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The Cabin #1
The Cabin
“You’d never see the ghosts, not properly. You’d only catch a glimpse of their shapes out of the corner of your eye and you’d hear their stolen, vengeful scream; an ear-piercing shriek to steal the lives of anyone who heard it.”
* * * * *
For Craig, the trip to the cabin was supposed to be a quiet retreat from his hectic city life where he could concentrate on writing his latest novel. For his wife, Susan, and his two kids, Jamie and Ava, it was supposed to be a weekend vacation.
For all of them, it became a nightmare.
* * * * *
For Craig, the trip to the cabin was supposed to be a quiet retreat from his hectic city life where he could concentrate on writing his latest novel. For his wife, Susan, and his two kids, Jamie and Ava, it was supposed to be a weekend vacation.
For all of them, it became a nightmare.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2012
35 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,191 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 30, 2017
Yes, yes, YES!!
Matt Shaw at his best!
They say that Shakespeare had knowledge about human psychology that was way beyond his years, which is why he's still being read today.
Maybe a few hundred years from now, Matt Shaw will be read for his knowledge about abnormal psychology.
The best story I've read by this author!
Matt Shaw at his best!
They say that Shakespeare had knowledge about human psychology that was way beyond his years, which is why he's still being read today.
Maybe a few hundred years from now, Matt Shaw will be read for his knowledge about abnormal psychology.
The best story I've read by this author!
March 18, 2015
**** 4 " CREEPY "STARS******
Thanks to his pushy publisher, accomplished author Craig decides a weekend at his fathers cabin is the perfect retreat to finish his next best seller. Unfortunately Craig's wife Susan decides to turn his work getaway into a family getaway.
After a NOT so fun filled rode trip the family finally arrives at the cabin and to their surprise, it's been vandalized. Fully aware his family cannot stay there in its current condition, Craig decides to go pick up some cleaning supplies from the local convenience store, leaving Susan and his eldest daughter behind at The Cabin.
An altercation ensues between Craig and a local boy Josh, which drastically changes the course of their weekend. Upon Craig insistence Susan and the girls flee for their own safety, leaving Craig to have to fend for himself.
BANG!!!! .............KNOCK! ..........CLICK! . Craig cannot figure out where these sounds are coming from but he's certain the noises are causing him to becomes increasingly paranoid (can't say I blame him) So what does one do when you are stranded in the scary ass woods, after midnight, with no electricity, cell phone or vehicle ?
Should Craig stay in the creepy cabin and wait for the next...... BANG!?
... Or is he better off running through a fog filled forest where a Jason impostor may or may not be waiting in the shadows ?
No really, my judgement sucks. What the hell should he do ?
Folks, if your in the mood to have chicken skin, this is the book for you.....As is book 2 The Cabin II: Asylum.... Sweet Dreams ;-)
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Thanks to his pushy publisher, accomplished author Craig decides a weekend at his fathers cabin is the perfect retreat to finish his next best seller. Unfortunately Craig's wife Susan decides to turn his work getaway into a family getaway.
After a NOT so fun filled rode trip the family finally arrives at the cabin and to their surprise, it's been vandalized. Fully aware his family cannot stay there in its current condition, Craig decides to go pick up some cleaning supplies from the local convenience store, leaving Susan and his eldest daughter behind at The Cabin.
An altercation ensues between Craig and a local boy Josh, which drastically changes the course of their weekend. Upon Craig insistence Susan and the girls flee for their own safety, leaving Craig to have to fend for himself.
BANG!!!! .............KNOCK! ..........CLICK! . Craig cannot figure out where these sounds are coming from but he's certain the noises are causing him to becomes increasingly paranoid (can't say I blame him) So what does one do when you are stranded in the scary ass woods, after midnight, with no electricity, cell phone or vehicle ?
Should Craig stay in the creepy cabin and wait for the next...... BANG!?
... Or is he better off running through a fog filled forest where a Jason impostor may or may not be waiting in the shadows ?
No really, my judgement sucks. What the hell should he do ?
Folks, if your in the mood to have chicken skin, this is the book for you.....As is book 2 The Cabin II: Asylum.... Sweet Dreams ;-)
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 9, 2014
The Cabin is another gripping horror novella by Matt Shaw in which he scares the shit out of you in the old fashioned way, there’s no gore, no extreme violence this is pure atmosphere and psychological horror that prays on some of your inner most fears.
Craig, his wife Susan and their two daughters set out for a weekend away at his Cabin, once his Fathers, he’s not been there for a long time and they’re hoping for a peaceful break.
Craig is entertaining with a dry, sarcastic humour, his daughters Ava, at the age where ‘Dad are we there yet’ is just starting to grate on his nerves and Jamie the ever sullen teenager in a permanent bad mood. Along with his wife who can seemingly sleep through anything but still provide a tongue sharp enough to quell any outburst or argument approach the trip with mixed feelings and it’s not long before disaster strikes.
Craig is forced into staying the night at the dilapidated cabin on his own, which to add to the atmosphere is a short walk from the former Vermont Asylum, built by the patients in the late 1800’s and long since abandoned. What follows is a terrifying night of panic and distress concluding in the usual WTF, jaw dropping ending.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Craig, his wife Susan and their two daughters set out for a weekend away at his Cabin, once his Fathers, he’s not been there for a long time and they’re hoping for a peaceful break.
Craig is entertaining with a dry, sarcastic humour, his daughters Ava, at the age where ‘Dad are we there yet’ is just starting to grate on his nerves and Jamie the ever sullen teenager in a permanent bad mood. Along with his wife who can seemingly sleep through anything but still provide a tongue sharp enough to quell any outburst or argument approach the trip with mixed feelings and it’s not long before disaster strikes.
Craig is forced into staying the night at the dilapidated cabin on his own, which to add to the atmosphere is a short walk from the former Vermont Asylum, built by the patients in the late 1800’s and long since abandoned. What follows is a terrifying night of panic and distress concluding in the usual WTF, jaw dropping ending.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
March 31, 2014
First I was...
then I...
a few times.
Then I was
but at the end I was
In short this book was/is...
then I...
a few times.
Then I was
but at the end I was
In short this book was/is...
February 6, 2022
If this isn't a slow burn, then I don't know what is. An annoying father is traveling with his family to a cabin that's been in the family for many years. When they arrive, events happen, and spooks come out of the woods
This is a perfect example of how Shaw doesn't need to write gore to entertain. Even though it's not the kind of book I'd usual enjoy, I didn't mind this one
This is a perfect example of how Shaw doesn't need to write gore to entertain. Even though it's not the kind of book I'd usual enjoy, I didn't mind this one
May 22, 2014
I'm trying something completely different! A short horror story Buddy Read with my (IRL) friend Doodlepanda.
Have you seen the cover on this thing?? *shivers*
***3 very creepy stars***
Very good build-up, lots of tension, very very creepy. I literally got the chills.
The ending was like I said in my last status update:
"What the hell did I just read? Just, whaaaat? I... I am....huh..like... what... how... WHY?"
Mmm-hmm *nods knowingly*
Book #2, please... The Cabin II: Asylum
Have you seen the cover on this thing?? *shivers*
***3 very creepy stars***
Very good build-up, lots of tension, very very creepy. I literally got the chills.
The ending was like I said in my last status update:
"What the hell did I just read? Just, whaaaat? I... I am....huh..like... what... how... WHY?"
Mmm-hmm *nods knowingly*
Book #2, please... The Cabin II: Asylum
April 2, 2014
Father decides to go back to his fathers Cabin retreat to write. His wife and children all decide to come.
He tells them the ghost story... that his father would tell him as a child ...
Soon after arriving strange things start to happen outside the Cabin.
He sends his wife and children away to protect them and decides once and for all to find out what is out there and are the ghost stories true?
My thoughts...
Quick read.. scary but not enough to freak me out... The ending was....
February 6, 2022
3.5 rounded up. Knocking off a little bit from a solid 4 star read because the end had a thing I didn't like much. It started off a bit slowly and the main character is a bit of a dick that is bad at making decisions, like, really bad. After a slow start Matt Shaw began doing Matt Shaw things and scaring the hell out of me. No gore in this one, but still scary. Will for sure be reading the 2nd book immediately to find out WTF I just read, because I have questions!
March 20, 2016
This will be short and sweet, kind of like this short story... well, except for the sweet part, because holy shit balls - what happens is NOT sweet by any means.
The Cabin was a fun, quick, and terrifying read! This book reminds me of what would be the book version of the game Slenderman, it's deep-rooted in darkness and what we all fear, the unknown. Shaw balances light and darkness beautifully. The books simple prose leads the reader into Craig's mental unbalance so well. By the end of the story you don't know what is real and what is fake. I also noticed a reference to King's book Misery,
"I sit back with a cigar in one hand, and champagne in the other. My little rewards."
I don't know if the author meant to do that, or it was just a slip, but either way a great shout out to Mr. King.
I picked this up because a friend read and enjoyed it, so naturally, I snagged it right away. I am VERY happy I did so.
Matt Shaw - Keep up the great story telling!
April 1, 2014
WOW....I'm so confused....
Off to Book 2 and hopefully the answers!
Review to come!
Off to Book 2 and hopefully the answers!
Review to come!
January 10, 2022
THE CABIN - 4/5
By Matt Shaw
This was a brilliant story of madness and paranoia. I don’t quite know how else to describe it. The whole story just kept screaming ‘all your actions will have a consequence’.
This kept reminding me of the butterfly effect - every action you complete changes the course of your life… just like Craig’s in this short story.
I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment!
By Matt Shaw
This was a brilliant story of madness and paranoia. I don’t quite know how else to describe it. The whole story just kept screaming ‘all your actions will have a consequence’.
This kept reminding me of the butterfly effect - every action you complete changes the course of your life… just like Craig’s in this short story.
I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment!
August 24, 2014
Fun creepy thrill ride!
The family car trip up to the cabin was hilarious. I'll be reading more from this author!
The family car trip up to the cabin was hilarious. I'll be reading more from this author!
April 1, 2014
4.5 *Mind-Blown* Stars!!!
Wow...that's all I can say is..Wow...Well done Mr Shaw..well done!!!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Wow...that's all I can say is..Wow...Well done Mr Shaw..well done!!!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 18, 2017
I think I got the pre-published version? The one with the odd, later deleted scene? In my version, there's a shooting, father reports it to the police and he's taken into the local station to make a story. The cops are fake, escaped local loonies and they throw him in a cell.
But then next scene, with no explanation, he's back at the cabin having realised he doesn't have his cellphone and can't report anything to the cops. He's terrorised all night by weird noises. There is absolutely no connection between this and the previous scene. I shake my head in utter confusion. Nah.
But then next scene, with no explanation, he's back at the cabin having realised he doesn't have his cellphone and can't report anything to the cops. He's terrorised all night by weird noises. There is absolutely no connection between this and the previous scene. I shake my head in utter confusion. Nah.
February 12, 2015
This book makes no sense
***spoiler alert***
The characters in this book seem to ever wildly between rational and irrational behaviour. And I'm not even sure what happened part way through the book, because logic and continuity seemed to jump ship briefly. Oh, I love a good nowhere everything is messed up and confusing as long as it makes some sort of sense on some level. Now, the father, in trying to prevent a shooting, indirectly/accidentally causes the clerk to be shot while wrestling with a youth over a gun. He goes to the cabin, sends his wife and children to stay with relatives, so he can call the sheriff and report the shooting. The sheriff and another officer take him to the station, then when they get there, they reveal that they shot the sheriff, stole his badge, etc, 'the inmates are now running the asylum'. End of chapter, cue next scene. He is at the cabin, his cell was left in the car, he has no way if contacting the authorities. What the f!@#? That's it, no mention of that ever again or reference to it. Was it a dream? Was he drugged and brought back to the cabin? I don't know, it's never revealed. It's like a deleted scene got left behind or something. The last third of the book is someone stomping and banging on the door and outer walls of the cabin while he runs around yelling at them (he assumes it's the kids from earlier) even though he never actually sees or hears anyone, not even laughter or heckling. And the one kid he does see briefly is about 10, and promptly escapes/disappears from an enclosed room. The book started off promising, the characters, especially the father was interesting and believable, then it went right down the crapper. Not scary at all, no thrills and no chills.
***spoiler alert***
The characters in this book seem to ever wildly between rational and irrational behaviour. And I'm not even sure what happened part way through the book, because logic and continuity seemed to jump ship briefly. Oh, I love a good nowhere everything is messed up and confusing as long as it makes some sort of sense on some level. Now, the father, in trying to prevent a shooting, indirectly/accidentally causes the clerk to be shot while wrestling with a youth over a gun. He goes to the cabin, sends his wife and children to stay with relatives, so he can call the sheriff and report the shooting. The sheriff and another officer take him to the station, then when they get there, they reveal that they shot the sheriff, stole his badge, etc, 'the inmates are now running the asylum'. End of chapter, cue next scene. He is at the cabin, his cell was left in the car, he has no way if contacting the authorities. What the f!@#? That's it, no mention of that ever again or reference to it. Was it a dream? Was he drugged and brought back to the cabin? I don't know, it's never revealed. It's like a deleted scene got left behind or something. The last third of the book is someone stomping and banging on the door and outer walls of the cabin while he runs around yelling at them (he assumes it's the kids from earlier) even though he never actually sees or hears anyone, not even laughter or heckling. And the one kid he does see briefly is about 10, and promptly escapes/disappears from an enclosed room. The book started off promising, the characters, especially the father was interesting and believable, then it went right down the crapper. Not scary at all, no thrills and no chills.
March 12, 2020
I’m not really sure what I’ve just read. I did enjoy the story but there seems to be either a deleted scene left in there or it’s just been poorly edited. It skips from the main character being kidnapped by a fake sheriff who is actually one of the inmates straight to him being back in the cabin with no memory of the incident happening. I was waiting for an explanation either he’s been drugged or was dreaming but nothing. I’ve come away from reading this book quite confused!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2014
What the hell i've just read..?!!
It was creepy with a loot of (BANG....KNOCK ....SNAP)and other creepy sounds!
I loved the family together they were funny!
the ending put me in shock i didn't even say a word i just kept staring at the screen for ten minutes with my mouth hanging open!
I need book 2 now!
It was creepy with a loot of (BANG....KNOCK ....SNAP)and other creepy sounds!
I loved the family together they were funny!
the ending put me in shock i didn't even say a word i just kept staring at the screen for ten minutes with my mouth hanging open!
I need book 2 now!
January 6, 2013
When Craig was a child, he used to travel to the cabin with his father, a writer, to get away from everything for a bit. These are some of his favorite memories. Now, all grown up and an author himself, he thinks that some time at the cabin is just what he needs to finish his newest book. Unfortunately, his wife, Susan, thinks some time at the cabin with the kids sounds like a perfect family vacation. Not much quiet time for writing now. With his publisher already pushing him about his deadline, and his peaceful getaway turned into an outing, Craig is already on edge. The traffic, whining kids, and smart ass comments from his wife, are pushing him closer every minute - and they're just barely on the road to Brattleboro. He passes the time telling his family stories his father told him as a child. Tales of the local asylum, insane patients, and suicides, all setting the tone for their arrival. What they find when they get there is not the quaint and peaceful retreat they were expecting. Vandalism, locals, and something sinister await them. And then, the night comes...
This is the scariest titles I've read from Matt Shaw. I could feel that something big was going to happen, and it had me on edge throughout the whole story. I have never jumped from a book, until 'The Cabin', and I was hesitant to get out of bed after I finished. I only wish I had 'The Cabin: Asylum' ready and waiting for me when I finished. Read this with the lights down low, your feet under the covers, and - trust me - close the curtains!
This is the scariest titles I've read from Matt Shaw. I could feel that something big was going to happen, and it had me on edge throughout the whole story. I have never jumped from a book, until 'The Cabin', and I was hesitant to get out of bed after I finished. I only wish I had 'The Cabin: Asylum' ready and waiting for me when I finished. Read this with the lights down low, your feet under the covers, and - trust me - close the curtains!
April 2, 2014
4.5 "Never Saw That End Coming" Stars
A family's weekend retreat to their neglected cabin turns into a night of terror ...
Old ghost stories revived keep the pages turning and the ending - no words...
A family's weekend retreat to their neglected cabin turns into a night of terror ...
Old ghost stories revived keep the pages turning and the ending - no words...
May 21, 2017
The Cabin
What started as a family get away, a author and his family decided to spend a weekend in the family cabin. Only horror awaits this family.
What started as a family get away, a author and his family decided to spend a weekend in the family cabin. Only horror awaits this family.
August 9, 2023
To say that I was wary going into this story is an understatement. I have grimaced at many Matt Shaw titles, knowing I'll never pick them up. But when I saw this story mentioned in a thread of ghost stories, hauntings of a less extreme kind- I decided to pick it up.
This is a great haunting story. I hated the main character out of the gate, and found myself struggling to empathize with him. About halfway through, I was invested, and enjoying the way Shaw wrote how Craig was (quite literally) haunted, bordering into breakdown.
The ending made me scream into my pillow (it was late at night and I didn't want to wake anyone) in disbelief. This is a short story that packs a punch, and I really recommend it.
This is a great haunting story. I hated the main character out of the gate, and found myself struggling to empathize with him. About halfway through, I was invested, and enjoying the way Shaw wrote how Craig was (quite literally) haunted, bordering into breakdown.
The ending made me scream into my pillow (it was late at night and I didn't want to wake anyone) in disbelief. This is a short story that packs a punch, and I really recommend it.
June 18, 2024
Prea multă dramă plictisitoare și prea puțin horror. Parcă au fost puse împreună două povești care nu au nicio treabă una cu alta.
May 15, 2021
Great short ghost story. A mish mash of different horror tropes intertwined- the isolated cabin, the small town, the asylum with tortured patients, the mad writer, the creepy kid the tragedy. You wouldn't think that many elements could work together in so few pages but somehow it does. The set up with the drive leaving the city seemed a little unnecessary, you could probably pick up the story where the family stops at the only store in the small town to pick up some supplies and the story wouldn't have lost anything. I might try to shorten this one to adapt it for a campfire story since I love telling scary stories around the fire.
May 22, 2014
3.5 stars
A lot can happen in the woods at night... ;)
I enjoyed (is that the right word?) reading this short story! It starts off nice and slow, about half way through it picks up. And it is actually quite spooky! I rarely get spooked by books, but this one managed to do it :)
The ending took me by surprise, I did not see what was coming! It wasn't a great ending (in my opinion), but the rest of the story makes up for it :)
I will definitely consider reading the second book to see what happens next!
Well worth your time if you want a short and intense read!
A lot can happen in the woods at night... ;)
I enjoyed (is that the right word?) reading this short story! It starts off nice and slow, about half way through it picks up. And it is actually quite spooky! I rarely get spooked by books, but this one managed to do it :)
The ending took me by surprise, I did not see what was coming! It wasn't a great ending (in my opinion), but the rest of the story makes up for it :)
I will definitely consider reading the second book to see what happens next!
Well worth your time if you want a short and intense read!
November 13, 2015
Now that was creepy! Bang! knock knock Bang! Loved it!
March 23, 2015
Creepy
Definitely a different take on the psychological factor you would take into account for people dealing with a haunting. This could happen to anyone in the blink of an eye. The ending gave me the chills. A must read for people that like ghost stories.
Definitely a different take on the psychological factor you would take into account for people dealing with a haunting. This could happen to anyone in the blink of an eye. The ending gave me the chills. A must read for people that like ghost stories.
April 7, 2014
this was one freaky ass book, really enjoyed it
January 22, 2015
review to come
April 5, 2015
So many typos! I read it all up to 50% and then skimmed due to the numerous errors. I was so distracted by all the mistakes.
I liked the story. Please edit this and rerelease!
I liked the story. Please edit this and rerelease!
May 17, 2020
The Cabin -
What happened? I mean what the fu*k just happened in the middle of this short fiction? This could be my hell of an another freaking favourite horror tale by Matt Shaw. But the disentangle scene make it all frustrating for me...
That was very promising start, Craig father of Ava and Jamie and his wife Susan he was making a trip to The Cabin, where he was planning for finish his latest novel. But the fact gone all wrong when in the shop he tried to prevent a murderous act but failed. And after that somehow two police man showed up Sheriff actually and they picked him up and take him to the station. Well, that's it. Nothing else after that but all of a sudden we found Craig in the cabin waiting for that teenage boy to take the revenge. I mean what the hell really? Did I miss something or what? I don't know. All I can say is that it seems theres a deleted scene from the book or the author didn't care about that part and put the main character directly to the place in where he exactly wanted. Irritating, frustrating that was and apart from that fact the ending did surprised me deep. Have to admit didn't see that coming at least not for that little character. What we have in the 2nd part of this tale series? I think I have to check that out too to get the answer for myself...
What happened? I mean what the fu*k just happened in the middle of this short fiction? This could be my hell of an another freaking favourite horror tale by Matt Shaw. But the disentangle scene make it all frustrating for me...
That was very promising start, Craig father of Ava and Jamie and his wife Susan he was making a trip to The Cabin, where he was planning for finish his latest novel. But the fact gone all wrong when in the shop he tried to prevent a murderous act but failed. And after that somehow two police man showed up Sheriff actually and they picked him up and take him to the station. Well, that's it. Nothing else after that but all of a sudden we found Craig in the cabin waiting for that teenage boy to take the revenge. I mean what the hell really? Did I miss something or what? I don't know. All I can say is that it seems theres a deleted scene from the book or the author didn't care about that part and put the main character directly to the place in where he exactly wanted. Irritating, frustrating that was and apart from that fact the ending did surprised me deep. Have to admit didn't see that coming at least not for that little character. What we have in the 2nd part of this tale series? I think I have to check that out too to get the answer for myself...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews