Don't Turn On The Light

by Max China

When Frank, Shelley and their two young children move into the home of their dreams, they discover a problem with the cellar.
It doesn't take them long to find out why the house was sold at a knock-down price.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Amazon, Short Stories

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2014

About the author

Max China is a British author known for crafting gripping tales that blur the line between psychological suspense, crime, and the supernatural. His stories pull readers into intricate plots and richly drawn characters, peeling back the layers of human nature’s darker side while grounding them in sharp realism.
His debut novel, The Sister, earned critical acclaim for its taut narrative and haunting atmosphere, marking him as a master of suspense. Max’s works explore themes of resilience, morality, and the weight of past decisions, delivering stories that linger long after the final page.
With titles like The Night of the Mosquito and The Crane Wife, Max weaves multi-layered narratives that keep readers guessing until the very end. His evocative prose and immersive settings transport readers into worlds that feel both vivid and unsettling.
When not at his desk, Max finds inspiration wandering the British countryside, where history and nature provide fertile ground for his imagination. A storyteller at heart, he strives to create books that challenge, captivate, and resonate deeply with his audience.
Writing from his home in the UK, Max China is hard at work on his next highly anticipated novel.

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's funny. I read the is short story and than the long version. I prefer the short to my own surprise.

I think it could have ben a Novella but the long version gave me a serious case of the yawns. But this nifty little short story is so good and I mean obviously that is why I had to go on and read the longer version.

And it manages to be quite creepy in its brief reading time. Seriously..if you do not have much time. But you want to be scared or at the least a bit creeped out....read this.

Can you imagine being..trapped in a basement and nobody can see you? I mean..you are there but nobody knows it. I love eerie and original ideas so I would give this one a four. Try it.

[Rob Twinem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was downloaded as a free short read on my kindle and is a good example of how to write a short story with a memorable snappy storyline good characters and perhaps more importantly a great conclusion.

Frank and Shelley and their two children have moved into a big old rambling house. Surprisingly their offer was successful and now is the time to become acquainted with their new surroundings. The structure includes a rusty old radio transmission tower "The structure soared upwards of one hundred feet; the aerial on top seemed to disappear into infinity." There is also a mysterious locked basement where a noisy dynamo emits a light that appears to communicate with the radio tower. Frank decides to investigate the source of noise/light in the hope that he can solve the problem and this means entering the locked basement....

This is certainly the recipe for a good horror story as our hero heads into the dark unknown to discover the mysterious light source and there he encounters "Edward Sparkes and his Amazing Magnetic Magic Show" The author does not disappoint and the ending is quite unexpected concluding what is a fun little horror story and a great way to spend an idle 30 minutes but remember do not go into the basement!

[Diana Febry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with how to rate this book. A simple but very effective plot. A female journalist hatches a plan to draw a serial killer out of hiding, putting her own life and that of friends in danger. Good writing, interesting characters and setting, a hint of paranormal along with natural dialogue made this an enjoyable read, full of suspense and intrigue.
But from about a third in, I felt I wasn't able to fully appreciate the relationships and history behind the story, having not read the previous book by this author, which I believe is called The Sister. My bad and not the first time I've done this! Yes, it can be read as a stand alone but there are several references to events that happened previously that are not fully explained.
In conclusion, a good book, I would certainly read more by this author, but if you are tempted, read the earlier book first.

[MeMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first horror book

Omg I enjoyed this book so much I was on edge the whole time reading it for this being my first horror book ever read I did enjoy it I would truly like to read what's going to happen to Frank and Shelly im anxious and curious

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever

A very clever and innovative little story. I was gripped hanging on the author's every word. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/5/2020)! 🎁

[Kim D Coker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story

He caught my attention at the end of the short story. I finally finished it but I wish it would grab my attention at the beginning of the book. It's just not for me.

[Denise Bolton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unsatisfying Short

I've read too many GREAT short stories here via Kindle to lie and say this one was good. It was indeed "short," however, so short, you just barely get the bare bones of the plot. There simp!y was no meat or characterization to the story at all. But, oh, dear reader, there IS a reason for that. Can you possibly guess what that might be? Well of course, this very short "short" has been expanded into a full novel which the author wants you to buy. Hey, if you liked the short, go for the novel. I personally don't like to be conned out of my time. I could have been reading a much better story with an actual plot and point rather than this drivel that leads nowhere except directing you to purchase his "extended" novel. Nope! Hard Pass! I wish I could give zero stars because that is what this *cough* "short" deserves.

[vickieallred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Plenty of action and suspense. Believable characters and a well told story. I liked this story it was fast paced and was full of surprises and plenty of action. I liked the ending it was a pleasant surprise and just what the story needed in my opinion.

[Crystal D. Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book!!

I have enjoyed reading 3 of Max's books in one week's time. It has been a pleasure...I am looking forward to many more!

[gene spainhour · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me

I've read better story's was not in pressed at all. I think I'll turn off the lights on this book

[Marbea Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to make this clear, I'm not sure about the about Clara being a heroine of the story. She's a selfish, manipulative, and trifling woman. Although she survived the story, I don't understand how in the beginning she's presumed dead for the journalist to print the story. How did she die? Was her death a part of the Boule case before or after her and Miller's adventure? Is Boule alive still? This novel has left me baffled and unfulfilled with questions of unfinished scenarios. There's more to this story. I'm also elated Mohammed is prospering because Clara needed to right her mistakes in putting that child in danger for a stupid story!

[T.W. Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful crime thriller from the author of The Sister, the companion book to this story.

Written to be a standalone book with ties to The Sister, there were a few times when I felt that I was missing things that occurred in the first book but didn't take away any enjoyment of the story.

The story winds around a plan cooked up by Carla, an investigative reporter obsessed with drawing out a serial killer and drawing him back to England in the hopes of stopping the killer and at the same time writing an award winning book.

As is usually the case, all best laid plans fall apart at first contact. Carla soon goes from the hunter to the hunted just as she planned, but not in the way she planned. The killer has discovered the huntress and soon discovers the trail of clues meant to draw him out.

It doesn't take long for the collateral damage to her plans to start to stack up. As she soon realizes that it may have been a mistake to taunt a killer and it almost costs her everything including her life.

The killer, suffering trauma from a previous target that put up more of a fight than he'd expected, has become even more unhinged fueling his unrelenting chase of Carla, eliminating anyone in his way or that can help him reach his goal of capturing, raping and killing Carla. His plan also includes returning home to deal with all the people that told his tale to her which she used to write a book. A book she'd been spreading around his hiding place trying to draw him out.

The suspense keeps ratcheting up concluding in a battle for more than one person’s life.

The author voted as one of the top 50 crime writers to watch last year has created a crime tale looking into the mind of a deranged and psychotic killer.

[Phil Leader · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get around to reading a Max China book and I had heard a lot of good things about his work. I was not disappointed.

This novel forms a sequel to The Sister but I didn't feel I needed to read that to enjoy this as the characters are introduced and explained well. Carla Black is a journalist who wants to flush out the titular serial killer from his hideaway in Morocco. Meanwhile Miller, a missing persons investigator and former lover of Carla, suspects she may run into trouble and follows on to help her. When Boule runs into Carla unexpectedly, she and Miller end up in a race to safety with the serial killer in determined pursuit.

There are so many things that make this book stand out. China's descriptions of the dusty streets of Morocco, full of colours and smells are extremely immersive. His characters are all very solid and well-drawn. I particularly liked the local police chief who turns out to be a very shrewd and resourceful operator in his own right at working out what is going on. Boule is suitably amoral and nasty, a real sociopath but when the narrative is from his point of view the reader finds out his self-justification for his actions.

China keeps the reader guessing with the direction the plot is going to take next and the pace is frantic, the chase scenes desperate and nerve wracking and the pauses in action claustrophobic with menace. Everything gathers pace and momentum neatly until the final showdown which is perfectly pitched in terms of drama.

I really was impressed by this book and China is an outstanding writer.

(Contains violence and sexual scenes and references)

[Carole Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a quick and spooky read for over the weekend. I found this little gem as a freebie on Amazon. Short and spooky.



The story follows Frank and his family. They move into a new house and it is the house of their dreams. Always too good to be true ;). They happen to find a cellar they were not aware of. Whelp…this is the reason why the house was sold super cheap.



What I loved about this story was the fact that it is similar to other stories, BUT has one big difference. I will not spoil this. But it was unique and a cool idea.



Poor Frank…poor Shelley. I cannot say, but I feel for them.



This didn’t scare me until after I finished and thought about it for a bit. How horrible!!!! Ugh! Scary! There is no escape!!! LOL Read it and you’ll understand ;)



I am curious to see what happens next…but I like how this ended. A little bit of an open ending, but it worked well for this. Made it more goose-bumply (is that a word?).



Overall, a nice story for the Halloween season! Nothing too scary, but it does make you get some goosebumps. I’ll give this 5 stars.

[James Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so enamored with Max China's novel "The Sister" that nothing could have stopped me from diving directly into this sequel, and I did. It was a thrill to get to journey with these characters again.
I won't have to coerce you into reading this book. Once you read "The Sister" all the way through, you, too, will follow along on this next chapter in the tale. How could you not?
Whether this book was originally the end of the first book- and judged to be far too long and then split in two, or whether the author simply decided later to take the characters a bit further, I cannot say. What I will say is I hope at some future date, when Mr. China has reached monster status - much like Stephen King was able to do with his epic "The Stand", that this tale will be (re)joined with "The Sister" in the "Complete & Uncut Special Edition".
I'd like to have that one signed, Max. ;)
Well done, Sir.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Turn on the Light: A Short Story by Max China is pretty self-explanatory. A short horror story.

When Frank and Shelley find the house of their dreams, they can't believe they paid so little. The only thing Shelley wants to change is to knock down an unsightly old radio antennae in the back yard. Frank doesn't want to tell her that keeping it there is part of the deal. He is more concerned with getting into the locked basement to make sure the electrical panel is up to par. But when he does, he finds more than he was looking for.

For a short horror story, it has everything you need. A hero ready to protect his family, and a spooky basement. It is a good short read, and apparently, if you want more, the author fleshed it out into a full length book. I'm good for now.

[Louise Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read "The Sister" first and was rather irritated to find that it did not have a proper conclusion; I therefore decided to read "Life and Times of William Boule" to get some answers. It all felt rather rushed.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly great story. I thought that the invention of the garbage incinerator that could have provided energy from things that would otherwise be thrown away was a cool one but sadly the one who invented it is killed by a greedy politician. Something like this happens all the time. There are so many of these vested interests involved that things are suppressed and never reaches the people who need it most. This is a well written novel and was a pleasure to read through the interesting plot.

[Angelika Rust · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where The Sister left off and follows two of the characters, Miller and Carla Black, on their hunt for serial killer William Boyle (aka William Boule). Unlike The Sister, which was told leaping from storyline to storyline, from past to present and back, The Life and Times of William Boule is pretty linear, but makes for an action-packed, tightly knit, page-turning read. The ending was a bit drawn, but satisfying and conclusive.

[Sebnem Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful short story from the master of thrillers, Mr Max China… It begins with a gentle pace, accelerates as the plot develops, and reaches a chilling crescendo when Franks goes into the basement, ending with an ironic touch. The scenes at the basement are splendidly imaginative and excellently told, rising the tension and creating mystery.

Definitely, a good story, well-told… Thank you for an enjoyable read.

[Rashmi Pant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to "The sister"- a book intriguing enough that I had to go and buy the sequel. The serial killer, who has been Killing for decades now is still at large. A journalist is hot on his trail, with a good chance of getting him and the story. Will she be able to get what she wants? or will she die trying? What role does "the sister" a gifted person with ESP have in all this?. The sequel was good, but not as captivating as the previous book.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out confused, then about 20 minutes in I finally thought I knew where this was going and would go along. However, once gratuitous sex entered the story lost rhythm for me. Too many subplots for a novella. Could have been great. Thought for sure I had stumbled on a Stephen King-Bachman alias but King would never had been so crude with his sex scene depiction lol. Anyway, it passed time.

[David Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange little tale.

For the most part, this tale was fairly predictable. But there were some parts that were just confusing as well. Since it was very short, the author didn't have time to fully introduce or explain some elements so they felt jarring or like they had been sprung on the reader out of the blue. The story has been expanded into a novel which might explain parts better.

[GetBooked101 · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.
An okay idea and concept though it didn't work for me like once you turn on the light you go too a sideshow, probably one of the worst and boring endings ever.
Pros
Good concept and idea the story was good at the start.
Cons
Lacked at the end the ending was the worst one I have read yet, just for him to become invisible and part of a sideshow was really lame like more creativity was needed.
A part 2 was not needed.

[Mark Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good short novel. I found it confusing in parts, but it was a fast-paced read that held my interest despite the confusing bits. It was certainly a high action thriller that made 173 pages go by very quickly.

I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a fast-paced novel with an unusual premise.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this author's book The Sister, which is amazing. Max China doesn't disappoint with this novel. It has as many twists and turns as the other book, which it is a sort of continuation of the first book. If you haven't read it you can still enjoy this action packed novel, but I highly recommend you read both and know you will be glad you did.

[Zombie_Phreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this quick little story made me think in my head, PLEASE don't turn that light on! The story was spooky and I really want to know the story behind the radio in the basement and the radio tower. I'll have to download the full book and find out! I highly recommend this to fans of horror looking for a quick read.

Check it out!

[Georgia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written, this is a little gem of a story. China’s detailed descriptions draw you in as the tension builds, skilfully making you feel for Frank even though you’ve only just met him. This is the sort of storytelling I love and I look forward to reading The Sister.

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thriller which I read in two days, couldn't put it down. Very vivid characters and full of action. And of course the serial killer, masterfully portrayed and making you hold your breath for the main characters. Great read!