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Evil Lurking Within
The plan was simple; snatch the child and get the ransom money.
They had found their victim; a young boy from a posh school.
They had done their homework; he came from a wealthy family who'd surely pay the earth to get him back.
They had even justified why they were right in carrying out such an act; they had served their time and both felt as though they were being cheated from what was owed to them by the cruel society they were trying to integrate with. This was their plan and their time to put themselves on the straight and narrow. It was just a shame that no one told them...
...They never stood a chance.
From Matt Shaw the author of 'The Cabin', 'The Lost Son' and 'The Infestation'. Expect twists, turns and unexpected friendships in this horror - you'll still never see them coming.
They had found their victim; a young boy from a posh school.
They had done their homework; he came from a wealthy family who'd surely pay the earth to get him back.
They had even justified why they were right in carrying out such an act; they had served their time and both felt as though they were being cheated from what was owed to them by the cruel society they were trying to integrate with. This was their plan and their time to put themselves on the straight and narrow. It was just a shame that no one told them...
...They never stood a chance.
From Matt Shaw the author of 'The Cabin', 'The Lost Son' and 'The Infestation'. Expect twists, turns and unexpected friendships in this horror - you'll still never see them coming.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2013
29 people are currently reading
203 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 17, 2014
Evil Lurking Within follows John & Frank, not long out of prison they kidnap young Tom from a private school for the privileged with thoughts of a big ransom to follow. What then follows is an absorbing look at the relationship between John the kidnapper and his victim. John pretends he’s an uncle and appears to be getting away with it, even during the brutal killing and dismembering of someone who didn't agree with him.
He decides to take young Tom on a little holiday, all the time promising to get him back to his parents for Christmas but there is something lurking beneath the shadows with young Tom, something that pulls at you, sets you wondering.
They arrive at the park and rent a lodge, John’s feelings start to twist in his gut, he knows what he should do but something’s holding him back. And then the story explodes, takes you to an entirely different game and one you’ll never see coming in a million years. It’s a slightly different twist to what’s expected and I thought it was excellent.
Another clever, well written story from Matt Shaw and I’ve now read 10 of his books, still loads to get through yet though and I’m looking forward to the next.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
He decides to take young Tom on a little holiday, all the time promising to get him back to his parents for Christmas but there is something lurking beneath the shadows with young Tom, something that pulls at you, sets you wondering.
They arrive at the park and rent a lodge, John’s feelings start to twist in his gut, he knows what he should do but something’s holding him back. And then the story explodes, takes you to an entirely different game and one you’ll never see coming in a million years. It’s a slightly different twist to what’s expected and I thought it was excellent.
Another clever, well written story from Matt Shaw and I’ve now read 10 of his books, still loads to get through yet though and I’m looking forward to the next.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
July 16, 2014
Matt Shaw has proven himself to be a very adaptable horror author. It seems he has a knack for writing a little bit of everything. Gore, psychological, extreme - Matt has tried them all. However, with Evil Lurking Within, Matt tries something a little different. In the process, he poses a very good social question about the human condition...
Two men abduct a boy from his school. The reward? A huge financial pay-off. However, paranoia begins to creep up on them and before long, one of the men is on the run with the boy. Stopping at a holiday village to hide away for a while seems like a good idea. However, the locals don't seem normal. And then there's the fence surrounding the property...
Children play a huge role in horror and this book is no different. On this occasion, it's the focal point. Many potentially controversial topics are touched on here - child abduction and Stockholm Syndrome to name two - but the topics are never played for shock value. They enhance the characters and in the process, lend credibility to the plot. Sure, a kidnapper having second thoughts about his work is cliché but Matt Shaw delivers on it here, using tension and an innocent child with more brains then first thought to put the kidnapper in a very fraught and vulnerable position. About half way though, you begin to wonder just who is in control here...and that's when the finale kicks in, twisting the story and turning it on its head. Think From Dusk till Dawn without vampires, more chills, and some very unwelcome - but very cool - visitors.
5* - The story is phenomenal; simple, fast-moving and intriguing. There's always something going on beneath the surface and when the surprisingly mature finale hits, you won't be disappointed. The two main characters have a chemistry not often seen in such books and it sometimes has you forgetting that you're reading about an abductor and his captive. This doesn't grow old but it may upset some people. However, it's a short story, one you can read in one sitting, and it will haunt you afterwards. If you've ever been to a holiday village, this will make you think twice about going to one. Especially when it's dark. Great stuff!
Two men abduct a boy from his school. The reward? A huge financial pay-off. However, paranoia begins to creep up on them and before long, one of the men is on the run with the boy. Stopping at a holiday village to hide away for a while seems like a good idea. However, the locals don't seem normal. And then there's the fence surrounding the property...
Children play a huge role in horror and this book is no different. On this occasion, it's the focal point. Many potentially controversial topics are touched on here - child abduction and Stockholm Syndrome to name two - but the topics are never played for shock value. They enhance the characters and in the process, lend credibility to the plot. Sure, a kidnapper having second thoughts about his work is cliché but Matt Shaw delivers on it here, using tension and an innocent child with more brains then first thought to put the kidnapper in a very fraught and vulnerable position. About half way though, you begin to wonder just who is in control here...and that's when the finale kicks in, twisting the story and turning it on its head. Think From Dusk till Dawn without vampires, more chills, and some very unwelcome - but very cool - visitors.
5* - The story is phenomenal; simple, fast-moving and intriguing. There's always something going on beneath the surface and when the surprisingly mature finale hits, you won't be disappointed. The two main characters have a chemistry not often seen in such books and it sometimes has you forgetting that you're reading about an abductor and his captive. This doesn't grow old but it may upset some people. However, it's a short story, one you can read in one sitting, and it will haunt you afterwards. If you've ever been to a holiday village, this will make you think twice about going to one. Especially when it's dark. Great stuff!
January 3, 2015
2.5
What should have been a quick and easy way to get some money by kidnapping a rich kid turned out to be much more sinister and horrible for Frank and John, two former cellmates. They had this plan that after they get out of prison, it would be easy for them to kidnap a child. Fast and easy.
Since the actual horror doesn't start until 65% mark, I won't comment what it is about. Let's just say that John, who is telling us this story, comes to realize that he isn't a real monster after all.
I would have preferred he got to the meat of the story sooner because the moment the horror starts, not much of the story is left to enjoy. It ends too soon. I don't know what it says about my state of mind when I found John a pretty likeable character.
What should have been a quick and easy way to get some money by kidnapping a rich kid turned out to be much more sinister and horrible for Frank and John, two former cellmates. They had this plan that after they get out of prison, it would be easy for them to kidnap a child. Fast and easy.
Since the actual horror doesn't start until 65% mark, I won't comment what it is about. Let's just say that John, who is telling us this story, comes to realize that he isn't a real monster after all.
I would have preferred he got to the meat of the story sooner because the moment the horror starts, not much of the story is left to enjoy. It ends too soon. I don't know what it says about my state of mind when I found John a pretty likeable character.
July 28, 2014
This was a strange story. I kept fighting back and forth with the score. At first I thought it would end up being a steady 3. Good read but nothing special. The writing was solid (though some slang and such was odd or looked wrong but it could because we live in different parts of the world) and I enjoyed the characters for the most part.
As I read on I really began to feel the connection with the main character and Tom. It felt well balanced and even cute at times. When the twist came around, I was a little "Eh" and turned the score down some. So it went back to a 3.
So I thought about it over and over again and the themes and message the author was trying to convey was interesting. I'm in the middle ground between a solid 3 (good) and 4 (Great) and end up with a 3.5. I will round it up, because it's different yet good.
So now I'm interested in reading another one from him! Goodjob Matt.
As I read on I really began to feel the connection with the main character and Tom. It felt well balanced and even cute at times. When the twist came around, I was a little "Eh" and turned the score down some. So it went back to a 3.
So I thought about it over and over again and the themes and message the author was trying to convey was interesting. I'm in the middle ground between a solid 3 (good) and 4 (Great) and end up with a 3.5. I will round it up, because it's different yet good.
So now I'm interested in reading another one from him! Goodjob Matt.
September 26, 2013
I'm not ready to discuss, I want to be sure most of you have finished the story. It's different, not what I expected - not that I can ever 'expect' anything from Matt!
Maybe I have a cold soul, but I did anticipate something totally effed up, in a different way. Maybe it's there, and I'm becoming one of the sick & twizted myself?
You decide.
I loved the characters, and thinking that a kidnapper (fresh from a stint on the inside) is a 'likeable kind of guy' might say something about me that I'm not ready to face just yet. The napped kid is a smart little dude, not once annoying - as kids can tend to be. (Remember Lewis? Yeah.)
As usual, there were a couple lines that made me chuckle out loud, again... that says something about me 'just ain't right'. I can't share the funny without giving you more information than you need right now. I went in almost blindly, and I'm hoping you will, too.
I'll update this after a bit, after seeing the title moved over to more READ shelves than WANT TO READ.
Until then...
P, L, & N <3
~sg
Maybe I have a cold soul, but I did anticipate something totally effed up, in a different way. Maybe it's there, and I'm becoming one of the sick & twizted myself?
You decide.
I loved the characters, and thinking that a kidnapper (fresh from a stint on the inside) is a 'likeable kind of guy' might say something about me that I'm not ready to face just yet. The napped kid is a smart little dude, not once annoying - as kids can tend to be. (Remember Lewis? Yeah.)
As usual, there were a couple lines that made me chuckle out loud, again... that says something about me 'just ain't right'. I can't share the funny without giving you more information than you need right now. I went in almost blindly, and I'm hoping you will, too.
I'll update this after a bit, after seeing the title moved over to more READ shelves than WANT TO READ.
Until then...
P, L, & N <3
~sg
November 10, 2013
This is the story of John. With the help of his friend and cellmate Frank, they conspire to kidnap Tom, in the hopes of a large ransom. It goes from bad to worse almost from the beginning however. This is their story, set over the course of five days. Five days that culminate in a horror that no one could have foreseen....
I enjoyed this as much as I have Matt's other books, even though it was something slightly different for him. As ever, I invested my time in the characters to find a huge unexpected twist at the end. With only a small cast, the story was tightly told, and the tension shone through. The characters were believable, and the story flowed at a quick pace. The twist at the end was totally unexpected and added an interesting dimension to the story, which could have been just a run of the mill kidnap/ransom thriller. This is an another fine release from Matt Shaw.
I enjoyed this as much as I have Matt's other books, even though it was something slightly different for him. As ever, I invested my time in the characters to find a huge unexpected twist at the end. With only a small cast, the story was tightly told, and the tension shone through. The characters were believable, and the story flowed at a quick pace. The twist at the end was totally unexpected and added an interesting dimension to the story, which could have been just a run of the mill kidnap/ransom thriller. This is an another fine release from Matt Shaw.
February 1, 2016
Once again, Matt Shaw has caused me to look up from reading in awe of how weirded out I was. I loved the characters & I loved the big hint he dropped at the beginning of what was to come. Then it came. I couldn't put it down even when I had to pee!!!
January 14, 2015
This book had such a surprising twist. Didn't expect it at all.
December 22, 2016
A fun short read.
July 18, 2025
I thought the evil was lurking within me, then I thought it was within the woods and now—all this time—was it really lurking within him?
John, thirties, is an introverted loner. Incarcerated for the past eight years, John is not good with people—and certainly not good with children.
Tom, 8, has been abducted.
Posing as Tom’s long-lost uncle, the boy grows on John. It’s…actually sorta cute.
Road trip. Fire.
Matt Shaw writing an actually-likable MC is rather shocking. So…of course it doesn’t end well. 😂
On the run. Conflicted.
The werewolf mask. Bonding.
The camp site. Walk down by the river.
The wolves. 🐺
Good twist at 70%.
This is actually one of Shaw’s more solid reads (errors and all), but the open ending does this book no favors.
“He’ll have a new family. He’ll have a good life.”
John, thirties, is an introverted loner. Incarcerated for the past eight years, John is not good with people—and certainly not good with children.
Tom, 8, has been abducted.
Posing as Tom’s long-lost uncle, the boy grows on John. It’s…actually sorta cute.
Road trip. Fire.
Matt Shaw writing an actually-likable MC is rather shocking. So…of course it doesn’t end well. 😂
On the run. Conflicted.
The werewolf mask. Bonding.
The camp site. Walk down by the river.
The wolves. 🐺
Good twist at 70%.
This is actually one of Shaw’s more solid reads (errors and all), but the open ending does this book no favors.
“He’ll have a new family. He’ll have a good life.”
October 19, 2018
Once upon a time, many books ago, I was a HUGE Matt Shaw fan. I couldn't get enough. Then I started getting not-so-great stories from him, then more until that was all I got. After a long string of poor stories, this one clinched it for me. The first 40% of this book is utterly boring and you'd think you were reading a Lifetime movie, not a Shaw horror. The remainder seems like a totally different book all together, the character suddenly a different person. Nope. No more. I'm done.
April 20, 2023
Good read..
I
Liked this tale. Was going great until it got a tad "out there"..although I prefer more tales about people...even if they are psychos...I did enjoy this book.
I
Liked this tale. Was going great until it got a tad "out there"..although I prefer more tales about people...even if they are psychos...I did enjoy this book.
January 23, 2025
what a great storyline.
This was a great book that I couldn’t put down. I wasn’t expecting the ending to be this great. Matt keep up on these great stories.
This was a great book that I couldn’t put down. I wasn’t expecting the ending to be this great. Matt keep up on these great stories.
May 22, 2025
So far my favorite from Shaw! I love all I e read so far but this story was so good!
January 25, 2015
Waste of time
I usually try and give a book time to develop but most often delete it if it seems as if nothing's going to happen. I should have deleted this book and the Author's name from memory instead of finishing. First,...it'll take you until chapter 11 to even see why this book is considered horror. Up until then you'll be asking yourself Why you're still bothering to read on. Boring would be too nice a word to describe this book.
Once you get to Chapter 11 it's like what you read up until then isn't even tied in to what's happening now. It's as if Chapter 11 starts a new book and chapters 1 through 10 were the waste of time they were.
So anyway,...from chapter 11 until the end the author did attempt to write horror but it was not worth the wait. I couldn't delete this from my library fast enough and I will make myself remember the Author's name to ensure I NEVER by another of his books.
I usually try and give a book time to develop but most often delete it if it seems as if nothing's going to happen. I should have deleted this book and the Author's name from memory instead of finishing. First,...it'll take you until chapter 11 to even see why this book is considered horror. Up until then you'll be asking yourself Why you're still bothering to read on. Boring would be too nice a word to describe this book.
Once you get to Chapter 11 it's like what you read up until then isn't even tied in to what's happening now. It's as if Chapter 11 starts a new book and chapters 1 through 10 were the waste of time they were.
So anyway,...from chapter 11 until the end the author did attempt to write horror but it was not worth the wait. I couldn't delete this from my library fast enough and I will make myself remember the Author's name to ensure I NEVER by another of his books.
January 5, 2015
This story was quite powerful, macabre but unbelievably tidbits of humor were there as well. Two guys who have spent jail time decide to kidnap a child from a wealthy family. Of course they are under the impression that they will get a ransom for his safe return, indeed that would be the outcome if everything went the way it was planned, but life is life. At first the reader is absorbed into the story line of the kidnapping and all the twist and turns which happen in this plot. Around the corner is something so unimaginable you will have to read this book to find out what Matt is leading the reader to.
September 27, 2015
Great read with endearing characters...
This book, Evil Lurking Within," was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I felt in tune with both the adult and the kid. The MC's insights and internal dialogue made him human and relatable. When they encountered the werewolves, I felt a true sense of terror and desperation, as he tried to figure out how to get them away. The semi-surprising ending was very well done.
Matt Shaw is truly a gifted writer and I had a wonderful time reading his work. I highly recommend this book to any werewolf fans out there, and would encourage them to follow this unique artist in the future.
Gaston Sanders, Author
This book, Evil Lurking Within," was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I felt in tune with both the adult and the kid. The MC's insights and internal dialogue made him human and relatable. When they encountered the werewolves, I felt a true sense of terror and desperation, as he tried to figure out how to get them away. The semi-surprising ending was very well done.
Matt Shaw is truly a gifted writer and I had a wonderful time reading his work. I highly recommend this book to any werewolf fans out there, and would encourage them to follow this unique artist in the future.
Gaston Sanders, Author
April 2, 2016
An Unlikely Twist
I enjoyed the last quarter of the book. The plot really moved well at that point. I struggled to get to that point.
The first three quarters of the book were very repetitive and really only focused on the main characters insecurities. It really was a struggle to get through.
I enjoyed the way the author writes. I just wish we would have spent less time getting to the climax and more time with the lodge area.
I enjoyed the last quarter of the book. The plot really moved well at that point. I struggled to get to that point.
The first three quarters of the book were very repetitive and really only focused on the main characters insecurities. It really was a struggle to get through.
I enjoyed the way the author writes. I just wish we would have spent less time getting to the climax and more time with the lodge area.
November 13, 2015
I started this this book thinking it was a great abduction story and I and right away I started picturing how I thought it would end. What was I thinking? This is Matt Shaw! Anyway I won't give anything away. Amazing characters, amazing story, Just read it.
November 23, 2014
This book was okay. There were some very long paragraphs that I pretty much just skipped over. It was written well in that I wasn't sure that the main character was going to do to the kid, but overall I think it was just a 3 star story.
March 21, 2016
I would give 2.5 stars if I could. This is a real mashup of two different stories, possibly three. The final quarter of the book just seemed to come from nowhere and didn't really work with the preceding three quarters. Everything seemed a bit rushed.
February 25, 2015
Well written
I really enjoyed this story of two men thinking they could get away with kidnapping a child. Partners then turning on each other. One man worst than the other. Running from the law to truly find real evil within!
I really enjoyed this story of two men thinking they could get away with kidnapping a child. Partners then turning on each other. One man worst than the other. Running from the law to truly find real evil within!
March 4, 2015
I didn't see that coming!
I liked the build up of the characters. By mid_book, I really started to like John, and feel sympathy for him! Towards the end, the twist was crazy! A little too crazy for my taste. I like realistic stories. Just not big on monsters...
I liked the build up of the characters. By mid_book, I really started to like John, and feel sympathy for him! Towards the end, the twist was crazy! A little too crazy for my taste. I like realistic stories. Just not big on monsters...
February 11, 2016
Something about this book didn't work for me. Matt Shaw has written good books, this one just loosing its point at some point.
I hoped for better ending to Toms journey but then... Can't spook me with big dogs.
I hoped for better ending to Toms journey but then... Can't spook me with big dogs.
March 13, 2014
I was very pleasantly surprised by this novel. Original, well written story which is clever and entertaining. I'll read more by this author.
April 16, 2014
Loved this book so much... I went in thinking this was " just" a kidnapping story how wrong was I??! I did not see that twist coming at all....
Once again well done Matt Shaw
Once again well done Matt Shaw
February 5, 2015
Amazing
Great book I couldn't put it Down. A great horror can't wait to get even more of his books later.
Great book I couldn't put it Down. A great horror can't wait to get even more of his books later.
May 5, 2015
Excellent you almost start liking the kidnapper, thinking hey he is not so bad, he is desperate and you almost feel bad about how it all ends...
May 23, 2015
Unexpected evil
This book was amazingly out in left field as the story starts off one way and towards the end it's almost a completely different story but no complains here
This book was amazingly out in left field as the story starts off one way and towards the end it's almost a completely different story but no complains here
July 24, 2015
Ending totally surprised me.. good short read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews