The Circle

by Jed Kent

"The Circle" is a gripping short story by Jed Kent. It is atmospheric and character-driven horror storytelling that intertwines the lives of several troubled individuals in a narrative marked by suspense, violence, and tragedy. The story begins with a dramatic, hauntingly violent scene involving a character named Sara, who finds herself in a perplexing and horrifying situation. The narrative then shifts back in time, introducing Michael, a man with a troubled past and dangerous intentions. As the story progresses, Sara and Michael intersect with other characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. Emphasizes deep emotional connections and psychological horror. Themes of domestic violence, trauma, and the consequences of one's actions are explored throughout the story, culminating in a series of dramatic and violent events that bring the story full Circle. The author uses vivid, graphic imagery and intense scenarios to delve into the complexities of human nature and the impact of past experiences on present behavior. This story will leave you as haunted as the characters the story explores.

49 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2024

About the author

Jed Kent is a masterful weaver of psychological thrillers and horror, drawing readers into the shadowy depths of the human psyche with his gripping narratives. Residing in the picturesque Pacific Northwest (PNW), Jed finds himself surrounded by the region's natural beauty and enigmatic landscapes, which serve as the perfect canvas for his dark and intricate stories.

Alongside his wife and family, Jed lives a life that balances the tranquility of the PNW with the thrill of crafting stories that challenge the boundaries between reality and the macabre. His novels are not just books but portals to worlds where the line between sanity and madness is as thin as the paper they're printed on.
Join him as he continues to explore the darkest corners of the human experience, leaving readers both haunted and eagerly anticipating what nightmares he will conjure up next.

Reviews

[Jon Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this short story as a bonus in his novel The Bloodletter. I liked how different it was and the message it has at the end. Kent really likes to pick sensitive subjects and portray them in a way I think only he can. I know he pulled this story from being available for sale separate from The Bloodletter but it really does stand on its own. With it being so short I understand why he chose to do so but that is only more of a reason to get The Bloodletter. Two amazing stories.

[HorrorKingLuver Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to read this short story at the end of the novel The Bloodletter. It’s fast paced and interesting with a pretty good message disguised under horror.
Women are sadly victims in most domestic violence situations and I appreciated a short story about such.
It’s still very much horror but definitely on Kent’s tame side of writing.

[Laura Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story. Very creative story that brings light to a sensitive subject with a great twist. Loved the stories different perspectives and characters. I was glad to see my favorite character from the beastly whispers have a type of origin story.

[Joan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Great short powerful story. It's a fictional atmospheric story with scenes that could happen. It's written like someone who has personally witnessed it.