Ankle Snatcher

Creature Feature

by Grady Hendrix

Obey the rules. It’s the only way to survive the night in a short story about what hides in the dark by the New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. Marcus grew up believing his father killed his mother—then blamed it on the boogeyman under the bed. Always leave the lights on, his father warned, or the boogeyman will get you. Marcus still heeds the superstition, especially when he invites his new girlfriend over. Is Marcus haunted by a creature or has he just inherited his father’s murderous delusions? The night will tell. Grady Hendrix’s Ankle Snatcher is part of Creature Feature, a collection of devilishly creepy stories that tingle the spine and twist the mind. They can be read or listened to in one petrifying sitting.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Audiobook, Fiction, Novella, Thriller, Paranormal

Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2023

About the author

Grady Hendrix is the author of the novels Horrorstör, about a haunted IKEA, and My Best Friend's Exorcism, which is like Beaches meets The Exorcist, only it's set in the Eighties. He's also the author of We Sold Our Souls, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, and the upcoming (July 13!) Final Girl Support Group!

He's also the jerk behind the Stoker award-winning Paperbacks from Hell, a history of the 70's and 80's horror paperback boom, which contains more information about Nazi leprechauns, killer babies, and evil cats than you probably need.

And he's the screenwriter behind Mohawk, which is probably the only horror movie about the War of 1812 and Satanic Panic.

You can listen to free, amazing, and did I mention free podcasts of his fiction on Pseudopod. He also does a podcast called Super Scary Haunted Homeschool.

If you're not already sick of him, you can learn all his secrets at his website.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Is it just me or are these stories getting better and better? I am not reading them in order, I am reading them as the page count fits into my schedule. This one was only 29 pages but boy was it one spooky tale. I think everyone can relate to the monster under the bed from our childhood nightmares.



The best thing about this collection is the fact that I am experiencing authors that are new to me. This is my first read by Grady Hendrix and what a read it was. It's great getting a little taste from these popular horror writers. The scenes Hendrix set gripped me right away and had me checking under the bed before I went to sleep. I will never again step on my bedroom floor without putting the light on first. If you wanna be totally creeped out I suggest you read this one in the dark before sleep. Perfect for spooky season.

[LTJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ankle Snatcher” by Grady Hendrix is a brand new short story that I immediately wanted to read after reading “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” and loving every moment of it. I’ve been reading Hendrix for a few years now and love his unique style of horror, humor, great storytelling, and creating memorable characters that stay with you for a very long time. I saw this short story just came out a few days ago and since it’s just 29 pages, I figured let me make this my last read of September and see what it’s all about since I’m a huge fan of his.

This has an interesting story right off the bat that was intriguing and had me hooked. I knew this would be a very short story and that it probably wouldn’t be long before the horror kicked in and boy, was I right. It had some pretty creepy and bone-chilling scenes done in Hendrix’s unique and subtle way. It was pretty awesome and written in a way that just made me realize once again that he’s truly becoming one of my favorite horror authors out there.

I was indeed making weird faces and yes, my jaw was on the floor once things started to unravel as I literally said “What the hell??!!?” out loud because it was that wild. It was pretty creative and honestly felt like this could be one hell of an episode on “Tales from the Crypt” or even “CREEPSHOW” since it would be crazy to see what this would look like in an adaptation. “Ankle Snatcher” is simply a unique version of the boogeyman taken to creatively crazier heights thanks to Hendrix.

This was short, sweet, and to the point as the ending truly makes you think and leaves you in that state of wonder with that patented Hendrix horror twist. He did a fantastic job with atmosphere building and again, for just 29 pages, it did the job and made me happy. This would be perfect for an October read or even something to start off everyone’s favorite spooky month. For the ultimate experience, read this late at night but specifically in your bedroom. I’m talking about being in complete darkness and silence. Sit back and start reading this short story to completion. I guarantee you will freak out.

I give “Ankle Snatcher” by Grady Hendrix a 5/5 since it was an original short story that delivered that quick horror I was looking for and then some. I figured Hendrix would crush this as he always does and in such a quick fashion, he did. I will never let my feet touch the floor next to my bed in the dark ever again.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is dead-on horror.
It taps into that kind of shit-your-pants primal fear we all carry from our childhood.



How many of you made that GIANT bounce off the bed to run to the bathroom when your bladder was finally about to burst in the middle of the night? And then took a running leap that would have made an Olympic high jumper proud when you hopped back into bed?
Let me tell you, I was the fucking Flash when it came to getting that blanket tucked back around my feet, and I'm betting I wasn't the only one.
Something was in my closet when I was a little girl, and its creepy cousin lived under my bed.
Is it still there?
Well, I'm sure as hell not poking my head under there at 3 am!



This was a great short by Hendrix and definitely worth it for anyone who wants a quick little jump scare.
The ending was a bit flat, but the overall story was good enough to easily get 4 stars out of me.
Recommended as a bedtime story for small & impressionable children.

OH! And for now, this is a free download if you have a Prime account on Amazon.
At least in the US.

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Scary Story!

Marcus is the narrator of this story. He tells his story about the death of his mother and the life of his father.

The history of the ankle snatcher in his family, is something that maybe he should believe in.

He doesn’t have to test his belief until the day he brings home a girl. And she spends the night. Will he kill her? Is there something wrong with him?

Take a deep breath and let yourself flow.

Five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grady Hendrix confirms why I sleep with a night light on. You just never know! But do you?
A very effective super short story. I listened to this one twice, the ending makes you think. 😉🛌

Great narration. Michael Crouch makes me jumpy!

Part of Creature Feature collection. It comes with audio. Free with Prime or KU.

29 pages/45 mins

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

Creature Feature Collection is free for Prime members.

I listened to this short tale (only 29 pgs or 45 min) for a spooky October read.

Marcus has his new girlfriend over for the night and his superstituous ways go wild! Or do they??!! 😱
One of them doesn't follow the rules, and horror happens! Eek, what is under that bed?!

I liked the ending, although I was left wondering.

Fast listen with some intense, spine chilling scenes.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware of the monsters under the bed!

This was Book #2 in the Creature Feature collection on Amazon (Kindle Unlimited), and at only 29 pages, it was a fascinating story! This short story started off strong, and ended even stronger.

This is the story of Marcus, who was led to believe that the boogeyman lived under his bed. His father believed in many superstitions, and Marcus did not want to be like his father. Then one night, Marcus goes on a date and brings the woman back to his place. Was the boogeyman there that night?

All I know is that after reading this story, I will never get out of bed after dark without turning on the lights ever again! In fact, I might start sleeping with a light on 🫣

I highly recommend this short read, and this Creature Feature collection!

[Dez the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy, fun and a twist on the boogeyman...

What a fun horror short to get me into the feels of Hallows Eve.

An updated twist to the boogeyman, we get a quick glimpse into a modern day young man, raised in the belief his father was a murderer. What we soon find is something more sinister and otherworldly. Decent story, decent writing, coulda been just a ditch better imho.

Highly recommend reading this series of horror shorts to get your chills, frills and Halloween feels.

[myo ⋆｡˚ ❀ * · Rating 4 out of 5]

started reading this to my boyfriend because i read him to bed but he fell asleep 10 pages in and i kept reading because i was waaayy too invested. grady hendrix never disappoints me!

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I loved the idea of Ankle Snatcher but wish this was a bit longer. It went right into the horror and with a bit more buildup, it would have creeped me out more.

I love Grady Hendrix’s books and ideas for plots. I’m glad he contributed to this collection!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short read about a guy (Marcus) whose father told him when he was six that his mother was killed by an Ankle Snatcher (which only grabs ankles/people from underneath the bed when the lights are out). His father is accused of the mother’s murder and goes to prison. Marcus believes his dad killed her. Some years later Marcus falls for a girl and brings her home. After a night of passion, the girl gets up from the bed in the dark and the Ankle Snatcher gets her. Now Marcus believes the story his father told him. I didn’t find this story scary at all, and I found the main character to be a bit weak and wimpy. I enjoyed the other books in the Amazon Creature Feature series much more.

[Sydney Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legit one of my biggest fears as a kid. Creeeepy

[John (JC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most children have either been terrified of an open closet door at night or the thought of someone under their bed. I know I did. Well, if you want to get creeped out try reading this book at “O dark thirty” before you go to bed.
Well written. Not a dry moment. An enjoyable short read and a very tasty morsel of fear.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the creature feature series this was a creepy read but not scary I never will sleep with the light out again.

Marcus was only six when his father killed his mother, he blamed it on the boogeyman under the bed 🛌
His father called them the ankle biters his father’s eyes looked psychotic which frightened Marcus his father sent to prison now Marcuses girlfriend Tess is murdered .


I enjoyed this one it was creepy but not frightening the ending was good will be reading more from this author.

[Susan Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent little, short story! This is my fourth read from Grady Hendrix, and I just vibe with his writing style. Since this is only 29 pages, it gets right to the gore in a hurry. I honestly was wishing this was longer. I think it's the perfect story to read this time of year when you're in bed and wondering about what lurks beneath you. I hope you don't have to get up to pee 🤣.

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3★
“They never asked me a single question about Tess or what happened last night. They had no interest in me or anything I had to say. I wasn’t a person. I was a crime. Every time they left me alone, my lungs filled with panic and I started to drown.”

This is a bedtime story, a particularly gruesome one. You know – the kind people tell to scare you out of your wits about the thing in the closet, the monster under the bed.

This guy’s dad had warned him to keep the lights on, but he didn’t believe it. Now he does.

“I thought about fire, but I didn’t want to burn the building down. I could shoot it, but the background check took three days in this state. If I had my phone I could look up personal security stores and see what I could take home today: Tasers, pepper spray, stun guns. Maybe a clerk who loved the Second Amendment more than his liability insurance would sell me something under the counter.”

Keep your lights on!

This is not one for the likes of me. A bit too yucky.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this copy for review from the #CreatureFeature Collection.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story from the Amazon Originals Creature Feature Collection which is turning out to be an excellent set of horror stories!

Have you ever been afraid of what might be under the bed? Against all logic you still jump into bed quickly in case that hand (or worse) grabs your ankle? Well if you have don't read this story or it will give you nightmares for months.

I have not read anything by Grady Hendrix before but I will look out for him now. This story was funny, really scary and totally gross by turns. A good one to read in October. Look out for it.

[NZLisaM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creature Feature is a collection of six Amazon-Original scary stories, each focusing on a different monster, penned by well-known authors in the horror and thriller genres. This is story 2/6.

Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix – 5 Pumpkins 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

When Marcus Needham was six his father was arrested and sent to prison for killing his mother. But the night it happened his father told his young son that he didn’t do it, that the Ankle Snatcher had grabbed his mother because she’d gotten out of bed in the dead of night without turning on a light first. Always turn on the light before getting out of bed his father warned. And even though Marcus has always believed his father to be delusional, he has always turned on the lamp first, even as an adult, until the night his girlfriend stays over, and she gets up to use the bathroom in complete darkness…

Ankle Snatcher is the shortest of the Creature Feature stories but it certainly left its mark – but fortunately not a physical one on my ankle. Who wouldn’t be terrified of something lurking under the bed? Especially something that only exists after dark. Are you superstitious? Would you turn on the light before getting up in the middle of the night just in case? The ending the protagonist found himself in was quite the conundrum. This little gem creeped me out.

I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amazon, and Grady Hendrix for the e-ARC.

Available Now!

[Sarah ♡ (let’s interact!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2/6 of the Kindle Creature Feature horror collection ! 💀🖤

A great, short, tale by Grady Hendrix that taps into the fear of monsters hiding under the bed.
Marcus grows up believing that his father killed his mother - blaming it on a boogeyman under the bed as part of some delusion. Could this fear be passed down from father to son? Or could the Ankle Snatcher be lurking in the dark? You’d better keep the lights on…!

[Provin Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREE FOR AMAZON PRIME MEMBERS!!!

I really enjoyed this short story because short horror stories are the perfect pairing for spooky season. I don’t want to type up a long review because I don’t want to reveal to much about what this 28 page long story holds. If your a fan of Grady Hendrix you’ll love this story too! All I will say is: beware of what’s lurking under your bed………..😉

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I start wetting the bed at night because I’m too afraid to make my ankle visible prey as I head to the bathroom in the dark, you can bet it will be Grady Hendrix’s fault.

Ah, but is there a monster under the bed? Or is the monster inside of all of us? We might never know.

The tension was palpable. Grady truly shines in the short story scene.

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, fuck. Guess I’m never getting out of bed again.

[Chris Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember my grandmother reading me James Howe's "There's a Monster Under My Bed" as a youngster, and for whatever reason, the blurb on of this book immediately made me think that it was going to be a more "adult" version of that short.

This is a short, short, story about a young man who grew up believing his mother was murdered by a boogeyman that lives beneath the bed because his father told him so.

I was on board for the first page or two, but soon fell out with the quick relationship banter, gross-out attempts, and the boogeyman-under-the-bed bit. There might be something to the story if it was fleshed out a bit more, but there was just not enough inherent backstory to really play up that fear of a monster under the bed. 

🎵| Soundtrack |🎵
❖ Amorphis - House of Sleep

⭐ | Rating | ⭐
❖ 2 out of 5

[Sadie Hartmann]

This was classic Grady. Draws the reader into the story, builds out the characters and establishes some context through backstory. Then, he sprinkles in a little humor, gets the reader distracted while he moves in with a darker mood. The horror kicks in. A perfect balance of humor, fantasy, and the supernatural grounded in reality.
Plus, who doesn't love Boogeyman lore?
Reminded me a lot of Stephen King's The Boogeyman.

[SVETLANA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short horror story about a family Ankle Snatcher under the bed.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short horror story. Didn't love it and didn't hate it

[TheBookWarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️— An entertaining short story by a modern mogul of the Horror-humour genre, that has a satisfying conclusion after setting the tone well and truly in the high-tension range with a slightly opaque, yet grounded, modern take on the bogeyman-motif, with a little of the classic horror elements thrown in for good measure!

The creepy factor gets a good look in from early on in this one & Hendrix does a quality job of showcasing his short-story scare skills without ever going too far. This is definitely one that’ll likely make many reading it leave the light on for a few nights afterward and maybe even peek under the bed for good measure. This is always a sign if a good story but my favourite aspect is that Grady even managed to squeeze in some sort of Hendrix-like twist that manages to not feel forced — No mean fest given there is such little room or scope to move in this series.

Hendrix prose at times did feel a little tight here, it is not as well written or doesn’t flow with his normal lyrical turn of phrase, however it’s a well-rounded story that doesn’t break the rules, but does flirt with it here and there which is fun, and mate, what an apt and clever title.

Definitely one worth giving a go, just be sure to do so with high/end headphones if possible, otherwise close your eyes, turn out the lights and remember why the bogeyman was never treated without respect in the 1970’s through to the 90’s.

[Berengaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

shortish review for busy readers:
I've never read a Grady Hendrix before, so thought I'd try a 'taster' with this short story from the Amazon Originals Creature Feature series.

"Ankle Snatcher" is a creepy, well outlined story that plays on the fear that what lurks under our beds might just be more seriously sinister than dust bunnies. 😱 How much can we dismiss those things that go bump in the night, or even the night itself? (And do adults need night lights, too?)

Our main character thinks everything is fine with his bed, until one day...it demonstratively isn't.

Unfortunately, the tale sort of falls apart at the end, leaving the central mystery of the reality of the Ankle Snatcher hanging in an uncomfortably open fashion. There are just too many possibilities for what the future, after the end of the story, holds for the protagonist.

An enjoyable read in any case.

[james · Rating 3 out of 5]

People like you and me, son, we have to be careful of the Ankle Snatcher.

it’s fine, i didn’t want to sleep tonight anyway

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ankle Snatcher
By Grady Hendrix
This was pretty good for a short story. I enjoyed it. Good and creepy.