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It Haunts the Mind, and Other Stories
Dive into the chilling depths of the human psyche with Nick Roberts, the acclaimed author behind bestsellers like The Exorcist’s House and Anathema. Presenting a collection of fifteen tales, It Haunts the Mind masterfully weaves horror with raw emotion, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul.
From the malevolent presence in 'Sally Under the Bed' and the eponymous 'It Haunts the Mind' to the raw brutality of 'The Noose' and 'The Bitter End', Roberts showcases his unparalleled ability to terrify. Yet, it’s not just supernatural dread that lurks in these pages. Stories like 'Thanks for Sharing' and 'The Weeping Wind' delve into the very real horrors of addiction and grief, while 'The Paperboy' and 'Voodoo Bay' introduce monsters that defy reality.
Perfect for aficionados of horror short stories, suspenseful tales, and narratives that explore the human condition, It Haunts the Mind is a testament to the power of storytelling, blending supernatural terror with the very real demons that haunt our lives. Whether you're drawn to tales of possession, substance abuse, or coming-of-age horror, this collection promises to both terrify and move you in equal measure.
From the malevolent presence in 'Sally Under the Bed' and the eponymous 'It Haunts the Mind' to the raw brutality of 'The Noose' and 'The Bitter End', Roberts showcases his unparalleled ability to terrify. Yet, it’s not just supernatural dread that lurks in these pages. Stories like 'Thanks for Sharing' and 'The Weeping Wind' delve into the very real horrors of addiction and grief, while 'The Paperboy' and 'Voodoo Bay' introduce monsters that defy reality.
Perfect for aficionados of horror short stories, suspenseful tales, and narratives that explore the human condition, It Haunts the Mind is a testament to the power of storytelling, blending supernatural terror with the very real demons that haunt our lives. Whether you're drawn to tales of possession, substance abuse, or coming-of-age horror, this collection promises to both terrify and move you in equal measure.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2023
408 people are currently reading
1590 people want to read
About the author
Nick Roberts
31 books2,451 followersNick Roberts is a native West Virginian and a doctoral graduate of Marshall University. He is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the Horror Authors Guild. His works include Anathema, The Exorcist's House, It Haunts the Mind & Other Stories, and Mean Spirited. He currently resides in South Carolina with his family and is an advocate for people in recovery from substance use disorder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
September 30, 2023
Well written but, not for me!
These stories were just too gruesome for my taste. I noted the high ratings given by other readers but I just couldn't go down that path. Yes, the stories were well constructed, dark plots, well crafted characters and very atmospheric. Unfortunately, I found most of the tales sad, depressing and lacking any form of humour. Sorry I couldn't score higher.
These stories were just too gruesome for my taste. I noted the high ratings given by other readers but I just couldn't go down that path. Yes, the stories were well constructed, dark plots, well crafted characters and very atmospheric. Unfortunately, I found most of the tales sad, depressing and lacking any form of humour. Sorry I couldn't score higher.
June 23, 2023
This is possibly the best single author collection of stories that I may read this year. All but two of these stories exceeded my expectations. There are three stories worthy of five-star recognition. None of these stories disappointed me. There is a high level of talent on display here.
Roberts includes author notes at the end that reveal insightful details regarding the creation of these stories. It also explains why so many of the settings are small towns in West Virginia, and also why multiple stories deal with opioids, drug addiction, and homelessness. Roberts pulls from experience.
SALLY UNDER THE BED is a variation on the urban myth where a name, phrase, or song is repeated and bad things happen. (Example: say "Bloody Mary" three times and she appears.) I enjoyed the set-up, with an online author of paranormal stories looking for a hot topic and finding it. The descriptions are particularly disturbing, and not just those of Sally but also the effect of meth addiction. FOUR STARS.
THE DEAL A hitman as lifestyle coach, with an extended contract that expires in the fifth year? I love that Roberts finishes the story with an ending paragraph that lets the reader decide how it ends. You can choose between glass half full or glass half empty. I can see it from both perspectives. Great creativity. FIVE STARS
THE HALFWAY HOUSE "The three men lived in an addiction recovery house in a small Appalachian town plagued by the drug epidemic. The national opioid crisis had come to full fruition in their home state of West Virginia. . . . . . The move to regulate legal opioids left a massive hole in the market just waiting to be filled. With its' cheaper prices and easier availability, heroin gladly stepped in. Three men in rehab meet a new tenant, another addict who has been the subject of an experimental cure. It won't be a house party. FOUR STARS
THANKS FOR SHARING Jack is haunted by the memory of his deceased brother, and keeps returning to the AA meetings that they used to attend together. Seems like a weak premise for a story, but Roberts knows how to sell it. It's all in the characterization, which he has been excelling at so far in this collection. Plus, I left out a telling detail that would spoil it all. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
THE PAPERBOY One of the longer stories in this collection, but deservedly so. In 1994, college students get into a drunken argument at a golf course that ends in a fight and an accidental death. The death is witnessed by a group of youngsters near the edge of the woods and river beside the course. This gave off a real STAND BY ME (the movie) vibe before taking two twisty turns and getting wild. I would read this one over again. The pacing is perfect.FIVE STARS
HUNTING SEASON A memory of a hunting accident haunts a lonely, troubled man. Very blunt and to the point, and also disturbing.THREE STARS
GRANDMA RUTH brings new meaning to the old adage "respect your elders". Very high creep factor. Chilling. Also angry and mean. FOUR STARS.
PERCEPTO Roberts does an amazing job of creating characters in dire straits suffering from depression and making readers empathize with them before he details solutions, often also dire. The time, an operator of an old movie theater is inspired to take action based on a 1959 film, William Castle's THE TINGLER which starred Vincent Price (one of the films that scared me at a more impressionable age). This story created a stinging, prickling sensation as I read it. FOUR STARS.
THE BITTER END is not horror, but an engrossing bit of crime fiction that actually ends on a positive note (but not for everybody). A homeless man gets pulled into an effort to take down some criminal drug dealers. FOUR STARS
THE DEVIL'S ROAD College student wants to solve his aunt's unsolved murder from many years ago. She was the ninth victim of the Countdown Killer. The conversation between student investigator and the killer is worth the wait, especially when the buildup is so exciting. This has all the makings for a longer thriller novel, but Roberts keeps it taut at thirty-eight pages. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
TWO DECADES DOWN AND I ONLY LOVE YOU AT NIGHT Thirty years after fiancee Henry goes missing in the Vietnam War, Ava has moved on - married with children. But she visits Henry every night in odd dreams. THREE STARS
VOODOO BAY was one of the best stories in last year's DEAD SEAS IV aquatic horror anthology. It still packs a punch on a second reading. Strange idol worship on a small Caribbean island. FOUR STARS
THE WEEPING WIND is not a traditional horror story but is extremely horrifying. A five year old has a traumatic incident implanted in her memory forever. Powerful and unsettling. FIVE STARS.
THE NOOSE A ghost story in the Old West. Gunslinger on the run. Well done. FOUR STARS
IT HAUNTS THE MIND This story fits inside the setting for THE EXORCIST'S HOUSE novel by Roberts, right in-between the prologue and the first chapter. Three teens decide to have drinking party on the site of the burned down haunted house. This builds slowly, then gets grim very fast. It's just as wild as the novel, with plenty of scares. FOUR STARS
Roberts includes author notes at the end that reveal insightful details regarding the creation of these stories. It also explains why so many of the settings are small towns in West Virginia, and also why multiple stories deal with opioids, drug addiction, and homelessness. Roberts pulls from experience.
SALLY UNDER THE BED is a variation on the urban myth where a name, phrase, or song is repeated and bad things happen. (Example: say "Bloody Mary" three times and she appears.) I enjoyed the set-up, with an online author of paranormal stories looking for a hot topic and finding it. The descriptions are particularly disturbing, and not just those of Sally but also the effect of meth addiction. FOUR STARS.
THE DEAL A hitman as lifestyle coach, with an extended contract that expires in the fifth year? I love that Roberts finishes the story with an ending paragraph that lets the reader decide how it ends. You can choose between glass half full or glass half empty. I can see it from both perspectives. Great creativity. FIVE STARS
THE HALFWAY HOUSE "The three men lived in an addiction recovery house in a small Appalachian town plagued by the drug epidemic. The national opioid crisis had come to full fruition in their home state of West Virginia. . . . . . The move to regulate legal opioids left a massive hole in the market just waiting to be filled. With its' cheaper prices and easier availability, heroin gladly stepped in. Three men in rehab meet a new tenant, another addict who has been the subject of an experimental cure. It won't be a house party. FOUR STARS
THANKS FOR SHARING Jack is haunted by the memory of his deceased brother, and keeps returning to the AA meetings that they used to attend together. Seems like a weak premise for a story, but Roberts knows how to sell it. It's all in the characterization, which he has been excelling at so far in this collection. Plus, I left out a telling detail that would spoil it all. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
THE PAPERBOY One of the longer stories in this collection, but deservedly so. In 1994, college students get into a drunken argument at a golf course that ends in a fight and an accidental death. The death is witnessed by a group of youngsters near the edge of the woods and river beside the course. This gave off a real STAND BY ME (the movie) vibe before taking two twisty turns and getting wild. I would read this one over again. The pacing is perfect.FIVE STARS
HUNTING SEASON A memory of a hunting accident haunts a lonely, troubled man. Very blunt and to the point, and also disturbing.THREE STARS
GRANDMA RUTH brings new meaning to the old adage "respect your elders". Very high creep factor. Chilling. Also angry and mean. FOUR STARS.
PERCEPTO Roberts does an amazing job of creating characters in dire straits suffering from depression and making readers empathize with them before he details solutions, often also dire. The time, an operator of an old movie theater is inspired to take action based on a 1959 film, William Castle's THE TINGLER which starred Vincent Price (one of the films that scared me at a more impressionable age). This story created a stinging, prickling sensation as I read it. FOUR STARS.
THE BITTER END is not horror, but an engrossing bit of crime fiction that actually ends on a positive note (but not for everybody). A homeless man gets pulled into an effort to take down some criminal drug dealers. FOUR STARS
THE DEVIL'S ROAD College student wants to solve his aunt's unsolved murder from many years ago. She was the ninth victim of the Countdown Killer. The conversation between student investigator and the killer is worth the wait, especially when the buildup is so exciting. This has all the makings for a longer thriller novel, but Roberts keeps it taut at thirty-eight pages. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
TWO DECADES DOWN AND I ONLY LOVE YOU AT NIGHT Thirty years after fiancee Henry goes missing in the Vietnam War, Ava has moved on - married with children. But she visits Henry every night in odd dreams. THREE STARS
VOODOO BAY was one of the best stories in last year's DEAD SEAS IV aquatic horror anthology. It still packs a punch on a second reading. Strange idol worship on a small Caribbean island. FOUR STARS
THE WEEPING WIND is not a traditional horror story but is extremely horrifying. A five year old has a traumatic incident implanted in her memory forever. Powerful and unsettling. FIVE STARS.
THE NOOSE A ghost story in the Old West. Gunslinger on the run. Well done. FOUR STARS
IT HAUNTS THE MIND This story fits inside the setting for THE EXORCIST'S HOUSE novel by Roberts, right in-between the prologue and the first chapter. Three teens decide to have drinking party on the site of the burned down haunted house. This builds slowly, then gets grim very fast. It's just as wild as the novel, with plenty of scares. FOUR STARS
August 20, 2025
If you know me you know I love a good anthology/short stories collection and this was creepy, eerie, and just the right amount of unsettling. Some stories chilled me more than others. The narration was fantastic and really amped up the atmosphere. I definitely got goosebumps a few times listening at night! Perfect for horror fans who like their scares in bite sized doses.
December 17, 2023
I actually preordered a paperback of this, but I’ve been too busy to get to it. The author very kindly sent me over an audible code, so I was able to fit it in sooner. Sadly there is a short story where you are not supposed to say the rhyme out loud so now I am unfortunately cursed. Alex Schiffer does a pretty solid job with narration though.
This collection features 15 short stories, some of which have been published elsewhere before, but were entirely new to me. One of the cool things about them being from other anthologies is that you are getting a slew of locales and types of horror in this single collection, nothing reads as one note.
My personally favorite was Percepto! not only in its shock value, but also for the classic Vincent Price. A close runner up was Sally Under the Bed, which to me felt almost like Hendrix’s Ankle Snatcher but from a younger perspective and somehow even creepier.
Naturally, I’m really here to talk about It Haunts the Mind. The collection’s namesake, but also a short story from the world of The Exorcist’s House (which I absolutely loved). I believe this fits somewhere within the opening of the novel and the family moving into the vacated house. Three teens plan to get drunk and look around. They’ve heard rumors, but they aren’t scared. Fans will see a familiar face, and be haunted by a familiar, foul-mouthed presence. With it being short it doesn’t quite hit the same level of creepy, but I enjoyed the extra layer in background.
Personally a 4.5/5*.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-it-hau...
This collection features 15 short stories, some of which have been published elsewhere before, but were entirely new to me. One of the cool things about them being from other anthologies is that you are getting a slew of locales and types of horror in this single collection, nothing reads as one note.
My personally favorite was Percepto! not only in its shock value, but also for the classic Vincent Price. A close runner up was Sally Under the Bed, which to me felt almost like Hendrix’s Ankle Snatcher but from a younger perspective and somehow even creepier.
Naturally, I’m really here to talk about It Haunts the Mind. The collection’s namesake, but also a short story from the world of The Exorcist’s House (which I absolutely loved). I believe this fits somewhere within the opening of the novel and the family moving into the vacated house. Three teens plan to get drunk and look around. They’ve heard rumors, but they aren’t scared. Fans will see a familiar face, and be haunted by a familiar, foul-mouthed presence. With it being short it doesn’t quite hit the same level of creepy, but I enjoyed the extra layer in background.
Personally a 4.5/5*.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-it-hau...
June 5, 2023
Come for the horror, stay for the heartbreaking emotion that bleeds into every page. Roberts really shows his range here, and it’s obvious early on in these stories that they will stick with you long after reading them. It Haunts The Mind is that damn good
October 5, 2024
Nick Roberts’ short story collection emphasizes how horror can have heart and soul; how scary tales can share meaningful messages. I know the author has talked about his inspirations and struggles in the past, and a lot of what he’s mentioned I see reflected in many of the plots and settings within this book. Despite some of the awful outcomes for some of the characters, you really connect with them in the stories and can’t help but hold out hope for them to survive & even thrive.
The notes section at the end was very interesting to read, I love when authors do this to share more of their inspirations for each individual tale.
While I enjoyed everything he’s written in “It Haunts the Mind”, a few really stood out to me:
“Sally Under the Bed” centres around a very, very creepy urban legend. At one point I dropped my phone and it fell under the bed and I had to turn on the lights before I peeked under there. Readers, for your own safety, please don’t speak the rhyme out loud! 😭🙏🏼
“The Paperboy” was awesome! It gave me “Summer of Night” by Dan Simmons vibes. A group of kids enjoying a day on the river run into trouble and have to flee for their lives. This was just a well rounded coming of age story where one boy learns an important life lesson about responsibilities, loyalty, and the bonds within a community.
“The Weeping Wind” absolutely shook me. I was so scared for the children in the car and what their father might do. It’s so sad that these events are actually happening in the real world probably everyday.
If you’re looking for a collection that will scare, shock, and thrill you then look no further. You may even leave with a few new perspectives on addiction, homelessness, and daily struggles of downtrodden.
The notes section at the end was very interesting to read, I love when authors do this to share more of their inspirations for each individual tale.
While I enjoyed everything he’s written in “It Haunts the Mind”, a few really stood out to me:
“Sally Under the Bed” centres around a very, very creepy urban legend. At one point I dropped my phone and it fell under the bed and I had to turn on the lights before I peeked under there. Readers, for your own safety, please don’t speak the rhyme out loud! 😭🙏🏼
“The Paperboy” was awesome! It gave me “Summer of Night” by Dan Simmons vibes. A group of kids enjoying a day on the river run into trouble and have to flee for their lives. This was just a well rounded coming of age story where one boy learns an important life lesson about responsibilities, loyalty, and the bonds within a community.
“The Weeping Wind” absolutely shook me. I was so scared for the children in the car and what their father might do. It’s so sad that these events are actually happening in the real world probably everyday.
If you’re looking for a collection that will scare, shock, and thrill you then look no further. You may even leave with a few new perspectives on addiction, homelessness, and daily struggles of downtrodden.
July 14, 2023
Great collection from Nick Roberts. A varied collection of short stories with a recurring theme of addiction among many of the entrants. A few of my favourites are listed below.
Sally Under the Bed had the imagination and terror of every childhood legend. Very nicely done.
The Weeping Wind was absolutely heartbreaking and horrific in its realism. A very difficult but important read.
The titular story, It Haunts the Mind, is set in the world of Roberts hugely popular The Exorcists House. This short story takes place between the prologue and opening chapters of TEH and slots very comfortably into place. Eerie and gory in equal measures, it was a strong tale to finish out the collection.
Looking forward to his future works. He's an author I've enjoyed hugely this year and I foresee great things in his future!
Sally Under the Bed had the imagination and terror of every childhood legend. Very nicely done.
The Weeping Wind was absolutely heartbreaking and horrific in its realism. A very difficult but important read.
The titular story, It Haunts the Mind, is set in the world of Roberts hugely popular The Exorcists House. This short story takes place between the prologue and opening chapters of TEH and slots very comfortably into place. Eerie and gory in equal measures, it was a strong tale to finish out the collection.
Looking forward to his future works. He's an author I've enjoyed hugely this year and I foresee great things in his future!
September 9, 2023
Favorite was "Sally Under the Bed".
August 5, 2025
hmm i was really expecting these stories to “haunt the mind”, but there were only a select few that i liked. the rest were kinda forgettable :p
July 21, 2023
Well well well. The Exorcists house was good but this was amazing. Much grittier than what I have read from Nick Roberts. I like it gritty. Give me all the grittiness. Anyways, you get the point lol. The stories in this compilation are a grab bag of horror greatness. There’s true life horror that deals with addiction and murderers and there’s also monster horror. Something for everyone in It Haunts The Mind.
My fave stories in this have to be Voodoo Bay, The Devils Road, The Noose, and the oh so traumatizing SALLY UNDER THE BED. I was terrified as a kid and STILL never sleep with the bathroom door open because of Candyman and Bloody Mary. SUTB gives me the Candyman/Bloody Mary vibes.
I am someone who has struggled in the past with addiction and seen many people die from it so The Weeping Wind is indeed a true horror story for people who understand all too well the devastation addiction can cause. There’s a few other stories in here as well that cover the topic.
Well done!
My fave stories in this have to be Voodoo Bay, The Devils Road, The Noose, and the oh so traumatizing SALLY UNDER THE BED. I was terrified as a kid and STILL never sleep with the bathroom door open because of Candyman and Bloody Mary. SUTB gives me the Candyman/Bloody Mary vibes.
I am someone who has struggled in the past with addiction and seen many people die from it so The Weeping Wind is indeed a true horror story for people who understand all too well the devastation addiction can cause. There’s a few other stories in here as well that cover the topic.
Well done!
July 17, 2023
Nice collection of short stories, but after The Exorcists House and Anathema, i expected to be more scared.
I really enjoyed It Haunts the mind though, can't wait for TEH2! Oh, and Sally under the Bed!!! And the one about the Grandma!! Ok i may have been creeped out a few times reading this collection.
I really enjoyed It Haunts the mind though, can't wait for TEH2! Oh, and Sally under the Bed!!! And the one about the Grandma!! Ok i may have been creeped out a few times reading this collection.
August 20, 2023
Great collection of short stories. With a mixture of heart, gore, fun, nihilism and upbeat, there is a story that will captivate and stay with the reader long afterwards
June 19, 2023
Nick is an amazing storyteller. It is so hard to pick a favorite but Grandma Ruth gave me chills! Each story had a different feel to it but each one was also amazingly written and page turning. Fans of The Exorcists House will definitely appreciate the last story in the book.
September 2, 2024
Read this in a day’s time, as one simply cannot walk away from anything penned by Nick Roberts. These tales will most definitely haunt the mind long after ingesting them. My favorites were “Sally Under the Bed,” “The Paperboy,” “Vooodoo Bay” and “The Noose.” If you’ve enjoyed any or Robert’s work, this is a must read. He packs all the horror of a full novel into each individual story. Definitely recommend.
June 20, 2023
As always, Nick Roberts knocked it out of the park with stories that are not only terrifying, but deep and heartfelt and raw as well. Every story in this collection was amazing and will definitely live rent free in my head. It really does haunt the mind.
November 9, 2024
My first Roberts' book, even though I have The Exorcist's House sitting on a shelf, being unfairly neglected. If it's half as good as these short stories, it will be a worthwhile read.
My top four include:
"Sally Under the Bed" - Truly chilling tale revolving around a children's rhyme that when said aloud comes with terrifying consequences. A reporter learns this after interviewing a woman who summoned the creepy title character as a child.
"Percepto!" - I'm a huge Vincent Price fan, so this story inspired by the William Castle classic, The Tingler, was right up my alley. A friendless man whose wife is cheating on him decides to get revenge and use the Price film as inspiration for his revenge on the town where he never fit in.
"It Haunts the Mind" is a prequel to The Exorcist's House novel. Three teenagers go to the run down house to drink and have fun, but things start seeming off very quickly. Strange figures are seen, someone is possessed, and everything goes to hell in a handbasket.
"The Devil's Road" - A man is spending Spring Break with his girlfriend in her hometown. She's excited about him meeting her parents. He's excited about solving a local mystery about a serial killer who was never caught. She does not know he suspects someone close to her. Dude is kind of a jerk, so when things start to go wrong for him, it's somewhat bleakly satisfying.
Other highlights include "Voodoo Bay" and "The Paperboy," the latter of which reminds me of classic Stephen King.
My top four include:
"Sally Under the Bed" - Truly chilling tale revolving around a children's rhyme that when said aloud comes with terrifying consequences. A reporter learns this after interviewing a woman who summoned the creepy title character as a child.
"Percepto!" - I'm a huge Vincent Price fan, so this story inspired by the William Castle classic, The Tingler, was right up my alley. A friendless man whose wife is cheating on him decides to get revenge and use the Price film as inspiration for his revenge on the town where he never fit in.
"It Haunts the Mind" is a prequel to The Exorcist's House novel. Three teenagers go to the run down house to drink and have fun, but things start seeming off very quickly. Strange figures are seen, someone is possessed, and everything goes to hell in a handbasket.
"The Devil's Road" - A man is spending Spring Break with his girlfriend in her hometown. She's excited about him meeting her parents. He's excited about solving a local mystery about a serial killer who was never caught. She does not know he suspects someone close to her. Dude is kind of a jerk, so when things start to go wrong for him, it's somewhat bleakly satisfying.
Other highlights include "Voodoo Bay" and "The Paperboy," the latter of which reminds me of classic Stephen King.
July 30, 2023
Some of the stories were really good; creepy and creative. Some fell short for me. But I loved the prequel to The Exorcists House 👌🏻👌🏻
June 16, 2023
A great collection of stories from an author who is fast becoming a favorite of mine. The tales in this book are as haunting as they are poignant with darkness and pain intermingled within each page. There is something for everyone’s taste in this book.
The struggle with drug addiction is well depicted in stories like The Deal and The Weeping Wind.
There are beautiful stories like Two Decades Down and I Only Love You at Night, a horror love story set in the Vietnam era.
Creepypasta stories like Sally Under the Bed and The Paperboy give us a taste of an urban legend and a fight with impossible odds.
The Noose will satisfy those more in tune with Western horror with a twisted revenge story that is as bloody as it is brilliant.
Then the story the book is named for wraps up the collection. This tale takes place right before The Exorcist’s House. I read that book and loved to see the return of some of the characters I fell in love with and if you want blood, you’ll get it here.
The author gave me a copy of this book for an honest review, but I will buy a signed copy as soon as possible because I want this one on my bookshelf to enjoy for years.
The struggle with drug addiction is well depicted in stories like The Deal and The Weeping Wind.
There are beautiful stories like Two Decades Down and I Only Love You at Night, a horror love story set in the Vietnam era.
Creepypasta stories like Sally Under the Bed and The Paperboy give us a taste of an urban legend and a fight with impossible odds.
The Noose will satisfy those more in tune with Western horror with a twisted revenge story that is as bloody as it is brilliant.
Then the story the book is named for wraps up the collection. This tale takes place right before The Exorcist’s House. I read that book and loved to see the return of some of the characters I fell in love with and if you want blood, you’ll get it here.
The author gave me a copy of this book for an honest review, but I will buy a signed copy as soon as possible because I want this one on my bookshelf to enjoy for years.
November 7, 2023
Nick never ceases to amaze with his writing. This time it's a collection of short stories that, for the most part, deal with the darkness of addiction in the Appalachian area of West Virginia. The other stories are just as bleak. Nick does a fantastic job weaving from story to story. Standouts include "The Deal", "Thanks For Sharing", "The Bitter End", "The Devil's Road", the absolutely heartbreaking "The Weeping Wind" and of course, the finale, "It Haunts The Mind". Being someone who has also dealt with/still dealing with addiction, all these stories hit home for me. I could have listed every story as a standout, but I just listed the ones that hit me the most. If you are a fan of "The Exorcist's House" you will truly enjoy the short story based in that world, "It Haunts The Mind".
June 9, 2023
An entertaining and engaging book by the very talented writer, Nick Roberts. Most stories set in the state of West Virginia and deal with horrors of alcoholism, drug addiction and murder. A trip to a small island near Aruba where we encounter a beast straight out of the Cthulhu Mythos. A cowboy encounters a ghost in the Arizona desert near a hanging tree. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be seeking out more by Mr. Roberts.
July 12, 2023
This is a really great compilation of Robert's horror short stories. Every story drew me in and kept me captivated until the end! It's very rare to like every single story in a compilation, but this one is one of those anthologies.
The very first story, Sally Under the Bed, truly creeped me out! I read it before bed, and it gave me the chills! It's a take on urban legends like Bloody Mary and even had the words to what people could say to conjure Sally. This story freaked me out so much that I didn't even want to read those words! If someone asked me to read them out loud, fictional story or not, I wouldn't do it!! It takes a lot for horror stories to actually scare me, and this one did.
The last story was written as a prequel to The Exorcist's House,a well liked book previously written by this author. Because I had read and enjoyed that book, it was really cool to get another glimpse into that world!
This compilation is currently available on KU and, of course, is for sale. This one is a must-read for horror fans!
5⭐️
The very first story, Sally Under the Bed, truly creeped me out! I read it before bed, and it gave me the chills! It's a take on urban legends like Bloody Mary and even had the words to what people could say to conjure Sally. This story freaked me out so much that I didn't even want to read those words! If someone asked me to read them out loud, fictional story or not, I wouldn't do it!! It takes a lot for horror stories to actually scare me, and this one did.
The last story was written as a prequel to The Exorcist's House,a well liked book previously written by this author. Because I had read and enjoyed that book, it was really cool to get another glimpse into that world!
This compilation is currently available on KU and, of course, is for sale. This one is a must-read for horror fans!
5⭐️
June 16, 2023
This a a very good collection of horror stories written by the author. All of these stories center around the West Virginia area which I believe is where the author is from and currently resides. Not a single Wrong Turn element among them either even though I liked that movie series but these stories explore more then just a typical stereotype. I found this very refreshing. As with any collection of short stories I normally would find a few that I liked more then the others however with this collection I found that I actually enjoyed all of them which is very rare for me. Love how this author writes and enjoyed tremendously at the back of the book he lists some shirts on how he came up with each story.
I have found a new author and think a lot of people will enjoy as much as I did.
Got this as an ARC but this review is all mine.
I have found a new author and think a lot of people will enjoy as much as I did.
Got this as an ARC but this review is all mine.
December 17, 2023
Had the great honor to listen to this while driving over the weekend. What a great collection. A few are really standouts, like The Paper boy and voodoo Bay and of course the title story. Didn't expect an excorsist house tie in but loved it. Sally under the bed was creepy as hell and an awesome way to open the collection. Some of the stories such as the weeping wind and the halfway house had some brutal addiction storylines in them. Being a WV resident and hearing some of the locations and stories really hits home, so heartbreaking for the little girl that tells the story in the weeping wind. Loved all the. Stories in this one and that's rare for me, bit really a short story guy but Nick pulls it off here. Loved it. Easy five stars
May 15, 2024
What a great collection of horror stories! Nick Roberts has definitely improved his writing since “The Exorcist’s House” and I’m so glad that I stuck with him! I really loved the variety of horror types within this book - grief horror, vengeance horror, monster horror, supernatural horror! My favorite stories were “Sally Under The Bed,” “The Paperboy,” “The Devil’s Road,” “Voodoo Bay” and “It Haunts The Mind.” I especially loved the titular story bringing it back to the world of “The Exorcist’s House!” I only knocked it down a star because some stories were notably much stronger than others. I wished there was a little more consistency, but overall I really enjoyed this collection and recommend it for horror readers!
June 15, 2023
An excellent mix of short stories from nick Roberts who also wrote The Exorcist's house. Both books I have thoroughly enjoyed and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
'Sally under the bed' creeped me out so much I couldn't read the poem
I just keep thinking about the premise of 'The Deal' something about it just gripped me. Such an interesting idea.
The weeping wind was just heartbreakingly brutal.
'Sally under the bed' creeped me out so much I couldn't read the poem
I just keep thinking about the premise of 'The Deal' something about it just gripped me. Such an interesting idea.
The weeping wind was just heartbreakingly brutal.
October 15, 2023
Horror, heartbreak, and heroin
This was an excellent mix of stories that prominently displays Nick Roberts' style and range. From classic creeps to addiction and tragedy, this walks you through an exhibition of different subgenres from which you can't look away.
All of the stories were good, but to me there were some prominent standouts that just stuck with me more than the others. There is something for every taste here. Check this out, you won't be disappointed!
This was an excellent mix of stories that prominently displays Nick Roberts' style and range. From classic creeps to addiction and tragedy, this walks you through an exhibition of different subgenres from which you can't look away.
All of the stories were good, but to me there were some prominent standouts that just stuck with me more than the others. There is something for every taste here. Check this out, you won't be disappointed!
June 26, 2023
Nick Roberts has done it again. It's such a great collection of creepy stories!
Sally Under the Bed brought me back to that feeling of wanting to "forget" to turn the lights out before bed that you'd get as a kid after reading Scary Stories To Tell In the Dark because you're so creeped out.The title story It Haunts The Mind was my favorite! I loved the trip back into the Exorcist's House universe!
Sally Under the Bed brought me back to that feeling of wanting to "forget" to turn the lights out before bed that you'd get as a kid after reading Scary Stories To Tell In the Dark because you're so creeped out.The title story It Haunts The Mind was my favorite! I loved the trip back into the Exorcist's House universe!
September 14, 2025
A solid collection of horror stories set in Appalachia. Four stars instead of five only because none of them really sat with me for long or made me react, but honestly, sometimes I just want to read scary stuff that doesn't try to be pretentious or literary. Nick Roberts writes classic horror, and I'm here for whatever he writes.
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars overall, Nick Roberts is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. He does horror so well that you feel like you are there in the story. I originally wanted to read this one after hearing about a tie-in to The Exorcist House series (that's the last story and pretty good)
The Deal was my favorite story and ends with you interpreting which way it went. Normally I don't really care for a book of short stories, but this one nailed it.
The Deal was my favorite story and ends with you interpreting which way it went. Normally I don't really care for a book of short stories, but this one nailed it.
June 11, 2023
I was given an ebook copy of this book for an honest review.
The book is filled with a collection of short horror stories that all make you feel that uncomfortable feeling like you should not be reading this, but you simply can not put it down. The title story is absolutely delicious!
The book is filled with a collection of short horror stories that all make you feel that uncomfortable feeling like you should not be reading this, but you simply can not put it down. The title story is absolutely delicious!
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