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Through the Devil’s Door: And Other Short Stories
A collection of short stories, all with a supernatural element.
Through the Devil’s Door - Eve Mallory breaks down on the way to a job interview and finds herself herded across a field by a strange fog. Can she find sanctuary in a safe place?
The Book - People deal with grief in different ways. When Elaine finds a journal, apparently written by Jenny, an imaginary friend from her childhood, she finds solace. But there are tougher times ahead. With no one else to give her comfort, will Jenny be enough?
On the Origin of Fae - Charles Darwin finds his proposal of marriage to Mary is turned down. He comes across something most unexpected whilst taking a walk to clear his head.
Where the Spirit Goes - On a cold winter’s night, pensioner Harry reminisces with his neighbour’s dog about the life he’s led.
The Pact - Stephanie tries to come to terms with the loss of her fiancé and takes some bad advice from a friend.
Forest Magic - After a life-changing incident, Mary-Anne has led a difficult life. Will an excursion in the Forest, one autumn day give her an escape from her lonely existence?
Come and Play, Sally - In 1940, Billy loses his mother and sister in the Blitz. In 1972, Margot loses her husband and son in a fire and goes to work at Wolmsey Heights. How do their lives connect?
Folly - Folly is an orphan, alone and afraid in a dystopian world. Who is she, and can she find her place?
Rosie Red, Almost Dead - It’s the end of the world as she knows it. Can Rosie get safely across the terrifying countryside towards Gretna Green to meet her boyfriend, Duncan?
Through the Devil’s Door - Eve Mallory breaks down on the way to a job interview and finds herself herded across a field by a strange fog. Can she find sanctuary in a safe place?
The Book - People deal with grief in different ways. When Elaine finds a journal, apparently written by Jenny, an imaginary friend from her childhood, she finds solace. But there are tougher times ahead. With no one else to give her comfort, will Jenny be enough?
On the Origin of Fae - Charles Darwin finds his proposal of marriage to Mary is turned down. He comes across something most unexpected whilst taking a walk to clear his head.
Where the Spirit Goes - On a cold winter’s night, pensioner Harry reminisces with his neighbour’s dog about the life he’s led.
The Pact - Stephanie tries to come to terms with the loss of her fiancé and takes some bad advice from a friend.
Forest Magic - After a life-changing incident, Mary-Anne has led a difficult life. Will an excursion in the Forest, one autumn day give her an escape from her lonely existence?
Come and Play, Sally - In 1940, Billy loses his mother and sister in the Blitz. In 1972, Margot loses her husband and son in a fire and goes to work at Wolmsey Heights. How do their lives connect?
Folly - Folly is an orphan, alone and afraid in a dystopian world. Who is she, and can she find her place?
Rosie Red, Almost Dead - It’s the end of the world as she knows it. Can Rosie get safely across the terrifying countryside towards Gretna Green to meet her boyfriend, Duncan?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2023
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 24, 2024
Through the Devil’s Door. And Other Short Stories, by Carrie O’Leary.
An enjoyable collection of short stories. There is something here for every taste.
Many of the stories are just long enough to read whilst enjoying a leisurely coffee break, whereas another story is told in six parts, and is full of unexpected twists.
If you like scary spirits, ghosts, fantasy, and intriguing unworldly tales, then this book will not disappoint you. I especially enjoyed the opening story, ‘Through the Devil’s Door,’ and later ‘Where the Spirit Goes’ was quite beautiful.
Well-written and wonderfully descriptive. I will be reading this again, that’s for sure.
Highly recommended.
An enjoyable collection of short stories. There is something here for every taste.
Many of the stories are just long enough to read whilst enjoying a leisurely coffee break, whereas another story is told in six parts, and is full of unexpected twists.
If you like scary spirits, ghosts, fantasy, and intriguing unworldly tales, then this book will not disappoint you. I especially enjoyed the opening story, ‘Through the Devil’s Door,’ and later ‘Where the Spirit Goes’ was quite beautiful.
Well-written and wonderfully descriptive. I will be reading this again, that’s for sure.
Highly recommended.
August 2, 2024
Through the devil’s Door by Carrie O’Leary is the second book of short stories I’ve read by this author, and it is another excellent collection. The author had a wonderful imagination and she takes you into different worlds—some are delightful, some are frightening. If I had to pick out a favourite, I’d say ‘Rosie Red, Almost Dead’ because I love a good zombie tale. But ‘Folly’ is also excellent as is—oh, they all are.
Read this book and see if you can pick out a favourite!
Read this book and see if you can pick out a favourite!
April 1, 2024
Spooky goings on!
Through The Devil’s Door is an enjoyable collection of short stories. Spooky, paranormal, and fantasy. Each story is well-written and descriptive giving you a clear picture of what is happening. I’d read a couple of these stories already, but it didn’t stop me from reading them again. My favourite is Forest Magic.
Through The Devil’s Door is an enjoyable collection of short stories. Spooky, paranormal, and fantasy. Each story is well-written and descriptive giving you a clear picture of what is happening. I’d read a couple of these stories already, but it didn’t stop me from reading them again. My favourite is Forest Magic.
January 18, 2024
This latest collection from this talented short story author is intriguing and, at times, edge of your seat stuff. Carrie takes no prisoners as she kicks off this collection with a dark tale worthy of a certain Mr King before taking us on a ride through the horror/fantasy/sci-fi genre. Definitely recommended.
January 2, 2026
I discovered this author through one of my Facebook groups and was interested enough to read it at 30 point on my MacBook as there is no audio version available. It's a collection of short stories in the horror/fantasy genre. They're well written, believable in a slightly spooky way and I learnt a new fact about side doors in churches. O'Leary also has a book of flash fiction which is right up my street as I can read one of the stories over a cup of tea with no real strain on my eyes.
January 17, 2025
An enjoyable collection of well-written short stories, each with a supernatural element. I don’t get a great deal of time for reading, so I found this book excellent as I was able to sit and read a whole story with a cup of coffee and then carry on with what I was doing. I also don’t tend to select fantasy tales, so this made a welcome change. A spooky treat!
March 22, 2025
A delightful set of scary/thought-provoking/entertaining stories that were a pleasure to read. I particularly liked the conceit of Origins of Fae with Charles Darwin as the lead. A nice collection to fill in the day with.
January 8, 2024
Through the Devil's Door is an intriguing collection of short stories, each with a supernatural twist.
Prepare to be enthralled and horrified in equal measures as the author skillfully draws us into a world of terror and resonance.
I enjoyed the stories, which are well written and which could easily be read during a coffee break or in a waiting room.
The standouts for me are "Folly," Forest Magic," and the aptly named " The Devil's Door." which is a tale not for the faint-hearted and follows the fate of Eve Mallory, who seeks shelter in a disused church after her car breaks down one stormy night.
This story literally sent a shiver down my spine
I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Well done.
Prepare to be enthralled and horrified in equal measures as the author skillfully draws us into a world of terror and resonance.
I enjoyed the stories, which are well written and which could easily be read during a coffee break or in a waiting room.
The standouts for me are "Folly," Forest Magic," and the aptly named " The Devil's Door." which is a tale not for the faint-hearted and follows the fate of Eve Mallory, who seeks shelter in a disused church after her car breaks down one stormy night.
This story literally sent a shiver down my spine
I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Well done.
June 7, 2024
Loved these shorts!
What a gem!! I am a big horror and fantasy fan, and this collection has both. From a demon-infested church to a magical gateway to the world of the Fae, if you're a fan of horror or fantasy, there's something for you. I particularly enjoyed the quasi-sci-fi story with Folly and also the zombie apocalypse tale which is the last and longest of the short stories. This one, I wanted to go on, it left me champing at the bit for more and has the making of a much longer story. Please continue it! There's some darker horror in this collection, but also lighter humour stories that balance the overall content well. The author showcases great talent in writing across genres in this book. A great job.
What a gem!! I am a big horror and fantasy fan, and this collection has both. From a demon-infested church to a magical gateway to the world of the Fae, if you're a fan of horror or fantasy, there's something for you. I particularly enjoyed the quasi-sci-fi story with Folly and also the zombie apocalypse tale which is the last and longest of the short stories. This one, I wanted to go on, it left me champing at the bit for more and has the making of a much longer story. Please continue it! There's some darker horror in this collection, but also lighter humour stories that balance the overall content well. The author showcases great talent in writing across genres in this book. A great job.
January 27, 2024
Interesting Stories
I really enjoy reading short stories, especially when they pack a punch. This collection of stories does just that. Some of them have a darker theme but all are equally good. Forest Magic was my favorite since I do love a good hint of romance and it was nice to see the ugly duckling blossom after a tragic life. If you’re looking for a good collection of short stories, this is a great choice.
I really enjoy reading short stories, especially when they pack a punch. This collection of stories does just that. Some of them have a darker theme but all are equally good. Forest Magic was my favorite since I do love a good hint of romance and it was nice to see the ugly duckling blossom after a tragic life. If you’re looking for a good collection of short stories, this is a great choice.
February 28, 2024
THE DEVIL IS BUSY
I've never been into short stories, especially since my own are so extensive. But after reading Tea Time by this same author and now this... Through the Devil's Door, I'm starting to enjoy them. The forest magic was really interesting but I didn't like the way Billy and Sally went out. Overall the stories are enjoyable. Good job, Carrie
I've never been into short stories, especially since my own are so extensive. But after reading Tea Time by this same author and now this... Through the Devil's Door, I'm starting to enjoy them. The forest magic was really interesting but I didn't like the way Billy and Sally went out. Overall the stories are enjoyable. Good job, Carrie
November 6, 2024
A delicious, delightful and haunting collection!
Carrie O’Leary’s masterful wordsmithery and talent for combining imaginative storylines with finely crafted characters drew me into some mesmerizing escapes.
Each self-contained story is perfect for coffee breaks, with “The Book” holding a sentimental place in my heart for its exploration of grief and the solace we find in unexpected places.
From "Rosie Red, Almost Dead," with its chilling end-of-world setting, to "On the Origin of Fae," which transports us to an alternate view of history, O'Leary's impactful storytelling crafts tales with satisfying resolutions that linger in the mind.
This collection isn’t just an anthology—it’s an introspective invitation to explore our curiosities about the supernatural. If you love spine-tingling, beautifully written short stories *holds up hand* this book is delicious!
Carrie O’Leary’s masterful wordsmithery and talent for combining imaginative storylines with finely crafted characters drew me into some mesmerizing escapes.
Each self-contained story is perfect for coffee breaks, with “The Book” holding a sentimental place in my heart for its exploration of grief and the solace we find in unexpected places.
From "Rosie Red, Almost Dead," with its chilling end-of-world setting, to "On the Origin of Fae," which transports us to an alternate view of history, O'Leary's impactful storytelling crafts tales with satisfying resolutions that linger in the mind.
This collection isn’t just an anthology—it’s an introspective invitation to explore our curiosities about the supernatural. If you love spine-tingling, beautifully written short stories *holds up hand* this book is delicious!
November 19, 2024
An enjoyably diverse mix of short stories
Each of these tales hooked me straight away, as a good short story should do, with the author ably conveying the protagonists’ characters in just a few lines. If, like me, you enjoy the fantasy, horror, and paranormal genres, then this is a great book to dip into when you have a spare moment, though I read it quickly in two sittings. The stories range from the macabre and spine-tingling to the yearning beauty of ‘Where the Spirit Goes’ and the haunting ‘Come and Play, Sally.’ Though I savoured the perfect conclusion of ‘The Pact’, my two favourites were stories I wished would continue when I reached the end – the dystopian sci-fi ‘Folly’, and the apocalyptic zombie-fest, ‘Rosie Red, Almost Dead.’ I would love to see the latter extended into a full-size novel! Well-paced and well-written, this book is a treat.
Each of these tales hooked me straight away, as a good short story should do, with the author ably conveying the protagonists’ characters in just a few lines. If, like me, you enjoy the fantasy, horror, and paranormal genres, then this is a great book to dip into when you have a spare moment, though I read it quickly in two sittings. The stories range from the macabre and spine-tingling to the yearning beauty of ‘Where the Spirit Goes’ and the haunting ‘Come and Play, Sally.’ Though I savoured the perfect conclusion of ‘The Pact’, my two favourites were stories I wished would continue when I reached the end – the dystopian sci-fi ‘Folly’, and the apocalyptic zombie-fest, ‘Rosie Red, Almost Dead.’ I would love to see the latter extended into a full-size novel! Well-paced and well-written, this book is a treat.
May 30, 2025
This is a riveting and brilliant collection of short stories. Some bleak and chilling like Through The Devil’s Door itself or Come & Play, Sally which is set during the Blitz where Billy thinks his mum and baby sister has been killed only to realise when he’s dead that that might not be the case. Then the best is saved till last in Rosie Red, Almost Dead in which after Rosie has spent some time camping in seclusion comes home only to discover the whole country is in the midst of a zombie apocalypse and she must survive a dangerous cross country trip to find her boyfriend. I recently read another book by this author called Tea Time - Tales For Any Taste a collection of flash fiction which I thought was ingeniously written and this collection is equally so. I definitely recommend if you enjoy your character driven short stories.
October 8, 2024
I usually read full novels, but I must admit that I totally enjoyed reading this fascinating collection of short stories, and they reminded me of how truly entertaining short plots can be. There is something for everyone’s paranormal tastes. There are ghost stories, fantasy tales, dark spirits, and other mystical subjects to delight the mind and stimulate the imagination.
I read the entire collection in one day. That’s how captivating the collection is, but they could as easily be enjoyed by reading one or a few at a time. Each tale is only a several pages long, but the plots are well-developed, and the characters are easily relatable. I highly recommend this book, and I know you will enjoy the stories as much as I did.
I read the entire collection in one day. That’s how captivating the collection is, but they could as easily be enjoyed by reading one or a few at a time. Each tale is only a several pages long, but the plots are well-developed, and the characters are easily relatable. I highly recommend this book, and I know you will enjoy the stories as much as I did.
March 9, 2024
This collection of short stories comes as advertised. Carrie O'Leary does not disappoint. Her storytelling is perfect for a short break, when you have five minutes to quickly flick through a few of the pages. Each of the stories is self contained and most have a satisfying resolution. I wouldn't mind seeing some of these expanded upon in her future works. Definitely think there's enough groundwork there to make it part of a bigger overall world.
Regardless, if you like your short stories or collections, pick this one up. Concise, tight storytelling with more than enough to keep you interested. Thanks Carrie!
Regardless, if you like your short stories or collections, pick this one up. Concise, tight storytelling with more than enough to keep you interested. Thanks Carrie!
May 19, 2025
Through the Devils Door is a series of truly enchanting short stories each with a supernatural element. The author has a real talent for weaving vivid imagery together with beautiful prose that really pulls the reader in and brings the stories to life. There is emotional with to each of these tales and it leaves the reader with a longing to read more.
Usually in a book of short stories, there are one or two stand out tales and I find the rest just flesh out the book, but each one of this little gems captivated me and I don’t think I could pick a favourite. I loved them all.
June 3, 2025
Great read!
Through the Devil's door
is a selection of short stories, and fabulous stories they are too. The author weaves each story beautifully with well-executed prose, character building, which can be hard in short stories but the author nailed it! With a supernatural element threaded through, there is a story for everyone, fantasy, magical, paranormal and more. A highly recommended read.
Through the Devil's door
is a selection of short stories, and fabulous stories they are too. The author weaves each story beautifully with well-executed prose, character building, which can be hard in short stories but the author nailed it! With a supernatural element threaded through, there is a story for everyone, fantasy, magical, paranormal and more. A highly recommended read.
September 22, 2024
great
This is a short and not so sweet read. Lol … The stories are well formed and for those darkness fans of horror it is a good read for those cool nights in front of the fire. I enjoyed all the stories , but I think my favourite is the magic forest. I do love a good fae story. It is well written, intrigue and will keep you hooked.
This is a short and not so sweet read. Lol … The stories are well formed and for those darkness fans of horror it is a good read for those cool nights in front of the fire. I enjoyed all the stories , but I think my favourite is the magic forest. I do love a good fae story. It is well written, intrigue and will keep you hooked.
August 14, 2025
I really enjoyed these short stories, they had just enough spooky vibes and a little mystery to keep them interesting . I enjoyed the author's descriptions and I was drawn into each different story immediately. Each story was very different and kept me wanting more. I think some of the stories could warrant a novel or novella I would definitely read more of this author.
September 26, 2025
I don't usually read this genre, but Carrie's skill at telling stories in a way that makes you hear and see and feel what the characters hear, see and feel kept me on the edge of my seat. I found it hard to put it down once I'd begun reading. The stories stayed with me long after reading them. Carrie did an excellent job in keeping the tension throughout. Well done!
October 13, 2025
This is an impressive collection of short stories. Some spooky, others heartwarming, but all of them riveting! I breezed through this book and was left wanting more. I especially would love to see an extended version of the last story- "Rosie Red, Almost Dead." I definitely want to read more from this author!
April 26, 2024
Short Stories with a Powerful Punch
Each tale a little gem. Crystal cut characters. Spooky plot twists. Vivid imagination. I especially liked the Charles Darwin story. Didn’t want it to end either. If you’re a fan of well-written short stories, you owe it to yourself to give this book a read!
Each tale a little gem. Crystal cut characters. Spooky plot twists. Vivid imagination. I especially liked the Charles Darwin story. Didn’t want it to end either. If you’re a fan of well-written short stories, you owe it to yourself to give this book a read!
December 16, 2024
I loved these short stories, one more darker than other other. My favourites were - The Book, The Pact, and The (4) Seasons with its epilogue.
The author has great imagination, and the unexpected twists to some of the stories, made the book a great read.
The author has great imagination, and the unexpected twists to some of the stories, made the book a great read.
December 27, 2024
A great read!
This collection of short stories is a great read. I enjoyed each offering. My favorite was Forest Magic. Every story holds a different flavor, so you are getting a wonderful variety. I would love to read more from this Author. I highly recommend.
This collection of short stories is a great read. I enjoyed each offering. My favorite was Forest Magic. Every story holds a different flavor, so you are getting a wonderful variety. I would love to read more from this Author. I highly recommend.
January 13, 2024
My favourite stories in this book were Through the Devil's door, The pact and I liked the ending of Forest Magic. They are thought provoking and a little dark. The stories weren't for me. I don't like reading about lonely people who get bullied.
March 18, 2025
Brilliant spooky short stories. Loved them all. My favourites were Rosie Red, Almost Dead and The Book, which was so clever. Anyone of these stories could be a full novel they were so good.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews