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The Hand Behind the Door and Other Scary Stories
They’re just ordinary kids living ordinary lives…until the strange and eerie comes knocking.
In this chilling debut by R. C. Hill, eleven spine-tingling tales interrupt the everyday and bring nightmares a little too close to home. Experience stories ranging from a backyard pool with something lurking beneath the surface to an innocent school field trip that ends with a life changing insect encounter.
A girl ignores her family’s warning to stay inside after dark...and discovers why no one ever talks about what lives in the mountains.
Kids get more than they bargained for at a sleepover when they use a new facial cream that promises to melt dead skin away.
The drive to win leads a young actor to make a deal he might come to regret.
The Hand Behind the Door and Other Scary Stories is perfect for brave readers who know it’s better to sleep with the light on—just in case.
Perfect for readers aged 8-12 and fans of Josh Allen, R. L. Stine, and Anica Mrose Rissi's Hide and Don't Seek.
In this chilling debut by R. C. Hill, eleven spine-tingling tales interrupt the everyday and bring nightmares a little too close to home. Experience stories ranging from a backyard pool with something lurking beneath the surface to an innocent school field trip that ends with a life changing insect encounter.
A girl ignores her family’s warning to stay inside after dark...and discovers why no one ever talks about what lives in the mountains.
Kids get more than they bargained for at a sleepover when they use a new facial cream that promises to melt dead skin away.
The drive to win leads a young actor to make a deal he might come to regret.
The Hand Behind the Door and Other Scary Stories is perfect for brave readers who know it’s better to sleep with the light on—just in case.
Perfect for readers aged 8-12 and fans of Josh Allen, R. L. Stine, and Anica Mrose Rissi's Hide and Don't Seek.
- GenresHorrorMiddle Grade
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
30 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Hill
2 books4 followersAs a kid, R. C. Hill was raised on a steady literary diet of Goosebumps and Michigan Chillers. This cemented a lifelong love of reading, which inspired him to write books for middle graders in the hopes they too might find a love of reading.
He is the author of The Hand Behind the Door and Other Scary Stories, a collection of short horror stories for children. One day, he will add sports books to his roster (pun intended) as well. When not writing or reading books, R. C. is a professor of sport and exercise psychology. Additionally, you can find him doing something outside (likely listening to an audiobook or maybe a podcast), playing some type of sport/running, or begging his wife to watch a horror movie. Born and raised in the Midwest United States, R. C. now lives in Virginia with his wife, son, and dog. His books are targeted for kids 8-12. You can follow him on Facebook, BlueSky, or Instagram at @rchillauthor.
He is the author of The Hand Behind the Door and Other Scary Stories, a collection of short horror stories for children. One day, he will add sports books to his roster (pun intended) as well. When not writing or reading books, R. C. is a professor of sport and exercise psychology. Additionally, you can find him doing something outside (likely listening to an audiobook or maybe a podcast), playing some type of sport/running, or begging his wife to watch a horror movie. Born and raised in the Midwest United States, R. C. now lives in Virginia with his wife, son, and dog. His books are targeted for kids 8-12. You can follow him on Facebook, BlueSky, or Instagram at @rchillauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 9, 2024
The stories in this book were hit or miss for me. I definitely found them to be more silly rather than scary. Definitely meant for a rather young audience. A bit juvenile for my taste.
September 11, 2024
Campfire stories
These are tales that you tell are out the campfire with a flashlight under your chin. Spooky for sure but written for even your youngest s’more eater to enjoy. Guaranteed to deliver unsettled giggles from those brave enough to make it to the end of each tale
These are tales that you tell are out the campfire with a flashlight under your chin. Spooky for sure but written for even your youngest s’more eater to enjoy. Guaranteed to deliver unsettled giggles from those brave enough to make it to the end of each tale
September 30, 2024
Nice collection of stories, perfect for children. I' keeping this on hand for my children praying they'll be interested in horror more.
August 3, 2024
(I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review)
I read this with my 8 year old (major Goosebumps/SSTTintD fan) and he LOVED this collection.
While most of the stories were geared towards that 8-13 sweet spot, one tale (One Last Look) was pretty grim/maybe too realistic for an 8 year old.
R.C. must have kids because he really delivered some great banter between siblings and parents. I very much enjoyed the family dynamics and my son enjoyed the chills.
I look forward to future efforts by Mr. Hill!
Hopefully he keeps writing YA stories as my son was HOOKED!
I read this with my 8 year old (major Goosebumps/SSTTintD fan) and he LOVED this collection.
While most of the stories were geared towards that 8-13 sweet spot, one tale (One Last Look) was pretty grim/maybe too realistic for an 8 year old.
R.C. must have kids because he really delivered some great banter between siblings and parents. I very much enjoyed the family dynamics and my son enjoyed the chills.
I look forward to future efforts by Mr. Hill!
Hopefully he keeps writing YA stories as my son was HOOKED!
March 24, 2025
Okay, what really stood out to me about this horror book collection (made for children 8-12 years old) was how easy it was to get into. The stories flow...and you will find yourself flipping pages without even realizing it.
Again, I really appreciate how accessible this book was. The stories move along at a great pace. Perfect for keeping young readers engaged. I found the collection easy to read and simple. Really straightforward! You'll be able to follow along without any trouble. And you can get more comfortable reading it in dark rooms while still enjoying the horror stories. That's a big plus because it means, ANYONE can enjoy these spooky tales.
It's rare to find horror that is genuinely appropriate or safe for younger readers. You know how sometimes "kid-friendly" can still have some iffy moments? Uh-uh. Not here. It's all spooky fun WITHOUT any disturbing stuff that parents might worry about. This collection pulls it off. Yes, you will get all the classic elements here like:
- eerie settings
- suspenseful build-ups
....BUT it's all handled really well. This book makes you think and imagine without leaving you feeling uneasy. So basically, if you're looking for a good, spooky read for a kid (or even for yourself!), this is a winner! I definitely recommend it!
Want to give your kids some fun, safe scares? GRAB THE PAPERBACK! It's perfect for those campfire or sleepover nights when you want to tell spooky stories!
Again, I really appreciate how accessible this book was. The stories move along at a great pace. Perfect for keeping young readers engaged. I found the collection easy to read and simple. Really straightforward! You'll be able to follow along without any trouble. And you can get more comfortable reading it in dark rooms while still enjoying the horror stories. That's a big plus because it means, ANYONE can enjoy these spooky tales.
It's rare to find horror that is genuinely appropriate or safe for younger readers. You know how sometimes "kid-friendly" can still have some iffy moments? Uh-uh. Not here. It's all spooky fun WITHOUT any disturbing stuff that parents might worry about. This collection pulls it off. Yes, you will get all the classic elements here like:
- eerie settings
- suspenseful build-ups
....BUT it's all handled really well. This book makes you think and imagine without leaving you feeling uneasy. So basically, if you're looking for a good, spooky read for a kid (or even for yourself!), this is a winner! I definitely recommend it!
Want to give your kids some fun, safe scares? GRAB THE PAPERBACK! It's perfect for those campfire or sleepover nights when you want to tell spooky stories!
October 15, 2025
The Hand Behind the Door by R. C. Hill is an awesome middle-grade-level collection of short stories. This is the first time I have ever read and listened to the audiobook of the same book.
It all started when I read the story The Voice. I thought to myself, that was a fun story, but “the voice” in my head has to be different than “the voice” from the audiobook. Lo and behold, I was right. Two very different “the voices,” (or is the plural Voici? No definitely not) but that made me want to do the rest of the book this way. So I would read a story, then the next morning listen to the audiobook.
R. C. has a great knack for telling stories, and the voice actor Danielle Murray did an incredible job reading them. One morning, I was listening to one story called Ladybug while I was eating my breakfast burrito (Egg, Cheese & Jalapeño topped with some Tapatio Hot sauce, I know you were wondering). Let’s just say I had to pause the audiobook to finish eating.
Overall, I really enjoyed both reading and listening to this audiobook! So many funny and scary stories. I would recommend any child getting into horror to read this book!
It all started when I read the story The Voice. I thought to myself, that was a fun story, but “the voice” in my head has to be different than “the voice” from the audiobook. Lo and behold, I was right. Two very different “the voices,” (or is the plural Voici? No definitely not) but that made me want to do the rest of the book this way. So I would read a story, then the next morning listen to the audiobook.
R. C. has a great knack for telling stories, and the voice actor Danielle Murray did an incredible job reading them. One morning, I was listening to one story called Ladybug while I was eating my breakfast burrito (Egg, Cheese & Jalapeño topped with some Tapatio Hot sauce, I know you were wondering). Let’s just say I had to pause the audiobook to finish eating.
Overall, I really enjoyed both reading and listening to this audiobook! So many funny and scary stories. I would recommend any child getting into horror to read this book!
August 16, 2025
If you’ve ever seen a shadow at night and thought it was something lurking in the dark, then these #scarystories are for you! The build up to the scares in each story will have you guessing and wondering what is hiding around the corner. I will say I don’t think I’ll be able to look at a ladybug the same ever again…
I really enjoyed reading these stories and I know my students will enjoy them too. As I was reading them I definitely thought how good they would be for read alouds leading up to Halloween. Teachers and librarians these would work for your classes in October if you’re looking for some scary stories to share! Parents, if you want to get your child in the spirit of Halloween these would be a good way to do it too!
Who will like it?
✅ Fans of short stories
✅ Fans of scary stories that aren’t too scary or gory
✅ Fans of paranormal scares
I really enjoyed reading these stories and I know my students will enjoy them too. As I was reading them I definitely thought how good they would be for read alouds leading up to Halloween. Teachers and librarians these would work for your classes in October if you’re looking for some scary stories to share! Parents, if you want to get your child in the spirit of Halloween these would be a good way to do it too!
Who will like it?
✅ Fans of short stories
✅ Fans of scary stories that aren’t too scary or gory
✅ Fans of paranormal scares
October 15, 2025
A fun variety of short creepy stories. The kind you can retell at sleepovers, share with your family, or read when you want to feel the nostalgia vibes.
I liked that there was a variety of male and female main characters to reach different kid audiences. Several of these stories have cliffhanger type endings too which kind of remind me of the old Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark tales.
My favorites from this collection were Alfie's toy, about a ghost pet, and The Voice, about camping. Those were the ones I found most eerie and fun as an adult reader. And Ladybug was memorable because it was just so darn disturbing from a mom perspective.
My 9yo daughter said ""the stories were good and her favorite was "the pool one, AKA They Come at Night. A pool monster was a unique idea I agree.
This is a great book to pull out when your kids insist they're ready for some scary stories.
I liked that there was a variety of male and female main characters to reach different kid audiences. Several of these stories have cliffhanger type endings too which kind of remind me of the old Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark tales.
My favorites from this collection were Alfie's toy, about a ghost pet, and The Voice, about camping. Those were the ones I found most eerie and fun as an adult reader. And Ladybug was memorable because it was just so darn disturbing from a mom perspective.
My 9yo daughter said ""the stories were good and her favorite was "the pool one, AKA They Come at Night. A pool monster was a unique idea I agree.
This is a great book to pull out when your kids insist they're ready for some scary stories.
November 25, 2024
This was a fun collection of stories, perfect for young readers looking to get into horror. Reminded me a lot of both the "Scary Stories For Sleepovers" and "Tales For The Midnight Hour" series I read as a kid.
The book has a wide range of scares: strange entities lurking in a pool at night, a disembodied voice that can mimic the people you know, an undead cat that doesn't appreciate its grave being disturbed, a killer from a horror movie that could be anywhere or anything. There's both humor and scares found here, with is the perfect combination for kids horror. I also appreciated that there was some danger in these stories and not everything was wrapped up so nicely.
Looking forward to what's next from R.C.!
The book has a wide range of scares: strange entities lurking in a pool at night, a disembodied voice that can mimic the people you know, an undead cat that doesn't appreciate its grave being disturbed, a killer from a horror movie that could be anywhere or anything. There's both humor and scares found here, with is the perfect combination for kids horror. I also appreciated that there was some danger in these stories and not everything was wrapped up so nicely.
Looking forward to what's next from R.C.!
January 2, 2025
The Hand Behind the Door by R.C. Hill
This is a collection of middle grade to young-adult horror short stories that is a great dip into the macabre for the intended audience.
There are eleven stories that all appear to be normal stories at first, but then quickly get creepy. They all deal with kids in precarious and scary situations. I am a fan of ambiguous endings, and these will all leave you feeling icky with a hint of dread.
My favorite stories were 4. The Voice, which is the most inventive story in the collection. I won't go too much into it in order to keep the mystery about it, but I thought it delivered something a story like this usually leaves off: a confrontation that involves the parents. Also, 9. Alfie's Toy was a highlight for me. All I need to hook you is: cat ghost. 🐈 👻
The book cover is glorious. The stories are short and quick. My Kindle copy says it's 110 pages and I think it would be a good collection to share with my son when he is old enough. Thank you to R.C. for sharing this with me for an honest review!
Read all my reviews here:
https://www.instagram.com/rickysrocki...
This is a collection of middle grade to young-adult horror short stories that is a great dip into the macabre for the intended audience.
There are eleven stories that all appear to be normal stories at first, but then quickly get creepy. They all deal with kids in precarious and scary situations. I am a fan of ambiguous endings, and these will all leave you feeling icky with a hint of dread.
My favorite stories were 4. The Voice, which is the most inventive story in the collection. I won't go too much into it in order to keep the mystery about it, but I thought it delivered something a story like this usually leaves off: a confrontation that involves the parents. Also, 9. Alfie's Toy was a highlight for me. All I need to hook you is: cat ghost. 🐈 👻
The book cover is glorious. The stories are short and quick. My Kindle copy says it's 110 pages and I think it would be a good collection to share with my son when he is old enough. Thank you to R.C. for sharing this with me for an honest review!
Read all my reviews here:
https://www.instagram.com/rickysrocki...
October 19, 2025
All of these stories were enjoyable. The main characters in each story were pretty equal for male and female. I liked how there were some stories that ended in cliff hangers, that was a nice touch. Definitely age appropriate for the middle grade age group. It would also work well for family reads, as they were mostly creepy and not full out scary for younger readers.
As an adult, I really enjoyed the one called The Voice the most. It was just really eerie and stuck with me more than others. I think a full novel or novella would do well for that one. I also really liked Freeze Frame, The Hand Behind the Door, They Come At Night and Personal Growth.
All in all, I would definitely recommend and will look for more from this author.
As an adult, I really enjoyed the one called The Voice the most. It was just really eerie and stuck with me more than others. I think a full novel or novella would do well for that one. I also really liked Freeze Frame, The Hand Behind the Door, They Come At Night and Personal Growth.
All in all, I would definitely recommend and will look for more from this author.
October 4, 2025
I listened to the audio book version of this while sick in bed and it was fantastic! Just what I needed to start feeling better. The narrator does all kinds of voices to make listening really engaging and extra creepy too.
As for the stories within, I loved them. I don't wanna give away too much but I thought they were very creative and there's a lot of variety! And you'll never look at ladybugs the same again! 🐞
This book belongs on your shelf if you have a middle grade reader who likes spooky stories or if you're a child at heart that never grew out of your goosebumps phase (like me!)
As for the stories within, I loved them. I don't wanna give away too much but I thought they were very creative and there's a lot of variety! And you'll never look at ladybugs the same again! 🐞
This book belongs on your shelf if you have a middle grade reader who likes spooky stories or if you're a child at heart that never grew out of your goosebumps phase (like me!)
August 13, 2024
What happens if you take a beloved item from the grave of a cat? If you don't heed the warning of your aunt and uncle and you talk back to the voice in the woods? If you're a Sephora kid trying a new face cream that tells you not to leave any reviews?
This collection of middle grade level short stories is a creepy and grand introduction or continuation of the horror genre for kids. My oldest and I were beta readers and got to read this over a couple months ago. Since then, he's added a couple more stories that fit the collection well. As a 10 year old, she enjoyed them, getting creeped out (and grossed out at one story 🤣). My 7 year old might be a little too young for them just yet, but I have a feeling I'll be reading this to him in the near future. As a mom, none of them seemed overly scary, but I have a feeling my kids will learn not to look in random house's windows after this book. I like middle grade horror! It brings back that nostalgic feeling of reading Goosebumps as a kid, and reading this brought back that same feeling.
This collection of middle grade level short stories is a creepy and grand introduction or continuation of the horror genre for kids. My oldest and I were beta readers and got to read this over a couple months ago. Since then, he's added a couple more stories that fit the collection well. As a 10 year old, she enjoyed them, getting creeped out (and grossed out at one story 🤣). My 7 year old might be a little too young for them just yet, but I have a feeling I'll be reading this to him in the near future. As a mom, none of them seemed overly scary, but I have a feeling my kids will learn not to look in random house's windows after this book. I like middle grade horror! It brings back that nostalgic feeling of reading Goosebumps as a kid, and reading this brought back that same feeling.
November 11, 2024
This was geared for a younger audience, which not a problem for me, i like a good story.
These were spooky campfire type stories, and i would absolutely remember a few of these to tell adults of kids next time I'm camping, sitting around a fire in the dark.
Or even a gateway book into horror, this would be great, honestly had a good time reading these and would recommend to anyone who had kids looking to read horror or get a foot in the door, with out being scarred for life lol
They were fun, spooky and could see easily relatable for kids .
These were spooky campfire type stories, and i would absolutely remember a few of these to tell adults of kids next time I'm camping, sitting around a fire in the dark.
Or even a gateway book into horror, this would be great, honestly had a good time reading these and would recommend to anyone who had kids looking to read horror or get a foot in the door, with out being scarred for life lol
They were fun, spooky and could see easily relatable for kids .
August 12, 2024
I got a chance to read this and I wasn't disappointed.
The book contains 11 short stories, the stories are:
* The Hand Behind the Door
* They Come at Night
* Ladybugs
* The Voice
* True Horror: Battlefield Ghosts
* One Last Look
* Alfie's Toy
* Personal Growth
* Facemelt
* Freeze Frame
* Curtain Call
I really enjoyed these stories and I think they are well written and I liked the pace of the book too. The cover is pretty creepy, reminds me of me when I was little.
Great job!
The book contains 11 short stories, the stories are:
* The Hand Behind the Door
* They Come at Night
* Ladybugs
* The Voice
* True Horror: Battlefield Ghosts
* One Last Look
* Alfie's Toy
* Personal Growth
* Facemelt
* Freeze Frame
* Curtain Call
I really enjoyed these stories and I think they are well written and I liked the pace of the book too. The cover is pretty creepy, reminds me of me when I was little.
Great job!
August 12, 2024
(I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review)
Full disclosure: I am a teacher and I am always looking for good books to recommend to my students!
I loved this book especially for the age group it was targeted for. I love a good creepy story that leaves you hanging. My favorite was The Pool. I had a very similar style pool growing up and I’m glad nothing like that ever happened to me! I recommend this collection of stories to anyone who needs to feel a creepy shiver down their spine!
Full disclosure: I am a teacher and I am always looking for good books to recommend to my students!
I loved this book especially for the age group it was targeted for. I love a good creepy story that leaves you hanging. My favorite was The Pool. I had a very similar style pool growing up and I’m glad nothing like that ever happened to me! I recommend this collection of stories to anyone who needs to feel a creepy shiver down their spine!
September 16, 2024
The Hand Behind The Door and other short stories
By R.C Hill
A delightful set of short stories for middle grade fans! From creepy crawly bugs, historical ghosts, monsters, and eerie voices,this book is filled with frights even adults will enjoy. R.C Hill writes with imagination and delicate horror ideas. I wish the stories were a bit longer. However, it holds for any audience.
Rating 4.5 stars 🌟
By R.C Hill
A delightful set of short stories for middle grade fans! From creepy crawly bugs, historical ghosts, monsters, and eerie voices,this book is filled with frights even adults will enjoy. R.C Hill writes with imagination and delicate horror ideas. I wish the stories were a bit longer. However, it holds for any audience.
Rating 4.5 stars 🌟
September 21, 2024
The Hand Behind the Door was certainly entertaining. R.C. Hill lures you through the stories invoking unexpected emotions as the tales unfold. For older readers the tales are timelessly reminiscent of the dusty books we borrowed from the dark corners of libraries. For young readers, it’s without a doubt that the twists will send chills down spines. As a parent who’s on the hunt for age-appropriate books, this is a must have. My favorite tales were The Voice, Alfie’s Toy, and Freeze Frame.
August 31, 2024
I really liked the stories. They have the right amount of creepiness for my taste. I read some of them to my daughter (she’s 8), and she liked them. I think that some may be better for a middle schooler (which is the targeted age anyways). I also liked the variety of characters and types of stories.
October 20, 2024
There were some shorter and some longer horror storys. This made it more enjoyable for me to read. The storys also varied in how scary they were. But I have to be honest and say that some of them were not scary enough for my liking but other people, who are just trying out to get into horror or are spoked easely will probably enjoy these storys all the more.
August 3, 2024
After reviewing numerous stories this year, I can confidently say that this one ranks among the best. The writing was universally strong, but the pool story was a cut above the rest. Kudos to the author for their dedication to crafting such frightening and engaging tales.
August 29, 2024
My nine year old really loved this book! We would read a story before bedtime and now he’s reading the book on our 25 minute commute school to and from a school!
September 30, 2024
Great collection of just wholesome spooky stories that have you reminiscing of stories you would tell with your friends at sleepovers
October 21, 2024
This was such a perfectly cheesy and creepy book of mini horror stories. Absolutely love.
November 6, 2024
Good scary stories for middle age kids.
July 5, 2025
Fun little horror stories
Fun horror stories that sharp, snappy and engaging with likeable characters. My favourite was curtain call. Looking forward to more from this author.
Fun horror stories that sharp, snappy and engaging with likeable characters. My favourite was curtain call. Looking forward to more from this author.
August 9, 2024
Great collection of short stories aimed at middle school age children. They all were unique and well written with a creep factor
October 17, 2024
I got this on Stuff Your Kindle day and I was not disappointed.... All the stories have fun twists and are very creepy. Enjoyed it very much!
September 6, 2024
Creepy
Sounds in the closet lead to a frightening discovery. A school trip to a farm leads to an encounter with an insect and transformation. Never mess with Graves no matter who are what they belong to. These and other tales to creep you out. Perfect for all ages.
Sounds in the closet lead to a frightening discovery. A school trip to a farm leads to an encounter with an insect and transformation. Never mess with Graves no matter who are what they belong to. These and other tales to creep you out. Perfect for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews