evan's mindset a bit. I feel like if these were spread out more, maybe even being increasingly bundled, reflecting Evan's quickly deteriorating sanity, that would have worked a lot better, too. So, not with without a fair amount of missteps, this was still a good experience.
July 27, 2023
I came to this book with very high expectations, all of the algorithms have been telling me that this book was my perfect match and when I finally gave in and downloaded it the TikTok algorithm saw fit to put on my FYP a video of the author saying that he likes reviewers and I knew that I wouldn't know peace until I gave the algorithms what they wanted so dearly, my opinion on this book, so here I am (the irony of this considering the conclusion of this book is not entirely lost on me).
I can see why this book came up on all of my recommendation feeds, from the aesthetics of the cover to the sense of liminality that buzzes around the edges of the page and the disillusioned look at nostalgia culture so many aspects of this book seem like they could have been tailored to fit my sensibilities (I am a millennial cliché after all).
Long story short, I enjoyed the book, found the main character to be pretty relatable (at least on the being driven up the wall by a noise) aside from a couple of things I took exception to regarding pacing it was a solid read.
4.5 rounded up.
I can see why this book came up on all of my recommendation feeds, from the aesthetics of the cover to the sense of liminality that buzzes around the edges of the page and the disillusioned look at nostalgia culture so many aspects of this book seem like they could have been tailored to fit my sensibilities (I am a millennial cliché after all).
Long story short, I enjoyed the book, found the main character to be pretty relatable (at least on the being driven up the wall by a noise) aside from a couple of things I took exception to regarding pacing it was a solid read.
4.5 rounded up.
August 25, 2023
4 stars!
Such a dark, smart, funny, thought provoking, and gory, horror novella.
I loved Marcus Hawke's writing! I was highlighting so many things in my Kindle.
This was such an interesting take on a possession story.
And I loved all of the commentary on our modern day society and all of the "noise" that it brings into our lives.
Will definitely read more from Marcus Hawke in the future.
For my full thoughts check out my recent reads video: https://youtu.be/8m9sS0dRQKM
Such a dark, smart, funny, thought provoking, and gory, horror novella.
I loved Marcus Hawke's writing! I was highlighting so many things in my Kindle.
This was such an interesting take on a possession story.
And I loved all of the commentary on our modern day society and all of the "noise" that it brings into our lives.
Will definitely read more from Marcus Hawke in the future.
For my full thoughts check out my recent reads video: https://youtu.be/8m9sS0dRQKM
January 23, 2024
I had a great time with Grey Noise, which hooked me from the first chapter when Evan finds an old TV that he feels may be perfect for his new video shop business.
In particular, I loved the 80s references and have a soft spot for video shops, so I read the story's first half with a massive smile while wondering what part the old TV would play...
Within the static that resonates from that TV, something insidious stirs. Something which begins to exert itself on Evan's nerve...
Grey Noise is a solid and creepy read that left me looking forward to reading more from this author.
In particular, I loved the 80s references and have a soft spot for video shops, so I read the story's first half with a massive smile while wondering what part the old TV would play...
Within the static that resonates from that TV, something insidious stirs. Something which begins to exert itself on Evan's nerve...
Grey Noise is a solid and creepy read that left me looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 27, 2023
THINGS I LIKED:
*** It's a short novella, easily read in one day.
*** even though it's short, there's a lot packed in. Had my brain working overtime on theories, and I could not put it down. I didn't just want to keep reading, I NEEDED to.
*** major nostalgic vibes.
*** a lot of good points, makes you really think about things.
*** the illustrations were so cool, perfectly added to the overall feel of the book.
*** the authors writing style is amazing. His ability makes you feel so uncomfortable and just build on that feeling with each page *chefs kiss*
*** page 68. Iykyk. I had to put the book down and regroup myself.
*** the afterthought at the end of the book, loved being able to to get know authors thoughts.
*** this cover just gives me the creeps. It makes my skin crawl, and I don't mean just figuratively... this cover gives me goosebumps every time I stare at it. LOVE THAT!
*** Marcus himself did the cover design and graphics.
(My original rating was going to be 4.5 stars, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book since I've finished reading it over a week ago... so I've changed it to a well-deserved 5 star.)
This was my first read from Marcus, but it won't be the last. I've got Miracle Sin on my bookshelf and Acts of Violence somewhere on an amazon truck on its journeys to my house.
Thanks to Marcus Hawke for sending an arc of Grey Noise for me to read and review. As always, opinions are my own.
*** It's a short novella, easily read in one day.
*** even though it's short, there's a lot packed in. Had my brain working overtime on theories, and I could not put it down. I didn't just want to keep reading, I NEEDED to.
*** major nostalgic vibes.
*** a lot of good points, makes you really think about things.
*** the illustrations were so cool, perfectly added to the overall feel of the book.
*** the authors writing style is amazing. His ability makes you feel so uncomfortable and just build on that feeling with each page *chefs kiss*
*** page 68. Iykyk. I had to put the book down and regroup myself.
*** the afterthought at the end of the book, loved being able to to get know authors thoughts.
*** this cover just gives me the creeps. It makes my skin crawl, and I don't mean just figuratively... this cover gives me goosebumps every time I stare at it. LOVE THAT!
*** Marcus himself did the cover design and graphics.
(My original rating was going to be 4.5 stars, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book since I've finished reading it over a week ago... so I've changed it to a well-deserved 5 star.)
This was my first read from Marcus, but it won't be the last. I've got Miracle Sin on my bookshelf and Acts of Violence somewhere on an amazon truck on its journeys to my house.
Thanks to Marcus Hawke for sending an arc of Grey Noise for me to read and review. As always, opinions are my own.
July 15, 2023
Evan can’t believe his luck when he finds an old vacuum tube TV sitting on the curb with a sign labeled “FREE” attached to it. It’s the missing piece to complete the grand opening of his retro VHS rental store called “Rewind Video”. At 34 he’s downgraded from his apartment and spent all his savings fixing up the store in hopes of a blooming business. But the static of the old TV may indicate other plans as it slowly starts to invade his mind and body…kshhhhhhhhhhh….
I knew I was in good hands when I saw the quote from Videodrome at the beginning of this novella. It’s everything I expected and more but won’t be for everyone - there’s even a warning at the beginning of this novella stating “It won’t be your comfort read” so check Trigger Warnings. Grey Noise explores the darkest thoughts of living in a harsh reality where magic doesn’t actually exist. Family dysfunction, depression and the harmful impacts that technology has on us is prevalent throughout the narrative. This novella resonated with me in so many ways, it’s melancholic in tone with an important message that is horror in itself. But there is a part that made me smile from ear to ear because the imagery of a certain transformation was absolutely mind-blowing! Huge Cronenberg vibes that I’d LOVE to see adapted to film. Hawke has made my little horror loving heart so damn happy with this one. Bravo!
I’m going to go ahead and say this is in my top five of the year. It lives rent free in my head (no pun intended) with scenes I’ll constantly rewind to. It really made for an impactful and highly emotional experience that breathed life into me. I highly recommend reading this novella and the wonderful Afterthought at the end. - “I want to inspire people to pick up a pen and start writing. To pick up a brush and start painting.” Thank you Marcus Hawke for being my inspiration.
I knew I was in good hands when I saw the quote from Videodrome at the beginning of this novella. It’s everything I expected and more but won’t be for everyone - there’s even a warning at the beginning of this novella stating “It won’t be your comfort read” so check Trigger Warnings. Grey Noise explores the darkest thoughts of living in a harsh reality where magic doesn’t actually exist. Family dysfunction, depression and the harmful impacts that technology has on us is prevalent throughout the narrative. This novella resonated with me in so many ways, it’s melancholic in tone with an important message that is horror in itself. But there is a part that made me smile from ear to ear because the imagery of a certain transformation was absolutely mind-blowing! Huge Cronenberg vibes that I’d LOVE to see adapted to film. Hawke has made my little horror loving heart so damn happy with this one. Bravo!
I’m going to go ahead and say this is in my top five of the year. It lives rent free in my head (no pun intended) with scenes I’ll constantly rewind to. It really made for an impactful and highly emotional experience that breathed life into me. I highly recommend reading this novella and the wonderful Afterthought at the end. - “I want to inspire people to pick up a pen and start writing. To pick up a brush and start painting.” Thank you Marcus Hawke for being my inspiration.
July 19, 2023
This novella was very much a hellish fever dream caused by strobing static and cathode codeine.
In this story, our protagonist is Evan Grey. He is a young man who has finally scraped together enough funds to house his dream in brick and mortar. His idea: a video store in the modern day. As he is heading to the inaugural day of Video Rewind, he rescues a vintage television from being junked. Evan decides to bring it to the store (to further conjure the aesthetic of cardboard sleeves and clamshell cases). Unfortunately, the television doesn't work...or DOES IT? It does, but in a way that tears Evan's world asunder and scrambles it far worse than the naughty channels kids would try to find.
That devil box should have been left at the curb where Evan first spotted it.
Horrifying and harrowing, this story breezes by quickly. It explodes like a defective TV set and shoots shards into the jugular. It is an angry, brooding and nihilistic open letter to the death of youth and it is accented with the bitter taste of rotting nostalgia.
The story, even though it's brief, is given an intermission via a set of creative "commercials" and mixed media pages that complete the late-night horror show vibe. Another terribly twisted touch given to the narrative is the usage of two endings: one that is bleak and one that is a bit more forgiving of the protagonist's transgressions.
Read this one for yourself and choose which ending suits your perverted palate!
I'm giving this test pattern of terror and pain ☠️ x5!
In this story, our protagonist is Evan Grey. He is a young man who has finally scraped together enough funds to house his dream in brick and mortar. His idea: a video store in the modern day. As he is heading to the inaugural day of Video Rewind, he rescues a vintage television from being junked. Evan decides to bring it to the store (to further conjure the aesthetic of cardboard sleeves and clamshell cases). Unfortunately, the television doesn't work...or DOES IT? It does, but in a way that tears Evan's world asunder and scrambles it far worse than the naughty channels kids would try to find.
That devil box should have been left at the curb where Evan first spotted it.
Horrifying and harrowing, this story breezes by quickly. It explodes like a defective TV set and shoots shards into the jugular. It is an angry, brooding and nihilistic open letter to the death of youth and it is accented with the bitter taste of rotting nostalgia.
The story, even though it's brief, is given an intermission via a set of creative "commercials" and mixed media pages that complete the late-night horror show vibe. Another terribly twisted touch given to the narrative is the usage of two endings: one that is bleak and one that is a bit more forgiving of the protagonist's transgressions.
Read this one for yourself and choose which ending suits your perverted palate!
I'm giving this test pattern of terror and pain ☠️ x5!
May 9, 2024
This one story that made me think, is our lives honestly as bad as we think? Would we want to rewind time and live something over again? We need to grab life by the balls and just go with it. So, who cares if we don't have the latest phone, or gadget. Life is about living, not about things.
Evan has spent his life daydreaming about the day when he can open his own retro vhs movie store. That time holds so much nostalgia for him. On the day he opens, he finds an old tube TV lying on the kerb side, free to a good home. Great, he thinks, the TV would be a great addition to his store, but soon things get a big unbearable for Evan. The TV emits static that seems to penetrate through to his brain, turning him into a different person. He snaps, becomes aggressive, but how can he stop it?
Psychological Horror at its best. It puts under the microscope the breakdown of our psyche and how it can turn us into something else-something much more basal.
Evan has spent his life daydreaming about the day when he can open his own retro vhs movie store. That time holds so much nostalgia for him. On the day he opens, he finds an old tube TV lying on the kerb side, free to a good home. Great, he thinks, the TV would be a great addition to his store, but soon things get a big unbearable for Evan. The TV emits static that seems to penetrate through to his brain, turning him into a different person. He snaps, becomes aggressive, but how can he stop it?
Psychological Horror at its best. It puts under the microscope the breakdown of our psyche and how it can turn us into something else-something much more basal.
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this read. It was quick, spooky and aesthetically, she's a beauty. I loved the art. I've read all of MH's work, this one had a different feel. The inner dialogue was insightful and touched on thoughts that I felt were relatable and thought provoking. Was digging the retro vibe too.
August 1, 2023
I think this one was uniquely scary because it highlights all of the things we fear the most before death (felt it deep in my millennial bones)…all of the horrors of our current state & how we are inevitably the reason for our own downfall.
I think if I were more down for a nihilistic doom scroll, I would have enjoyed this a bit more. Nonetheless, Marcus Hawke is a beautiful writer and I enjoyed his style very much. Looking forward to reading more from him!
4/5!
I think if I were more down for a nihilistic doom scroll, I would have enjoyed this a bit more. Nonetheless, Marcus Hawke is a beautiful writer and I enjoyed his style very much. Looking forward to reading more from him!
4/5!
June 15, 2023
Y'all, my little 80s lovin heart is so happy right now. This gave me all the nostalgia. Growing up in the '80s, going to the local video store was a Friday night tradition. This brought it all back home!! Throw in a fucked up old school TV that makes you kill, and you got a winner with me!! At 99 pages, this is a totally bingeable and the author's afterthought is so insightful.
This story is about Evan Grey. He just opened up a retro VHS store. He finds an old tube TV on the side of the road that will be perfect for his new store. But it keeps turning the static even when it's not on. Before long the static is all Evan can hear. And it consumes him.
This story is about Evan Grey. He just opened up a retro VHS store. He finds an old tube TV on the side of the road that will be perfect for his new store. But it keeps turning the static even when it's not on. Before long the static is all Evan can hear. And it consumes him.
June 4, 2023
So f*cking good.
What happens when a horror author writes about what he is most afraid of?
Answer: You get an authentically f*cked up, deeply meaningful horror book.
Constant thoughts...worries, prioritizing, likes and dislikes, world views, social media views, finding meaning, dealing with opportunities and dead ends, anxieties and stress...to sum up...GREY NOISE, filling our minds and lives. That, in itself, is a horror story.
Then there is Evan Grey and the old vacuum tube TV he finds for free on the side of the road. The TV that would be perfect for his new video/retro collection store, Rewind Video.
His found TV barely plays his videos. What it does play is static. A mind numbing, brain exploding, tormenting static.
That static calls to him. That static has plans for him.
Honestly, I could've read a 500 page beast about Evan and his TV. It was so original and absolutely terrifying. Truly, I hope the author decides to revisit this idea and expand it into a truly horrific world.
This book went way too fast! I need more! And for those who have the good sense to read this, check out the pictures (yes, pictures). They were funny,scary and intelligent as hell (just like everything Marcus Hawke writes).
5⭐️
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What happens when a horror author writes about what he is most afraid of?
Answer: You get an authentically f*cked up, deeply meaningful horror book.
Constant thoughts...worries, prioritizing, likes and dislikes, world views, social media views, finding meaning, dealing with opportunities and dead ends, anxieties and stress...to sum up...GREY NOISE, filling our minds and lives. That, in itself, is a horror story.
Then there is Evan Grey and the old vacuum tube TV he finds for free on the side of the road. The TV that would be perfect for his new video/retro collection store, Rewind Video.
His found TV barely plays his videos. What it does play is static. A mind numbing, brain exploding, tormenting static.
That static calls to him. That static has plans for him.
Honestly, I could've read a 500 page beast about Evan and his TV. It was so original and absolutely terrifying. Truly, I hope the author decides to revisit this idea and expand it into a truly horrific world.
This book went way too fast! I need more! And for those who have the good sense to read this, check out the pictures (yes, pictures). They were funny,scary and intelligent as hell (just like everything Marcus Hawke writes).
5⭐️
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2023
Marcus does it again! This is such a fun, eery and nostalgic read! You’ll easily fly through it in an afternoon and as messed up as it gets, the nostalgia is like a warm hug from another time.
So many amazing points as far as technology, social media and how as a society we have become the media without even realizing it.
I highly recommend this to everyone - whether you are experienced with horror or you’re new to the genre, this is an amazing book!
So many amazing points as far as technology, social media and how as a society we have become the media without even realizing it.
I highly recommend this to everyone - whether you are experienced with horror or you’re new to the genre, this is an amazing book!
August 2, 2023
A man picks up an old TV and becomes plagued with the sound of static. Hawke does an incredible job of opening a window for the reader into the mind of someone losing it, being brought closer and closer to homicidal madness.
This is a quick read, with pages of really neat art interwoven. I think this really hit for me because I’m particularly fascinated and terrified at how the human mind can crack under pressure. Somehow, in only 100 pages, Hawke manages to fit and impressive amount of character development. I found myself hating the MC and then rooting for him at the end. Definitely has peaked my interest in this author.
This is a quick read, with pages of really neat art interwoven. I think this really hit for me because I’m particularly fascinated and terrified at how the human mind can crack under pressure. Somehow, in only 100 pages, Hawke manages to fit and impressive amount of character development. I found myself hating the MC and then rooting for him at the end. Definitely has peaked my interest in this author.
November 3, 2023
This book was such a blast to read. It had a great '80s vibe, and I loved that most of the book took place in a video rental store which made me nostalgic for the local video store I used to visit. It's a quick read that's got dark humor, gore, and interesting characters. Highly recommend checking this one out!
November 10, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4
This was quite an interesting novella and I love that the ‘horror’ that was explored was actually the horror of reality. How internalised thoughts and feelings can become dangerous and that if we all acted on our impulses how violent the world would be. A nice short read with a profound message complimented with some visceral, gory violence.
This was quite an interesting novella and I love that the ‘horror’ that was explored was actually the horror of reality. How internalised thoughts and feelings can become dangerous and that if we all acted on our impulses how violent the world would be. A nice short read with a profound message complimented with some visceral, gory violence.
June 17, 2023
Evan has invested everything he has into his shop, Rewind Video, it is full of nostalgic titles and decorated with his vintage collectibles. On Opening Day he finds an old analogue TV on the side of the road which fits perfectly with his theme. The static is annoying though and seems to follows him, what does it want?
This is a nightmare descent into darkness and it feels so good!
Not only an incredible psychological horror, exploring the breakdown of the human psyche but the transmutation is base and bestial.
It asks, with the constant barrage of images, information and ideas we all pour into our brains daily online, how are we not changed, transformed, moulded into something else. The mind is cavernous, it is so easy for information both good and perverse to slide in. We try to manage invasive thoughts, finding distractions to silence the constant cacophony around us. This story takes that and asks what if we stare into the abyss and just let go.
As always check the warnings at the start but this is an exceptional tale of the horrors of existence, read it, enjoy the distraction and remember when finished to be kind and rewind my friends 🖤
This is a nightmare descent into darkness and it feels so good!
Not only an incredible psychological horror, exploring the breakdown of the human psyche but the transmutation is base and bestial.
It asks, with the constant barrage of images, information and ideas we all pour into our brains daily online, how are we not changed, transformed, moulded into something else. The mind is cavernous, it is so easy for information both good and perverse to slide in. We try to manage invasive thoughts, finding distractions to silence the constant cacophony around us. This story takes that and asks what if we stare into the abyss and just let go.
As always check the warnings at the start but this is an exceptional tale of the horrors of existence, read it, enjoy the distraction and remember when finished to be kind and rewind my friends 🖤
January 8, 2024
Don't know what I expected
The story itself it well thought out and realistic. I liked the ad pages, even though I know they bug some people.
The afterword made me uncomfortable in the way that only truth can.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
The story itself it well thought out and realistic. I liked the ad pages, even though I know they bug some people.
The afterword made me uncomfortable in the way that only truth can.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 5, 2023
Y'all...I SCREAMED when I came home to this in the mailbox. Legit dropped everything and this book did not leave my hands until I finished it.
Officially my favorite read of 2023 so far(guarantee it'll be in my top 5 of the year).
Marcus just has this hauntingly beautiful writing style and I can't get enough.
Who knew nostalgia and nihilism worked so well together?
Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, disturbing story. This one will be stuck in my head for a long time. Also, the pics are such a fun touch...that first 'ad' is perfect and I wanna blow it up and put it on my wall 😍
I just have to say that there is no better feeling than knowing you aren't alone in your negative thoughts.
I've been seeing so many people bashing horror authors and readers lately because they just don't understand why we like to read/write stories that may be unpalatable for some.
Well, for most of us...this is how we cope. Finding an author who can help keep us from going off the deep end is the best kind of therapy, imo. Marcus has been one of those people for me and I'm incredibly grateful.
Officially my favorite read of 2023 so far(guarantee it'll be in my top 5 of the year).
Marcus just has this hauntingly beautiful writing style and I can't get enough.
Who knew nostalgia and nihilism worked so well together?
Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, disturbing story. This one will be stuck in my head for a long time. Also, the pics are such a fun touch...that first 'ad' is perfect and I wanna blow it up and put it on my wall 😍
I just have to say that there is no better feeling than knowing you aren't alone in your negative thoughts.
I've been seeing so many people bashing horror authors and readers lately because they just don't understand why we like to read/write stories that may be unpalatable for some.
Well, for most of us...this is how we cope. Finding an author who can help keep us from going off the deep end is the best kind of therapy, imo. Marcus has been one of those people for me and I'm incredibly grateful.
July 10, 2023
As short as this book is, it still manages to take you on quite the journey. In it, we follow our protagonist as he takes a big risk and follows his dream of opening his own nostalgic video store. On his way to his grand opening, he happens to find the perfect finishing touch to round out his decor. A vintage tube television sitting out in the curb bearing the coveted "free" sign.
In a slow descent from hope and excitement to disappointment, to sadness, to anger, to nihilism, and finally to complete madness, we spend a day in our main character's mind as he is anxiously navigating his first day and somehow becoming entranced by this mysterious TV.
While often uncomfortable, this is an interesting read that feels very much like an episode of Black Mirror.
In a slow descent from hope and excitement to disappointment, to sadness, to anger, to nihilism, and finally to complete madness, we spend a day in our main character's mind as he is anxiously navigating his first day and somehow becoming entranced by this mysterious TV.
While often uncomfortable, this is an interesting read that feels very much like an episode of Black Mirror.
July 9, 2023
"But what we excel at is anything but good. Self-destruction, disgust, disease, degradation, and indifference. That's where our talents truly lie. It's our default. And deep down we know this. We fear it."
Evan is getting his new video store up and running. He comes across something that will add the perfect touch - an old vacuum tube TV. One that constantly turns to static and has other plans for him.
I enjoyed this novella. The nostalgic memories it brought back, going to Blockbuster to browse around and rent movies. It was always Evan's dream to open up his own video store, but with it came unfortunate circumstances.
Evan was a relatable character in the sense of what he was going through. Thoughts of being a failure that spiraled into dark thoughts. I liked how Hawke explored depression and took us to the deepest, darkest corners of the mind that nobody dares talk about. It was really thought provoking.
I personally felt like something was missing. Perhaps some info on the how and why the TV was doing what it was doing. I know it's not needed, but I wanted a little more from the story. Other than that, it was a well written, enjoyable read!
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy for review!
3.5⭐️ rounded up
Evan is getting his new video store up and running. He comes across something that will add the perfect touch - an old vacuum tube TV. One that constantly turns to static and has other plans for him.
I enjoyed this novella. The nostalgic memories it brought back, going to Blockbuster to browse around and rent movies. It was always Evan's dream to open up his own video store, but with it came unfortunate circumstances.
Evan was a relatable character in the sense of what he was going through. Thoughts of being a failure that spiraled into dark thoughts. I liked how Hawke explored depression and took us to the deepest, darkest corners of the mind that nobody dares talk about. It was really thought provoking.
I personally felt like something was missing. Perhaps some info on the how and why the TV was doing what it was doing. I know it's not needed, but I wanted a little more from the story. Other than that, it was a well written, enjoyable read!
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy for review!
3.5⭐️ rounded up
December 1, 2023
"Television was blamed for making the general population more violent and detached. But the truth is that people have always been that way."
🎉 My first ever Kindle read! 🎉
Despite being proffered as a sort of cursed media-esque horror, Grey Noise... really isn't that. I think Hawke himself best describes this book in the author's notes, when he says that "if this book were to have a single label, it would be therapeutic nihilism." Yes, this novella is - on the face - about a man finding an old television that starts filling his head with noise, but in reality, Grey Noise is a personal essay about conformity and the meaning of life.
Books are, of course, more than what's written on the page: reading between the lines is just as important in horror novels as anywhere else. My issue with Grey Noise is that, well, there's no reading between the lines needed, because Hawke really just spells everything out for you. So many pages of this are just internal monologues from our main character about the mundanity and ordinariness of life, and about how what we see on screen is so fantastical that our real lives can never stack up against it, and then we die.
Hawke writes in his author's note that Grey Noise is really just a way of getting his fears out into the world - that one day, the work he's done will be forgotten, or worse, his work will never have mattered at all. It's nihilism, certainly, but existentialism, too. It's really fitting that Grey Noise starts out with a quote from Cronenberg's Videodrome, because the two works are practically parallels. Really, I find that in too many ways, Grey Noise is practically just Videodrome fanfiction.
That being said, the horror aspects of this novella were really interesting. I'd describe Grey Noise as Videodrome meets The Shining meets The Magnus Archives, and if this book hadn't leaned so much into existential horror, I would've absolutely adored it. The ending of this novella was fascinating, and although it offers a very clear-cut 'moral of the story,' I really like the way Hawke created this... thing. Whatever you want to consider the television in this story, whether it's paranormal, alien, or not supernatural in any respect at all, it's a super interesting concept. Unfortunately, for me, the horror concept wasn't done justice because of the preoccupation with philosophies.
🎉 My first ever Kindle read! 🎉
Despite being proffered as a sort of cursed media-esque horror, Grey Noise... really isn't that. I think Hawke himself best describes this book in the author's notes, when he says that "if this book were to have a single label, it would be therapeutic nihilism." Yes, this novella is - on the face - about a man finding an old television that starts filling his head with noise, but in reality, Grey Noise is a personal essay about conformity and the meaning of life.
Books are, of course, more than what's written on the page: reading between the lines is just as important in horror novels as anywhere else. My issue with Grey Noise is that, well, there's no reading between the lines needed, because Hawke really just spells everything out for you. So many pages of this are just internal monologues from our main character about the mundanity and ordinariness of life, and about how what we see on screen is so fantastical that our real lives can never stack up against it, and then we die.
Hawke writes in his author's note that Grey Noise is really just a way of getting his fears out into the world - that one day, the work he's done will be forgotten, or worse, his work will never have mattered at all. It's nihilism, certainly, but existentialism, too. It's really fitting that Grey Noise starts out with a quote from Cronenberg's Videodrome, because the two works are practically parallels. Really, I find that in too many ways, Grey Noise is practically just Videodrome fanfiction.
That being said, the horror aspects of this novella were really interesting. I'd describe Grey Noise as Videodrome meets The Shining meets The Magnus Archives, and if this book hadn't leaned so much into existential horror, I would've absolutely adored it. The ending of this novella was fascinating, and although it offers a very clear-cut 'moral of the story,' I really like the way Hawke created this... thing. Whatever you want to consider the television in this story, whether it's paranormal, alien, or not supernatural in any respect at all, it's a super interesting concept. Unfortunately, for me, the horror concept wasn't done justice because of the preoccupation with philosophies.
November 28, 2023
This novella details the downward spiral of one Evan Grey after he finds an old CRT TV set, which begins altering his perception of reality and goading him down a dark path towards violence.
I do have to preface this review by saying Marcus is a friend and has published a couple of my stories, but I would not have reviewed the book if I didn’t enjoy it. I really dug this tale of a man grappling with reality and his dark impulses which may or may not have something to do with the mysterious TV set that keeps pumping out the titular grey noise into his mind.
Evan has just opened a retro video store (not unlike Dead Video also owned by an Evan!) and coincidentally finds the TV set on his way to work. What starts as a retro display piece, quickly becomes a harbinger of Evan’s deterioration, spurred on by money troubles and other escalating problems. Evan is a completely relatable character - a fairly normal person who has stepped out and realised his dream, but then struggles to keep that dream alive due to forces both external and internal. What I appreciated about this book is the way Marcus keeps that sliver of uncertainty running throughout - is the TV really affecting Evan or is it all in his head?
This is a quick read, and while I could easily have stayed on this journey for another 100 pages or so, the book feels right at this length - the story didn’t need to be expanded beyond what it is here.
‘Grey Noise’ comes with a rating of N for Nihilistic - Viewer Depression Advised. And while that is the case, it is not darkness for darkness’s sake - it has a positive message underpinning the bleakness - to face one's fears & try to make the world a better place in whatever small way you can. Marcus describes the book as therapeutic nihilism, and I would say that goes for both the author himself, who is openly detailing his own grapplings with his place in the world, and the reader too, who can relate only to the issues explored here.
Put some Grey Noise in your TBR, it is a bleak but ultimately hopeful read, which is what we could use right about now - hope in the face of an increasingly bleak world.
I do have to preface this review by saying Marcus is a friend and has published a couple of my stories, but I would not have reviewed the book if I didn’t enjoy it. I really dug this tale of a man grappling with reality and his dark impulses which may or may not have something to do with the mysterious TV set that keeps pumping out the titular grey noise into his mind.
Evan has just opened a retro video store (not unlike Dead Video also owned by an Evan!) and coincidentally finds the TV set on his way to work. What starts as a retro display piece, quickly becomes a harbinger of Evan’s deterioration, spurred on by money troubles and other escalating problems. Evan is a completely relatable character - a fairly normal person who has stepped out and realised his dream, but then struggles to keep that dream alive due to forces both external and internal. What I appreciated about this book is the way Marcus keeps that sliver of uncertainty running throughout - is the TV really affecting Evan or is it all in his head?
This is a quick read, and while I could easily have stayed on this journey for another 100 pages or so, the book feels right at this length - the story didn’t need to be expanded beyond what it is here.
‘Grey Noise’ comes with a rating of N for Nihilistic - Viewer Depression Advised. And while that is the case, it is not darkness for darkness’s sake - it has a positive message underpinning the bleakness - to face one's fears & try to make the world a better place in whatever small way you can. Marcus describes the book as therapeutic nihilism, and I would say that goes for both the author himself, who is openly detailing his own grapplings with his place in the world, and the reader too, who can relate only to the issues explored here.
Put some Grey Noise in your TBR, it is a bleak but ultimately hopeful read, which is what we could use right about now - hope in the face of an increasingly bleak world.
February 24, 2025
At 34 years old, Evan Grey is finally about to fulfill his dream of opening 'Rewind Video' - a nostalgic recreation of a classic 80s/90s video store. His very own corner of the world, built with the last of his savings and a lot of hard work, is filled with treasured collectibles, memorabilia and countless VHS tapes, each chosen to take his customers back to a golden era of home entertainment.
On the morning of July 18th, just before his grand opening, Evan randomly stumbles upon an old vacuum tube TV abandoned on the side of the road, yet somehow in pristine condition. It seemed like the perfect addition to his store. It seemed..
Then, the static begins.
What starts as an annoying but harmless background noise becomes an inescapable, overwhelming force. The TV refuses to play anything but a relentless and invasive wall of sound. Kshhhhhhhhhh.... It follows Evan. It's inside his head. And there is no shutting it off.
But 'Grey Noise' isn't just a story about a 'haunted TV'.
There's Evan and his inner struggles, chronically disappointed with people and life itself, chasing joy and comfort in all the vhs goodies that made him happy as a kid.
And there is also the underlying reflection on modern life, the state of the world and how we fail to cope with it, how we allow fear and anxiety to cripple our will to actually live instead of just surviving.
As a Gen Xer and an often overwhelmed human - sometimes a prisoner of my own mind - I could easily relate to Evan's inner dialogue and the author's honest and vulnerable thoughts on the world today.
Massive thumbs up from me!
On the morning of July 18th, just before his grand opening, Evan randomly stumbles upon an old vacuum tube TV abandoned on the side of the road, yet somehow in pristine condition. It seemed like the perfect addition to his store. It seemed..
Then, the static begins.
What starts as an annoying but harmless background noise becomes an inescapable, overwhelming force. The TV refuses to play anything but a relentless and invasive wall of sound. Kshhhhhhhhhh.... It follows Evan. It's inside his head. And there is no shutting it off.
But 'Grey Noise' isn't just a story about a 'haunted TV'.
There's Evan and his inner struggles, chronically disappointed with people and life itself, chasing joy and comfort in all the vhs goodies that made him happy as a kid.
And there is also the underlying reflection on modern life, the state of the world and how we fail to cope with it, how we allow fear and anxiety to cripple our will to actually live instead of just surviving.
As a Gen Xer and an often overwhelmed human - sometimes a prisoner of my own mind - I could easily relate to Evan's inner dialogue and the author's honest and vulnerable thoughts on the world today.
Massive thumbs up from me!
June 20, 2023
I’m still reeling from this story so my thoughts may be all over the place.
*Full of that nostalgia that many of us 80’s and 90’s kids grew up with Evan our MC stumbles on a free tube TV on the side of the road, just what he needs for opening day of his retro themed video store.
But when the static starts and the day begins to sour it slowly becomes clear why the TV 📺 was free.*
This story has all the typical elements of a horror but is far from typical. It is full of the spiraling thoughts that plague a person in the darkest dark, so much so that I found the despair in it even scarier then the more supernatural elements.
I found myself in it often and that bred its own discomfort. To read a character follow that downward spiral, take the world to task for its multitude of ills and do it unflinchingly was an experience I had to take breaks from to keep my mental health intact.
Hawke speaks at the end of writing of his fears in this story and when a horror writer is afraid you know it’s serious.
The book has two endings not unlike some of those nostalgic movies loved by our MC and the way it was written was not only masterful but satisfying.
This book has solidified my thoughts of just how brilliant Hawke is as a writer. This book love it or hate it is guaranteed to cut through the noise and make you feel.
4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫
Thank you to the author for providing a copy for review
January 3, 2024
In Grey Noise by Marcus Hawke is a horror novella where we follow Evan, who is the owner of a video store. He picks up a tv from the curb, and suddenly starts hearing static that just gets louder and louder until it consumes him.
I enjoyed how existential dread was incorporated into this novella.
In the Afterthought Marcus wrote “Don’t let the noise in your heard get to you.” I loved that!
My only dislike of this was the long internal monologue Evan had.
I enjoyed how existential dread was incorporated into this novella.
In the Afterthought Marcus wrote “Don’t let the noise in your heard get to you.” I loved that!
My only dislike of this was the long internal monologue Evan had.
November 9, 2023
3-3.5
"The moral is quite simple: don’t let the noise in your head get to you."
What an interesting read. It did not go in the way I thought it was going to at all. I was so confused at one point haha. It was pretty weird, but def worth it! Especially since it's so short it can be read within a day for sure.
"The moral is quite simple: don’t let the noise in your head get to you."
What an interesting read. It did not go in the way I thought it was going to at all. I was so confused at one point haha. It was pretty weird, but def worth it! Especially since it's so short it can be read within a day for sure.
July 1, 2023
Marcus is one of the best authors I’ve come across. Grey Noise captures what everyone I feel will go through at one time or another. I know I’ve had similar thoughts and Marcus just has a way with words that soothes my soul. I highly recommend this book and all of his others.
July 8, 2023
This story is deranged and terrifying, yet Marcus wrote it so poetically. I finished it and literally thought to myself: "That was beautiful." I don't know what that says about me, but this piece will sit in my soul for the rest of my life and I'm more than okay with that.
November 30, 2023
The cynicism of the main character was dim and realistic. I really liked the representaion of static as the noise in your head, and being pushed by that noise. Well edited and moves at a fast pace, which I don’t mind for horror. Great story!
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