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Those Who Live in Darkness: Volume One
Ever since Brian turned 10 years old, his life has been plagued by the mysterious visitation of the Tree Man.
This traumatic event has left him with vivid nightmares and countless unanswered questions. Now, as he prepares to leave the psychiatric facility, his main focus is on unraveling the truth behind that fateful night.
Reunited with his estranged sister, Brian delves deeper into the string of murders that have occurred. He can’t help but wonder if the Tree Man is a real supernatural being or if there are sinister individuals behind these events. With a burning desire to uncover the truth, Brian embarks on a search to unravel the secrets that shroud his past in a world he had forgotten.
This traumatic event has left him with vivid nightmares and countless unanswered questions. Now, as he prepares to leave the psychiatric facility, his main focus is on unraveling the truth behind that fateful night.
Reunited with his estranged sister, Brian delves deeper into the string of murders that have occurred. He can’t help but wonder if the Tree Man is a real supernatural being or if there are sinister individuals behind these events. With a burning desire to uncover the truth, Brian embarks on a search to unravel the secrets that shroud his past in a world he had forgotten.
188 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2024
About the author
Dan Shrader
31 books126 followersDan Shrader is a horror author from French Lick, Indiana. He's the author of Cabin Black, Craven's Freaks, Full Nasty, The Worm Tongue Gospels, and numerous other works of transgressive fiction. Blending psychological terror, splatterpunk, and extreme horror, his stories explore obsession, grief, madness, and addiction. His interconnected Towers Valley universe continues to expand across novels and collections, earning him a growing readership and multiple horror award nominations.
When he isn't writing his next nightmare, he's probably hunting down forgotten VHS horror films or adding another bizarre title to his ever-growing collection.
Check out his newsletter on Substack: Communion of Flies
Website: danshraderhorror.com
When he isn't writing his next nightmare, he's probably hunting down forgotten VHS horror films or adding another bizarre title to his ever-growing collection.
Check out his newsletter on Substack: Communion of Flies
Website: danshraderhorror.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 16, 2025
This was my first read by Dan Shrader and it will not be the last. The vibes, the horrific scenarios the characters find themselves in made me laugh, clench my legs together and telepathically high five the author for doing the controversial stuff. Stories including a con being released back into civvy street and is immediately thrust back into criminality. A culty, backwoods family looking to take back they're escaped daughter (this story was my favourite). Dan writes with a razor sharp pen, coated in blood and if this was the beginning of his career then, I can't wait to read some of his recent stuff.
June 12, 2026
Welp, there’s a first time for everything, and this is the first time that I am completely unsure of how to start, structure, or even do a review for a book by Shrader. And what’s even more wild is that I had already read a majority of these stories when they were originally published. I even broke out my notes and original reviews for the stories so that I could compare them to the new ones I took, reading them after they’ve been remastered. And I’ll be honest, I was shocked that each one felt new, and just the overall concept of having a returning character come back and play a host, along with intermissions. Such nostalgic Tales from the Crypt vibes in all the best ways possible. I have always made it known that collections aren’t my favorite books to read. I have no reason to feel this way, I have read a ton of amazing collections, and I will continue to do so I just tend to gravitate towards longer novels. That being said, the way this was done, as I mentioned above, was so unique and well thought out. I don’t think I could be more impressed than I have been since even hearing about it. Truly.
Ok... time for the really good stuff.
If I go in depth with each story, this review will need to count towards your reading goal for the year, so I will touch upon them all, even if just a quote, so I don’t completely lose everyone's attention.
Starting from the top, Shrader lets the readers know what's up, and you should believe every word:
“NOTHING LEAVES WHOLE is my revised short story collection, and it's not your typical "best of" compilation. Oh, no… this is a remastered, reimagined, and brutally enhanced journey through six of my most depraved tales that were previously published before—all stitched together with a host…”
Then there’s the host, Mr. Moonlight. Mr. Moonlight, and from what I remember, was introduced to us in the KILL ALL GODS anthology that came out last May. The story was actually called MR. MOONLIGHT. And from both my memory and my notes, the story was foul as hell. So it’s no surprise that it rolled over into this role too.
There are six stories altogether--
DEADSIDE MANNER:
“Everybody thinks they know darkness,” Tyler once told her. “They watch horror movies and listen to metal and think that’s enough. But this? This is real. This is how people open doors they aren’t supposed to open.”
- Witchy. Gritty. Lusty. TWISTY AF!
SEEKING COMPANION:
“Before graduating to cannibalistic murder and necrophilia, Jacob found himself craving something more than sweets. His appetite for one particular item was something money couldn’t buy and, in a way, was his gateway to adult fantasies and crimes. Jacob had a fascination with scabs.”
- Foul. Lol. Absolutely foul.
THE LITTER CRITTERS:
- This one was also foul. And it felt like a fever dream!
BACKWOODS GOTHIC:
“Then a car full of teenagers vanished out there in 1968.
Never found.
The only thing search teams recovered was an old oak tree near the swamp with words carved deep into the bark:
CEEP UR PRETY FASES OWT!”
- This was a standout story for me in the anthology; it was originally published in two years ago, SHOCKING SOJOURNS. Fantastic freaking story.
KINK SOCIETY:
- This was featured in the book THE CUCK CHAIR featuring Shrader, Nickey, and Bray. They all showed up for this, lol.
- Dan’s story was and still is wild as hell!
- The synopsis for that story is: Sex ads are all Billy has now that momma died. Calling one up leads him down a dark and sexually charged path.
- ENOUGH SAID, lol.
I know I said collections weren’t my instant go-to in general when it came to books, but this one is really freaking good and I highly recommend it! It might be taking the number one spot for my favorite collections by Shrader and will definitely make it in a top reads list!
Ok... time for the really good stuff.
If I go in depth with each story, this review will need to count towards your reading goal for the year, so I will touch upon them all, even if just a quote, so I don’t completely lose everyone's attention.
Starting from the top, Shrader lets the readers know what's up, and you should believe every word:
“NOTHING LEAVES WHOLE is my revised short story collection, and it's not your typical "best of" compilation. Oh, no… this is a remastered, reimagined, and brutally enhanced journey through six of my most depraved tales that were previously published before—all stitched together with a host…”
Then there’s the host, Mr. Moonlight. Mr. Moonlight, and from what I remember, was introduced to us in the KILL ALL GODS anthology that came out last May. The story was actually called MR. MOONLIGHT. And from both my memory and my notes, the story was foul as hell. So it’s no surprise that it rolled over into this role too.
There are six stories altogether--
DEADSIDE MANNER:
“Everybody thinks they know darkness,” Tyler once told her. “They watch horror movies and listen to metal and think that’s enough. But this? This is real. This is how people open doors they aren’t supposed to open.”
- Witchy. Gritty. Lusty. TWISTY AF!
SEEKING COMPANION:
“Before graduating to cannibalistic murder and necrophilia, Jacob found himself craving something more than sweets. His appetite for one particular item was something money couldn’t buy and, in a way, was his gateway to adult fantasies and crimes. Jacob had a fascination with scabs.”
- Foul. Lol. Absolutely foul.
THE LITTER CRITTERS:
- This one was also foul. And it felt like a fever dream!
BACKWOODS GOTHIC:
“Then a car full of teenagers vanished out there in 1968.
Never found.
The only thing search teams recovered was an old oak tree near the swamp with words carved deep into the bark:
CEEP UR PRETY FASES OWT!”
- This was a standout story for me in the anthology; it was originally published in two years ago, SHOCKING SOJOURNS. Fantastic freaking story.
KINK SOCIETY:
- This was featured in the book THE CUCK CHAIR featuring Shrader, Nickey, and Bray. They all showed up for this, lol.
- Dan’s story was and still is wild as hell!
- The synopsis for that story is: Sex ads are all Billy has now that momma died. Calling one up leads him down a dark and sexually charged path.
- ENOUGH SAID, lol.
I know I said collections weren’t my instant go-to in general when it came to books, but this one is really freaking good and I highly recommend it! It might be taking the number one spot for my favorite collections by Shrader and will definitely make it in a top reads list!
March 17, 2024
A collection of six stories from Dan Shrader, this is my first time reading his work and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Six great stories, each with their own unique voice.
Dan definitely has the potential to go places in the indie horror scene so keep your eyes peeled. He writes like a temptress, teasing you along with hints and tidbits of information until he gives it all up, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
As always with collections and anthologies, I will write a few words for each story. My standouts were FROM THE GUTTERS and CRAVENS FREAKS.
EYESORE…. Chris and Molly’s marriage is a bit stale, and the ugly tree in the back yard is a bone of contention between them. Molly wants it gone, but Chris made a promise. A promise he cannot break.
Infidelity, regrets and revenge.
CASPER…. a year away from turning 70, suffering from depression, alcohol dependent and fed up, Casper lives to make his niece, Deboah’s life a little more difficult by being a grumpy, messy, cantankerous old man. Their relationship is one of playful insults, love and respect.
When recent local killings seem very similar to ones Casper had to deal with 20 years ago, the police approach him for help. Begrudgingly he reveals what he knows, and it makes him feel alive again.
A family that plays together, stays together….
WHISPERS FROM THE VOID…. Elizabeth is a young woman in a much older woman’s body. She’s seen things, things that have changed her dramatically. It all started when she went to The Island, on a kind of treasure hunt. A cursed island that doesn't hold back in letting loose its horrors….
FROM THE GUTTERS…. Stewg and his friends are out for a ride in his old pinto, a car with a dark history. They head to Robin Hood Hills, the last place the car was seen, and also, the last time the car's previous owners were seen. What they meet next is horrifying beyond belief. Stewg wants to get closer to Vickey, to have a special night just the two of them, but they end up with a lot of nasty, unwanted guests, and a brutal twist!!
CRAVENS FREAKS…. Jason is finally being released from prison after serving a rather long sentence, although not long enough for the crime he committed. He’s a scumbag, and proud of the fact. He gets in with the mob on the inside and on his release, they have a job for him. But his marks beat him to it, they have an ultimatum for him, and he gets a taste of his own sick, violent medicine!
With a nice, unexpected twist, I do love a good bit of revenge torture….
MY SEVENTH DEATH…. Walter is a broken man, everything in his life is great, apart from his abusive wife. So, when he’s at his lowest and he gets a new trainee, things start to look up for him finally, but at what cost?
3.5/5
Dan definitely has the potential to go places in the indie horror scene so keep your eyes peeled. He writes like a temptress, teasing you along with hints and tidbits of information until he gives it all up, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
As always with collections and anthologies, I will write a few words for each story. My standouts were FROM THE GUTTERS and CRAVENS FREAKS.
EYESORE…. Chris and Molly’s marriage is a bit stale, and the ugly tree in the back yard is a bone of contention between them. Molly wants it gone, but Chris made a promise. A promise he cannot break.
Infidelity, regrets and revenge.
CASPER…. a year away from turning 70, suffering from depression, alcohol dependent and fed up, Casper lives to make his niece, Deboah’s life a little more difficult by being a grumpy, messy, cantankerous old man. Their relationship is one of playful insults, love and respect.
When recent local killings seem very similar to ones Casper had to deal with 20 years ago, the police approach him for help. Begrudgingly he reveals what he knows, and it makes him feel alive again.
A family that plays together, stays together….
WHISPERS FROM THE VOID…. Elizabeth is a young woman in a much older woman’s body. She’s seen things, things that have changed her dramatically. It all started when she went to The Island, on a kind of treasure hunt. A cursed island that doesn't hold back in letting loose its horrors….
FROM THE GUTTERS…. Stewg and his friends are out for a ride in his old pinto, a car with a dark history. They head to Robin Hood Hills, the last place the car was seen, and also, the last time the car's previous owners were seen. What they meet next is horrifying beyond belief. Stewg wants to get closer to Vickey, to have a special night just the two of them, but they end up with a lot of nasty, unwanted guests, and a brutal twist!!
CRAVENS FREAKS…. Jason is finally being released from prison after serving a rather long sentence, although not long enough for the crime he committed. He’s a scumbag, and proud of the fact. He gets in with the mob on the inside and on his release, they have a job for him. But his marks beat him to it, they have an ultimatum for him, and he gets a taste of his own sick, violent medicine!
With a nice, unexpected twist, I do love a good bit of revenge torture….
MY SEVENTH DEATH…. Walter is a broken man, everything in his life is great, apart from his abusive wife. So, when he’s at his lowest and he gets a new trainee, things start to look up for him finally, but at what cost?
3.5/5
February 3, 2024
- Inside the walls of Towers Valley Maximum Security prison, Jason Toole is released to the streets once again. Returning to his old ways, he is hired to take vengeance on a freak show outfit that owes money. The turn of events is completely unexpected and as controversial as a Tod Browning movie.
- Bad things happen along the stretch of road near Robin Hood Hills. During a lonely dark drive, a couple discover a textured book of human skin along with a creepy recording. Now, the twosome are forced to confront a mutated evolution of twisted horror.
- An eyesore of a tree resides in a married couples backyard. However, this godawful one of a kind tree becomes a gruesome solution to a very troubled marriage.
Author Dan Shrader presents Those Who Live In Darkness Vol 1, a collection of mutated stories told with a creative morbid fashion. From a crazy family where blood is thicker than water to an unsolved criminal investigation that is being reexamined. Shrader guides his readers through a labyrinth of creative writing where a fine line between reality and dark fiction exists.
Prepare yourself to embark on an expedition of sheer terror where a battle of warped wits is always one page away. Those Who Live In Darkness is a pleasurable pursuit into insanity and hideous deformities of gore. Who says a good ending has to be happy, certainly not Dan Shrader.
Infested within these pages are stories that are told by way of symbols, diagrams and scientific equations…all capturing that claustrophobic feel of distress, fear and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. By way of “a deal with the devil,” this gathering of stories are temptations of evil. A Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
- Bad things happen along the stretch of road near Robin Hood Hills. During a lonely dark drive, a couple discover a textured book of human skin along with a creepy recording. Now, the twosome are forced to confront a mutated evolution of twisted horror.
- An eyesore of a tree resides in a married couples backyard. However, this godawful one of a kind tree becomes a gruesome solution to a very troubled marriage.
Author Dan Shrader presents Those Who Live In Darkness Vol 1, a collection of mutated stories told with a creative morbid fashion. From a crazy family where blood is thicker than water to an unsolved criminal investigation that is being reexamined. Shrader guides his readers through a labyrinth of creative writing where a fine line between reality and dark fiction exists.
Prepare yourself to embark on an expedition of sheer terror where a battle of warped wits is always one page away. Those Who Live In Darkness is a pleasurable pursuit into insanity and hideous deformities of gore. Who says a good ending has to be happy, certainly not Dan Shrader.
Infested within these pages are stories that are told by way of symbols, diagrams and scientific equations…all capturing that claustrophobic feel of distress, fear and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. By way of “a deal with the devil,” this gathering of stories are temptations of evil. A Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
January 18, 2024
4/5⭐️
Release date is February 7th, 2024!
Welcome to Towers Valley where the craziest stuff keeps happening. I enjoyed all of the stories in this book. The writing kept me engaged as well. I like that each story brought a different type of horror to the forefront.
Eyesore- this was a tale of sweet revenge. It also had a supernatural type of feel to it.
Casper- Had me reeling. A cop becomes too pushy in a case that someone wanted to stay buried. He may have to pay a price for being nosey. You know what they say about curiosity.
Whispers From The Void- This one was a cosmic horror story. This one I didn’t enjoy as much as the others. ONLY because I wish it would have been extended and made a bit longer. I wanted to know a little more. I felt unsatisfied.
From The Gutters- All I can say to this story is Vicky is a cold witch.
Cravens Freaks- Jason gets out of prison ready to unleash his evil onto the world only for his world to get turned upside down.
My Seventh Death- This story could also be made into a full size novel or novella. I enjoyed this story the most. Poor Walter honestly lol I also need an origin story for Sarah like YESTERDAY!
Release date is February 7th, 2024!
Welcome to Towers Valley where the craziest stuff keeps happening. I enjoyed all of the stories in this book. The writing kept me engaged as well. I like that each story brought a different type of horror to the forefront.
Eyesore- this was a tale of sweet revenge. It also had a supernatural type of feel to it.
Casper- Had me reeling. A cop becomes too pushy in a case that someone wanted to stay buried. He may have to pay a price for being nosey. You know what they say about curiosity.
Whispers From The Void- This one was a cosmic horror story. This one I didn’t enjoy as much as the others. ONLY because I wish it would have been extended and made a bit longer. I wanted to know a little more. I felt unsatisfied.
From The Gutters- All I can say to this story is Vicky is a cold witch.
Cravens Freaks- Jason gets out of prison ready to unleash his evil onto the world only for his world to get turned upside down.
My Seventh Death- This story could also be made into a full size novel or novella. I enjoyed this story the most. Poor Walter honestly lol I also need an origin story for Sarah like YESTERDAY!
January 14, 2025
Fantastic!
Already a fan of Shrader's Satanic Bill stories, I decided to try some of his shorter fiction, and I had a blast with THOSE WHO LIVE IN DARKNESS. I enjoyed all six stories, but my favorites were "Casper," "My Seventh Death," and "Craven's Freaks." This is some vivid, fascinating storytelling, and Shrader's imagination is unique. Highly recommended for fans of the extreme!
Already a fan of Shrader's Satanic Bill stories, I decided to try some of his shorter fiction, and I had a blast with THOSE WHO LIVE IN DARKNESS. I enjoyed all six stories, but my favorites were "Casper," "My Seventh Death," and "Craven's Freaks." This is some vivid, fascinating storytelling, and Shrader's imagination is unique. Highly recommended for fans of the extreme!
December 11, 2023
A dark collection of tales for true horror lovers.
Those who live in darkness is a collection of 6 stories that are very well done. The author vividly describes the scenes and characters and places you right there in the middle of everything. A must read for short story lovers.
Eyesore: an intriguing twisting tale of revenge with an ending you won’t see coming
Casper: a quick thrill ride with a retired cop. What to do when the past comes back to haunt you
Whispers from the void: an eldritch/cosmic tale that leaves you wondering what lies in wait just under the surface
From the gutters: small town boy trying to impress a girl. And then….
Cravens freaks: this was a messed up story.
My seventh death: this story was done in three parts and was by far my favorite story. The author did an incredible job with this one and managed to put a nice little bow on the whole book.
Releases February 7 2024
Those who live in darkness is a collection of 6 stories that are very well done. The author vividly describes the scenes and characters and places you right there in the middle of everything. A must read for short story lovers.
Eyesore: an intriguing twisting tale of revenge with an ending you won’t see coming
Casper: a quick thrill ride with a retired cop. What to do when the past comes back to haunt you
Whispers from the void: an eldritch/cosmic tale that leaves you wondering what lies in wait just under the surface
From the gutters: small town boy trying to impress a girl. And then….
Cravens freaks: this was a messed up story.
My seventh death: this story was done in three parts and was by far my favorite story. The author did an incredible job with this one and managed to put a nice little bow on the whole book.
Releases February 7 2024
January 20, 2024
'Those Who Live in Darkness' is a short horror story collection of some variety, though for me they felt mostly like not so great B-movies, at best, or fell flat, at worse. I found the writing quite ackward, and the plotlines just a bit too familiar: monsters in caves, mentally disturbed families in the woods, people hunted down for no reason, crooked cops, the Old Ones in the tunnel. Perhaps I've read too many colllections lately. I did read the whole thing, however, and was occasionally entertained, but the plotlines left me wanting more, or simply did not convince me. I had no trouble with the extreme themes the author usually employed in the stories, but I felt very strongly they were there for absolutely no reason other than shock value.
December 31, 2023
Those Who Live in Darkness is an excellent collection of short stories that you should be able to tear through rather quickly.
Each of the tales are entertaining in their own right, but there are a couple that are sure to leave you wanting more. For me, From The Gutters was the pick of the bunch and the one that could easily be expanded into a novel length story.
There are some definite trigger warnings to be found in the book, with incest, extreme violence, and some other unsavory nuggets in there, but they are certainly not done solely for shock value.
This is labeled as Volume 1, and I look forward to reading more of the creepy goings on in Towers Valley.
Each of the tales are entertaining in their own right, but there are a couple that are sure to leave you wanting more. For me, From The Gutters was the pick of the bunch and the one that could easily be expanded into a novel length story.
There are some definite trigger warnings to be found in the book, with incest, extreme violence, and some other unsavory nuggets in there, but they are certainly not done solely for shock value.
This is labeled as Volume 1, and I look forward to reading more of the creepy goings on in Towers Valley.
March 25, 2024
Those Who Live in Darkness is a collection full of ominous twisted tales. Each story was uniquely crafted. All of these stories portray at least one character that’s a villain. Bad things happen to good people all the time but some do get their vengeance in a fulfilling manner. Beware of the twists…people can be very deceiving at first.
Thanks Unveiling Nightmares for the ARC!
Thanks Unveiling Nightmares for the ARC!
June 6, 2026
I have not been disappointed yet!!! Told myself I’d read one story and go back to my other book 💀that did not happen I ate this book up🍴. Just went to his website and bought more books by Dan Shrader I can’t wait to feel my heart race 🙌
February 10, 2024
If you have ever wanted to dive deep into madness, get a taste of the worst of humanity and know what it’s like to be in the mind of the most vilest scum of the earth, then may I recommend reading the book, Those Who Live in Darkness, Volume One by Dan Shrader. While not every main character in these stories is the worst of the worst (I’m looking at you, Stewg), every story shines a spotlight on someone who is evil to the core.
These stories are not for the faint of heart. These stories are wicked.
I have not known true darkness until I read these stories. These stories are tales of those who truly do “live in darkness” and make you question humanity. Make you wonder what terrible past created these villains, and how they ended up becoming the monsters that they are today.
The best part of these stories? You never see the bad guy coming. Seriously. There were many times I was reading the stories and surprised to discover that the quiet, shy person is actually the bad guy that can cause another character’s undoing. And just when you think someone is innocent, think again! Actions and words are deceiving. There is a monster hiding in every story and the reader would be wise not to get too attached to the apparent victim or the sweet and innocent person.
Yes, monsters truly exist. And they are human.
It is rare that I come across a story collection in which I read every single story. That’s what happened with this book. Not only are these stories well written and the mood of the stories kept me curled up in my seat and dreading what happened next, but the stories themselves, with these unique characters and interesting plots, are what kept me reading every word of every story.
Not every single moment of all of the stories are creepy or scary. There were some funny moments sprinkled in, and I gotta say that reading the first part of the story “From the Gutters” took me back to the 80s.
But, for the most part, reading the stories in this book guarantees that you will be in for some chilling, gripping and gory moments.
Many of the innocent characters who survive the darkness in the stories come away no longer feeling the same about themselves or their faith in humanity as they once did, and after I finished reading the stories in this book, I must confess that I felt the same way. Seeing the true utter darkness and evil of what can exist within a human being offered just a taste of the darkness that exists within people in the real world. The villains in these stories are so lifelike and written realistically that after knowing these monsters, I started to feel uneasy and looking over my shoulder to ensure I was not in danger of them.
These stories are not for the faint of heart. These stories are wicked.
I have not known true darkness until I read these stories. These stories are tales of those who truly do “live in darkness” and make you question humanity. Make you wonder what terrible past created these villains, and how they ended up becoming the monsters that they are today.
The best part of these stories? You never see the bad guy coming. Seriously. There were many times I was reading the stories and surprised to discover that the quiet, shy person is actually the bad guy that can cause another character’s undoing. And just when you think someone is innocent, think again! Actions and words are deceiving. There is a monster hiding in every story and the reader would be wise not to get too attached to the apparent victim or the sweet and innocent person.
Yes, monsters truly exist. And they are human.
It is rare that I come across a story collection in which I read every single story. That’s what happened with this book. Not only are these stories well written and the mood of the stories kept me curled up in my seat and dreading what happened next, but the stories themselves, with these unique characters and interesting plots, are what kept me reading every word of every story.
Not every single moment of all of the stories are creepy or scary. There were some funny moments sprinkled in, and I gotta say that reading the first part of the story “From the Gutters” took me back to the 80s.
But, for the most part, reading the stories in this book guarantees that you will be in for some chilling, gripping and gory moments.
Many of the innocent characters who survive the darkness in the stories come away no longer feeling the same about themselves or their faith in humanity as they once did, and after I finished reading the stories in this book, I must confess that I felt the same way. Seeing the true utter darkness and evil of what can exist within a human being offered just a taste of the darkness that exists within people in the real world. The villains in these stories are so lifelike and written realistically that after knowing these monsters, I started to feel uneasy and looking over my shoulder to ensure I was not in danger of them.
July 6, 2024
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Why do I not see this collection of short stories talked about more?! I’m usually hesitant going into books when they have such a high star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. (I know. That’s weird of me lol). But holy cannoli. This book brought me back to what made me fall in love with Dan’s writing from the beginning.
This whole book. Story after story, was like going straight to hell and back. (Sans the happy ending when returning). There’s literally something for everyone within this collection. There’s relatability, creatures, ghosts, depraved humans in general, plot twists, and just overall damn good story telling.
If you haven’t checked this out yet, please do. It’s available on KU and a decently quick read at just over 100 pages. The book overview has an excerpt that says, “Prepare to unleash chaos in this nightmarish realm, a true embodiment of Hell on earth.” and I can’t think of a better way to describe it myself.
This whole book. Story after story, was like going straight to hell and back. (Sans the happy ending when returning). There’s literally something for everyone within this collection. There’s relatability, creatures, ghosts, depraved humans in general, plot twists, and just overall damn good story telling.
If you haven’t checked this out yet, please do. It’s available on KU and a decently quick read at just over 100 pages. The book overview has an excerpt that says, “Prepare to unleash chaos in this nightmarish realm, a true embodiment of Hell on earth.” and I can’t think of a better way to describe it myself.
April 15, 2025
Weird things seem to happen in Towers Valley are they all connected? Or fueled by some hidden energy in Towers Valley? Who knows. But if you make it through this short story collection you’ll be closer to knowing. An interesting read with some Tales from the Crypt style scenarios and perhaps a slight nod to Rob Zombies the Devils Rejects. It was a fun palette cleanser before continuing on through a series I’ve been working on but unfortunately I don’t think the characters will hold a lasting place in my mind.
January 15, 2024
This is a collection of dark and twisted short stories all taking place in Towers Valley each one crazier than the last! This collection left me mind blown by the end and craving more of Towers Valley madness! I highly recommend this to any of my fellow horror fans. 😱
June 27, 2024
Thank u Dan for allowing me to read this and I absolutely loved it each story was different and a different twist and loved the tree I felt sorry for him he was stuck in a situation that wudnt change cmon people give it a read
September 3, 2025
Half baked, needs an “a” type editor. At times the last story gave Lynch (high praise) but then it lost it, and other times it seemed to *strive* for rob zombie devil’s rejects but never quite nailed it. I feel like TikTok duped me into reading this and I was completely underwhelmed.
July 14, 2024
Disturbing page turner! Couldn't put it down, can't pick a favourite.
August 1, 2024
Fantastic
Another Dan Shrader cracker. What a varied set of writing skills this man possesses. Each story is different but fantastically well constructed.
Another Dan Shrader cracker. What a varied set of writing skills this man possesses. Each story is different but fantastically well constructed.
January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
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